Trichoderma: An Eco-friendly Bio-Fungal Agent For Sustainable Agriculture

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April 12, 2023

Humic Acid a Boon for Sustainable Agriculture

Humic acid is a naturally occurring compound that is formed by the decomposition of dead plants and animal matter over time. It is characterized by its dark color and high molecular weight. Humic acid plays a crucial role in enhancing nutrient availability and uptake by plants. In the absence of humic acid, nutrients applied through fertilizers may become locked up in the soil or washed away, leading to nutrient deficiencies in plants. It is safe for the environment and does not harm beneficial microorganisms in the soil.

In this article, we will discuss how humic acid is a boon for sustainable agriculture and why farmers should consider using it in their farming practices.

What is Humus?

Humus is a brown or dark brown complex organic component of soil, formed by decomposition of plant and animal matter. The formation of humus is a slow process that takes years depending on the organic matter, soil conditions and microbial activity. Humus accounts for about 60 – 80% of soil organic content.

Humic substances are components of humus which includes humic acid, fulvic acid and humin that vary depending upon molecular weight, colour and solubility in water at different pH levels. `

Humic acid is a dark brown humic substance with higher molecular weight than fulvic acid and is soluble in water at higher soil pH values. These complex mixtures of organic compounds act as natural chelating agents.
Fulvic acid is a humic substance consisting of low molecular weight molecules that are typically yellow to light brown in color. It is soluble in both acidic and alkaline conditions and helps to transport nutrients into plant cells and promote root development.
Humin is a black complex organic complex that is not soluble in both alkali and acid. It has high molecular weight and is highly resistant to decomposition. They function to improve soil structure and improve cation exchange capacity of soil.

Humic acid and fulvic acids are the humic substances that are commercially used for soil and plant application in various forms like granules or liquid.

Benefits of Humic acid on Soil Physical, Chemical and Biological Health

Soil Physical Health:

Improve soil structure by increasing soil aggregation, which are groups of soil particles held together by organic matter. This helps to create larger pores in the soil which improves water infiltration, aeration and root growth.
Improves the water holding capacity (up to 7 times) of soil and thus helps to reduce the frequency and severity of droughts, particularly in sandy or low-organic matter soils.
Reduces soil compaction which can improve soil aeration, water infiltration, and root growth.
Reduces the risk of soil erosion by improving soil structure and increasing water-holding capacity.
Makes soil more friable and improves soil tilth.

Soil Chemical Health:

Improves nutrient availability by converting the nutrient elements into available forms thus making it accessible for plant uptake. It acts as a chelating agent, which means it can bind to and transport nutrients to plant roots.
Reduces nutrient leaching by increasing the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) of soil.
Enhances soil pH buffering capacity
Binds with heavy metals and other toxic substances, reducing their mobility in the soil and preventing them from being taken up by plants.
Helps to reduce chlorosis symptoms due to iron deficiency in plants by increasing iron uptake.
Increases nitrogen uptake by plants

Soil Biological Health:

Increases the growth and activity of beneficial soil microorganisms by providing them a source of carbon and energy. This can lead to improved nutrient cycling and plant growth.
Increases plant growth and productivity.

Benefits of Humic Acid on Plant Growth

Stimulates root growth and branching, allowing plants to better absorb nutrients and water from the soil. This can improve plant growth and overall plant health.
Helps in increasing germination capacity of seeds.
Stimulate the production of phytohormones and enzymes that can enhance plant growth by increasing resistance to stress, diseases, and pests.
Helps in root formation and root respiration.
Helps in photosynthesis by promoting the development of chlorophyll, amino acids and sugars.
It helps in thickening of cell wall in fruits and thus improving their shelf life.
Enhances the physical appearance and nutritional value of the produce.
Act as a catalyst in many biological processes like nitrogen fixation and bioremediation.
Increases crop yield and improves crop quality by improving plant health, nutrient uptake, and resistance to stress.

How can we apply humic acid to plants?

Humic acids are available in both liquid and granular form and hence can be applied using several methods including soil application, foliar application, seed treatment, and fertigation.

