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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 09 SEPTEMBER 2017 hh` 70
GENETIC DIVERSITY IN QUEEN OF SPICES
SPICES SPECIAL
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FOCUSING IN SPICE UP THE EXPORT QUALITY
ALLSPICE PEPPERED WITH
SUCCESS!
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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2017 ` 70 PAGES 84 Editor-in-Chief
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Cultivation of Spices as intercrops of Sugar cane in North India Flavors from the land of SEVEN SISTERS Aroma Therapy: Is it beneďŹ cial to RELIEVE STRESS Genetic Diversity IN QUEEN OF SPICES
Preethy T T
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Farha Khan
From the HOME OF SPICES
T. John Zacharia
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GM - Marketing
All Spice Peppered WITH SUCCESS
R L Yadav
James P. Thomas M Mezhukanal
Interview with Dr. A Jayathilak IAS
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Neha Rani
V.P. Spcl. Initiative
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Interview THE GARDEN THAT HEALS Suresh Muthukulam
Contact Farming in India: PROSPECTS & LIMITATIONS
Naresh Prasad
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Making Agriculture a solution to Environmental problems in India
Rattan Lal
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Climate Change: Impact on Cotton CROP PRODUCTION
D Blaise
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ndian spices are very popular all over the world from time immemorial. Kerala, popularly known as the spice garden of India , was the dream world for traders and explorers. Christopher Columbus tried to reach Kerala, but discovered America. Roman, Greek, Egyptians and Arabs had good trade relations with Kerala. Vasco da Gama came to the coast of Malabar and tried to monopolize the spices trade and the competition for spices began. Later, Dutch and British also came for the same and ultimately Britishers made India their colony. Now also, both the developed and developing countries world over depend India to make their food spicy and also for making quality cosmetics and medicines. India is having more than 75 varieties of spices and the most popular among them are pepper, cardamom, cinnamon ,cloves, nutmeg ,ginger, turmeric and chilly. As per the latest Annual report of Spices Board, the export of spices has shown an increase in value and a slight decrease in volume. During 2015-16, a total of 8,43,255 tonnes of spices and spice products valued Rs.16,238.23 Cr have been exported as against 8,93,920 tonnes valued Rs.14,899.68 Cr in 2014-15. The volume decreased mainly due to decline in export of cumin, the report says. Now, both raw materials and value added products are in big demand , the farmers and exporters have a brighter future ahead. Export oriented production should be the key to success and Krishi Jagran releases a special issue on spices to highlight the sustainable importance our spices captured in the world market and to attract the traditional farmers to experiment a new path of integrated and innovative techniques to add spices to their cultivable land wherever possible. Spices Board is providing ample support to the traditional spice farmers and also helping the farmers of North Eastern region to cultivate spices in a larger way. Internationally, the niche market for organic spices is growing at a fast rate, early entry into this segment will improve exportability and demand for Indian spices and hope adoption of hi-tech farming and upgradation of existing facilities with the support of Spices Board can make India sustain the number one position in world spice market. MC Dominic Editor-in-Chief
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“Focusing in spice up the EXPORT QUALITY” long term goals with AW Asst.Editor B.P.Karthika Dr. A Jayathilak IAS, Chairman, Spices Board
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ndia occupies an indispensable part in global spice trade. During the current fiscal year, export of Indian spices and spice products has reached in its all-time record. The unmatched quality of Indian spices has made us stand unique and a trusted name among others in international market. Dr. A Jayathilak IAS, Chairman, Spices Board, the Commerce Ministry arm responsible for the promotion of Indian spices and its sustaining demand in overseas markets talks about the growing demand of Indian spices, developmental schemes and long term goals. Excerpts: What are the initiatives taken by the Spices Board to enhance Indian spice industry since you took charge? Spices Board has been conferred with ‘Niryath Bandhu Award’ twice in 2012 and 2014 for impeccable export performance. Spices exports from India have surged from Rs 6840.7 crores in 2010-11 to Rs.17664.61 crore in 2016-17 to record all-time high in value and volume. Four new Quality Evaluation Laboratories have been established at Chennai, Kandla, Tuticorin and Narela and also a new one of a kind pre-engineered building for QEL Mumbai. In the last 5 years, QELs in Mumbai, Chennai and Guntur have received NABL accreditation and QELs in Kochi, Mumbai, Chennai and Guntur have got approval as referral labs under the FSSAI certification. The rapid alerts have been decreased to a large extent due to the implementation of compulsory quality checking procedures on exports of spices from India. Spices Board now has pan-India presence in terms of offices and staff in almost all states of the country for effective implementation of the various schemes and for overall development of spices, especially in the NorthEast. Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) has been set up under the Codex Alimentarius Commission which has brought India to the centre stage for setting standards for spices and culinary herbs
to achieve the objectives of fair practices in trade and consumer safety. So far, three sessions of CCSCH have been conducted successfully. Major challenges facing by India in the global market? How are these issues being addressed? The challenge faced by India in global market is lack of uniformity in the quality aspects in terms of quality standards among importing countries. Indian spices are known for their quality. However, each country that imports spices has its own stringent food safety regulations to maintain quality standards of imported products. The exporters have to follow the quality standard specified by the countries to which they are exporting so as to avoid rejections of consignments. The formation of CCSCH has initiated the process of setting global standards for spices. The way has been paved for developing international food standards, guidelines and codes of practices to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in trade. Current spice export from India? Indian spices and spice products have surged to a record export growth worth Rs.17664.61 crore (US$ 2633.30 million) and a volume of 9,47,790 tonnes in 2016-17, registering an increase of 12 per cent in volume, nine per cent in rupee terms and six per cent in dollar terms as compared to FY 2015-16. What are the strategies adopted for organic spice production in India and its promotion in overseas market? Clean, safe and hygiene tag is the driving motto of global food industry. The organic food products are gaining tremendous trust and demand in international market, since these are considered natural and safe for consumption. Organic spice sectors are growing in India at a huge pace, and importers are keen to purchase the organic spices and spice products from India. Spices Board, being an export promotion body, receives various enquires from importers on how to procure organic spices, owing to the quality of the product obtained from India. As per 2015-16 statistics, approx 1881.15 MT of organic spices, valued at INR 10,244.69 lakhs have been exported. The major organic spices in demand in the global market are AGRICULTURE SEPTEMBER 2017
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The way has been paved for developing international food standards, guidelines and codes of practices to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in trade pepper, ginger, turmeric, vanilla and cardamom among others.
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As a fluctuating market, how do you address the problems of growers and exporters? Spices Board has implemented various schemes to promote farmers to produce clean and good quality spices, and exporters to set up small units for processing and value addition of spices. This has helped to enhance as well as ensure consistent export of quality spices. What are the marketing initiatives for the promotion of spices and value added spice products introduced by Spices Board? Spices Board has implemented schemes for infrastructure development, trade promotion and co-participation of registered exporters in fairs and exhibitions with the Board along with assistance for research and development of new and value added spice products. Spices Board also offers Market Development Assistance to registered exporters. The Board is vested with the function of export promotion council for spices, which is always in the front line to support spice exporters to promote and export their products. Schemes have been implemented to provide assistance to exporters/manufactures to upgrade the processing and storage facilities in order to assure safety and quality of spices. The Board creates a platform for interacAGRICULTURE
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tion between the importers and exporters through World Spice Congress and organizing Buyer Seller Meets in international and domestic fairs. What are your long term aims and new plans? The aim is to facilitate the growth of quality spice exports from India so that India continues lead in the spices export trade by catering to the demands for clean and safe spices, which are free from pesticide residues, adulterants, filth, and microbial contamination. We have been consistent in and would continue to promote the value-added products of spices and other nutraceutical, cosmaceutical and non-culinary uses of spices and encouraging novel uses of spices. How do you visualise India’s position in the global spice market in future? India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices in the world. The exports of spices from India have continued to show an increasing trend. The spices products from India have great demand in the market attributed to the authenticity and quality, and fetch premium prices. The Government has been taking active and keen interest to facilitate trade, solve trade barriers and conduct diplomatic talks to open new trade relations with countries where the market potential is not utilized to the actual potential.
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ALLSPICE
PEPPERED WITH SUCCESS! AGRICULTURE
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B Sasikumar, Lijo Thomas, VA Muhammed Nissar and R Sivaranjini ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research,Kozhikode-12. Email:sasikumarsooranadu@gmail.com
Mindset matters
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lack pepper, cardam, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, vanilla and to some extent clove- and there ends the mindset of an average Kerala spice farmer! Few venture out to challenge this traditional mindset and try out other new spice crops which were introduced to the country many decades or centuries ago and have been languishing in the corner of the homesteads though there are ample examples of the same or late time introduced crops like pineapple, tapioca, nutmeg, clove, rubber, cashewnut etc which have become an integral part of Kerala society and landscape by now. There have been many reasons such as lack of knowhow, marketing uncertainties, profit margin etc for such a plight. Allspice ,an introduced tree spice, though known to many farmers across the state since last few decades, is a case in point. However, of late, this crop is gradually finding a place in the spice canvas of the state.striking roots in the spice choice of the farmers. Here we chronicle a successful enterprise in allspice farming undertaken and nurtured against the odds by an young farmer from Wyanad,Kerala.
A Caribbean delight Jamaica is the home of allspice. Allspice or Pimento(Pimenta dioica) is believed to be introduced to India during 1800s, apparently from the Caribbean region. The evergreen medium sized trees with a slender upright trunk and smooth greyish bark are now found in isolated pockets of Karnataka, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Bihar and Odisha besides here and there in Kerala. The dried berries, which is the commercially traded commodity ,finds several uses across food ,pharmaceutical and perfume industries. Berry oil, allspice oleoresin and leaf oil are other products of economic use besides whole or powdered berries. Allspice is known for its medicinal,
anti-microbial, insecticidal, nematicidal, anti-oxidant and deodorant properties. The culinary importance of allspice is on the ascent with the spice finding a place of pride in several regional cuisines. Allspice is an indispensible part of the Caribbean cuisine which derives its exquisite flavour and taste from this spice! It is one of the main ingredients in several seasonings, moles, commercial sausage preparations and curry powders in the region. Allspice is also integral to Arab and Middle Eastern cuisines where it is used to flavour a variety of stews and meat dishes. In the United States, it is used mostly in desserts, but it is also responsible for giving the famous Cincinnati chili its distinctive aroma and flavour. Even in many countries where allspice is not very popular in the household, as in Germany, it is used in large amounts by commercial sausage makers. The pimento industry of Jamaica, which is one of the major producers and exporters of the commodity, is earning an estimated US $5 million annually from exports of whole berries, leaf, berry oils, liqueurs and other value added products.
Taking the PlungeEvangelist of change The potential of the crop notwithstanding, it has few takers in India, with very limited organized cultivation. In this scenario, the allspice farming enterprise of Mr. K.D Jayanthan of Muttil, Wayanad district assumes significance, not only as a source of inspiration for innovative ventures, but also as model for emulation. Mr. Jayanthan traces his ancestors to the Jains from Karnataka who migrated to Wayanad about 300 years ago. Having inherited about 15 acres ancestral farm land with the traditional mix of black pepper, coffee and arecaAGRICULTURE SEPTEMBER 2017
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nut, it was an advertisement, many years back , about the scope of allspice that caught his imagination. The unassuming youth weighed the risks of the venture and decided to try his luck in allspice. He obtained about 200g ripe seed berries from the Mangalam Carp Estate, Wayanad for Rs.1000/-and raised the seedlings. The selected seedlings were planted mainly along the border of the homestead farm at a distance of 7-8 meters besides as an intercrop among the existing crops. What started as a supplementary foray to augment his farm income, soon became the focal point in the farming enterprise.
Recipes for success The seedlings planted and nurtured by Jayanthan have grown into trees of 6-10 meter height and are in thick, profuse bearing for several years now! The farm with more than 100 mature allspice trees in full bearing amidst pristine environment is a sight to behold. Mr. AGRICULTURE
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Jayanthan practices organic farming. Farm yard manure is liberally applied to the trees. As there are no pests or diseases, no fungicide or insecticide sprays are warranted. Allspice prefers open condition says Mr. Jayanthan. Basin irrigation (sprinkler) from January to February end at an interval of 10-12 days can ensure uniform flowering and synchronous maturity of the berries. The berries are ready to harvest by first week of May. Green berry with 70-80 % maturity is the correct harvesting stage. Usually when one or two berries in a bunch turn brown, the whole bunch is ready for harvest. Correct stage of harvesting is crucial for good quality pimento. Harvesting is done by pulling off the whole bunches manually, standing on ladders erected around the tree, along with the berry stalk and few leaves onto a picking mat spread at the base of the tree. A single worker can harvest up to 40 kg berries per day. Generally there is only one harvest per year though there
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per kg, depending on the season. About 10 % of the produce will be stalk which fetches about Rs.150/- per kg in the market. The produce is rarely sold at one go as the sale depends on the demand/enquiry from the market. But this is never a worry for him since the properly dried produce can be safely stored for about 2 years without any loss in quality. Occasionally all spice leaves also have demand and gets Rs.70-80/- per kg of withered (semi dried) leaves. The Wayanad Social Service Society(WSSS) and the local spices traders are the ones who source the produce from Mr. Jayanthan. Traders from Erattupetta, Kottayam also buy pimento from farmers. The produce sent to North Indian markets is mainly consumed by the masala powder/curry powder industries and food & flavouring industry. The product is also exported to several destinations across the globe for a range of end user applications across food and pharmaceutical industry.
