4.3 Understanding through experts in the field

4.3 UNDERSTANDING THROUGH EXPERTS IN THE FIELD

4.3.1 Understanding a farm setup

This was done to get an idea of the working and the overall setup of an orange farm in terms of the space requirement and infrastructure aspect, while also interacting with the farmer to understand the scenario and practical limitations faced in the process of farming. Location: Hingna, Nagpur Owner: Gunvant Irkhede Area: 23 acres Market for produce: Kalamna Market, Nagpur Total number of trees sum up to 4200 planted at a spacing of 10 feet and the distance between 2 rows being 20 feet for easy movement of tractors through the farm. The method used for planting trees is the Israeli method where the saplings are planted on raised beds.

The schematic plan shows the overall arrangement of the farm along with the circulation and pathways for movement of trucks or tractors on site.

Figure 25: Schematic master plan( Source: Author) Figure 26: Arrangement of plants with 20 feet spacing ( Source: Author)

Figure 27: Pathways for vehicular movement( Source: Author)

Drip irrigation and fertilizer system Mechanized system for drip irrigation is installed with the water source being a well on site. Through this system a controlled amount of water is supplied to the trees depending on the irrigation requirement. Certain soluble fertilizers are also provided to the trees through the drip mechanism.

Figure 28: Godown on site( Source: Author)

Equipment store This is a 9m x 18m store accommodating crates- required for transport of oranges to the market and bamboo- used to support the trees to bear the weight of fruits.

Tools used The multipurpose tractor occupying about 13-15 sqm of space is used for ploughing, collection of fruits and other farming processes.

Figure 29: Irrigation system setup( Source: Author)

Figure 30: Store room( Source: Author)

Figure 31: Space for tractor( Source: Author)

Process of harvesting The process of harvesting involves 3 steps. The first being the plucking from all trees, then comes sorting and grading according to size and condition of oranges and the last step is packing into crates to further load into trucks for transport to the market in the city.

Figure 32: Stepwise process of harvesting( Source: Author)

4.3.2 Visit to CCRI

Central Citrus Research Institute(CCRI) is an institute under the Indian Council of Agriculture of the Government of India that focuses mainly on the citrus sector of agriculture in the country. It has its Headquarters in Nagpur due to the importance of oranges in the city. The aim of the institute is to strengthen the country’s citrus agricultural sector through research, innovation and new technologies and to develop a strong human resource contributing to boost India’s agro-economy in the coming future. The institute plays the role to guide farmers and supply them with prepared saplings for planting in the farms. By conducting courses for people, it can motivate the young generation to give a thought about this profession and understand its importance and need.

Figure 33: Resources available at CCRI( Source: Author)

RESEARCH Imported varieties like Jafa, Valencia etc. are used for research and experimentation in the screen houses. They also form the citrus repositories for the institute.

Figure 34: Screen house and repository( Source: Author)

ORCHARD “A good amount of water is required for the crop. Otherwise, they can go into dormancy. April- may be the month in Nagpur when it is our responsibility to keep the plants alive. It is a crucial period before the monsoon.” - A.D. Huchche Principal horticulture scientist

Figure 35: Greenhouses on the campus( Source: Author)

GREENHOUSE A greenhouse is required to provide a controlled, favourable environment for protection from bacteria for the plant in the initial years. - A worker at CCRI

Figure 36: Orange orchards( Source: Author)

NURSERY “The plant is put in the farms after the initial 1.5 years in a greenhouse or nursery. In the greenhouse- ‘rop’ is prepared, nurtured for 1.5 years and then sold to farmers to plant in their field.” - A.D. Huchche Principal horticulture scientist

Figure 37: Nursery( Source: Author)

4.3.3 Takeaways from interviews

For the actual understanding of the overall background and logistics of the process of farming it is extremely essential to have an interaction with the primary stakeholders i.e. the farmers. There are a number of aspects involved that affect the nature of the final crop produce. The post harvest context also plays a major role in deciding the percentage of profit for the farmers. According to the 2011 census, more than half of the population of Nagpur district is dependent on agriculture being their primary source of income. But due to low returns on high investment and extreme weather conditions the farmers face a lot of difficulties, thus do not wish to continue in the profession. This issue thus needs to be addressed by understanding the obstacles and adopting efficient methods through technology for better growth and sustenance of the farming industry.

Figure 38: Common supply chains during harvest( Source: Author)

“Drip irrigation is the best method to prevent damage to the stem of the tree- supplying only the required amount of water to the plants.” ---- Mr. Khandhait

“The soil and climatic conditions are best suited for mandarin variety and therefore more successful and profitable. The taste of the fruit depends on the soil.” ---- Mr. Gunvant Irkhede

“Major is the labour problem as the government gives them free ration, so they are too lazy to work. Other than that sometimes water issues occur during summers, but rarely. Government gives subsidies till 5 years to plant trees free of cost and then some money per year.”

---- Mr. Gunvant Irkhede

“No, there was one which opened a processing unit in Narkhed, but was shut due to conflicts between the members. Cooperatives don’t exist due to this very reason.”

---- Mr. Gunvant Irkhede

“There are some packing houses in Warud and small units. In Nagpur there was one called NOGA but dont know if its working currently. Rejected produce is mostly sent to processing units, so a good way to avoid wastage. There is scope in processing but a large party can only undertake it due to large capital investment.” ---- Mr. Dilip Kinkhede

Figure 39: Interviews with farm/farm owners( Source: Author)

5SCOPE POST HARVEST

This is a brief chapter which describes the usual methods followed in India after the harvest of oranges from packaging to transport across the various supply chains. The applications and product line of the fruit in the processing industry is also understood in this section.

5.1 Post harvest management

5.1.1 Packaging and materials

5.2 Applications

5.2.1 Parts of the fruit used 5.2.2 Common products

5.3 Processing & Infrastructure

5.3.1 Study of CPIL, Nanded