Soil Application:

Humic acid can be added to the soil in the form of granules, powders, or liquids. They can be mixed with soil before planting or applied as top dressing after planting. It can be applied to the soil by broadcasting, banding or drenching method. Soil application can improve soil structure, water holding capacity, nutrient availability and microbial activity. It is recommended to mix humic acid with water to ensure even distribution in the soil.

Foliar Application:

Humic acid can also be applied directly to the leaves of plants through foliar spraying. Since humic acid is directly delivered to plant’s foliage in this method, it can be quickly absorbed and utilized by the plant. This can enhance nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and plant growth. It is recommended to dilute the humic acid solution with water and apply it during early morning or late afternoon. This method is particularly useful for plants that experience nutrient deficiencies.

Seed treatment:

Seed treatment using humic acid can be done to seeds before sowing. Seed treatment can increase germination rate, seedling vigor, and early plant growth. It is recommended to soak the seeds in a solution containing humic acid and water for a few hours before planting.

Fertigation:

Humic acid can be dissolved in water and applied through irrigation water or drip system provide a continuous supply of nutrients and organic matter to the plants. Fertigation can improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce nutrient leaching. This method helps in even distribution of nutrients throughout the root zone of the plants.

NOTE:

Water the soil after soil application of humic acid to help humic acid penetrate deeper into the soil.
Avoid foliar application of humic acid during the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak.
Humic acid can also be mixed with fertilizers and applied to the soil. But follow the recommended dose for both and mix them thoroughly before application to ensure even distribution.

Time of Application

The time of humic acid application may vary depending on several factors such as the crop type, growth stage, soil type, climatic conditions, and based on the need. However, it can be applied to plants at different stages of growth such as;

Pre-planting to improve germination of seeds
At the time of planting to promote early root development, improve nutrient uptake, and increase plant growth.
During vegetative growth to avoid nutrient deficiencies by increasing nutrient intake and enhance plant growth and
During flowering and fruiting stage, to improve fruit quality

NOTE: The frequency of application may also depend on the specific product used. So please check the product’s description and label before use. Use only the recommended dosage.

Boost your plant’s growth with any of these humic acid products

Humic Acid Products	Method of Application	Dosage
Multiplex Jivras	Drenching or	5 ml/lit water
Multiplex Jivras	Foliar spray	3 – 4 ml/lit water
Tapas Humic Acid with Special Minerals	Drenching	5 ml/lit water
HUMETSU Humic Acid	Seed treatment	5 – 10 ml/kg of seed
	Soil drenching or	4 – 5 ml/lit water
	Foliar spray	2 – 2.5 ml/lit water
Humesol Humic acid	Soil application	5 ml/lit water
Humesol Humic acid	Foliar spray	2.5 ml/lit water
V-Hume	Drenching	5 ml/lit water
Hifield Organic Black Dragon Power Gel	Foliar spray or	1 – 1.5 gm/lit water
Hifield Organic Black Dragon Power Gel	Drip	1 – 1.5 gm/lit water
Hifield’s Humipro 12	Drenching or	1 – 2 ml/lit water
	Foliar spray or
	Drip
Farmigo Humixol-L	Seed treatment	4 – 6 kg of seed
	Soil Application or	1 – 2 kg per acre (Mix with manures and apply)
	Drip	2.5 – 5 gm/lit water
Anshul Humifest	Seed treatment	100 ml/lit water
	Urea treatment or	Mix 500-1000ml on 100 kg urea (Apply after 2 hrs of treatment)
	Fertigation or	7.5 ml/lit water
	Foliar spray	3 ml/lit water

To find more products of humic acid click here

Conclusion

Humic acid is a mixture of various organic compounds providing numerous benefits for agriculture. It can improve soil quality, increase nutrient availability, enhance plant growth and boost crop yield. Its natural origin and environmentally friendly properties make it a great choice for sustainable agriculture. The versatile applications of humic acid, combined with its ability to promote higher yields and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, make it an indispensable asset for agriculture. Farmers and gardeners should consider incorporating humic acid into their farming practices to reap the benefits of this natural compound.

