Success Stories - igfri

transcript

Hkk-p-pk-v-la-I G F R I

Success Stories Spread of Quality Forage Seed and Farmers' Livelihood Improvement: An IGFRI initiative

Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi – 284003 (U.P)

Vikas Kumar D R Malaviya

D Vijay Satyapriya

D Bahukhkandi Maharaj Singh

and C K Gupta

Research Bulletin No. 8/2013

November 2013

Authors:Vikas Kumar, D R Malaviya, D Vijay, Satyapriya, D Bahukhkandi, Maharaj Singh and C K Gupta

Cover page design: D. Vijay and Satyapriya

Published by:Director,Indian Grassland and fodder Research InstituteJhansi- 284003, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Phone : 91-510-2730666Fax : 91-510-2730833Website : igfri.res.in

Printed at :Veer Bundelkhand PressJhansi

India with 2.3% share of global geographical area supports nearly 20% of the livestock population of the world, but their productivity is quite low compared to world average. One of the main reasons for this low productivity is malnutrition or under nutrition. To provide sufficient milk to the ever growing population there is a need to increase the current milk production of 133 mt to 400 mt by 2050. At present there is severe shortage of fodder to the tune of 36% green fodder, 11% dry crop residues and 44% of concentrate feed ingredients. One of the stumbling blocks for low fodder availability is lack of sufficient quantity of quality seed. Seed is the basic input of agriculture and 15-20% increase in production is

possible by using quality seed. Whereas in forages, availability of quality seed is only 25-30% in cultivated fodder and <10% in range grasses and legumes. The supply of seed to the organized and un-organized sector for further multiplication is necessary for achieving the fodder security of the country.

Indian Grassland & Fodder Research Institute is the premier ICAR institute in the country for research and extension of Forage crops and Grasslands. As a part of human resource development for enhancing forage research and extension, many a times the institute has organized various training programmes for teachers, researchers, extension workers and farmers. The Institute has spread the fodder technology through various means for the benefit of farming community.

The present compilation of success stories in the spread of fodder seed technology to the farmers and its impact on their wellbeing is one of the major achievements of the institute in dissemination of seed and its production technology.

I appreciate the efforts made by the scientists and staff of Seed Technology Division in particular and to all others who had contributed to the successful seed production and spread of fodder seed technology to the farmer level and wish them a great success in their future endeavours.

Foreword

(P K Ghosh)Director, IGFRI

The productivity of Indian livestock is very low compared to many other countries in the world. One of the main reasons

for this low productivity is malnutrition or under nutrition. Out of the total 326.82 mha geographical area only 4% area is

under pastures thereby leading to severe shortage of fodder to the tune of 36% green fodder and 40% dry fodder. The

increase in area of fodder crops is difficult because of severe competition from food crops. One of the reasons reported to

stumble the green fodder production is non-availability of quality seed in sufficient quantities. A huge amount of forage

crop seed is being imported in the country in spite of the fact that a large number of varieties have been developed by

SAUs and ICARs institutes. In forage crops, the seed chain is also not being properly maintained.

The division of seed technology, IGFRI is continuously striving to produce the indented breeder seed as well as sufficient

quantities of truthfully labelled seed to cater the needs of forage farmers. It is also motivated to spread the seed production

technology through the milk cooperatives and farmer unions. The creation of awareness in the profitability of fodder seed

production was successfully demonstrated in various regions of UP and surrounding states by the staff of IGFRI.

The present compilation of success stories is outcome of the institute research project on impact of forage seed

technology and Mega seed Project. In fact, the seed/planting material produced under MSP/NSP was supplied to various

agencies and its spread was tracked down by scientists to get feedback regarding quality of seed and its performance in

field.

We wish to hereby thankfully acknowledge the Guidance and encouragement received from Dr P K Ghosh, Director

IGFRI and from the former Directors and the support from Scientists and staff of Seed Technology Division in particular.