Heralding a new culture
some trees which yield twice a year. Some of the elite trees in his farm yield up to 130 kg fresh berries with an average yield of 15 kg dry pimento per tree.
Nitty –gritty of processing and marketing The harvested produce should be dried immediately lest the berries (pericarp) start decaying and adversely affect the quality. Processing is usually done by thinly spreading the harvested produce on a clean drying mat under sun. It takes about 3-4 days to attain the proper drying (10-12% moisture). Using improved cardamom driers, the berries can be dried within 16 hours. The dried bunches are then separated into berries and stalks by manually rubbing against wire mesh of suitable size fixed on a wooden frame. Jayanthan sells his produce @ Rs.800-1200/-
There is no better yardstick of acceptance than adoption. Jayanthan’s success has spawned an attitudinal shift among the farmers towards allspice. Buoyed by his success, several farmers from naearby places like Ambalavayal, Mananthavady, Meppadi, Vythiri, Pulppally etc., all in Wayanad, have taken up allspice cultivation. Mr .Jayanthan also sells seedlings of allspice from his nursery. His successful tryst with allspice farming is an eye opener for agricultural policy planners. With concerted efforts in strategic market expansion and value addition, the crop can be successfully cultivated in other locations with similar climatic conditions. The allspice trees in Travancore Rubber and Tea Co. Ltd Ambanad, Kollam district exemplifies such geographical adaptability. Intervention by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode has helped not only to spread the success of Mr.Jayanthan across the country but also in quality testing of the produce. The produce from Mr. Jayanthan’s plot recorded a dry recovery of 31.2 per cent with oleoresin and essential oil contents of 8.2 and 2.6 per cent ,respectively. Address: Mr. K.D. Jayanthan, Thondupali House, P.O. Muttil, Kolavayal, Wayanad, Ph: 9744943648 AGRICULTURE SEPTEMBER 2017
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From the home of
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SPICES
erala, known as the home of spices, has an eventful history of spice trade which dates back to thousands of years in the past. Several places have emerged as the bursting centres of trade including the ancient port of Muziris, Kochi and Kozhikode. Spices were taken to different parts of the world and traders from across the globe sailed hundreds of miles for spices. Even today, Kerala holds its significant position in the global spice market with its variety of spices in terms of matchless quality and flavour. Wayanad and Idukki are the major regions in Kerala where spices are widely cultivated. In Idukki, more than 80% of the cultivated area is covered under perennial crops, mainly cardamom and pepper. These spices especially cardamom have brought financial stability for the farmers and planters there. Kumily, Annavilasam, Vandanmedu, Nedumkandam, Santhanpara and Poopara are the major regions of Idukki in which cardamom is widely cultivated. Malabar, Mysore and Vazhukka are the major types of cardamom used for cultivation. Apart from these traditional varieties, farmers have developed some indigenous varieties which include njallani and thiruthali. Njallani belongs to Vazhuka type with high yield potential and rare ability to respond to agronomic management. Thiruthali, another ruling variety developed in Idukki has high resistance to pests and diseases. Branching of panicle is another attractive and distinct feature of this variety. Major pepper varieties cultivated in the hilly regions of Idukki include Karimunda, thekkan, panniyur and neelamundi. Karimunda is a high quality pepper which gives 3-5 kg fresh berries per year per vine. Vanilla, cinnamon, clove, ginger, garlic and nutmeg are AGRICULTURE
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the other major spices produced in the regions of Idukki.
Spice of life Farming is the very spice of life that gave it all its flavour. Like majority of farmers in Idukki, Devasya Varkey also hailed from a farmers’ family and has been cultivating spices for 35 years. In his 12 acre farm, there are almost 65 nutmeg trees along with clove and pepper. Enriched by the valuable experience in farming, he has grown the finest quality of spices. He used to get 20 kg nutmeg from one tree but now it’s rare because of the adverse climate. Karimunda, thekkan and neelamundi are the native pepper varieties cultivated in his land. Every step he takes is in harmony with nature. Family is the strength and support of all his efforts. “I am doing all these things only because of their ardent support” he says.
Legacy of an Agrarian Culture Saji Joseph is known as a follower of the farming tradition that has changed the face of a region. He is the son of late T.P.Joseph who developed “thiruthali”, one of the pop-
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Devasya Varkey
ular and ruling varieties of cardamom. Now, Saji’s 20 acre cardamom farm is a testimony of his family’s agrarian culture and testifies value of a tradition.
were prone to diseases and pests, which reduced the expected yield. This prompted him to think about developing a variety, which would suit the local conditions and that lead to the formation of “thiruthali”. Now, thiruthali is the ruling variety of cardamom in high range area. Saji and his family have been successfully cultivating “thiruthali” in his land for years. He is also the practitioner and promoter of this variety.
Major Setbacks
Thiruthali, named after his family name, is a high yielding disease resistant variety possessing distinctive qualities. Due to the higher number of panicles per tiller, the yield level in the first bearing itself is two to four times higher in comparison with other popular and released varieties. Saji Joseph assures that mostly small and medium farmers cultivate this cardamom variety because it requires little inputs. He hails from a migrated agricultural family from Kottayam. Initially, they cultivated paddy, tapioca and pepper. But later, after purchasing few acres in Pethotty, Idukki, they started cardamom cultivation. While cultivating cardamom, T P Joseph noticed that the high yielding cardamom varieties AGRICULTURE SEPTEMBER 2017
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During the last five years spice exports have registered substantial growth both in volume and value. However, the benefit of this high demand is not reflecting in farmers’ life. One of the major problems faced by small and marginal spice growers is the continuous crop failure. Erratic climate change, frequent and continuous droughts, insufficient irrigation facility, attack of pests like stem borer, scale insect and other diseases result in considerable crop loss.
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The experience of growers shows that the most important single factor that influences production and productivity of spices is climate. The failure of monsoon is highly detrimental to the plants as well as the yield. “Plantation crops are highly weather sensitive with the production directly dependent on the time and quantity of rain. While too much of rains damage most of the crops, too short monsoon also leads to lower crop production. Rainy days are few when compared to normal condition in Idukki. Parts of the district still feel like summer”, says Joseph, a cardamom farmer. “Unlike the other produces, farmers could not keep it for long as it would affect the quality, which was decided by the colour, shape and smell”, he added. Crop losses inflicted by wild animals such as elephants and wild boars is the another major threat. Wild animals mainly in the peripheral areas of national parks and wild life sanctuaries pose a risk to farmers around the regions.
Saji Joseph
Lack of labourers and high wages are the other serious issues faced by the farmers. For marginal farmers, works are done by themselves and for large and small farmers hired labourers are needed. Farmers mention that the labour and fertilizer costs
Thiruthali
Njallani
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would not be worthwhile unless we get a bumper crop. “The uncertainties over spice farming devastated the district as a whole. Land sales have diminished. Banks are unwilling to provide loan to farmers�, they added. As spices cultivation is the means of living for a large number of agricultural households in Kerala, spices trade is of crucial significance to their earnings and living standards. Therefore, it is time for all those concerned authorities to make genuine efforts to overcome the problems faced by the spices sector. AGRICULTURE SEPTEMBER AUGUST 2017 2017
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Cultivation of spices as inter-crops of
SUGARCANE in North India
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R. L. Yadav
Former Director, Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research.
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enerally, Sugarcane is planted in rows, spaced at 75-90 cm. apart. It takes 30-45 days to germinate. As it grows slowly initially, therefore takes further 120 days to develop full canopy to cover inter-row spaces. During these initial 150 days, weeds grow, in-between the interrow spaces, and compete for light, moisture and nutrients with the crop. According to an estimate, weeds absorb 64 kg N/ha in sugarcane. This shows that sugarcane is deprived of nitrogen to that extent and to attain the same yield level, an additional dose of nitrogen would be required. Therefore, instead of allowing weeds to grow and compete with AGRICULTURE
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the crop, efforts were made at the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, to introduce spices, like, Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), commonly called saunf, black cumin(Nigella sativum), commonly called kalounjee, coriander(Coriandrum sativum), and garlic( Allium sativum), as intercrops of autumn planted sugarcane, and onion(Allium cepa) as inter-crop in ratoon crop initiated during February. The results of this field experiment were also demonstrated on farmer’s field in villages, Dharsania, Danialpur and Hansemau of district Brabanki in Uttar Pradesh, under Lab
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Apart from providing additional monetary gains to cane growers, inter cropping of spices indirectly benefited cane crop for increasing in its productivity. The infestation of top borer in sugarcane was minimized by intercropping of garlic and coriander in sugarcane. Similarly, intercropping of fennel and cumin reduced the infection of red rot disease in sugarcane.
ble temperatures and abundance of sunshine available throughout the year and the vast soil and water resources existing in the country can profitably be used to produce crops all the year round. Recent developments of high yielding varieties and hybrids of crop plants with varying degree of photo-space and thermo sensitivity and differing maturity groups have provided the missing link for making multiple use of available land, labour and capital resources on the farm, to enhance the level of profit.Inter-cropping of spices in autumn planted sugarcane is one such proposition in north India. to Land program of the institute. As an inter crop, garlic yielded 8.5 t/ha, black cummin 1.2t/ha, fennel 1.39t/ha, onion 8t/ha, and coriander 1.35t/ha of its seed. The yield of autumn planted sugarcane remained unaffected at 80 t/ha. Thus, with this produce of inter crops, on an average, farmers earned extra profit, ranging from Rs 12,000 to Rs 80, 000 per hectare, by inter-cropping spices in Sugarcane in North-Central India. Agriculture essentially consists of series of nutrient and energy chains in which the natural resources, including solar energy are converted into forms suitable for use by men and animals. Indian agriculture has the advantage of enjoying rich endowments of natural and man- made resources. With favora-
Cultivation Practices for: Sugarcane+ Coriander: Varieties:- For sugarcane: Any variety which has been recommended recently in the area. These demonstration on farmers field, however, were conducted with CoS 767 variety of sugarcane and Sheetal or CS70 variety of coriander. Those who wish to practice sugarcane and coriander inter cropping system , may choose from these varieties.. Time of Planting: Sugarcane and coriander both should be planted together in second fortnight of October. Seed rate and row spacing : Sugarcane is planted in rows 90 cm apart using 5-6 t seed/ AGRICULTURE SEPTEMBER 2017
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ha. In –between two rows of sugarcane, one row of coriander is sown using 20 kg seed/ha.
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Indian agriculture has the advantage of enjoying rich endowments of natural and manmade resources.
Fertilizer application: Sugarcane should be fertilized with 150 kg nitrogen per hectare, one third at the time of planting and remaining one third after the harvest of coriander. In coriander, 50 kg nitrogen per hectare is applied , half at sowing and remaining half after first irrigation. Irrigation: Three irrigations are given to coriander. After its harvest, irrigation schedule of sugarcane be followed as usual. Harvesting: To avoid ill effect of coriander on sugarcane, it should be harvested immediately, after its maturity. Sugarcane+Garlic: Variety: Any local variety of garlic with recommended variety of sugarcane is sown. Time of Planting: Both the crop should be sown together in last week of October. Seed rate and Spacing: Sugarcane is planted as usual in 90 cm apart rows using 5-6 t/ ha seed rate. In-between two rows of sugarcane, three rows of garlic are sown at 15 cm AGRICULTURE
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distance between them. The plant to plat distance for garlic is maintained at 10 cm. For this, three quintal garlic seed per hectare is required.
Fertilizer Application: Sugarcane is fertilized with 150 kg N/ha, one-third at the time of planting and remaining two-third after digging of garlic. Garlic should be fertilized with 30 kg each of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potassium per hectare, at the time of sowing. Additional 30 kg N/ha is also applied to garlic after one month of its sowing. Irrigation and cultural operations: Garlic is irrigated4-5 times during its life cycle. After its harvest sugarcane is irrigated as usual. Two to three manual weeding are essential in garlic, and thereafter, hoeing of sugarcane is done after every irrigation. Yield: Sugarcane produces 80-90 t cane/ha with 60-70 quintal garlic/ha in this system. Economic and other benefits of inter-cropping of Spices crops in Sugarcane: Inter-cropping of coriander in autumn planted sugarcane provided extra profit of Rs 12000 per hectare ( Rs 6000 from the sale of its green leaves and Rs 6000 from the sale of its seed) to cane growers. The additional
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To get additional profits from sugar cane farming, farmers are advised to follow inter cropping of spices like garlic, coriander, fennel and black cumin in autumn planted sugarcane in north India
profit to farmers increased to Rs 80000 per hectare, when garlic was inter-cropped in autumn planted sugarcane. The extra profit from inter-cropping of fennel and black cumin in autumn planted sugarcane, however, ranged between Rs. 18000 to Rs. 20000 per hectare.
Apart from providing additional monetary gains to cane growers, inter cropping of spices indirectly benefited cane crop for increasing in its productivity. The infestation of top borer in sugarcane was minimized by intercropping of garlic and coriander in sugarcane. Similarly, intercropping of fennel and cumin reduced the infection of red rot disease in sugarcane. Conclusion and Recommendations for adoption: 1. To get additional profits from sugarcane farming, farmers are advised to follow inter cropping of spices like garlic, coriander, fennel and black cumin in autumn planted sugarcane in north India. 2.