Maize: Planting And Package Of Practices

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April 11, 2023

Maize: Planting and Package of Practices

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most adaptable crops, able to thrive in a wide range of agro-climatic conditions. Since it has the largest genetic yield potential of all the cereals, maize is referred to as the “Queen of cereals” worldwide. Although it is mostly used in India as a food crop by the rural populace in the form of bread and gruel, it also has enormous industrial potential. To ensure optimal yields and quality, it is essential to follow a well-defined package of practices of maize (POP), right from maize planting until harvest. Don’t stop here! Read further to know the complete guidelines on how to grow maize crop for successful harvest.

Maize Crop at a Glance

Botanical Name: Zea mays

Common Name: Corn (English), Makka (Hindi), Makka cholam (Tamil and Malayalam), Mokka jonna (Telugu).

Crop Season: All seasons [Kharif and Rabi]

Crop type: Field crop

Soil Requirements

Soils that are deep, fertile, abundant in organic matter and well-drained are the best for cultivation of maize crop. The soil should have a medium texture and should be capable of holding sufficient water. As the crop is mostly cultivated during the rainy season, it is particularly vulnerable to waterlogging. Hence, black clayey soils which hold excessive water are not suitable for maize cultivation in areas with heavy rainfall. Sandy loam soils with pH ranging between 6.5 to 7.5 are highly preferred for maize cultivation.

Climatic Requirements

From planting maize until emergence, the crop requires 9 to 30°C. With the increase in temperature and photoperiod, leaf number rises from emergence through silking. Time to tassel increases when the diurnal temperature ranges from 0 to 17°C. At 30°C, maize grows at its fastest pace. As long as there is no freezing temperature, the longer the grain filling period, the higher the grain yield. The rate of photosynthesis in maize will increase as the solar radiation level rises.

Package of Practices for Maize

Land preparation for Maize Cultivation

For planting maize crop, prepare the field by ploughing the land 2-3 times with a mouldboard plough and forming the seedbed by ploughing the land twice and then crush the clods using a rotavator to bring the soil to fine tilth. Add FYM or compost at the rate of 10 t/acre during last ploughing and level the land.

Seed rate and Spacing

Type of Maize	Seed Rate (kg/ha)	Spacing (cm)
Type of Maize	Seed Rate (kg/ha)	Row to Row spacing	Plant to Plant spacing
Grain	20	60	20
Pop corn	12	60	20
Sweet corn	8-10	75	25
Baby corn	25-30	45	20
Fodder maize	45-50	30	10

Seed Treatment

Before planting maize seeds, it is recommended to treat the seeds with Cyantraniliprole 19.8 %+Thiamethoxam 19.8% FS at a rate of 6 ml/kg of seeds to manage seed borne pests.

Irrigation Schedule

Due to the sensitivity of the maize crop to both moisture stress and excessive moisture, irrigation should be adjusted as needed. At the most crucial period (45 to 65 days after planting), make sure there is the maximum amount of moisture available; otherwise, the yield will be significantly decreased. Adjust irrigation as necessary for the crop’s subsequent development stage. The sixth leaf, late knee height stage, tasselling, fifty percent silking and dough phases are crucial. The most crucial stages are tasseling and silking, during which if subjected to water stress, lowers maize crop yield significantly. Ridges and Furrow method of irrigation is highly preferred for maize farm.

Manures and Fertilizers

During the last ploughing, 12.5 t/ha of FYM and 10 packets of 1 kg azospirillum should be applied. Further, NPK fertilizers should be applied as nearly as possible to the soil test’s recommendations. In the absence of soil test recommendations, use a general guideline of 120:60:60 kg/ha N:P2O5:K2O both during kharif and rabi. Apply a full dosage of P2O5 and K2O as well as 25% of the N dose just before maize planting/sowing or at the time of planting.