We wish to mention special contribution of the team comprising Mr. O.P. Singh, Mr L.N. Singh, Mr Dinesh Kumar, Mr

S.N. Singh, Mr R.K. Singh, and Dr. H.C. Pandey, who worked day and night in achieving the given targets of seed

production and supply.

Authors

Preface

Title Page No.

Berseem cultivation under guava plantation 6

A Journey towards entrepreneurship thorough participatory berseem seed production 8

Utilization of forest areas to control Annapratha in Bundelkhand 10

Production of quality guar seed for better profitability 12

Guinea grass on bunds: A viable technology for small livestock keepers 14

Spread of IGFRI fodder seed through organized farms: A new initiative 16

Spread of quality forage seed through milk cooperatives: A new strategy 18

Fodder seed production for prosperity of UP farmers 20

Round the year fodder production: Enhancing farmers profitability 22

Prosperity through popularization of Oat seed production among the farmers 24

Summary Table of Success Stories 26

Contents

Mr Mahavir Singh is a progressive farmer of Village Richore in Jhansi district of UP. He owns a 10 years old Guava orchard of about one acre. The orchard in general has a lot of unused (vacant) space due to 5 X 5 meter tree spacing. That area was surveyed by IGFRI and targeted this orchard for fodder production with the intention to establish a horti-pasture model for other farmers of same locality.

The vacant space in guava orchard was unused and leading to severe infestation of obnoxious weeds. An effort was made to utilise the unused inter tree space in guava orchard for growing berseem crop for fodder production. The farmer was encouraged in Rabi 2012-13 to take up berseem crop in the unused space of orchard for ensuring fodder availability and improving soil fertility. IGFRI scientist's arranged an exposure visit of the farmer to IGFRI farm to convince him the utility of horti-pasture technology. Mr. Singh got convinced to grow berseem in the unused space of Guava plantation. Berseem (variety:BB-3) seed was broadcasted at the rate of 25 kg seed per hectare.

Intervention:

Guava orchard before sowing of berseem crop

Berseem cultivation under guava plantationBerseem cultivation under guava plantation

Success Stories - Spread of Quality Forage Seed and Farmers' Livelihood Improvement: An IGFRI initiative 6

Flourishing berseem fodder crop under guava orchard

Impact:

High fodder yielding berseem cultivation from the orchard has surprised the farmers in villages. The hor t i -pas tu re intervention resulted in 245 q of green fodder from the same orchard without affecting the fruit yield. The berseem yield was thus 635 quintal per hectare which is almost two third of the sole berseem cult ivat ion forage yield. Mr Mahavir Singh earned an additional income of Rs.24500=00 due to fodder from the same orchard. Additionally, the orchard soil was enriched with nitrogen as berseem is a leguminous crop resulting in improved soil fertility. Efforts of IGFRI scientist has encouraged Mr. Singh in such fashion that he decided to go for fodder production from the orchard on a regular basis. In rabi 2013-14, he demanded for berseem seed on payment basis and assured that he will also go for berseem seed production. Some other farmers also showed interest in growing berseem in their orchards.

Mr Mahavir Singh in guava orchard with berseem fodder crop

Berseem is a winter season fodder crop. The fodder is very nutritive and palatable to the animals. Being a leguminous crop it enhances the fertility of the soil and is easy to cultivate. Berseem being a multicut crop provides fodder at regular interval before leaving for seed production. So, eleven Farmers of different villages of Bhojla, Badagaun, Amrokh, Ricchore and Sijwaha of Jhansi district and Sanaura of Datia district were selected for berseem seed production in participatory mode in Rabi 2012-13.

The farmers were encouraged to take up seed production of berseem crop (varieties -Wardan, Bundel Berseem -2 and BundelBerseem-3) with the aim to inculcate the knowledge of berseem seed production among farmers and improving the availability of quality seed in locality. The technical knowhow in the form of package of practices and marketing of seed was provided by IGFRI scientists. The truthfully labelled seed of berseem varieties were supplied from IGFRI, Jhansi on cost basis for seed production program.