For inter cropping, sugarcane is planted in 90cm apart rows in second fortnight of October using 5-6 t seed cane/ha.
One row of Coriander, fennel or black cumin, as per the case, is sown in between two rows of sugarcane at the same time.
For intercropping 3. of garlic, three rows of garlic are sown in-between two rows of cane, keeping 15cm distance between them. The plant to plant distance in garlic is kept at 10cm. 4. Sugarcane is fertilized as per its recommended doses of NPK. However, intercropped coriander should get additional 50 kg N/ha and garlic be fertilized with additional 30 kg N/ha, at the time of sowing. 5. After harvest of inter crops, sugarcane is grown as usual, that means, following its normal recommended practices of cultivation. As a general agriculture policy of the country, intercropping with sugarcane has to be encouraged to get higher income . Address: A-703, Asha Deep Apartment, Plot no. 3-B, Sector-2, Dwarka, New delhi-110075.
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cover story
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FLAVORS
from the Land of
Seven Sisters Karthika.B.P
Assistant Editor, Krishi Jagaran
N
orth East occupies a distinct position on the world map owing to the quality of spices from its region. By using organic and nature friendly farming methods, spices from NE have continued to maintain its quality. Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur are the major destinations in NE for commercial cultivation of spices. The popular spice varieties from the region include Bird’s Eye chilli, Naga chilli, Nadia ginger, large cardamom and Lakadong turmeric.
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Nadia Ginger
N
adia ginger is locally known as ‘Syieng Bah’, one of the indigenous species grown in Meghalaya. It is lemon flavoured and less fibrous in nature.
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E
ither used in whole or crushed form, bird’s eye chilli is a main ingredient in the cuisines of north-eastern states like Meghalaya, Assam and Mizoram. These are fiery and pungent in taste and often make an explosion of flavour when mixed with curries, sauces, pickles and soups.
Bird’s Eye chilli
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Large Cardamom
L
arge cardamom is a powerful flavouring agent cultivating mainly in Eastern Himalayas includes Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Nepal. In international markets it is also called as black, large or Nepal cardamom. Its uses vary from country to country. The roots of the plant are boiled and eaten like potatoes when the flowers are used for garnishing salads and other recipes. Small amount of the spice when added to coffee or tea produces a stimulating flavour. It can also be used as an effective medicine for dental health, cardiovascular and respiratory relief.
N
aga chilli is a hot chilli variety cultivated in Nagaland, Assam, Arunachal and Manipur. Because of its high heat factor naga chilli is referred as the “King of chillies”. In the year of 2007, it has been recognized as the hottest chilli pepper in the world. It is a main ingredient in almost all the cuisines of NE.
Naga Chilli
Lakadong Turmeric
I
t’s a unique variety of turmeric cultivated in the Lakadong region of Meghalaya. This finest variety is a good source of curcumin. It has about 7.9 percent curcumin content whereas in others it is only 2-3 percent. It is one of the most vital ingredients in almost every Indian cuisine. The spice variety has also some medicinal values. It is an excellent antiinflammatory agent.
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AROMA THERAPY
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AROMA THERAPY
Is it beneficial to relive stress T. John Zachariah
Principal Scientist ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode-673012, Kerala
I
n the present era of nutraceuticals and functional foods, many persons resort to different techniques to relive lifestyle stress. Stress-reducing therapies help maintain cognitive performance during stress. Aromatherapy is popular for stress reduction, 26 but its effectiveness and mechanism are unclear. Aromatherapy is one of the complementary therapies which use essential oils as the major therapeutic agent to treat several diseases. Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oil from herbs, flowers, and other plants. Essential oils can be absorbed into the body via the skin or via the olfactory system.
permeability properties of essential oils. Inhalation, local application and baths are the major methods used in aromatherapy that utilize these oils to penetrate the human skin surface. Once the oils are in the system, they re-modulate themselves and work in a friendly manner at the site of malfunction or at the affected area.
This type of therapy utilizes various permutation and combinations to get relief from numerous ailments like depression, indigestion, headache, insomnia, muscular pain, respiratory problems, skin ailments, swollen joints, urine associated complications Aromatherapy etc. The essential oils are found to be more is one of the complebeneficial when other mentary therapies which aspects of life and diet use essential oils as the are given due considmajor therapeutic agent to eration.
Different methods are used to deliver aromatherapy, such as diffusers, baths, massage, and compresses. Several studies have reported that arotreat several diseases. Esmatherapy is effective for reducing pain in paAromatherapy desential oils can be absorbed tients with many types rived its name from into the body via the skin of pain conditions, inthe word aroma, which or via the olfactory cluding postoperative pain, means fragrance or system. fibromyalgia and dysmensmell and therapy which orrhoea. However, the therameans treatment. This therpeutic effects of aromatherapy are apy is a natural way of healing not well supported by clinical studies. a person’s mind, body and soul. Many ancient civilizations like Egypt, China The essential or volatile oils are extracted and India have used this as a popular complefrom the flowers, barks, stem, leaves, roots, mentary and alternative therapy for at least fruits and other parts of the plant by vari6000 years. Aromatherapy has established itous methods. It came into existence after the self for the treatment of an array of complicascientists deciphered the antiseptic and skin tions and conditions. The essential oils have AGRICULTURE
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gained their importance in therapeutic, cosmetic, aromatic, fragrant and spiritual uses. Aromatherapy uses essential oils, as the main therapeutic agents, which are said to be highly concentrated substances extracted from flowers, leaves, stalks, fruits and roots, and also distilled from resins. Essential oils are a mixture of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, alcohol, aldehydes, esters, ethers, ketones, oxides phenols and terpenes, which may produce characteristic odors . There are various methods by which they are administered in small quantity like inhalation, massage or simple applications on the skin surface and rarely, they are taken internally. Inhalation and the external application of these oils for the treatment of mental and physical balance are the very basics of aroma-
therapy. The therapy of these oils is known to relieve the stress, rejuvenate and regenerate the individual for a next day’s work. Olfactory nerves from nose to the brain are the site of action for these essential oils. These oils have well proven antibacterial, antibiotic, and antiviral properties and many published reports elsewhere as well as traditional medicine practitioners have suggested them to be useful in many other diseases like Alzheimer, cardiovascular, cancer and labor pain in pregnancy etc. There is an increased trend nowadays to use this therapy in the treatment of cancer and sleep disorder. Their organic character acts in a supportive manner with the body, providing a feeling of wellbeing. It was found that the locomotor activity of mice increased signif-
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icantly by inhalation of rosemary essential oils, which are used in phytotherapy as activating and refreshing remedy for exhaustion. This therapy was found to be superior when compared to synthetic odors. Synthetic fragrances generally contain irritants like solvents and propellants causing irritation in some people.
Proposed mode of action of aroma therapy Aroma therapy has been employed for relief in dementia, hypertension, pain relief, psychological problems, anxiety, depression etc. Essential oils are complementary to medical treatment and can never be taken as a replacement for it. These aroma molecules are very potent organic plant chemicals that might help the surroundings free from disease, bacteria, virus and fungus. Their versatile charAGRICULTURE
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acter of antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory nature along with immune booster body with hormonal, glandular, emotional, circulatory, calming effect, memory and alertness enhancer is well documented by many researchers. These oils are known for their specific character, as their potency is not lost with time and age. Their effects are also complex and subtle due to their complex structure and chemical properties. The mechanism of their action involves integration of essential oils into a biological signal of the receptor cells in the nose when inhaled. The signal is transmitted to limbic and hypothalamus parts of the brain via olfactory bulb. These signals cause brain to release neuro messengers like serotonin, endorphin etc., to link our nervous and other body systems assuring a desired change and to provide a feeling of relief. Serotonin, endorphin and
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in pure vegetable oil during massage has been shown to have wonderful effects. This is also known as healing touch of massage therapy.
Medical aromatherapy The founder of modern aromatherapy ReneMaurice Gattefosse has used essential oils to massage patients during surgery, thus utilizing the medical aromatherapy knowledge of the effect of essential oils for treating clinically diagnosed medical ailments.
Olfactory aromatherapy Inhalation of essential oils has given rise to olfactory aromatherapy, where simple inhalation has resulted in enhanced emotional wellness, calmness, relaxation or rejuvenation of the human body. The release of stress is welded with pleasurable scents which unlock odor memories.
Psycho-aromatherapy In psycho-aromatherapy, certain states of moods and emotions can be obtained by these oils giving the pleasure of relaxation, invig- 29 oration or a pleasant memory. The inhalation of the oils in this therapy is direct though the infusion in the room of a patient.
Major plants used in aromatherapy Some internationally used essential oil plants are listed in table1. noradrenalin are released from calming oil, euphoric, and stimulating oil respectively to give expected effect on mind and body.
Cosmetic aromatherapy This therapy utilizes certain essential oils for skin, body, face and hair cosmetic products. These products are used for their various effects as cleansing, moisturizing, drying and toning. A healthy skin can be obtained by use of essential oils in facial products. On a personal level, cosmetic aromatherapy will be a simple and effective way to have an experience. Similarly, few drops of appropriate oil give a rejuvenating and revitalizing experience.
Massage aromatherapy The use of grape seed, almond, or jojoba oil
Eucalyptus Eucalyptus [Eucalyptus globulus Labill (E. globulus)] belonging to the family of Myrtaceae, is a tall evergreen plant with a height up to 250 feet. Eucalyptus oil is known for its constituents like cineole (70%–85%), aromadendrene limonene terpinene, cymene, phellandrene and pinene. Its oils have been used to regulate and activate the various systems like nervous system for neuralgia, headache and debility. It is also known to boost immunity against measles, flu, cold and chickenpox. Throat infections, catarrh, coughs, bronchitis, asthma and sinusitis associated with respiratory system have been taken care of by oils of this plant. Moreover, skin problems like wounds, cuts, burns, herpes, lice, insect repellent and insect bites can be treated with it. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, muscle AGRICULTURE SEPTEMBER 2017
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Table.1.Major plant parts used in aroma therapy Sl.no.
Essential oil plants
Parts used
1
Bergamot, lemon, lime, sweet orange
Fruit peel
2
Cinnamon
Bark
3
Citronella, lemongrass, palmarosa, patchouli
Leaves
4
Geranium, lavender, rosemary
Entire plant
5
Ginger, vetiver
Roots
6
Jasmine, neroli(orange blossom), rose, ylang ylang
Flowers
and joint pains and aches is well reported from the essential oils of this plant. Eucalyptus oil has demonstrated its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anti-proliferative and antibacterial activities and researchers have proved its efficacy beyond doubt in treatment of various metabolic and infectious diseases.
Lavender Lavender (Lavandula officinalis Chaix.) belonging to the family of Lamiaceae, is a beautiful herb It contains camphor, terpinen-4-ol, linalool, linalyl acetate, betaocimene and 1,8-cineole . Its constituent varies in concen30 tration and therapeutic effects with the different species. Linalool and linalyl acetate have maximum and great absorbing properties from skin during massage with a depression of central nervous system. Linalool shows sedative effects and linalyl acetate shows marked narcotic actions. These two actions may be responsible for its use in lavender pillow anxiety patients with sleep disturbance pattern, improving the feeling of well being, supporting mental alertness and suppressing aggression and anxiety. Lavender oil shows its antibacterial and antifungal properties against many species of bacteria, especially when antibiotics fail to work, but the exact mechanisms are yet to be established.
Lemon Lemon [Citrus limon Linn. (C. limon)] belongs to the family of Rutaceae. Its oil constituents are abundant in the terpenes, D-limonene and Llimonene,together forming about 90 percent of the bulk of the oil. Traces of phellandrene, pinene and sesquiterpene are also present. The valuable portion of the oil is the remaining 10% which consists of oxygenated bodies, chiefly the aldehyde citral, to which the odor AGRICULTURE
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of the oil is largely due and of which there is 3.5%–5% odor present in the oil. When compared to other essential oils, its constituents have antiseptic, astringent and detoxifying properties, for blemishes associated with oily skin. Its oil brightens and rejuvenates dull skin. Lemon essential oil is mainly used to boost the immune system and to accelerate the white corpuscles production along with counteracting acidity and ulcers through citric acid, which helps digestion, by forming carbonates and bicarbonates of potassium and calcium. Study on aromatherapy has suggest-
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tate, limonene and menthone. The pharmacological action is due to menthol, primary constituent of peppermint oil. At least 44% free menthol is present in peppermint oil. It is used in many liniments dosage form to relieve pain spasms and arthritic problems. Peppermint oil is reported to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, digestive, carAroma therapy has minative, fungicidal effects, been employed for relief nervine stimulant, vasoconstrictor, decongestant in dementia, hypertenand stomachic properties. sion, pain relief, psycho-
logical problems, anxiety, depression etc
When superficially applied around the head and temple, it has very good action on headache. It is observed that it can relieve many bacterial, fungal, and viral infections when inhaled or applied in the form of a vapor balm. Sinus and lung congestion are also known to be cleared by this oil. The mechanisms by which aromatherapy reduces stress maybe related to sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic modulation. Aromatherapy may decrease sympathetic nervous system activity and increase parasympathetic nervous system .These may promote relaxation and reduce stress level. However, more basic research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of aromatherapy.
ed that citrus oil is good in relieving the first stage labor pain. It is effective in controlling the nausea and vomiting along with its mood elevating properties
Peppermint
Aromatherapy may appear to be generally safe; regardless, the safety of aromatherapy requires further research. To establish the role of aromatherapy in the stress management, adequately designed trials are required. Future studies should be of high quality, with particular emphasis on designing adequate and appropriate control groups. In conclusion, based on published data there is limited evidence for the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing stress level of healthy subjects. Source:
Peppermint[Mentha piperita Linn. (M. piperita)] belongs to the family of Lamiaceae. The two most important are peppermint (M. piperita) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). Spearmint bears the strong aroma of sweet character with a sharp menthol undertone. Its oil constituents include carvacrol, menthol, carvone, methyl ace-
Babar Ali, Naser Ali Al-Wabel, Saiba Shams, Aftab Ahamad, Shah Alam Khan and Firoz Anwar.Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 5(2015):601-611 Myeong Soo Lee, Jiae Choi, Paul Posadzki and , Edzard Ernst. Aromatherapy for health care: An overview of systematic reviews. Maturitas 71 (2012):257– 260
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QUEEN OF SPICES
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GENETIC DIVERSITY IN QUEEN OF SPICES Alfiya P V, Manoj P Samuel
Scientist, Engineering Division, ICAR-CIFT, Cochin Principal Scientist and Head, Engineering Division, ICAR-CIFT, Cochin
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Genetic diversity of each crop is very important for agricultural sustainability. It plays an important role in the survival and adaptability of a species.
