Innovative Methods In Agriculture

Background

Agriculture labour management is a major problem for farmers in terms of time and money. There’s scope for farmer mechanisation. However, mechanisation is capital intensive. All of these challenges were in addition to high costs and low yields.

Implementation

By encouraging collectivisation, farmer groups were prodded to buy new equipment with adequate subsidy provided. This equipment was also rented out to other poor farmers. Many farmers are now forming groups to avail the opportunity to mechanise their farms and increase yield and profits. To increase farmer income and yield, the district implemented several new and innovative methods of farming, irrigation etc. Zero Budget Natural Farming, rentals of machinery, Integrated Nutrient Management, Redgram with drip irrigation, rejuvenation of old orchards, banana and turmeric with drip irrigation, construction of sub-surface dams and recharge well structures are some of the new initiatives in the district. in addition, the Department of Agriculture provided training to the farmers on how to give adequate quantities of micronutrients.

Impact

Cultivation cost came down to Rs 15,000 from Rs 19,000, and yields enhanced to 1,300 kg per acre compared to a mere 900 kg per acre before. Similarly, by adopting integrated pest management and nutrient management, the quality of the flowers and fruits improved as well.

Source : Aspirational Districts for WEB