Intervention:Mr Hargovind Singh at his one hectare field of berseem wardan seed crop,

vill. Bhojla-Jhansi

Mr Rahul Richharia with his one acre berseem-wardan seed crop, vill. Badagaun-Jhansi

A Journey towards entrepreneurship thorough Participatory Berseem Seed Production A Journey towards entrepreneurship thorough Participatory Berseem Seed Production

Impact:

Farmers noticed higher germination and fast

growth in the IGFRI berseem varieties seed

due to its high quality. Because of initial high

vigour they could manage 4 cuttings before

leaving the crop for seed production. The

average seed production was 209 kg per ha

with the average total cost of production of

Rs. 45530 per hectare. The average gross and

net return obtained was Rs 89129 and Rs

43599 per ha respectively. The benefit cost

ratio was 1.96. A small group comprising of

five farmers were formed by scientist of IGFRI to

take care of marketing of produced seed. This group was trained about internet use to know about the latest rate

as well as availability of seeds/buyers. This helped them to get good price. The farmers could sell the seeds at Rs

130 per kg to other farmers. Thus, farmers were well convinced that berseem seed production is profitable

enterprise. The efforts made by IGFRI encouraged farmers for berseem seed production and resulted in easy

availability of good berseem seed in the locality at reasonable prices with knowledge of growing quality seed.

Once the group realized the profitability due to quality seed production, higher seed yield and access to market,

this year they decided to adopt it as enterprise. On the basis of this successful experience, IGFRI has decided to

replicate the same in other locality under different outreach programmes.

Mr Chhatra Pal, Sanoura showing Berseem-BB-2 crop in Sanoura,Datia

To overcome the fodder deficit scenario, there is a need to explore some unconventional areas such as forest, barren or degraded land under forage production or seed production. Keeping this in view, a pilot project was planned to utilize forest wasteland for forage and seed production. Dinanath grass which is a very versatile annual fodder crop with ability to grow in marginal soils with limited fertilization and moisture has been chosen as a test crop. Samsi forest in Niwari block of Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh is spread over 100 hectares of land. Twenty five hectares under samsi forest was selected for growing Dinanth grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum) for dual purpose i.e. fodder and seed production in Kharif 2011.

A team of IGFRI scientist approached Divisional Forest Officer of Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh and convinced them for forage and seed production. On-farm training was imparted to the forest officers regarding establishment of the crop, protection, harvesting and seed production. Forest officials in association with IGFRI planned for demonstration of Dinanath grass seed of BD-2 in that area. The grass seed

Intervention:

Utilization of forest areas to control Annapratha in BundelkhandUtilization of forest areas to control Annapratha in Bundelkhand

Trench for preventing village animals to forest

Forest land before growing of Samsi, Nivari, Tikamgarh

Dinanath grass,

(30 kg) was mixed with 40 kg of partially wet soil and used for sowing in 25 hectares forest area. The package of practices was deliberated to them and the crop was monitored by a team of IGFRI scientists. As per the guidance of IGFRI scientists, the Sub Divisional Officer of Tikamgarh district has taken up the crop in hilly forest regions. Since the forest is surrounded by villages, proper protection against grazing was taken up by the forest guards by digging trenches.

The crop establishment was very good and it attained a height of >6 feet although soil was stony and poor in fertility. Because of trench protection the grass could be saved up to maturity. At maturity the crop was harvested with the help of surrounding villagers and the dry fodder was taken by the farmers whereas the seed was retained by forest department. For seed production 2 ha of land was kept reserved. From 2 hectares of land 36 quintal of dry fodder and 3 quintals of seed was produced. Due to presence of single variety the seed so produced was genetically pure and could be used directly for further multiplication. Further to emphasize, the area under grass seed production was increased without disturbing the cultivated area showing the potential to produce huge quantities of seed from forest waste lands. The introduced grass resulted in enhancement of fodder availability in the surrounding villages. Such interventions can be helpful to minimise Annapratha in Bundelkhand. These successful interventions were replicated at Banda (U.P.) Gwalior and Sehore forest (MP) in Kharif – 2012. In 2013 also Dinanath grass seed has been supplied to approx 50 Van Samities of Lalitpur, lion sanctuary of Etawah, Zoo forest area of Kanpur, and Shivpuri wildlife sanctuary. Successful establishment of the grass was reported from all above sites.