*Preethy T T,Dhanya M.K, Aswathy T.S, Sathyan T, Murugan M. anpreeththottamkara@gmail.com, Cardamom Research Station, Pampadumpara
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enetic diversity is the term for the diversity of the genetic material in a population or species. Genetic diversity of each crop is very important for agricultural sustainability. It plays an important role in the survival and adaptability of a species. When a population’s habitat changes, the population may have to adapt to survive; the ability of the population to adapt to the changing environment will determine their ability to cope with an environmental challenge. So it is very essential to maintain varietal level diversity in each crop to mitigate the several biotic and abiotic stresses. For each crop, the varietal level diversity is structured by the sum total of land races, cultivars, obsolete varieties and popular varieties. Small cardamom is a well known highly valued spice with a designation as“Queen of spices” from ancient times. The evergreen rainforests of Western Ghats is the birth centre of small cardamom and the major share of production comes from the Idukki high ranges. Majority of the farmers of high ranges depend on cardamom cultivation for meeting their livelihood and the ruling cultivar is Njallani or Green Gold. Apart from Njallani, several other cultivars and land races are also cultivated in the Western Ghats area. But at the same time, several research organizations and institutions are also involved in the development of improved varieties of small cardamom. However, due to the dominance of Njallani in all of the cardamom growing tracts, the diversity of cardamom cultivars are being eroding day by
day.Apart from this, Njallani is comparatively less shade preferred cultivar to other cultivars. This has led to the deforestation and degradation of the CHR region. In this context, the well known land races, cultivars and released varieties can be instrumental to increase the genetic base of the cardamom. Based on the nature of panicle, carda- 33 mom land races are classified into Malabar, Vazhukka and Mysore. Malabar type is better suited to lower elevation of 600-1000 m above MSL (Mean Sea Level). Plants are medium and attain 2-3 m height on maturity. Panicles are absolutely prostrate. It is relatively less susceptible to thrips and shoot borer infestation. It can thrive well even under low rainfall conditions in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Mysore type is adapted to elevation ranging from 900-1200 m above MSL. Plants are robust and attain 3-4 m height on maturity. It performs well under assured, well distributed rainfall condition in Kerala and Karnataka. Vazhukkatype is a natural hybrid of Malabar and Mysore types and exhibits intermediate characteristics of both. It is well adapted to elevation ranging from 900-1600 m above MSL. Plants are robust and panicles are semi-erect. Capsules are bold, globose or ovoid in shape.
Elite land races identified from farmers’ fields Elite cardamom clones namely Njallani(Sri. Sebastian Joseph, Njallani, Kattappana), Wonder cardamom (Sri. Sabu Varghese, Wonderkunnel, Valiyathovala, Kattappana), PanikulangaraNo. 1 and No. 2 (Sri.Joy PeAGRICULTURE SEPTEMBER 2017
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ter, Panikulangara House, KallarVattiar, Adimaly), ValyGreen Bold (Sri.Jose T. Vally, Valiplackal Estate, Meppara, Kattappana), KalarickalWhite (Sri.Baby, Kalarickal House, Pulianmala), Thiruthali (Sri. T.P Joseph, Idukki) and Palakodi were identified by some of the progressive farmers of Idukki district and they have spread throughout the cardamom growing tracts of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
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Njallani(Green Gold) With the introduction of Njallanicultivar, the productivity of the cardamom plantation in the major growing areas has been increased substantially. It is a Vazhukkatype, robust in nature. The dark green coloured non-pubescent leaves and the prominent ligule with light pale green colour are the striking features of the clone. Each panicle possesses an average of 30 racemes. Capsules are extra bold and thick skinned with dark green in colour and angular in shape. It is a fertilizer responsive cultivar and the productivity goes over 1000 kg/ha depending upon the management and soil as well as climatic conditions.
PanikulangaraNo. 1 and No. 2 Malabar, Vazhukka, Mysore types of small cardamom
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Panikulangaracultivars(No. 1 and No. 2) perform well under rainfed condition under low shade level. These cultivars have established
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The evergreen rainforests of Western Ghats is the birth centre of small cardamom and the major share of production comes from the Idukki high ranges. Majority of the farmers of high ranges depend on cardamom cultivation for meeting their livelihood and the ruling cultivar is Njallani or Green Gold.
Mr. T.P Joseph with his variety –Thiruthali
well in the northern part of the CHR (Devikulum Block). Capsules are oval shaped with attractive green colour.
Wonder cardamom Wonder cardamom cultivar is suitable for areas of lower altitudes. Plants are robust and bushy withvery long shoots and deep green
foliage.A single clump bears 30 to 50 tillers on average giving three panicles/tiller. Panicles are branched and very long (ranging from 1.5 to 2.0 meters) with short inter nodes. Each panicle bears 25-35 racemes each bearing 1530 capsules. Capsules are extra bold with deep green color. The potential yield per plant is 3.0 to 4.0 kg of dry cardamom compared to 2.5-3.0 kg in Njallani. One of the most im- 35 portant features of this farmer-bred variety, which has caught the attention of the scientific community, is the high adaptability for lower altitudes and traditional areas.
Cardamom and rubber intercropping system
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First released variety PV1 from Cardamom Research Station PV 2
ValyGreen Bold ValyGreen Bold cultivar responds well to organic manures application and the panicle of this clone has long life span (continuous flowering even to the next cropping season).It is a Vazhukkatype cardamom. The plants are robust in nature and the rhizomes are fleshy, very stout with close nodes and internodes. Panicles are unbranched and capsules 36 are extra bold and dark green.
KalarickalWhite Kalarickalwhite cultivar has white coloured flowers and registers higher yield under irrigated condition. Tillers are rigid with high tensile strength.24
Thiruthali Thiruthali is a farmer variety developed by Sri.T.P Joseph, Idukki. It has yield potential of 4 tonnes/ha with economic life span of 15 years. The cultivar has high tolerance to pest insect especially root grub and is moderately tolerant to Azhukal disease too. Its panicle is about 6 feet long. On an average, it produces four panicles/tiller. Profuse flowering and higher capsule setting are the important features. Another attractive feature of this variety is branching nature of the panicles that contributes to higher yields. The other identified promising land races include Palakudi, PNS Vaigai, Ela Rani -1, Ela Rani -2 and Ela Rani 3. Palakudiis a Malabar type cardamom. Plants are robust in nature AGRICULTURE
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and with stout and fleshy rhizomes. Each tiller has 2-3 unbranched panicles. Capsules are round bold and deep green in colour. PNS Vaigai has robust tall tiller, therefore, susceptible to wind damage. The dark green coloured non-pubescent leaves and the prominent ligules with light pale green colour are the striking features of this landrace. It has simple unbranched inflorescence. Capsules are extra bold with parrot green colour and thick skin. Ela Rani -1 is a Vazhukkatype cardamom. Plants are robust and bushy in nature with very stout pseudostem base. Capsules are round oblong and pale green in colour. Ela Rani -2 is a Vazhukkatype cardamom. The tillers are medium, hence more plants can be accommodated. Capsules are round, slightly oblong and pale green in colour.Ela Rani-3 is a Vazhukkatype cardamom. Plants are robust and bushy in nature with vigorous growth and strong tiller base. Capsules are medium sized but round and oblong in shape with light green colour.
Ex-situ conservation The Cardamom Research Station is also maintaining around 184cardamom accessions as field gene bank. Among accessions the peculiar types are Pink base, Mini pink, PV 8, Alfred clone, Compound panicle type, Munzerabad typeetc. Pink base and Mini pink are distinguished by its purple colouredpseudostem. Narrow leaf lamina is the
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If all these popular land races, cultivars and varieties are cultivated as multiline approach (mixed cropping in varietal level), we can reduce the yield losses caused by biotic and abiotic stresses to a greater extent and thereby, the sensitive CHR region can be sustainably managed. peculiar character of PV8. Generally, panicles of small cardamom are developed from the base of the pseudostem, but Alfred clone is characterized with both base and terminal panicles. The peculiar feature of Compound panicle type of cardamom is its branched panicles. Though each tiller produces two panicles in general, the accessions like Munzerabad types of small cardamom produce three to four panicles/tiller.
Kannielam Kannielam type of cardamom is suited for low lying forest areas like Thodupuzha and Kottayam regions. This cultivar is early bearing when compared with other cultivars/varieties of small cardamom. In the earlier days of the domestication of small cardamom, Kann-
imalaplayed an important role in the Western Ghats whereKannielam used to be abundant. But now the condition has changed, there is no in-situ method of conservation, and thereby, led to the narrow belt of genetic diversity.
Released varieties The Cardamom Research Station, Pampadumparahas so far released two varieties, namely PV1& PV2. The Indian Cardamom Research Institute (Spices Board), Mayiladumparahas released five varieties and one hybrid. ICRI 1, ICRI 3, ICRI 4 and ICRI 6 are clonal selections of Malabar type and ICRI 2 is a clonal selection from Mysore type. ICRI 5 is the first hybriddeveloped from Njallani(Green gold) and ICRI 1. Two Malabar varieties viz., Mudigere 1 and Mudigere 2 were released from the Regional ResearchStation, Mudigere. The Indian Institute of Spices 37 Research, Calicut has developed three varieties viz., CCS 1 (IISR Suvasini), RR 1(IISR Avinash) and NKE 12(IISR Vijetha) which are clonal selections from Malabar types. Among them, IISR Avinash and IISR Vijetha are tolerant to rhizome rot and viral (katte) disease respectively.
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PV 1 is a clonal selection from Malabar types of cardamom collected from Walayarand released in the year 1992. Panicles are short with closer cymes and the capsules are long and pointed. An average yield of 268 kg ha1was recorded even under low input management. This is highly suitable for marginal farmers, owing to its earliness as well as easy maintenance ofthrips and capsule borers. PV 2 is a selection from Vazhukkatype having bold capsules with an average yield of 982 kg ha-1, relatively tolerant to biotic stresses and possesses higher dry recovery of 23.8% owing to its rind character and quality. If all these popular land races, cultivars and varieties are cultivated as multiline approach (mixed cropping in varietal level), we can reduce the yield losses caused by biotic and abiotic stresses to a greaterextent and thereby, the sensitive CHR region can be sustainably managed.
Flower of Kalarickal white
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Unique land races –Pink base, PV 8 (peculiar character -Narrow leaf lamina)
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SPICE EXPORT
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Bijumon Kurian, MD, Plantrich Agritech Pvt Ltd
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“Price competition is the major
SETBACK�
P
lantrich Agritech Private Limited is an organic spice exporter based in Kerala, India that brings the fragrant flavours of the east to the global market. It has been recognized as one among the best organic spices manufacturers, suppliers and exporters in India with exceptional quality, as per Fairtrade and other international organic standards. Bijumon Kurian, MD, Plantrich Agritech Pvt Ltd, talks to AW about his venture, strategies and export opportunities of spices. His commitment to organic farming has won him many international and national accolades like Biggest Fairtrade Fan (2016) and Best Entrepreneur Award from Government of Kerala, India. Excerpts...
