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| AGRICULTURE TRIBUNE | Monday, January 13, 2003, Chandigarh, India |
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Water to be overriding challenge THAI MODEL OF
AGRIBUSINESS CONSUMER AWARENESS — PESTICIDES Growing sugarcane made sweeter Farm operations for January 
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Water to be overriding challenge
“The government should come out with telecom sector-like revolutionary policies and reforms in the agriculture sector as well. It should lure the farmers with good marketing infrastructure, fix MSP for alternative crops, promote healthy competition and invite private players in the agro sector. Only then can the problem of paddy-wheat rotation be solved.” That’s what Dr J.S. Samra, Deputy Director General (DDG), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), suggests as one of the natural resource management solutions in this region. For tackling the groundwater depletion problem in Punjab, he proposes two ways—cut down groundwater consumption through diversification and, second, groundwater recharge. Talking about diversification, Samra says its not that farmers in this region are not ready to experiment with anything new. “Rather, they are too aware. They, too, like everyone else, are market-driven and need security. “Why should they diversify?” Samra asks point-blank. Farmers are wary, as past attempts on diversification have failed. Grapes were a failure in the eighties, and then kinnow failed, except in the Doaba belt. After that sunflower ceased to be lucrative, followed by eucalyptus. And now, poplar is going to be the next victim,” he predicts. “Already the poplar prices have come down from Rs 500 to Rs 225 per quintal.” For Punjab, to be successful in diversification, the DDG suggests that besides giving market security, decent government backing and good agro-infrastructure, zoning of Punjab should be done. “Earmark Amritsar, Kapurthala and Gurdaspur areas for basmati cultivation, grow potatoes in Doaba and Ludhiana and reserve cotton for southwest Punjab. Contract and precision farming too should be given a boost. “Build up private entrepreneurship, improve processing and allocate funds as guarantee. Unless we bring quality agriculture produce on the market, India would continue to suffer the humiliation like it did when its exported wheat was turned back from Iran. Make the agro sector attractive for NRIs and make it as attractive and credible as the telecom sector. See how the prices have come down just within four to five years in the telecom sector,” Samra says. An ardent promoter of natural resources, he says research in Jaisalmer indicates that groundwater remains potable even after 10,000 years, whereas surface water has a potable life of just five to six years. Earthen dams though are a good experiment in the Shivalik foothills, yet they have more ecological significance rather than irrigational, according to him. The DDG says that in southwestern Punjab, excess water should be drained off and treated so as to make it fit for aquaculture and pisciculture. According to Samra, the water-logging problem in southwest Punjab can be attributed to diversion of excess canal water from Doaba to this area (political considerations, apparently). “Building drainage systems could get costly at Rs 40,000 per hectare, but then a start has to be made. For this, community participation is must,” he avers. Samra says that the groundwater table that is depleting at the rate of 25 to 30 cm per annum continues to be Punjab’s bane. “Water table continues to decline. So much so, the drainage system constructed in the sixties for draining off excess water has now become defunct. This system has to have a role reversal, and act as a conduit for recharge.” To curb the water table decline in Punjab, Samra has a unique solution. He suggests extensive use of discharge drains built nearly 40 years ago to drain off excess rainwater and irrigation water to save agriculture land. Only this time, the purpose has to be recharge, not discharge. “Equip discharge drains with recharge shafts so that surplus water from rivers and drains can be used for recharging. Ideally, Ravi (whose surplus water flows off) can be interlinked through tunnels and canals with the Sutlej and the Beas. The water can flow from here via shaft-equipped discharge drains into the water table.” Talking about the last year’s deficient rainfall, the DDG says it might have long-term implications vis-à-vis groundwater table in this region. Further, he warned that it could get to be a regular phenomenon. “Remember, scientists have predicted that due to global warming the whole rainfall pattern may change in next couple of years. It may mean goodbye to all natural resources.” The process has begun. Last year’s deficient rainfall was probably a movement in that direction. |
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THAI MODEL OF AGRIBUSINESS The rise in the cost of cultivation and the decline thereby in the net income of farmers are major issues confronting present-day agriculture, that we are drawing maximum production from per unit area notwithstanding. The situation makes us rethink the present system of agriculture production and marketing. “Agribusiness is the sum total of all the operations involved in the manufacture and distribution of farm supplies, production activities on the farm, storage, processing and distribution of farm commodities and items made from them.” (John H Davis and Ray A Geldberg) From this definition it is clear that agribusiness starts from production/ sowing, i.e., the sowing of crops as per the business opportunities available, considering the agro ecosystem of the area. The adoption of methodologies for better, low-cost and quality production is the next step. The term agribusiness differs from the agri-marketing in the sense that agri-marketing involves the performance of all business activities in the flow of goods and service from the point of initial agriculture production till the hands of the ultimate consumer. Agribusiness management is the key aspect in the overall and integrated development of the farming community. This involves the process of designing, maintaining the environment in which a farmer or a group of farmers could manage to sell their produce as per the market demand and in harmony with nature. A study tour on agribusiness management in Thailand was recently sponsored by the Government of