Impact:

Forest land after growing of Dinanath grass in Samsi, Nivari- Tikamgarh, M.P.

The guar is a leguminous fodder crop of kharif season. This crop is having multiple uses as fodder, vegetable pods and as pulse. At industrial level, it is useful for producing gum. The crop is suitable to low rainfall areas and sloppy terrain of Bundelkhand where other crops at the same time are tough to survive, the price of its produce has increased from Rs 4000 per quintal to Rs 20000 per quintal in year 2012. Hence, IGFRI convinced farmers of different villages of Badagaun, Moth, Sena and Jaura in Jhansi district of UP; Sanoura and Garera in Datia district of MP to grow guar for seed production over 15 hectares of land in Kharif 2012.

The farmers of selected areas were encouraged for seed production of guar varieties (Bundel Guar-3 and Bundel Guar-2). The technological knowhow on package of practices and marketing of seed was provided from IGFRI Jhansi. Team of institute scientists conducted 12 demonstrations in participatory mode on the aspect of quality seed production in large areas of selected farmers. Team

Intervention:

Production of quality guar seed for better profitabilityProduction of quality guar seed for better profitability

Farmer selling the guar seed to fellow farmer in village

Mr Kamlesh Pathak with his Guar crop, BG-3 at Moth, Jhansi

visited the site several times as and when required. The truthfully labelled seed of Guar varieties was supplied to the selected farmers from IGFRI, Jhansi on payment basis.

The encouragement to farmers has resulted in very good crop from the fields which were generally covered by weeds in kharif.. Farmers felt that the varieties provided to them by IGFRI were highly productive due to the branching nature containing 100- 150 pods/ plant. Farmers received good quantity of dry fodder after threshing of harvested crop. The per hectare seed production was ranging from 5-16 quintals and on an average 7.5 quintal seed was obtained. After processing the seed was sold to the fellow farmers and others. Farmers sold the seed @ Rs 120 per kilogram and reaped huge benefits in comparison to other crops. Farmers realized the profitability of this crop. All the farmers were enriched with the knowledge of guar seed production. Thus, it was found that based on the availability of suitable market and demand the area under a particular crop can be increased easily. The higher return from guar crop has motivated other farmers of same locality and acreage of this crop in selected village has increased four times. Although, there was sharp decline in the price of guar seeds, it was still profitable because of low input requirements of the crop. Framers also harvested some area for forage. Thus, a new forage crop was introduced in the area.

Impact:

Mr Rahul with 14 q guar -BG-3 ungraded seed- Badagaun, Jhansi

An increase in green fodder availability in rural areas can be made by tapping of unconventional areas like bunds and road side paths etc. Farmers in Jamunia village of Birdha block generally covered irrigation channels with stones to prevent the erosion of soil which involves huge cost and time for maintenance. Hence, an effort was made by IGFRI in association with Grameen Development Services to utilize the bund area for growing forage crops in Jamunia village of Birdha block in Lalitpur district of U.P. in kharif 2012.

IGFRI Jhansi in collaboration with Grameen Development Services (GDS), a leading NGO of Lalitpur district encouraged the farmers of Jamunia village, to grow guinea grass on bunds to get fodder from non-competitive land. The intervention also supposed to keep the bunds intact and protect against soil erosion. IGFRI and GDS planted 38000 rooted slips of guinea grass on both sides of over 1.2 km long channel. The rooted slips were supplied by IGFRI on payment basis.

Intervention:

Guinea grass on bunds: A viable technology for small livestock keepers Guinea grass on bunds: A viable technology for small livestock keepers

Farmers showing the continous growth of guinea over bunds of irrigation channel- Jamunia-Lalitpur, U.P.

