Intensive cultivation of vegetables and its management for sustainability
Kh Nimaichand *
The crop productivity in the village Haraorou Mamang Leikai increased over the decades. However, the crop yield started showing recession in the recent past.
The physical symptoms of cru station, slacking, cracking, compaction, erosion of farm soil, lowering fauna & flora, etc. were visible in the soil and soil health started showing the symptoms of deterioration. The demand for chemical fertilizer was increasing and soil organic carbon was depleting rapidly. The farming was proving to be non-remunerative due to the higher cost of commercial inputs.
Response/Initiative
To address the issues, Shri Moirangthem Ibohanbi Singh of Haraorou Mamang Leikai, Khundrakpam, Imphal East participated in various training programmes & exposure visits organized by ATMA Imphal East Agriculture Department, Manipur, Hort. & Soil Conservation Department, Manipur, ICAR, Lamphelpat and College of Agriculture, CAU, Imphal during the last 10 years.
Moreover, ATMA Imphal East facilitated field days on his farm and many experts conceptualized and formulated intensive and sustainable cultivation of vegetables on his farm.
Results/Outcomes
The application of the training received on his farm started showing results. The modern methods depend on minimum tillage for succeeding crops, conserves soil moisture, increases water use efficiency, checks erosion due to shifting of soils by heavy rain.
Good cultural practices and bio-intensive measures ensure efficient crop protection from pests & diseases with no harmful residue on crops. There is increased crop productivity and the crop yield is stabilized during the years.
The physical symptoms of cru station, slacking, cracking, compaction, erosion of farm soil, lowering fauna & flora, etc. slowly reduced and the soil health improved. He earned an annual net income of Rs. 3,00,000 and Rs. 50,000 from his cropland and farm pond, respectively.
Evidence/Impact
There is a good prospect of replication and multiplication of the practice in other farms also. The system impacted on family livelihood. Farming becomes a main family occupation and ensures farm labour and food security.
Lessons Learned
With the integration of vermicomposting, crop residue recycling and rotational and diversifying crops can ensure high productivity, stable and remunerative horticulture cultivation. The most difficult and challenging aspect of the system is the timely availability of good seeds of the crops. The challenge was overcome by engaging dealers in advance of the season.
Any other Activities
o Cultivation of organic Chak-hao under MOVCD-NER in half a hectare
o Growing of papaya, banana, mango, lemon on farm boundaries
o Fish farming in farm pond
o Family labour
For further details contact:-
Public Relations & Media Management Cell,
CAU, Imphal.
Email: [email protected]
* Kh Nimaichand wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer is an Asst. Project Officer, MOVCD-NER (AGRI), Imphal East, Manipur.
This article was webcasted on June 21 2022 .
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