Inter-cultivation Practices

Weeding

Weeds pose a severe threat to maize cultivation, with a potential to reduce production by up to 35%. It is believed that the most crucial time for weed competition in maize farm is the first 4 to 6 weeks following planting of maize. It is advised to inter-cultivate the soil between the rows using some animal drawn or mechanical implements which pushes the soil towards the plant base. Herbicide usage is quite efficient in keeping weeds at bay in maize field. Atrazine, pendimethalin or simazine pre-emergence applications at a rate of 1 kg/ha in 500 liters of water are often advised. Moreover, in case of post emergence recent herbicidal combinations like Mesotrione + Atrazine (2.27%+22.7% SC), Topramezone (33.6% SC) or tembotrione (34.4% SC) are very successful in controlling weeds of maize.

Crop Protection (Pests and Diseases)

Pests infesting Maize field

a) Stem borer (Chilo partellus)

Symptoms

A month after maize planting and up until the cobs appear, it infests the crop. The common damage sign is “dead heart” i.e., withering of the central shoot. On the stem, close to the nodes, are apparent bore holes. Juvenile larva feed on fragile, folded leaves by crawling over them, producing the familiar “shot hole” sign.

Management

Remove the weeds that act as an alternate host.
Release Trichoderma chilonis eggs by placing 2 to 3 eggs per acre.
Use of Chlorantraniliprole at 0.3 ml/lit water or Chlorantraniliprole 0.5% + Thiamethoxam 1% GR at the rate of 2.5 kg/acre along with 7 to 10 kg sand can be used when the severity of the infestation is more.

b) Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)

Symptoms

Leaf tissue is first consumed by young larvae from one side.
Larvae start to feed from the leaf edge inward by the second or third instar and start to develop holes in the leaves. This frequently results in a distinctive row of perforations in the leaves (shot holes).
In extreme cases, larvae may tunnel through the ear of corn to munch on kernels.

Management

Egg masses and larvae should be hand-picked and destroyed by crushing or submerging in kerosene.
Apply dry sand as soon as you notice the occurrence of fall army worm in the field to the whorl of the damaged maize plants.
Male moths should be mass-trapped using fall army worm specific pheromone traps at a rate of 15 per acre.
To stop fall armyworm larvae and lessen the likelihood that newly laid eggs will hatch, squirt 5% Neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) at a rate of 5 ml/lit of water.
The following pesticides may be used up to early tasselling stage to control larvae in their second and third instars: Emamectin benzoate 5% SG or Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC or Tetraniliprole 18.18% SC.
Seed treatment with Cyantraniliprole 19.8 %+Thiamethoxam 19.8% FS at the rate of 6 ml/kg seed also controls pests in initial days.

Diseases affecting Maize field

a) Turcicum Leaf blight (Helminthosporium turcicum)

Symptoms

Long elliptical greyish green or tan lesions on the leaves are characteristic of the disease.
In the early stages, small yellowish round to oval spots are visible on the leaves.
In the later stages, the spots gradually grow larger and are straw to greyish brown in colour in the centre with dark brown margins.
Under conditions of extreme humidity, the entire leaf region becomes necrotic, giving the illusion that the plant is dead.

Management

Use potassic fertilizers while cutting back on the use of excessive nitrogenous fertilizers, there shouldn’t be any water stress. Under severe infection, spraying mancozeb at the rate of 0.2% or Avtar fungicide (Zineb 68% + Hexaconazole 4% WP) at the rate of 2.5 gm/lit water is recommended.

b) Charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina)

Symptoms

Plants that are about to mature are frequently attacked by charcoal rot.
In the roots, the fungus causes spores that are brown and water-soaked before turning black.
As the plant ages, the infection spreads to the lower stem, where it causes grey streaks to appear on the stem surface of lower internodes, causing the crown to ripen prematurely, shatter, and break.
Many black sclerotia on the vascular threads of split open stalks give the inside of the stalks a burnt look, which is a defining sign of the condition.

Management

Remove infected plant debris.
Rotate crops often with plants that aren’t fungus’ natural hosts.
Grow resistant varieties.
Irrigate the crop at regular intervals from ear head emergence to maturity.
Increase the dose of potassium application.
Application of FYM enriched with Trichoderma viride during the last ploughing would reduce the intensity of disease.
Under severe infestation, to manage the disease spray Nativo (Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% WG) at the rate of 0.6 gm/lit water or Amistor top (Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole 11.4% SC) at the rate of 1 ml/lit water.

c) Sheath Blight (Rhizoctonia solani)

Symptoms

The condition is characterized by broad, discoloured patches that alternate with erratic black bands.
Pre-flowering is typically observed when disease first manifests. In addition, the stalk and the internodes split open in infected regions.