On field guidance on seed collection process of guinea

Impact:

The varieties provided by IGFRI were fast growing and high biomass yielding. With the regular support from IGFRI and GDS, the e ffor t s o f fa rmers tu rned successful. Now the farmers need not require repairing their channels regularly and also receive additional fodder for their livestock. As these channels passed through the fields of number of farmers, all of them got the advantage of approx.300-400 quintals of green fodder from the bunds. Lead farmers in the village Mr. Mehraban Singh and Mrs Krishna have also collected about 18 kg seed of guinea grass (BG-1 and BG-2) which is sufficient to grow 4 hectares of additional crop. The rooted slips of existing guinea tusks are also being planted on other channels. Now, the grass has developed very well around the channels and farmers are taking the rooted slips of the grass and spreading it further over the channel.

Figure : Lead farmer Mr Meherban Sigh with ear of guinea- Jamunia-Lalitpur

IGFRI in its endeavour to improve the availability of quality fodder and its seed, has encouraged the seed production in organized farms of different regions by providing high quality breeder seed on cost basis. Hence, State Animal and Agriculture farm, Saidpur, District: Lalitpur, State: U.P farm was selected for the said purpose. This farm is situated at 48 km from Lalitpur on Lalitpur-Mahroni road, where seed production was taken up. The resources at the farm are highly suitable for fodder seed/fodder production. The strength of farm is the ownership of more than 600 milch animals.

IGFRI and State Animal and Agriculture farm, Saidpur started working together three years back for fodder and fodder seed production. Since last 3 years, the farm is in constant touch with IGFRI for technological back stopping. In july 2010, IGFRI scientist demonstrated berseem (Wardan and BB-3) and Oat (JHO-822, 851, 99-2 and kent) for green fodder and seed multiplication on the fields of this farm. Technical staff of the farm also visited IGFRI

Intervention:

Spread of IGFRI fodder seed through organized farms: A new initiativeSpread of IGFRI fodder seed through organized farms: A new initiative

IGFRI scientist in interaction with State animal farm manager and technical staff, Lalitpur

Oat (Kent) - 5 ha. for foundation seed

several times. In Rabi 2012-13, area under foundation seed production of IGFRI varieties at farm was 35 ha with berseem var. BB-3 in 10 ha; oat var. Kent in 20 ha and oat var. JHO-822 in 5 ha.

The oat and berseem varieties were sown with lots of expectation. The quality of seed and performance of IGFRI varieties of oat (JHO-822) and berseem (Wardan) was realised by farm manager and the field officer because of their profuse tillering and fast re-growth leading to more cuttings. In Rabi-2012-13, among the Oat varieties, JHO- 822 was rated as the best performing one, and the December-sown-crop yielded 19 q/ha seed. The average of all varieties was approx 15 q/ha. In case of berseem, the highest yield was about 3 quintal per hectare and the average yield was about 1.5 quintal per hectare.

The continuous support from the IGFRI has helped in overcoming various problems and the risks were averted. The produced foundation seed of Oat was further multiplied to certified seed and provided to farmers and other organized farms at Rs 26 per kg through Chief Veterinary Officer, Lalitpur. The efforts made by Dr R.P. Verma, Chief Veterinary Officer, Lalitpur and his colleagues Mr S.P. Upadyaya and Mr J K Chaudhary are highly appreciable. In rabi -2013-14, they are going for seed production with their own seed and multiplying at their other farms and distribute to farmers associated with them on payment basis.

Impact:

State animal farm staff with oat (JHO-822)

The districts of Samastipur, Darbhanga and Madhubani comes under working area of milk cooperative of Mithila Milk corporative Union, Samastipur, Bihar. There is a huge demand of oat seed because available resources of with farmers are more suited to Oat seed production in comparison to other main rabi season crop like wheat.

IGFRI, Jhansi has supplied 24 quintal of breeder seed of oat (JHO-822) during the rabi 2012-13 to Mithila Milk Cooperative Union, Samastipur and distributed among farmers with buyback guarantee by the cooperative. The farmers were advised by different means about good seed production package and practices. The cooperative selected the farmers for seed production. After seed production, seed was purchased back from farmers at Rs 23 per kg. IGFRI also provided technical support for seed production to theses farmers through milk cooperative.