India. During this two week study programme, it has been observed that the farmers of Thailand, with active support from the government, are well ahead in all agribusiness activities. This could well be judged from the fact that the share of agriculture in the GDP is 11 per cent, whereas the share of agribusiness is about 12 per cent. The ratio of agriculture to total export is 10 per cent (January 2001). The Thai model divides agribusiness into three main sub sectors: 1) agriculture input sector, 2) production sector, and 3) production-manufacturing sector. According to Thai experts agribusiness is a multifaceted approach. It involves co-ordination of all sub-sectors in a way that each component partly remains independent and unique in itself and at the same time depends upon and influences other components to a large extent. The typical market challenges like processing, capital and credit, commodity exchanges, marketing services, consumer research and packaging could well be handled by this methodology. The successful model as seen in different provinces of Thailand is the result of collective efforts of farmers. There are a number of successful examples where small “agripreneurs” work collectively for their common interest. The policy of one “tamboon (sub-district, consists of 10 to 15 villages),” one product is boosting the agribusiness morale of the people. The interdepartmental coordination and policy of the government for speedy supply of finance for small and medium enterprises is also encouraging the farmers for various agribusiness activities. The initiative of establishing a sub-district agriculture technology transfer system, provincial community development project and poverty alleviation projects is helping farmers organise themselves. The Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, provided a number of opportunities to the Indian team during this visit through which it could acquaint itself with a number of successful agribusiness models.The agribusiness scenario is being strengthened by farmers through various groups like the Dry Banana Groups, Ang Thong Livestock Group, housewives’ groups on agri-product processing, dairy farmers’ groups, etc. These groups include 50 to 150 like-minded members, starting with some money collected from members as their share. The group, with one chairman and different committees for input supply, technical aspects, processing/marketing etc., works in proper coordination with various government departments. The provision of government help for finance, technical know-how and marketing facilities like cold chain, etc., is the key aspect in their success. One unique example of agribusiness management is the Nong Hoi Royal Project. Under this project vegetables are being produced by farmers of hill areas as per the quota system fixed by project officials. Under this system they fix the commodity wise production target for the farmers and after packaging and quality assurance the produce is sold to distant markets at premium prices. This wonderful model of successful agribusiness in Thialand could well be implemented in our situation also. Today we are talking about diversification and ways to enhance farmers’ income. These objectives could be achieved by adopting the simple Thai methodology, i.e., “One product, one tamboon”. |
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CONSUMER AWARENESS — PESTICIDES High yielding varieties (HYV) of crops that played a key role in ushering in an era of self-dependency in food grains need high inputs in the form of pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, weedicides, etc.) and chemical fertilisers. The extensive use of these chemicals has not only polluted our environment but also invited a plethora of ailments for mankind. Pesticide use assumes alarming proportions in the production of fruit and vegetables. For example, to protect grapes from fungal attack, they are sprayed with Bayleton or similar preparations containing Triadimefon just two days prior to plucking, lest they should develop black patches. Ladyfinger is plucked and marketed just a day after the spray of Dimecran. The ordeal faced by brinjal before reaching the market has to be seen to be believed. A spoonful of Carbofuran (a chemical in powder form) is poured around the stem where it emerges out of the soil. The plant absorbs the chemical, which ultimately reaches every part of the plant, including the fruit. The story does not end here. As the plant grows, it is subjected to sprays of different chemicals with varying doses till it blooms and the fruit is ready to be harvested. The tomato crop, too, is subjected to similar treatment. A highly dangerous spray that this crop is subjected to is of Cyper methrin. These chemicals usually kill the worms/pests attacking the plants, but they are affecting us as well. Due to the use of these pesticides these fruit and vegetables look healthy as they escape pest attacks, but in reality that is not so. Even washing these vegetables cannot rid them of chemicals. Peeling the skin of vegetables takes away valuable nutrients that are more concentrated near the skin. Also, peeling leaves pesticide residues on our hands. Even foodgrains like wheat, rice, or maize are grown with liberal doses of pesticides. Not only those engaged in spraying the crops get exposed to the harmful effects, even passers-by may feel choking and irritation in the eyes, nose and throat, which may be followed by vomiting. After that, those who consume the crop also ingest pesticide residues unwittingly. These pesticides go on accumulating inside our body without our being aware of it. By the time these chemicals start expressing their effect it may already be too late. Recently, French and Argentine researchers have produced new evidence after a study on more than 200 men suggesting that exposure to pesticides could be contributing to falling sperm count and rising male infertility. In spite of all these dangers, production of pesticides in our country jumped from a meagre 5000 metric tones in 1958 to 90,500 tones in 1999. What is the solution then? To feed our ever-burgeoning population is not only a duty but also a need. The answer (though partial) to this question is change in our perception and values. If we are really serious about health, we should, while shopping, prefer infested fruit/ vegetables to the seemingly healthy ones. Because, if you buy “daagi” (infested) tomatoes/brinjals, you can cut and discard the insect-eaten part; however, if you buy the seemingly healthy tomatoes/brinjals, they are sure to have a heavy dose of chemicals that can never be cleaned. Also, we should desist from buying off-season fruit/vegetables as food grown under adverse (off-season) conditions, usually, requires higher input of pesticides. Wait for till the season for a particular vegetable arrives. Farmers should also switch over from their present aim of “maximum quantity” to “maximum quality.” The use of pesticides can easily be decreased, if not stopped altogether, without any major breakthrough. It will need just a bit of additional labour, which is the hallmark of Indian farmers. Vegetable/fruit crop should be carefully monitored. If an infested part is noticed it should immediately be cut and buried or burnt. Certain organic farmers have already taken to this practice and their losses in yield are compensated by higher prices for the “clean” quality. |