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Tell us about your venture, Plantrich Agritech and your initiatives taken to promote organic and sustainable farming? We are in the business of organic and Fairtrade farming and processing of spices with complete value-added as well as traceability to supply chain mechanism. We started in 1997, as an organic entrepreneur with a vision to sustain farming and give some respect to farmers. We later broadened our horizons to add farming, processing and export of value added spices. Now around 3400 hectares of land has been organic certified in Kerala as a part of our social responsibility drive and partnership with co-operative. We are
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procuring best quality organic produce from farmers offering them a good and fair price and exporting it. About your product portfolio and what are the key strategies you have adopted to ensure the sustainability of products and quality? Our product portfolio includes specialty spices like black pepper, dehydrated green pepper, white pepper, black pepper powder, ginger powder, turmeric powder, cinnamon powder and nutmeg powder for industrial and consumer market. Our strategies are sourcing from origin, maintaining purity and promoting ethnic verities with the help of our state-of-the art R&D wing which is well equipped to identify specialities like aroma, flavour of our products which makes them different from competitors’ products. We have a system to document each batch with specification as per international standards. All these features enhance our sustainability model. What are the challenges in this firm and how do you plan to overcome? The basic challenges compared to conventional farming are that organic farming is costly and needs more market linkages. Basic knowledge at farmer level about the merits of organic farming is also a challenge. Hence, we need more awareness programme which requires time and money. Through various partners we organize events to promote all things ‘organic’. We are constantly leveraging digital media for education and
public participation. Our messages are reaching the community slowly and steadily through these efforts. We have a website www.plantrich.com and are also active on social media that include LinkedIn, twitter and facebook to talk about our products and activities. What do you think of the technologies and innovations needed to enhance the spice industry? Spice industry is a premium industry where we need to invest in modern technologies to reduce any flavour loss as well as aroma. Many of the indigenous equipment have problems like losing aroma and flavours during processing. Hence, we need R& D for re-engineering the process flow towards international demand of specifications by leading customers. Further to the farming activities we need more mechanised farming. For example, traditional pepper plucking involves climbing tall trees with a height of more than 40 ft. Hence, we need a more sophisticated mechanism. As one of the leading exporters of spices, how do you evaluate the export opportunities of Indian spices? Indian spices have high brand value and demand in Europe and other Middle East countries. However, the price competition from other countries of origin gives a set back to our export.
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SPICE EXPORT
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We are the largest producers and exporters of chilly, turmeric and gingers. We have unique quality specialised spices like cardamom and pepper. Our products have fewer pesticides compared to any other country. Moreover our processing facilities are controlled by FSSAI which quality control standards in processing. Your company has performed an incredible role in organic spice export. How do you plan to be distinct from your competitor? We are the largest organic spice exporters from South India, both in quality and quantity. We prefer a sustainable quality approach and offer the best service to our customers. We also provide transparent feedback to our consumers which create more trust and long term business partnerships. We spent more on R&D and quality control than any other companies in this sector. Eating habits and food consumption patterns of world has changed a lot over the past few years. In this scenario, how do you see the scope of value-added spice products, especially with respect to export? AGRICULTURE
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he new trend in food habits is towards high quality food products as well as snacks without any dangerous preservatives. So, this offers a big scope of spices which has more anti-oxidant and other medicinal properties that makes food healthier when used in snacks and meals. How do you analyse the impact of GST? GST has a mixed impact. We are surprised to see that the opportunities of regional support by state to farmers have been lost. For example ginger had nil tax in Kerala for the past several years. Now due to the GST elements, the price will go up and farmers will lose in the process. However, the advantage of GST is that it is reducing several tax cuts and leading the way to a digitally organized business community. Share your future plans and expectations. We are planning branded organic food experience shops which will club both as retail outlets and cafes. We would also like to create a line of diet and health supplements from various spices and herbs.
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MASS – A BIO JOURNEY TO EMPOWER FARMERS Manarcadu Social Service Society (MASS) is a Kottayam based farmers’ cooperative group focussing on producing organic and Fairtrade crops. Started in 2001 with the support of Plantrich Agritech, MASS has been working with an objective of helping the farming communities in Kerala adapt to sustainable agricultural practices and thereby creating a better livelihood. Today, MASS is a strong community of organic farmers with 17 cluster groups that consists of 25 to 50 farmers each. The farmers associated with MASS produce a wide range of organic and fairtrade products which include black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, mace, ginger, turmeric, coffee, cocoa and pineapple. Its processing unit at Idinjamala, Idukki provides improved infrastructure for processing (box fermentation of co-
coa, solar drying of spices) and storage. MASS acts as an instrumental in empowering farmers to achieve organic certification and export their produces to western countries. In its network of small and marginal farmers, majority are women, many of whom hold leadership roles. It has insured more than 600 farmers, mostly from hilly areas that lack proper medical facilities. The farmers have an added incentive in the form of utilizing the Fairtrade Premium for their children’s education. “MASS has plans for setting up an International Sustainable Academy for Fairtrade and Organic farming in Idinjamala in Idukki. This will be a research institute for both the residents and overseas students”, said Sreekumar M S, CEO, MASS.
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NATURE & HEALTH
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Suresh Muthukulam
Former Principal Information OďŹƒcer, FIB, Kerala
A
garden that heals human beings is actually not a new way of thought. Healing gardens or landscapes have long been an important aspect of human life. When people first began erecting dwellings, healing places could be found within nature through sacred groves, special rocks and caves. Since ancient times, many civilizations have realised the healing qualities of gardens with their flowers, fruit trees, water and songbirds. But modern life style and advances in technology has largely diminished the importance of nature in the healing process in human life. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the healing effects of nature. Gardens are more than just a patch of flow-
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ers and vines. Research shows that spending time in a garden can nourish our souls and boost our physical as well as mental health. A garden can be a magical healing space. The positive health effects and curative gains associated with spending time in these gardens include enhanced well-being- physically, mentally and spiritually. History of Healing Gardens Healing or restorative gardens first appeared in Europe around the Middle Ages. Hospitals and monasteries for the sick and insane often incorporated courtyards which served as places for growing food crops and herbs for consumption and medicinal use and grow-
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ing flowers for use in ceremonies. The spaces were traditionally divided into quadrants by paths and at the centre stood a well or fountain. In the 5th century AD, gardens were generally perceived to contribute to the improvement of health and have been used as a place of respite from travels, to serve as a place to recover from illness or simply to isolate the sick or infirm from the healthy individuals. Thus healing gardens became an active part of hospitals, nursing homes, mental asylums etc. Healing garden definition The term healing gardens is most often applied to green spaces in hospitals and other health care centres that specifically aim to
improve health outcomes. These gardens provide a place of refuge and promote healing in patients, families etc. Healing garden should give a sense of restoration from stress and have other positive influences on patients, visitors and staff or care givers. Access to nature promotes health through reduction in stress, depression, myopia, pain fatigue, aggression, impulsivity and symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADHD), improvement in immune system, bone strength, wound healing, cognition, concentration, emotional resilience, empathy, vitality, relaxation mood and satisfaction. Roger Ulrich states that by labelling a garden as healing garden it should have therapeutic or beneficial effects on its users.
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NATURE & HEALTH
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Healing through Aroma Sl. no. 1 2 3
Name of the Plant Scented rose Manoranjitham Star jasmine
4 5 6
Nyctanthes Jasmine Queen of the night
Scientific Name Rosa damascena Artabotrys hexapetalus Trachelospermum jasminoides Nyctanthes arbortristis Jasmine grandiflorum Cestrum nocturnum
Family
Propagation
Rosaceae Aunonaceae Apocynaceae
cuttings Cuttings, seeds cuttings
Oleaceae Oleaceae Solanaceae
cuttings cuttings Cuttings
Healing through Colour Sl.no. 1
Name of the Plant Marigold
Scientific Name Tagetes erecta,
Family
Propagation
Asteraceae
seeds
Asteraceae
seeds
Tagetes patula
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2
Sunflower
Helianthes annus
3
Orchids
Deudrobium laenopsis,
4
Poinsettia
Poinsettia pulcher- Euphorbiaceae rima
Cuttings
5
Hibiscus
Hibiscus Rosa sin- Mahaceae ensis
cuttings
6
Lotus
Nelumbo nucifera
Seeds, Rhizome
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pha- Orchidaceae
Nelumbonaceae
Bulbs, Keikis
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Healing through Medicinal Plants S l . No.
Name of the Plant
ScientiďŹ c Name
Family Xanthorrtioceae
Propagation
1
Aloe
Aloe vera
2
Periwinkle
Catharanthus seus
3
Rue
Ruta graveolens
4
Lemongrass
Cymbopogan citra- Poaceae tus
Division of clump
5
Mints
Mentha
Lamiaceae
stolons
6
Sweet Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Lamiaceae
Stolons
7
Sweet Marjoram
Origanum majorana
Lamiaceae
Seeds, stolons
8
Rosemary
Rosemarinus cialis
ro- Apocynaceae Rutaceae
offi- Lamiaceae
suckers Seeds, cuttings seeds
Cuttings
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NATURE & HEALTH
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How to make healing gardens?
Designing Process
1. Alzheimer’s gardens: Alzheimers is the most common form of senile dementia. It affects up to 10% of adults over the age of 65 and 50 percent of those over 80; demential residencia.
Designing process is important for a healing garden. Here importance is given to the client and it should be designed as he/she can properly suit with the needs of the client. If needed the designer should work closely with the client and engage him/her in a variety of ways so that his/her ideas and preferences can be repressed. There are several methods to explore. To start with, the designer should take time to speak with the client and listen carefully to what suggestions and ideas, the client has for the space. The garden should ultimately reflect their preferences.
2. Healing gardens: Acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and other health care facilities. 3. Rehabilitation gardens: Rehabilitation 48 hospitals 4. Therapeutic gardens: These are found in a variety of settings including hospitals, skilled nursing homes, assisted living residences, continuing care retirement communities etc. 5. Restorative garden: Psychiatric hospitals. 6. Senior Community gardens: Assisted living, continuing care retirement communities etc. 7. Cancer gardens: chemotherapy facilities 8. Enabling gardens: vocational schools arboretum. 9. Meditation gardens: Religious institutions and other faith based settings. 1. The client should be involved in garden making. 2. The garden should stimulate the user’s senses. 3. The garden should be easy to comprehend and navigate. 4. The garden should provide relief from stressful environments. 5. Mobility in and around the garden is also good. AGRICULTURE
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Effective indices of Healing Gardens 1. Sense of control: Patients/residents must know a garden exists as it should be accessed and used in an active or passive way. It should have areas for privacy. 2. Social Support: Spatially enclosed settings that allow for specializing are often preferred by users. Designing for small and large groups are also important. But all the considerations for social support should not deny access to privacy. 3. Physical movement: Wild exercises can be encouraged by designs itself. For children areas that allow for stress reducing activities, plays should be included. 4. Access to nature: Medicinal, flowering and edible plants should form an essential part of the garden. Poisonous thorny plants should be avoided. As said, a garden is the perfect place to celebrate the cycle of life and ensure relief from stress. A successful healing garden is surely an effective way for a better life.
AGRINEWS
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CMFRI DEVELOPS BREEDING TECHNOLOGY FOR INDIAN POMPANO
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entral Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) successfully developed the seed production technology of Indian pompano (locally known as avolivatta), which has high commercial value both in domestic and international markets. This is the fifth of its kind of an achievement made by the CMFRI after the Institute developed seed production technology of cobia, silver pompano, orange spotted grouper and pink ear emperor. Indian pompano (Trachinotusmookalee) is the most suitable species for cage culture considering its fast growth rate, easy adaptability to culture conditions, quick acceptance of artificial feed, good meat quality and high consumer preference.
The technology was developed with the help of Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), a new facility in fish farming at the Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of CMFRI after two years of research. ‘This is the first report of the successful mass scale seed production of Indian pompano in the world. The achievement is a major breakthrough in Indian mariculture business which will help the farming community to use the hatchery-produced seeds of Indian pompano for cage farming,’ said Dr A. Gopalakrishnan, CMFRI Director. He added that mariculture activities would be diversified with CMFRI developing seed production technology of one more high-value marine fish.
PEPPER, CUMIN AND THYME GET UNIVERSAL STANDARDS
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lobal food standard-setting body Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) have adopted universal standards for three spices - black, white and greenpepper, cumin and thyme.
India, which is a major producer and exporter of these spices, played a key role in pushing the entry of these commodities to have Codex standards.Adoption of Codex standards for the spices will facilitate evolving a common standardisation process for their global trade and availability. ‘These spices have been included for the
first time as commodities that will have such universal standards. The move will bring harmony to the global spice trade and ensure availability of high quality, clean and safe spices to the world,’ said, NirmalaSitharaman, Commerce and Industry Minister. According to Spices Board Chairman A. Jayathilak, it is not only a recognition of India’s stellar role to benchmark and harmonises global spices trade but it could also herald the entry of more spices and herbs in the list for the universal trading of safe and quality spices in various countries. AGRICULTURE SEPTEMBER 2017
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FARMING
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Contract Farming in India
Prospects & Limitations 50
Contract farming is defined as those contractual arrangements, between farmers and companies, whether oral or written, specifying one or more conditions of production and / or marketing of an agricultural product Naresh Prasad, A K Singh and J M Saini Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd New Delhi -110025
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ndian agricultural scenario has given birth to the concept of contract farming, which promises to (i) provide a proper linkage between the farm and market (ii) promote high degree of competition at the supply and market end, and (iii) minimize intermediaries in order to increase farmers’ income. “Contract farming is defined as those contractual arrangements, between farmers and companies, whether oral or written, specifying one or more conditions of production and / or marketing of an agricultural product.”
with input suppliers and produce markets, inadequate infrastructure and market information, lack of post-harvest
Scope of Contract Farming:
Extensive areas are required by the Agro-processors for an intensive cultivation to build a uniform method of cultivation that would reduce their production and transaction costs with the growers.
In our country the farmers face the problems of traditional technology and management practices, little bargaining power AGRICULTURE
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Management expertise, poor package of produce and inadequate capital to grow a quality crop. They are waiting for change for better living standards. Contract farming helps small farmers to participate in the production of high value crops like vegetables, flowers, fruits etc. and benefit from market led growth.