The regular demand for fodder crop of oat (JHO-822) has encouraged the cooperative to grow the seed over

Intervention:

Impact:

Spread of quality forage seed through milk cooperatives: A new strategySpread of quality forage seed through milk cooperatives: A new strategy

Milk cooperative AGM in 76 acres of oat (JHO 822) field in Chhohri, Madhubani, Bihar

Farmers of Chhohri village-Madhubani with IGFRI and Milk union staff in oat (JHO-822) field

the farmers' fields to reduce the cost of transportation and time loss. The farmers have adopted the oat seed production with great enthusiasm and grown the seed in about 39 hectares in three villages of Chhohri and Raghuni dehat and Tiruhat of Madhubani district of Bihar. The average seed yield was 16 quintal per hectare. The yield was reduced due to high winter rains. The cost of production is less in oat as compared to other crops but the return is comparatively more. The farmers felt that Govt. support /encouragement may further increase area under seed production of this crop. A timely and proper certification was suggested. The sincere efforts made by General Manager- Mr A.K. Sinha and AGM-Mr Dayal are praiseworthy. Still, this milk co-operative is in touch with IGFRI and engaged in seed production. During 2013-14 also the Milk Union has procured 60 q of breeder seed of JHO 822 from IGFRI. This shows the popularity of the variety developed by this institute as well as confidence of the milk union on IGFRI Seed.

Progressive farmer Mr Abhisek Kumar interaction his 2 acre oat (JHO822) field for seed – Rahuni dehat, Madhubani

Fodder oat is a highly palatable and nutritious fodder of winter season and has high demand in western U.P. Hence, two farmers groups Bhartiya Kisan Club and Jyoti Kisan Samuh in Muzaffarnagar of UP were selected by IGFRI for this region to encourage oat seed production. With the help of these two groups 11 farmers in the villages of Tandera, Talda, Kookda and Meerpurkhurd, were encouraged for forage as well as seed production of Oat (JHO-822, JHO-99-2 and JHO-851) in Rabi 2010-11

Keeping in mind, the high demand of oat seed in Muzaffarnager, its seed was provided to two farmers groups one was Jyoti Kisan Samuh headed by Mr Dipak Chaudhry and another was Bhartiya Kisan Club headed by Dr Mukesh Gupta. A total of 257 quintals of oat seed (cv. JHO- 822) was provided to them and these groups have distributed the seed to more than 700 farmers. The farmers were technical supported by the IGFRI, Jhansi through farmers groups on package of practices for getting higher yield of fodder oat. On farm visits were also made by IGFRI

Intervention:

Fodder seed production for prosperity of UP farmersFodder seed production for prosperity of UP farmers

Dec. sown one ha oat (JHO822) fodder crop of Mr Rajvir Sainy in Meerpur, Muzaffarnagar, U.P.

Head of Bhartiya Kisan club, Dr Mukesh Gupta interacting with IGFRI staff at vill. Tabsa Kidwayee, Muzaffarnagar

scientists for resolving the practical problems. The quality seed production technology was also explained to farmers'. The farmers were guided about market channels to sell the produce for higher returns.

The oat crop was sown from October last to November month. The green fodder yield of crop varied from 460 – 480 q per hectare. Two cuts of fodder were generally taken because of fast growth. The yield was about 10-15 percent higher over other prevailing oat varieties in market. This way, at market price, farmers received about Rs 5000 additional income. Due to the fast growth and heavy green biomass, many farmers in Tandera, Meerapur, Kookda etc have gone for seed production also.

The farmers have found that out of three varieties, JHO 822 was the best performer for seed production followed by JHO-99-2 and JHO851. The average ungraded seed yield was found as 21 quintal per hectare. The average total cost of seed production was found to be about Rs. 44000 per hectare. Because of good quality of seed, the members of farmers groups have purchased the produced seed at Rs 25 per kg. The average total return was found as about Rs 62000 per hectare. It was found that the farmers' groups can be utilized to increase the seed supply of oat. Formation and encouraging the farmers groups is time and cost effective to spread of scientific fodder seed production. Farmers groups emerged as market for seed resulting in reduction of cost due to reduced transportation cost. With the encouragement from IGFRI, these groups are still producing the seed of oat for the welfare of their members in rabi, 2013.