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Growing sugarcane made sweeter
Paniali Khurd is as unfamiliar a name of a village in Balachaur (Nawanshahr) as is the name of Hardyal Singh Mann, a farmer, who loves to experiment. After a chequered career in Australia, Fiji and Singapore, he finally settled down in his native village with a residence in Chandigarh. Though a graduate in Maths (Hons), he is a kisan at heart and also has other business interests. In Fiji he was fascinated by sugarcane cultivation techniques, production and sugar recovery and often wondered if it was due to soil or variety. If Fiji could do it, why not Punjab? The average production in Fiji is around 1,000 quintal per acre. These questions haunted him till he decided to put his two acres under sugarcane. He engaged in various appropriate agronomic practices and used the machinery he felt was the answer to his way of sowing sugarcane. His brother, Paramjit Singh, lent a willing hand. Hardyal had observed it were the roots that firmed up the cliff-hanging trees in hills. Once done, the trees’ height shot up. Also that aeration is equally important for healthy growth of the crop. This he made possible in his sugarcane field by adopting certain agronomic practices/techniques, all his own creation. First he increased the row-to-row distance to 5 feet and sowed the normal sugarcane variety rather than any imported or tissue-culture produced. The increased distances not only improved aeration but also facilitated hoeing with a tractor-mounted plough when the plant height was still low. The task was accomplished by removing just one plough from a nine-tooth plough. Second, he got fabricated a special tractor-mounted single tiller-plough for turning the soil around the roots, making a pyramid of the stacked soil, 15 to 18 inches high. ‘’It takes about 2 hours to complete the process in one acre’’. The same implement is later used to “de-stack” soil after cutting the cane by ploughing around rows in the opposite direction. This technique not only raised the sugarcane height to 8 feet but even tillering or bunching was more. Hardyal applied the recommended doses of fertilisers, plant protection chemicals and gave the required irrigation. His sugarcane stood out tall and healthy. The diameter of the cane was one and a half inch and sugar recovery up by 25 per cent. “Even the quality of gur produced this way is better,” he claims. He is keen on farm/crop experts from Punjab Agricultural University and the state Department of Agriculture visiting his farm. The benefits included saving on seed cane, re-reaping possible for eight to nine years, less labour intensive, more machinery-oriented, higher yields of cane, more sugar recovery, ideal for irrigation, particularly drip, and saves on water. |
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Farm operations for January PRUNING of deciduous fruit trees like peach, plum and pear should be careed out during January. For grapes the pruning is normally initiated in the second fortnight of January and completed by the first week of February. The deciduous fruit plants like peach, plum and bare-rooted ber can be planted upto the second fortnight of January while pear and grapes are planted in the first fortnight of February, before they start new growth. Old unproductive pear trees can be rejuvenated during this month. For this purpose head back the 3-4 main scaffolds to 15 cm and apply Bordeaux paste on cut ends. Trees of inferior varieties of peach, plum and mango may be headed back now. These trees will give out new shoots which could be budded in February-March with superior scions. —Check that the young are plants protected from frost and mend thatches where required. If the growers have not applied farmyard manure and fertiliser to the fruit plants during last month, it should be given now. Apply farmyard manure, superphosphate and half nitrogen and half potash to the grapes after pruning. One irrigation should be applied to the ber trees during this month as the fruit is in the developing stage. —To rejuvenate the declining citrus orchards after harvest remove the dead wood during January-February before the new growth starts. Apply Bordeaux paste to cut ends and the trunk of the trees followed by Bordeaux paint after one week. Spray the crop with Bordeaux mixture (2:2:250). Bark eating caterpillar in citrus should be con-trolled by removing the webs and filling the holes with kerosene during January-February as was done in September-October. Treat all alternative host plants in the vicinity. Treat foot rot/gummosis and canker in citrus by decortication and disinfection of wound on the trunk with Bordeaux paste. After the paste dries up in about a week, apply Bordeaux mixture (2:2:250). —Nymphs of mango mealy bug should be prevented from crawling up the trunk by applying 15-20 cm wide slippery band one metre above the ground level. Pear diseases, phoma leaf spot and black mould of ber can be checked by spraying the trees with Bordeaux mixture (2:2:250) or 0.3 % copper oxychloride, 50 % in 500 litres of water. To keep off foot rot or collar rot of grape vines, plant cuttings after dipping in 0.2 % Zirarn suspension. —The best time for harvesting kinnow starts from January 15. For the fruit intended to be consumed after more than 10 days, individual seal packing should be done. Use high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bags for individual packing of fruit and seal the open end by heating or with a rubber band after narrowing and twisting it. —Progressive Farming, PAU |