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FARMING
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Effective & efficient monitoring of production operations, extension activities and credit delivery in a conjugal area is easy in Contract farming. Contract farming will maximize the profits to the farmers and minimize risk in farming like production related risks, transfer price risk and produce risk. There is a tendency amongst the users to go in for environmental friendly, value added quality agro products in their daily life. The farmers find it easy to get under one roof inputs, technological & extension services, postharvest processing facilities and more importantly, the marketing of their produce with assured cash returns. AGRICULTURE
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Contract farming facilitates more and more private Companies to develop backward linkages with the farmers. Access to crop loans at attractive terms through tie-ups with Banks is facilitated through contract farming. There is a tendency amongst farmers to go in for an alternate cropping system for better monetary returns. Patterns of contract farming Basically, there are five models of contract farming that are accepted globally. 1. Centralized model: The contracting company provides support
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to the production of the crop by smallholder farmers, purchases the crop from the farmers, and then processes, packages and markets the product, thereby tightly controlling its quality. This can be used for crops such as tobacco, cotton, barley, sugarcane, banana, coffee, tea, cocoa and rubber. This may involve thousands of farmers. The level of involvement of the contracting company in supporting production may vary. 2. Nucleus Estate model: This is a variation of the centralized model. The promoter also owns and manages an estate plantation (usually close to a processing plant) and the estate is often fairly large in order to provide some guarantee of throughput for the plant. It is mainly used for tree crops,
but can also be used for, e.g., fresh vegetables and fruits for export. 3. Multipartite model: The multipartite model usually involves the government, statutory bodies and private companies jointly participating with the local farmers. The model may have separate organizations responsible for credit provision, production, processing, marketing and management of the produce. 4. Intermediary model: This model has formal subcontracting by companies to intermediaries (collectors, farmer groups, NGOs) and the intermediaries have their own (informal) arrangements with AGRICULTURE SEPTEMBER 2017
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FARMING
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farmers. The main disadvantage in this model is it disconnects the link between company and farmer.
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5. Informal model:
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•
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This model is basically run by individual entrepreneurs or small companies who make simple, informal production contracts with farmers on a seasonal basis. The crops usually require only a minimal amount of processing or packaging for resale to the retail trade or local markets, as with vegetables, watermelons, and fruits. Financial investment is usually minimal. This is perhaps the most speculative of
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all contract farming models, with a risk of default by both promoter and farmer. Contract Farming in India – The way forward Assessment of Demand for better product value. Place of production to avoid surplus. Cost effective logistic increase in profit. Farmer’s awareness program create better knowledge on farm management. Clear terms of contract better understanding of deal. Suitable Infrastructure get low cost better input and equipment for farming. Suitable crop variety according to area need.
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Well managed contract farming is considered as an effective approach to help solve many of the market linkage and access problems for small farmers. Several Indian and multinational companies have already begun such initiatives in India and have demonstrated success.
bles and also the farmer want more profit for their produce. In line to meet customer demands / require- 55 ments companies are sourcing products and raw material directly from producer that is the farmer under an agreement with workable arrangement to ensure products of better quality to consumer which also create brand for them & increase of market share. In the same manner ,consumer is also going for better products not only in urban area but also in rural places.
• • •
Access to market through contractor give better returns. Research for better farming future by regular R&D in various segments. Government regulations an extra security system to both parties.
Future of Contract Farming in India: Presently our urban population range from 25 to 30 % and in the near future this graph will reach up to 50%. Also an interesting fact emerging in India that is growing awareness through various communication means, drive the customer to use more quality consuma-
Well managed contract farming is considered as an effective approach to help solve many of the market linkage and access problems for small farmers. Several Indian and multinational companies have already begun such initiatives in India and have demonstrated success. Therefore the present need is that the Government must promote contract farming by developing the necessary legislation and provide financial and infrastructural support. We must know what to grow, where to grow and how much to grow and go for creating awareness across the country to avoid situations of surplus and scarcity. This system definitely brig win-win situation to producer trader and consumer. AGRICULTURE SEPTEMBER 2017
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AGRICULTURE
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Making Agriculture a Solution to
ENVIRONMENTAL
Problems in
India
Rattan Lal
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Carbon Management and Sequestration Center The Ohio State University Columbus OH 43210 USA
T
he Prasana Upanishad states that, “Chhiti, Jal, Pavak, Gagan, Sameera; Panch Tatva Rachit Yeh Adham Sharira.� The human body is comprised of five elements: soil, water, energy, space and air. Yet, an objective assessment of the surroundings around us indicates that all these five elements have been utterly desecrated .Alas, the society on the whole has neglected the teachings of ancient sanskriti and undermined the quality and sustainability of natural resources.
The air in New Delhi is ranked as the most polluted amongst all cities of the world.This necessitates an immediate action at all levels (individual, household, community, state, regional and national) to accept responsibility for the dire situation and take an immediate action to reverse the degradation trends. Each and every citizen is a perpetrator and victim of the rampant pollution of the environment as is exemplified by polluted air, contaminated water, degraded soil and unhealthy citizens suffering from a range of diseases related to respiratory, digestive system, malnutrition AGRICULTURE
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and cardiac issues. In addition to polluted air and contaminated waters, soils of India are also highly degraded and depleted and prone to a wide range of degradation processes. Not only is the topsoil degraded because of the widespread use of extractive farming practices for centuries, the precious and finite topsoil is removed for brick making to meet the requirements of rapidly expanding urban population. Several inappropriate practices (i.e., burning of crop residues in the field; use of traditional household cooking fuel such as dung and biomass; use of topsoil for brick making; and dumping of human and industrial wastes in the rivers) require a critical appraisal of the societal disregards towards the long-term sustainability of natural resources. Translating any judicious thinking into an action plan necessitates an effective governance that makes provisions for clean cooking fuel, alternatives to brick making, scientific methods of disposal of crop residues for timely preparation of seedbed for the succeeding crop and development of forages-based farming/cropping systems so that the livestock are
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It is important to realize that the health of soil, plants, animals, people and ecosystems is one and indivisible. Therefore, improving human health requires that soil health be restored and sustained in perpetuity.
fed properly and looked after humanely. The long-term goals (25 year period) are to restore soil health via regular inputs of biomass-carbon (C) into soil (through compost, manure, mulching, cover cropping, agro forestry etc.) to enhance soil organic matter(SOM) content and improve activity and species diversity of soil biota (e.g., earthworms, termites, microorganisms including bacteria and fungi). It is important to realize that the health of soil, plants, animals, people and ecosystems is one and indivisible. Therefore, improving human health requires that soil health be restored and sustained in perpetuity.
Soil Degradation in India The ancient scriptures teach us to worship the mother earth, which is appropriately named “Bhumi,” “Dherra,” “Vasundhra,” “Prithvi.” Gurbani vividly states: “Mata Dharat Mahat” –Mother Earth is the Greatest. Yet, the mother Earth receives the worst treatment than any other “dirt.” It is utterly ignored and dejected to fend for itself. It is no wonder, therefore, that soils of India are amongst the most degraded in the world. Soil degradation, decline in health and functionality of soil because of land misuse and
soil mismanagement, is a serious issue in India. As much as 45% of the total land area (147 out of 329 million ha or Mha) is degraded by one or a combination of several processes. Land area (Mha) affected by different degradation processes include 103.2 by accelerated erosion (both water and wind), 14.3 by water logging, 5.9 by salinity, 16.3 by acidity and 7.4 by other processes. These estimates do not include land area prone to nutrient mining (negative nutrient budget) and elemental imbalance, severe depletion of SOM content with level often as low as 0.1% in the rootzone, loss of soil structure and filth, and the area scalped off to 1-m depth and the topsoil removed and burnt for making bricks.
Burning Crop Residues Burning of crop residues and animal dung in India is symptomatic of poverty, illiteracy, poor governance, lack of stewardship of natural resources, and sheer ignorance about the environmental consequences. Crop residues are burnt to meet the diverse needs of the ever-growing populace who are often desperate to meet its basic needs of meager existence. Of the total 620 million tons of crop residues produced annually by a range of crops, about 100 million tons are burnt in- field during OcAGRICULTURE SEPTEMBER 2017
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AGRICULTURE
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. Burning of crop residues and animal dung in India is symptomatic of poverty, illiteracy, poor governance, lack of stewardship of natural resources, and sheer ignorance about the environmental consequences. Indiscriminate burning of crop residues is a crime against nature and humanity. tober-November to dispose off the rice residues to seed wheat and in April to dispose off wheat residues to plant cotton and other summer crops. In-field burning of 100 million tons of residues includes 40 of rice, 22 of wheat, 20 of sugarcane, 8 of cotton, 3 each of maize and jute, 2 of millet and 1 each of groundnut and mustard. India also produces more than 30 million tons of rice husk annually. In rural communities, rice husk is disposed off by burning within the mill’s compound, exacerbating the air pollution and throwing up in the flames the precious resource.
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soil. Above all, numerous obnoxious gases emitted into the air are a serious health hazard and cause of pulmonary diseases, especially among children. Air pollutants with severe health consequences include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, soot particulate matter and many more. Yes, indiscriminate burning of crop residues is a crime against nature and humanity.
Cow Dung Used for Household Energy Animal (cattle) dung production in India is estimated at about 600 million tons per annum. Composted and used as manure, it is a rich source of plant nutrients, SOM content, and important to increasing soil filth and its plant available water capacity. It is a source of food/energy for earthworms and other soil biota. However, more than 200 million tons of dung is used for household cooking with dire consequences to human and soil health. With poor ventilation, fumes from incomplete combustion are a source of numerous obnoxious gases. The 24-hour mean particulate matter in air of household using dung as cooking fuel can range from 300-5000µg/m3. Yet, soils of India require as much as 20 million tons of nutrients (N, P, K) to produce food for its ever-growing population, while the precious nutrient source (dung) is burnt and blown away with the smoke and smog.
Pollution of Sacred Rivers
In addition to the loss of the energy source (food) for soil-dwelling organisms, the precious plant nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) are either volatilized, washed/ blown away with ash or leached into the subAGRICULTURE
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Last rite of the departing soul “ENT KAL” includes a drink from the holy river of Ganges, Yamuna, Srawati and others. Alas, the water of these sacred rivers has been utterly desecrated by relentless dumping of urban, industrial, and agricultural pollutants. Not only are these waters unfit for human and animal consumption, polluted waters are also unsuitable for irrigation of agricultural lands. The sacred daughter of Lord Siva, escorted by “Saint Bhagirath” from the mount “Kailash” to the plains with glorious entrance at “Hari Dwar” has been neglected and abused, just like many other daughters of India. Even the risks of the ferocious “Tandva Nritya” of Lord Shiva has
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not been a big enough deterrent of the abuse of the sacred waters. The sacred rivers deserve a better treatment from their children.
Brick Making from Topsoil The tradition of brick making dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization and beyond. India operates more than 100,000 brick kilns, employs 15 million workers, consumes 35 million tons of coal and produces 250 billion bricks every year. It is estimated by some that an equivalent of 30-cm (one foot) of topsoil from India will be consumed within 60 years of brick making for providing accommodation to the growing population in India . In addition to the depletion of the topsoil, brick making kilns emit 400,000 tons of greenhouse gases and are a major source of air pollution. Since the topsoil contains most of the SOM reserves and both macro and micronutrients, crops grown in the exposed sub-soil are often devoid of essential micronutrients. The brick making process aggravates food and nutritional insecurity both directly and indirectly, and adversely affects human health and wellbeing by polluting the air. Yet, there is a vast potential of improving this vast but
unregulated industry. Rather than scalping off of topsoil from everywhere, sub-soil can be mined from appropriate locations following the regulations and quality standards of the mining industry.
Making Agriculture a Solution to the Problem Agriculture affects and is affected by all “Panch Tatava� that constitute the human body: chhiti (soil), jal (water), pavak (fire/energy), gagan (space), and sameera (air). Rather than a problem, judicious use of precious resources in agriculture constitute an important solution. The strategy is to reuse and recycle agricultural wastes to restore degraded soils and purify polluted waters by: (i) using compost made from crop and animal residues as soil amendments and ameliorants, (ii) producing bio-energy from animal dung and other wastes as biogas and using the nutrient-fortified slurry as fertilizers, (iii) treating black and gray water towards safe use for irrigation and recycling of plant-nutrients on agricultural fields, (iv) prohibiting use of topsoil for brick making and identifying appropriate locations for mining of clay as an industrial raw material, (v) using rice husk, sugarcane bagasse and coconut shells and fronds as industrial raw materials AGRICULTURE SEPTEMBER 2017
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AGRICULTURE
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India operates more than 100,000 brick kilns, employs 15 million workers, consumes 35 million tons of coal and produces 250 billion bricks every year. In addition to the depletion of the topsoil, brick making kilns emit 400,000 tons of greenhouse gases and are a major source of air pollution. for value addition, (vi) incorporating (seasonal and perennials) in the crop rotation for effective integration of crops with trees and livestock following the nexus approach, (vii) developing waste water treatment plants so that untreated urban and industrial effluents are not discharged into rivers, (viii) using drip sub-irrigation for an effective and prudent use of scarce but precious water resources rather than wasteful and outdated flood irrigation, (ix) growing nutrition-sensitive crops so that the food is nutritive and wholesome, and (x) producing more food from less land, water, fertilizers, pesticides and energy by restoring soil health, reducing losses and improving the use efficiency of all resources and inputs.