Impact:

Forage yield:

Seed Production:

Seed crop of oat in Meerpur Khurd, Muzaffarnagar

Mr Rahul Richharia, a progressive dairy farmer of Badagaun of Jhansi district, U.P grows Sorghum in Kharif and berseem in Rabi as a source of green fodder to his animals (mostly cows). He faced a problem of shortage of green fodder specially in the month of Oct-Nov and May-June. For achieving the higher milk yield and maintaining the good health of animals, the animals require green fodder round the year. Grasses are more hardy and resistant to vagaries of weather and thus, can ensure the regular supply of green fodder to the animals. With this objective IGFRI initiated an activity on round the year fodder production at farmer's field.

Mr Rahul Richharia was advised to grow Napier-Bajra Hybrid grass. For this, he was trained at IGFRI to multiply rooted slips to reduce the purchase and transport cost. He was provided the technical know-how from the institute. He started with a very small numbers of rooted slips of Bajra-Napier grass i.e. 900 in Kharif, 2012 and planted at 50X50 cm distance with application of 14 quintal FYM and 35 kg of DAP

Intervention:

Round the year fodder production: Enhancing farmers profitability Round the year fodder production: Enhancing farmers profitability

Mr Rahul Richharia at his Napier-Bajra Hybrid field, Badagaun , Jhansi

Farmer explaining the planting process of rooted slip of Napier-Bajra Hybrid

as a basal dose and applied 52.5 kg of urea in 3 doses as top dress.

Within a period of about one year, he has more than 14000 rooted slips and the area under the grass is about 3500 square meters from the meagre 225 square meter initial area. Now, he is getting minimum green fodder to feed his animals during fodder deficit months. He produced 675 quintals of green fodder and estimated net return of Rs 34269 from 0.35 ha. The estimated benefit cost ratio was 2.03 and the cost of production of fodder per quintal was Rs 49. He informed that by providing green fodder during deficit months he got 15% additional milk yield and the health of his milch animals was also improved. He found that grasses are more resistant to vagaries of weather than cultivated forage crops and can withstand excess /deficit of water for short period. Now, he is brand ambassador of IGFRI for more than a dozen of farmers in Badagaun Village for Napier-Bajra Grass.

Impact:

Bajra-Napier hybrid grass (IGFRI-6) in Badagaon

The combination of leguminous fodder with graminaecious fodder helps in achieving the full potential of milch animals. Oat is an important fodder crop of Sirsa district of Haryana in rabi season. However the low yielding mostly non-descript seed caused uncertainty among the farmers. Through Sirsa Milk Cooperative Union, Sirsa, Haryana, efforts were made to improve the oat fodder supply to the member farmers of union and to give them the taste of good oat fodder variety. The responses of farmers of villages of Ali Mohammad, Chadiwal and Bakariyabali Villages in Sirsa district were collected about the provided oat variety.

Spread of quality seed of oat was targeted by making available 75 quintals of quality oat seed (JHO-822) by IGFRI on cost basis to about 250 farmers through Sirsa district milk cooperative union, Sirsa in rabi -2010 -11. The guidance and package of practices was provided to farmers by IGFRI scientists Jhansi both through milk union and directly to farmers. The field visits were made to farmers' fields to encourage them for improved agronomic practices.

