Crop Based production Systems

Groundnut

Objectives: Increase yield by better management of soil, water, plant protection; mixed cropping; crop rotation, quality seed production; and post harvest operations.

The groundnut programme covers about 9000 farmers including those under outreach. Presently, the programme is being pursued with emphasis on use of promising varieties, inter-cropping and crop rotation. FFS approach is being pursued. Further, PTD is also practiced vigorously, for variety selection and seed multiplication.

Some of the technologies that have stabilized in the field are: new varieties (K134, K1128, VRI2); seed treatment, application of magnesite and gypsum, intercropping with pigeon pea; and use of seed cum fertilizer drill. Inter cropping/ border cropping for pest control (cow pea, pearl millet, castor) is being emphasized for profitability as well, particularly in poor soils.

Earlier, we were dealing with White Grub management, presently we are involved in varietal evaluation, seed villages, assisting in aflatoxin projects, RHC management, Leaf spot and stem necrosis control.

Cotton
Objectives: Cost reduction; soil water retention; and facilitate crop rotation.

From 1996 to date, it is estimated that 13,000 farmers have been influenced to minimize the use of harmful pesticides.

The programme is strengthened with the collaboration of FAO. Several FFSs were financed under this programme; two AME staff are now working as IPM master trainers; and four staff of APCOT have participated in FAO training for master trainers.

Technologies being emphasized include land preparation, water conservation, drainage in irrigated areas, IPM and INM, along with application of organic matter, meso (Magnesiumg and Sulphur) and micro nutrients (Zinc, Boron), and incubation of organic manures with Phospho bacteria and Azetobacter.

Paddy
Objectives: Increase income; reduce pesticides; water management; and crop rotation

Paddy programme has become a very effective activity, with many farmers in Raichur and Tiruchi adopting LEISA technologies and reducing chemical inputs. Through FFS they are now spreading faster to other NGOs and farmers. AME paddy programme is gaining ground in several other areas too.

Technologies gaining attention are linking nutrient management to pest incidence; emphasis on FYM and micro nutrients; timing of N and K application; incubation of organic manure with Phosphobacteria; Azospirillum and Acetobacter; seed treatment with Azospirillum; seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescence against blast disease; and good nursery management.

Vegetables
Objectives: Cost reduction, better profits; streamline marketing; reduce chemical inputs.

The vegetable programme proves to be the most difficult one. The main reason is that it is closely linked with marketing. Most problems occur in matching supply to market demand of organic vegetables. Farmers, however, are convinced that they can produce vegetables with less chemical fertilizers and pesticides than they were used to.

In Bangalore, a pilot project was carried out with peri urban farmers. It was one of those projects which has generated wide public attention. In Tiruchi area, notable results have been obtained. Here, vegetable cultivation happens to be one of the major income generating activities, especially for women farmers. As on date, AME is working with 3 NGOs in Tiruchi and Pudukottai districts. The major vegetables cultivated include Tomato, Brinjal, Bhendi, Cabbage, raddish, Carrots, Cucurbits and Drumsticks.