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Prudent Governance and Policy Interventions The prudent governance involves promoting the adoption of best management practices through education, communication and incentivization. Rather than subsidizing the inputs, farmers can be rewarded for delivery of critical ecosystem services. Payments for sequestration of carbon in soil is a win-win situation and meets the goals “4 per Thousand� program launched at the Climate Summit of COP21 in December 2015 in Paris.To encourage farmers to return crop residues and animal dung to the land, the payment would amount to the annual rate of US$40/ha at the modest rate of soil carbon sequestration of 330 kgC/ha.yr. Recommended management practices of soil C sequestration would involve retention of crop residues as mulch rather than in-field burning and disposal for other uses, and use of dung as compost rather than burning as cooking fuel, these practices would be used according to the concept of conservation agriculture with no-till farming, complex rotations and integrated management of plant nutrients. There is also the AGRICULTURE
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need for modernizing the irrigation system for saving and purification of surface waters, in conjunction with installation of drip sub-irrigation (rather than flood irrigation) and purification of surface(e.g., village ponds and streams) and ground waters. Similar to carbon credits, there is also an option of trading of water credits to incentivize farmers for adoption of recommended management practices. Rather than using dung and biomass as traditional fuel, these can be used for production of biogas through installation of bioreactors at household and community level .Promoting small and medium scale industry would be a good option, as would be the use of improved cooking stove. It is important that topsoil is not used to make bricks and alternative materials (e.g., fly ash, rice husk ash, sub-soil clay mined from designated sites) are identified. These innovations would also involve revisiting of the school curricula to include environmental education and stewardship of soil, water and other natural resources as essential classes at the primary, middle and high school, and college levels.
Policy interventions to promote the adoption of such innovations imply the proper and prudent governance that should be adopted by all policy makers at village, district, state, and national level. “Kheti” is indeed an “uttam” profession and “kisan” is the true savior of “Dharti Mata,” “Ganga Meyya,” and parent to the Lord Hanuman “The Pavan.”
FEED BACK We invite your opinion on articles published in the magazine and your comments on the subject discussed . Please send the feed back to feedback@krishijagran.com
or write to Feedback,Agriculture World, 60/9,3rd Floor,Yusuf Sarai Market,Near Green Park Metro Station,New Delhi 110016
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CLIMATE CHANGE:
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Impact on Cotton Crop Production
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Fossil fuel use is the primary factor responsible for increasing carbon dioxide concentration. Carbon dioxide levels have risen 1.4-fold from 280 ppm in 1750 AD. At present the carbon dioxide levels are 385 ppm. Since cotton is a C3 plant, it is anticipated that cotton production may increase with an increase in the carbon dioxide levels.
D. Blaise
Head, Crop Production, ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur
T
hough India is the largest cotton producing country in the world, the average yields are far below the world average (713 kg lint/ha). One of the major reasons often cited for the low productivity is that the proportion of cotton acreage is high under rainfed conditions. Besides this abiotic constraint, there are biotic constraints such as the pests and disease incidence that affect cotton productivity. Climate change will be among the new list of production constraints in the coming years by modifying the crop growth conditions. This is due to the growing development and surge in the production of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide that are the main green house gases.
Presently, cotton is grown in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the country. The areas in which cotton is grown may be challenged in the future, following an increase in temperature and reduction in water supply as a result of rainfall deficit. It is quite probable that some regions may suffer due to excess water supply. According to the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) comprising scientists across countries have predicted a rise in temperature of about 1.4 to 5.5 oC over the next century. Peter Ton (2011) stated that cotton production contributes nearly 0.3 to 1% of the global green house emission. The emissions, however, are a function of the use of inputs indicating higher emission from the intensive farms than those relying on low external inputs. Therefore, emission levels will be lower in the rain fed regions of central and south India than the irrigated north. Life cycle analysis done by Cotton Incorporated, USA, suggests that cotton cultivation can be considered as a net ‘C sink’. This is
because the production of green house gases is less than that stored in the cotton fibre and the soil. However, once the fibre is used for the final product (yarn, textile industry); the C stored gets released and contributes to the production of the green house gases. It is important to note that cotton cultivation as such contributes less to the production of green house gases as compared to the industry. Nevertheless, the probable effects of climate change on cotton production are discussed below along with potential management options to mitigate the adverse impacts of cli- 63 mate change.
Elevated carbondioxide Fossil fuel use is the primary factor responsible for increasing carbon dioxide concentration. Carbon dioxide levels have risen 1.4-fold from 280 ppm in 1750 AD. At present the carbon dioxide levels are 385 ppm. Since cotton is a C3 plant, it is anticipated that cotton production may increase with an increase in the carbon dioxide levels.
Elevated temperature, droughts and heat waves General Circulation Models show nearly 3.95, 3.20 and 1.85 °C rise in mean temperature of cotton growing regions of India for the A2, B2 and A1B scenarios, respectively . Using the Infocrop-cotton simulation model, Hebbar et al. (2013) reported that seed cotton yield is expected to decline by 477 kg ha−1 for the A2 scenario and by 268 kg ha−1 for the B2 scenario, whereas it was non-significant for the A1B scenario. However, increase in temperature does not occur in isolation. Concomitant increases in the carbon dioxide levels are also expected. Therefore, when both the temperature and carbon dioxide levels increase, effects of temperature were found to have no AGRICULTURE SEPTEMBER 2017
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adverse impact. It has projected that cotton production in north India may be adversely affected due to an increase in temperature. On the other hand, in rain fed regions of central India the adverse effect of rise in temperature is likely to be minimized due to higher rainfall. No impact is likely in southern India. Thus, in general, at present rates, it is expected that cotton production in the country may not be affected to a great extent as will be the case for the grain crops such as rice and wheat. The most critical period of crop growth is the flower and fruit formation which has a high AGRICULTURE
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water requirement and a moderate temperature (~35 0C). A rise in temperature during this phase is likely to increase pest and disease infestation and may adversely affect crop yields. Influence of a changing climate on pest and disease infestation are currently under investigation. Due to changing climate, it is predicted that the frequency of droughts may increase and with the rising temperatures the possibility of experiencing heat waves may also be greater. Furthermore, rise in temperature also increases the demand for water due to high evapo-transpiration rates. High temperature
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Due to changing climate, it is predicted that the frequency of droughts may increase and with the rising temperatures the possibility of experiencing heat waves may also be greater. Furthermore, rise in temperature also increases the demand for water due to high evapo-transpiration rates. High temperature coupled with a decrease in water supply to the crop will most likely lead to greater yield declines. of the crop and an elevated rate of respiration. If such a situation arises, crops may mature faster and earlier. In north India, this is likely to benefit the cotton crop as the harvest stage is delayed due to decrease in temperature. 65
Management strategies
coupled with a decrease in water supply to the crop will most likely lead to greater yield declines.
The contribution of cotton cultivation to the production of green house gases is low as compared to other crops. But the effect of climate change is expected to impact the entire agriculture. The best possible course is to develop adaptation strategies that will lead to resilience in order to combat the challenges arising due to climate change. Ultimately, it will be dependent on a multi-faceted systems-based approach that combines all elements of the cropping system to adapt to the change that is occurring. Considerable technical options exist for reducing emissions. We can lessen the magnitude of climate change by way of reducing emission of green house gases. At the farm level, three main options are available:
Excess rain and flooding
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Minimizing tillage operations and recycling of crop residues
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Reducing the use of fertilizer inputs, especially nitrogen and improving the techniques of application
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Adopting good agronomic practices
High rainfall may be experienced in the central regions of India. Furthermore, with an increase in sea level, flooding may be common in the cotton grown close to the coastal belt of Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
Growing season Crop growth season is likely to be influenced with a changing climate. High temperature will bring about a shortening in the life cycle
Minimizing tillage AGRICULTURE SEPTEMBER 2017
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Tillage contributes to opening the soil and in turn promotes the oxidation of C to carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere. Furthermore, unnecessary tillage operations increase the carbon based footprint through the use of fuel. Minimizing tillage and adopting conservation tillage techniques such as reduced tillage and recycling of crop residues can lead to sequestering carbon into the soil. Nitrogen fertilizer management Nitrous oxide is a main green house gas that is directly related to the use of nitrogenous fertilizers. Fertilizer-N usage increased with the cultivation of Bt hybrids across regions, whether irrigated or rain fed. This was necessitated to obtain the high potential yield of the Bt cotton hybrids. However, nitrous oxide emissions occur predominantly under anaerobic conditions. This is seldom the case in the well drained, aerobic cotton fields. There maybe, however, patches of anaerobic spots where the nitrate-N gets reduced leading to the formation of nitrous oxide. Another approach is the use of nitrogen efficient cultivars; that may make possible a reduction in N application dose. Furthermore, improved use 66 efficiency of fertilizer-N through better management techniques such as split application, balanced fertilizer approach can further lead to a reduced emission. Adopting good agronomic practices To mitigate the green house gases, adopting standard agronomic practices may not be the ultimate solution because often times, the packages recommended are those that maximize the production, for example very high application of nitrogen, tillage to control weeds, use of pesticides at a frequency greater than the required. It is possible to obtain high potential yields by adopting the best management practices that take into account the environment. Therefore, the course would be to adopt location specific best or good agronomic practices. ‘Farm pond technology’ can be considered to mitigate the water stress that cotton crop may face due to increased drought spells and high temperature. ‘Altering planting date’ may be warranted so that the crop is able to adjust within the hydro-thermal regime. ‘Climate tolerant cultivars’ to mitigate the adAGRICULTURE
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verse effects of climate change is an option that could be available in the future. Present cultivars are predominantly of the long-duration and may not be appropriate for the changed climate scenario. Climate change may bring about a cascading effect of increased carbon dioxide, elevated temperature, water stress either excess or deficit. Using the INFOCROP Model, it has been predicted that cotton production in India is likely to be unaffected due to climate change following an increase in temperature either singly or in combination with carbon dioxide. The limitation at present is that the model simulated the effects of climate change on cotton production without considering the pest/disease. Therefore, studies that integrate
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all possible factors, on crop production are likely to make more meaningful news in the near future. The potential to significantly reduce the negative impacts of climate change now and in the future lies in an early implementation of adaptation strategies, particularly in regard to enhancing resilience. Since the carbon foot print of cotton cultivation is low, farmers involved in cotton cultivation should be
provided with carbon credits compared to other crops. This will also incentivize further options to minimize the emission of green house gases. Above all, farmers will need to be guided and enhance their understanding for adopting rapidly the best available climate smart technologies to withstand the onslaught of changing climate.
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TRACTORS
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New Holland Agriculture is present in India with a manufacturing complex in Greater Noida that also comprises a Research & Development centre and a Training centre for dealers and customers. It offers a wide range of products, from tractors (35 to 90 HP) to balers, providing complete solutions for farming. It supports its customers throughout the Indian Territory with a network of more than 1000 customer touch points.New Holland offers a full line of equipment, from tractors to harvesting, material handling equipment, complemented by tailored financial services from a specialist in agriculture. For more information on New Holland visit www.newholland.com
NEW HOLLAND TRACTORS Topper in CSI and PPI 68
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ew Holland Agriculture, a brand of CNH Industrial, received three major recognitions in 2017 India Tractor Studies done by J.D. Power. New Holland tractors achieved highest ranking for after-sales service in the J.D. Power Customer Service
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Index (CSI). In addition, New Holland also ranked highest for product performance in two key horsepower categories analysed by the J.D. Power Product Performance Index (PPI). New Holland has been relentless in its efforts to offer best-in-class products through continuous
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research and development, backed by best aftersales service. New Holland achieved the highest score for customer satisfaction with after-sales service, with a score of 842 on a 1,000-point scale. Previously, the brand was awarded in 2015, in the first ever India Tractor CSI Study by J.D. Power, with a score of 794. Across the industry, tractor owner satisfaction with after-sales service climbed from a score of 751 points in 2016 to 784 points in 2017. This improvement in satisfaction is attributed to gains in all four service satisfaction index factors as well as a 60-point increase in the overall parts operation index score. The 2017 India Tractor CSI Study was based on evaluations from 3,440 tractor owners across 14 states. The study was fielded from December 2016 to April 2017 and included owners who purchased a new tractor between December 2014 and March 2016 from an authorised dealership. New Holland’s highest ranking for product performance in the 31-40 HP and 41-50 HP segments was achieved with scores on a 1,000-point scale of 862 and 866 respectively, which is much higher than the relevant horsepower segment average of 809 and 825 points. These two HP categories together contribute almost 85 percent of the market. In both these HP segments New Holland lead in all seven machine performance categories. In 2016, the 31-40 HP segment accounted for 35 percent of total industry volumes and the 41-50 HP segment comprised 49 percent. In addition, the study recognised New Holland as the second leading tractor brand in the above 50 HP segment with a score of 887 on a 1,000-point scale, just two points lower than the leading brand. The 2017 India Tractor PPI Study ranks tractors in four segments: below 31 HP, 31-40 HP, 41-50
HP, and above 50 HP. The study examines satisfaction with tractor performance among owners of 12- to 24-month-old tractors. Overall product performance satisfaction is measured in two indices: machine performance, plus quality and reliability. In the machine performance index, the study captures tractor owners’ evaluations in seven categories (in order of importance): hydraulic and couplings; drivability; engine and transmission; overall styling and design; driving comfort; tractor structure; and tyres. The quality and reliability index covers owners’ experiences and ratings of actual and perceived quality issues. Overall satisfaction among tractor owners in India has improved almost 7 percent since last year, from 771 to a score of 823 points on a 1,000-point scale. The surge in satisfaction is evident in both the machine performance and quality and reliability indices. J.D. Power is a marketing, consumer intelligence, and data and analytics company that helps its clients measure, understand, and improve the key performance metrics that drive their growth and profitability. J.D. Power’s industry benchmarks, unique data and analytics platform and reputation for independence and credibility have established the company as one of the world’s most well-known and trusted providers of Voice of the Customer insights. Established in 1968, J.D. Power is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, and has offices in North and South America, Asia Pacific, and Europe. In India, New Holland Agriculture offers tractors from 35 to 90 HP, hay and forage equipment, planters, balers, sprayers, tillage equipment, and other products from the brand’s global portfolio for special projects, such as the recently delivered 230 HP T7070 tractor. New Holland was the first to offer the most appropriate mechanisation solutions to Indian farmers for enhancing crop productivity.