Intervention:

Prosperity through popularization of Oat seed production among the farmers Prosperity through popularization of Oat seed production among the farmers

Mr Rakesh Kumar in Oat field (JHO822) one acre- vill. Ali Mohamad, Sirsa

Ram Bahadur Singh in his Oat fodder ( JHO-822) after two cutting with Mr Baliyan-AGM-Sirsa milk cooperative

Impact:

The farmers have found that getting seed from union is very economical and reliable as the farmers have the choice to pay for the seed either at the time of purchase or later through their milk receipts. The farmers have found that quality of seed was very good and has higher germination. The farmers in general have taken two cuts for fodder and some have taken three cuts easily. According to them, crop grows very fast and remains tender to chop. The yield of green fodder was found as 450 -475 quintal/ hectare and it was 10-15 percent higher over the other prevalent oat varieties. In monetary terms, the increased income was Rs 5000-Rs 10000 per hectare. Finding the higher growth of crop, farmers in some villages like Bakariyabali and Ali Mohamad have taken the seed crop also. The quality seed has spreaded awareness among the farmers and so, Milk union gets regular demand for oat (JHO-822) seed. In these villages farmer preferred to grow Berseem along with oats which has supplemented oat crop for its nitrogen requirement at one hand and added protein to the forage harvest on other. Thus, the practice appeared to give synergy to the forage seed production. Observing the quality of oat seed provided by IGFRI, the farmers are regularlydemanding the same seed from IGFRI through their primary milk co-operative societies of Union.

Mr Bhagirath praising and showing the tender oat stem (JHO- 822) vill. Bakariya bali, Sirsa

Sl. Location Seed provided Seed Green fodder/ Income Other Present (kg)/Rooted Production dry fodder generation benefits statusslip (in Nos) (kg) production (qn) (in Rs)

1 Richhore, Berseem (BB-3)= --- 254 63500/ha Reduced Fodder Jhansi 6.25 weeds production

infestation, in orchards increase still nitrogen continuing and improve in Rabi-2013soil structure.

2 Jhansi and Berseem(BB- 2, 3 1000 kg 2250 89129/ha Timely Seed

Datia and Wardan)=100 availability production of quality is continuingof seed and in Rabi reduced 2013-14price of seed.

3 Samsi, Dinanath (BD-2) 300 36 75000/ 2 ha Improved In 2013 the

Nivari, =30 green fodder successful Tikamgarh availability, establishment

control of of the grass soil erosion was reported and dry from approx fodder to 50 Van resulted in Samities of villagers Lalitpur, lion minimizing of sanctuary of Annapratha. Etawah, Zoo

forest area ofKanpur andShivpuri wildlifesanctuary.

Summary Table of Success StoriesSummary Table of Success Stories

4 Jhansi and Guar (BG 2 and 3) 1120 3500 134400/ha Utilisation of Seed again sown Datia =180 unused and in Kharif

sloppy land 2013and increase in nitrogen in soil

5 lalitpur, U.P. Guinea(BG -1 and 2) 18 300 30000/ha Control of Average under = 38000 soil erosion guinea rooted

and established slips on channelsnursery of is continuouslyrooted slips augmenting.

6 State animal Berseem(BB-3)=200, 150 kg - 560 q dry fodder --- Improved Production offarm, Lalitpur Oat(Kent and Berseem fodder certified seed of

JHO-822)=2000 and availability oat and berseem 37500 kg- in rabi-2013

7 Mithila millk Oat (JHO-822)Cooperative, =2400 62400 1000 q dry fodder -- Alternate Milk Union hasSamastipur enterprise, procured 60 q of

enhancement breeder seed ofin knowledge JHO 822 fromof seed IGFRI in 2013.production

8 Muzaffar- Oat(JHO-822) 3100 kg 70q dry fodder 62000/ha Availability of Seed production nagar, U.P. =120 quality of seed, again taken up by

reduced price the farmers in Rabi of seed, timely 2012-13sowing

9 Jhansi, UP N Br Hybrid 14000 in nos 675 q 34270 / Grass nursery Still continuing (NB 6) = 900 3500 sq. m for sale of in this year.

rooted slips

10 Milk Union Oat(JHO-822) 475/ha 47500/ha Improved Farmers are Sirsa, =75q awareness, regularly Haryana higher demanding the

resource use good oat varietiesefficiency of oat through

their primary milkcooperatives

Success Stories - igfri

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