Sugarcane is an important crop for Dehradun as it gives good remuneration to farmers. Approximately 900 to 1000 hectare area is under sugarcane crop in Dehradun and is still witnessing increase due to attractive returns. However, income from sugarcane crop can be increased manifold by adopting an intercrop system.
Studies carried out by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at Dhakrani showed that most of the farmers were either not growing or growing only those intercrops which were least profitable. After intensive research, scientists at KVK proposed urd pulse as an intercrop with sugarcane. They organized four field demonstrations in one hectare area for this intercrop system. These field demonstrations yielded encouraging results.
Scientists extended their scope and chose 163 hectares belonging to 227 farmers for extensive intercropping and equipped farmers with advanced knowledge of farming. With the financial help of the ATMA project, 20 quintals of urd seed, 7 quintals of bio-fertilizer symbian, and 30 kg of Trichoderma were provided to them. Pant Urd-35, an improved variety developed by GB Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, was used for this demonstration.
Major Technological Interventions
- Treatment of seeds with Trichoderma @ 5 gm/kg seed.
- Control of pod borer in urd crop through spray of Endosulphan @ 2 ml/liter water.
- Proper use of bio-fertilizer in the soil.
The intercrop was given first irrigation after 30 days of urd sowing before flowering. Second and third irrigations were given at 10-day intervals.
Results and Impact
An average of 4.70 quintal/hectare of urd was produced during this demonstration. The highest productivity was realized by a farmer, Hardwari Lal of Pratitpura village, which was 5.70 quintal/hectare. Total income was Rs 10,750 per hectare, and the income-expenditure ratio was 1:4.07. Farmers achieved 3.60 to 5.70 quintal/hectare production and Rs 5,500 to 10,750/hectare income.
This is the first step towards income enhancement for local farmers. Now farmers are leading the way towards prosperity. They can not only generate more income but can also ensure food and nutritional security for their family. According to some farmers, the productivity of sugarcane also enhanced with the intercrop system.
(NAIP Sub-Project on Mass Media Mobilization, DKMA with inputs from GBPUA&T, Pantnagar)
Source: https://icar.org.in/en/node/4138