Management

Destroy infected plant debris.
Spray of Propiconazole or carbendazim at 0.1% is recommended or spray Hexaconazole 5% SC @ 2 ml/lit water.

d) Rust (Puccinia sorghi)

Symptoms

Brown colour pustules are observed on the leaf surface.
In severe infections, the whole leaf may wither completely presenting a scorched appearance to the field.

Management

Removal and destruction of alternate hosts (Oxalis corniculate).
Spray Mancozeb 64% + Metalaxyl 8% WP at the rate of 1.5-2 gm/lit water or 300-400 gm/acre.
In severe situations, apply Tilt (Propiconazole 25 % EC) at 200 ml/acre.

e) Bacterial Stalk Rot (Erwinia chrysanthemi pv zeae)

Symptoms

The condition is characterized by the development of soft rot on basal internodes giving a water-soaked appearance.
An unpleasant odour usually accompanies such rotting.
Leaves sometimes show signs of wilting and affected plants topple down.

Management

Soil should be drenched with bleaching powder containing 33% chlorine @ 10 kg/ha at pre-flowering stage.
Spray Zineb 68% + Hexaconazole 4% at the rate of 2.5 gm/lit water or 500 gm/acre.

Harvesting

Maize can be harvested at physiological maturity i.e when the stalks and leaves are somewhat green, but the husk cover has dried and turned brown. In general stalks along with cobs are harvested and stacked. Further, dehusker-cum-sheller can be used for shelling of unhusked cobs. For better results maize should be shelled when the moisture ranges between 15 to 20%.

Yield

The feasible yield for the maize crop ranges from 20-25 qntl/acre since it has the best production potential among the grains.

Varieties/Hybrids

Hybrids	DHM-11, DHM-113, DPCH-6, Pioneer-3342
Sweet corn	Madhuri, Priya, Win Orange
Baby corn	VL-42, Him-123, Him-129
QPM	Shakti-1, HQPM-1, HQPM-5

Cotton Export Is Expected To Reach 40 Lakh Bales In 2022-23 While Jute And Mesta Production Is Rising

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April 11, 2023

Cotton Export Is Expected To Reach 40 Lakh Bales In 2022-23 While Jute And Mesta Production Is Rising

In the response to the question of cotton export in Lok Sabha, Smt. Darshana Jardosh, Union Minister of State for Textiles gave a written reply stating – Cotton export may go to 40 lakh Bales in 2022-23. There may be variations depending on the availability, global demand and price parity of cotton. In India, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana are the three states which together account for 65% of cotton production.
Jute and Mesta which are paving their way through cotton exports are also found to rise. Below is the 5 years data related to Jute and Mesta production

Year	2018-19	2019-20	2020-21	2021-22	2022-23
Quantity (Lakh Bales)	72	68	60	90	95

(Source: Jute Advisory Board / Expert Committee on Jute)

To reach the expectations, Government of India implemented various strategies like

Continuation of Jute Packaging, Act of 1987. (Mandatory use of Jute in Packaging of Commodities)
For the improvement and boosting of the Jute Sector, implementing National Jute Development Program (NJDP)
Announcement of Minimum Support Price(MSP) for supporting raw jute-producing farmers.
To prevent the farmer from fraudulent activities, Jute Corporation of India procures raw jute from them at MSP.
The production capacity of jute mills has risen to 28 lakh bales from 26 lakh bales per year. This is due to the collection of foodgrains on a larger scale by the Government leading to the increase in demand for packing material.