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HPM
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HPM’s Faith: MAKE IN INDIA
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PM, a popular name in Agrochemical industry over last four decades has been working extensively with the farming community to help them raising better and healthy crops. HPM’s reach and impact has crossed geographical boundaries and Krishi Jagran team had the opportunity to conduct an exclusive conversation with the company’s chairman Mr. Ashok Agarwal, in which he spoke about the challenges and the company’s plans and prospects. Hindustan Pulverising Mills (HPM), which is the parent company started in 1978, and in 2001, Mr. Ashok Agarwal took over the company’s entire charge and responsibilities as the chairman of HPM Chemical & Fertilizer ltd. which started to flourish efficiently ever since 2001. At that time the turnover of the company was Rs 20-22 crore, which has now crossed Rs 500 crore. With a great heart, he mentions he owes this success to all the 500 members of the HPM family. He stressed on the mandate of a
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good production and marketing team, which he considers to be the backbone of any firm to run efficiently and he has built up such a good team. Further, he added that the technology has changed now. Computerization has replaced all the manual work and data processing. And the agro chemical industry as well has been motivated a lot by the technological advancements. In 2010, The company started a technical plant in Rajasthan which started with 4 molecule and now is manufacturing 14 molecule. Supporting PM’s “Make In India” initiative, the company has also decided to expand its operations. He also takes inspiration by Modi ji’s focus on decreasing imports and increasing manufacturing agro chemical technicals in India. Ashok Agarwal has planned to increase manufacturing agro chemical technicals within India and decrease imports from China and European countries. The company has invested 12 crore to come up with manufacturing of 7 molecule. Parallelly, the company is planning to start its Mancozeb plant in Rajasthan within 12 to 15 months, which is
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currently manufactured by only three private companies namely UPL, Indofil and Coromandel. He mentioned his daughter Tapasya Goyal, who is also the executive director of the company has supported technically and helped the company to expand. Agarwal salutes Mr. Modi and passes his thanks to him, for the Make in India Policy which has plans to decrease imports and support and encourage domestic manufacturing which indeed is going to be very fruitful to the country. When asked about the capacity of Indian industry to dwell itself in Make in India project, he feels 60% positive about the move. He feels 40% of preparation should be from the government side, in the form of making availability of the raw material and its policies to check imports and hike import duties. When intrigued about GST, he encourages such governmental efforts which would help in developing the country not in just agricultural or agro chemical sector but the economy of the country as whole. GST has been helpful to this industry and also he anticipates the prices to go down. And also, the farmers would be benefitted by the introduction of GST. About the company’s global business, he mentioned the company also exports its technicals. The Mancozeb plant which is lined up in the company’s prospects chart, will be dedicated to
90% export. When he was asked to comment upon “organic crop” as an industrialist, farmer and as a layman, He mentions though organic food is a healthy product but in Indian scenario of the day, pesticides would be mandatory to use keeping in mind the population and its need for food. He further says, as compared to other countries India uses 30-40% less pesticides in crop production. And if pesticides are abandoned the market will see upto 5 folds inflation. In favour of pesticides, he says that scientists after huge toils invent such products and after proper research and trials such products are brought into the market. But over doses or inappropriate use surely does harm. The challenge which the company faces are the illegal imports and the numerous number of such companies which are there in competition. Agarwal is affirmative about the government’s decisions and policy making to curb such illegal practices and replace imports by domestic production. The company is positive about expanding from 14 to 22 technicals within a span of an year. The company has invested 12 crore for such expansion and 8 crore is dedicated to only Mancozeb plant. And with the kind of support the government renders he feels determined to fulfill its dream within 12-15 months. He hopes to provide proper priced quality products to the farmers.
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GARWARE
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GARWARE
Focused Solutions to Enhance Customers Globally
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arware-Wall Ropes is one of India’s leading players in the technical textiles sector, providing specialized solutions to the cordage and infrastructure industry worldwide. Started in 1976 by BhalchandraDigambarGarware, it now emerges as a multidivisional and multi-geographical company. The main objective of the company was to create world-class quality and standard products which could benefit the customers for a long time. Working in many areas, the company manufactures and provides world class solutions in high performance polymer ropes, fishing nets, sport nets, safety net, aquaculture nets and agricultural polymers and traps, anti-bird net, anti-hel net, shed net, crop net, grap net, ce-
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rebral net, inject net, floriculture net, pond liner, and fencing net. For a farmer, it is very important to know how the agricultural products can save their investment. Major share in Indian agriculture is horticulture and the perpetual demand for better quality vegetables is at its highest for a few decades. In this scenario, protected cultivation is the best choice for quality production. Farmers are using chemicals indiscriminately at the fields for higher yields in India. But double production can be achieved if the farmer gets the yield through protected farming. Using polyphilum and shed net in protected farming, not only saves more than 30 percent of water but also it can increase the quality of the products to be
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exported. Now, farmers are getting good yields through this new form of practice. As per data, the protected farming has increased at the rate of 84.2 percent in the 2016- 2017 financial year. Through protected farming, the production of flowers, vegetables etc. can be increased by 2 to 5 times. Farmers are getting huge benefits from protected farming through greenhouses and polyhouses. The way the techniques like aquaculture and hydroponics are being promoted in agriculture, it seems like a revolution in this sector. The new dimension of protected farming is proving to be a boon for other in Wai. Both of these centres are recognized by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. The company works on more than eight national and international quality standards. The company has been honoured with several prestigious awards and recognition including ISO certification. It has also been ranked among the ‘Best Companies to Work for’ and was honoured with ‘Most Innovative Exporter 2015’. The company also involved in a wide variety of social initiatives and extends its generous support to educational institutions, orphanages, old age homes and charity trusts. ShujolRehman, CEO and Sanjay Raut, President, Technical and New Business told that Garware always works according to the needs of its consumers and today, it is a unique brand in the world. The company is planning to start new plants in future. Garware does not compromise on technical matters and offers new technologies to its customers, which are made available after several tests. farmers. Garware Wall Ropes is playing a key role in this front. V.R. Garware’s passion and hard work have diversified and popularized the company not just in India, but across the world. Today, Garware-Wall Rope is working in more than 70 countries of the world, including Europe, Asia and America. Garware researches and examines its products completely before launching them in the market. After several trials, the products are brought in the market. The professionals working in the research centre examine each and every thing and then work on it. The company has two research and development centres, one of which is located in Pune and the
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C
an you give us an overview of what to expect from the 2018 edition of AgraME?
AgraME has always been one of the most important trade exhibitions in the Middle East and Africa. Over the years, the annual event has helped countless buyers find an array of product and suppliers from across the globe within Agriculture, Aquaculture and Animal Health.
We have cultivated a vast amount of business opportunities for our customers over the years and want this to increase for 2018. One of the main highlights for next year’s edition is the
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targeted approach we are taking. We will be hosting one international show with four dedicated product sectors that offer our customers countless business and learning opportunities. Our focus sectors for 2018 are Animal Farming, Crop Farming, Aquaculture and Animal Health. It seems there has been a re-focusing of AgraME identity and vertical sectors. Can you explain how this came about and why? For 2018 we want to position a clear and enhanced offering to our customers. AgraME is the only show in the Middle East & Africa to
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offer a diverse mix of products which caters for all needs of farming and veterinary professionals.We will offer our buyers an unrivalled choice of suppliers from over 40 countries to help grow their business. When our visitors from 2017 were surveyed, it was clear that the main reason they attended AgraME was to source new products and find new suppliers. It’s important that we bring new exhibitors to the show across the variety of sectors that we offer. We also want to make it easier for our buyers to find what they are looking for and to benefit from a wider outlook of the farming industry atone platform, both
online and at the show. With a growing demand for better food security strategies and products in the region, the Animal Farming section at AgraME will host exhibitors from feed to housing, catering to all animal types. Crop Farming remains one of the events main focal points and will host the entire value chain of products, equipment and solutions. The inclusion of two important sectors – Aquaculture and Animal Health will allow AgraME to offer complete breadth of products and services with an end to end solution for our buyers. AgraME 2018 will be the only show in
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the Middle East & Africa to host a wide range of products and technologies catering specifically to the aquaculture industry, and the Animal Health section will offer professionals access to the latest developments in veterinary medication, vaccines and medical equipment. How do you think the new re-positioning of AgraME will benefit its visitors and exhibitors? The feedback we have received has been very promising. The changes will allow our customers to take part in an event with a clear brand identity and vision which will help grow their business. Our visitors will easily be able to find what they are looking for allowing for an 76 increased amount of business opportunities created before, during and after the event. AgraME is also a smart event which helps exhibitors and visitors capture data and information in real time making for more business connections. What are the current market conditions and how does AgraME plan to provide access to the current growth trends? The population in the Middle East and Africa is expected to grow from 1.4 billion in 2016 to 2.8 billion in 2050; placing huge demand on food resources that are now being accounted and planned for. AgraME will help increase food security in the region by introducing more relevant suppliers to our buyers; to ensure they have the latest technology and information to hand. All four of our show sectors are in growing markets, with Aquaculture expected to witness production volumes of 10.6 million tons by 2030 and the animal health care market growing up to USD 3.75 billion by 2021. It’s an exciting time for the industry and we will support these growth trends and reflect these changes in our show with more exhibitors, relevant buyers and industry information. Informa Exhibitions as a business has quite a
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large portfolio of Agricultural products. How large is the reach, and how does AgraME fit in to this? We have an extensive global network of events, magazines and business intelligence within the agricultural industry, and the focus on agriculture within the global Informa business is paramount. With the acquisition of Penton, Informa has added the largest Agriculture Information and Events business in North America to our Portfolio. We run large scale outdoor farming events such as the Farm Progress Show and Harvest Husker Days in the US plus the Agrishow in Brazil and AgraInnovate in Nigeria. Collectively, these exhibitions bring together over 2500 exhibitors and more than 400,000 visitors. Our publications have over 500,000 subscribers across multiple titles such as Beef, Farm Futures, Corn+Soybean, Agribusiness Intelligence and many more. AgraME is in a perfect position to capitalise on this network and enhance the show to our visitors through new media and show partners. Our aim is to bring more suppliers from Europe and the US to help our buyers find the latest technologies and solutions to help their business and increase food security in the Middle East and Africa. Media Contact:
Josse Dulka
Group Communications Manager | Global Exhibitions
PO Box 9428, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Direct line: +971 (0) 4 407 2753 Switchboard: +971 (0) 4 336 5161 Josse.dulka@informa.com www.informaexhibitions.com
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Please send Cheque /DD/Money Order in favour of Krishi Jagran to any of the address given below. Head Office : 60/9, 3rd floor, Yusuf Sarai Market,Near Green Park metro station ,New Delhi-110016, Phone- 011-26511845, Email: info@krishijagran.com Kerala Office: A5,Elankom Gardens, Vellayambalam,Sasthamangalam.P.O, Thiruvananthapuram -695010, Phone -0471-4059009 Email- malayalam@krishijagran.com
Karnataka Office: 1st Floor,33/3,BM Mansion,Geddalahalli,Sanjay Nagar Main Road,RMV second stage, Bangalore-560094 Email: kannada@ krishijagran.com
Tamil Nadu Office: 126/329, 2nd Floor,Arcot Road,Kodambakkam, AGRICULTURE Chennai-600024, Phone-044-48552070 SEPTEMBER 2017 Email:tamil@krishijagran.com
West Bengal Office: 265, Netaji colony, Near Baranagar thana , BT Road, Opposite to High School and Beenapani Club, Kolkata-700090 Email: bengali@krishijagran.com
WORLD
Assam Office: 65,Japorigog Bikrampur, Dispur-781005 Email: assamese@krishijagran.com Bihar Office: F-29, Pushpanjali Complex, 1St Floor, Opposite S.K. Puri Check Post, Boring Road, Patna 800001 Email-hindi@krishijagran.com
www.krishijagran.com
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Published on 25th and Posted on 27th-28th at NDPSO of every month
RNI NO. DELENG.2015/65174
Postal Reg. No. DL-SW-1/4191/16-18 www.krishijagran.com
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