Potato: Planting And Package Of Practices

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April 11, 2023

Potato: Planting & Package of Practices — Potato: Planting and Package of Practices

The potato is one of the world’s most widely grown and consumed crops, with China and India producing the most. Because of its nutritional value, it is a valuable food source for people all over the world. It is an ideal food source for the poor and working classes, who can now feed their families on a daily basis. The Irish potato famine is one of the most significant events in global agriculture history, particularly in terms of potato cultivation and consumption. A potato blight swept through Ireland between 1845 and 1849, destroying potato farms and spreading disease. They are high in a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6 and iron. Potatoes are also high in resistant starch, gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, which may reduce the risk of colon cancer, celiac disease, and help to regulate blood sugar levels. The essential amino acids in this crop are leucine, tryptophane, and isoleucine. In this article, you will learn how to grow potato crops to increase your farms’s productivity.

Potato Crop at a Glance

Botanical Name: Solanum tuberosum L.

Common Name: Potato, Ground apple, Tater, spud, tuber

Local Names: Potato (English), Aaloo (Hindi), urulakkilangu (Tamil), Bangaladumpa (Telugu), Alu Gedde (Kannada), Batata (Gujarati)

Crop Season: Rabi

Crop type: Horticulture

Soil Requirements

Potato planting can be done in a wide range of soil, from loamy to sandy loam soils. Majority of these soil types are suitable for cultivation of potato crops, because this kind of soil has high organic matter with well-drainage and aerated. The ideal pH range is between 5.2 to 6.4. This crop cannot be grown in saline soils.

Climatic Requirements

For successful potato planting, maintaining the ideal temperature is crucial. The ideal temperature range for potatoes, during vegetative growth is 24 degrees Celsius and during tuber development is 20 degrees Celsius. If the temperature increases upto 30 degree Celsius then tuber formation is affected. The potato cultivation requires long sunshine days with cooler nights for reduced disease incidence.

Package of Practices of Potato

Seed Treatment

Before planting, soak 100 kg tubers in 30g of carbon disulphide in 10 litres of water to break dormancy or soak 100 kg tubers in methoxy ethyl mercuric chloride at the rate of 50 g in 10 litres of water for two to five minutes.

Seed Rate and Spacing

The potato tubers are sown with a row to row spacing of 50 cm and plant to plant spacing of 20cm. In general, 600 to 800 kg tubers are required for the sowing of 1 acre land in potato cultivation.

True potato seed

By using true potato seeds, the cost of seed tubers and the spread of diseases can be greatly reduced. HPS 1/13, HPS 11/13 and HPS 24/111 are varieties developed by the Central Potato Research Institute. Seedlings are transplanted 30 days after sowing and are raised in nursery beds like other vegetables. In potato planting, a volume of 100 gm seed is required to raise one hectare of crop.

Main field preparation of Potato

The potato farm should be well pulverized with one to two deep ploughing and two to four harrowing and ridges and furrows are formed with a spacing of 45cm between ridges.

Irrigation Schedule

The most popular method for irrigating potatoes is drip irrigation. The frequency of irrigation is influenced by the soil and climatic variables. Crops should be watered 7 to 10 days after planting. Water stress during the tuber formation stage will have a negative impact on production of crops. In general, the farmers who carry potato planting using ridges and furrow method irrigate the crop by supplying the water into the furrows directly.

Manures and Fertilizers

The recommended amount of manure and fertilizer for potato varies from state to state and relies on the varieties’ growth habits and production. In general, during last ploughing around 10 to 15 tonnes of FYM per acre should be applied to the potato farm. A basal dose of 40 kg urea, 150 kg SSP and 30 kg MOP is recommended to be applied during the last ploughing operation. Further, top dressing of urea at the rate of 40 kg/acre and 20 kg/acre are recommended to be applied at 30 and 50 DAS in potato cultivation.

Intercultivation Practices

Weeding

In potato planting, weeding should be done on a regular basis to keep the field weed-free. Pre-emergence application of Sencor (Metribuzin 70% WP) at the rate of 250-300 gm/acre or post emergence application of Agil herbicide (Propaquizafop 10% EC) at the rate of 2 ml/lit water or 400 ml/acre were some excellent choices to control weed flush.

Earthing up

Earthing up should be done after thirty days of potato planting at least three to four times otherwise the colour of the potato turns into green which leads to poor quality of the potato.

Crop Protection (Pests and Diseases)

Pests

a) Potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella)

Symptoms

The larvae cause damage in the form of mines in the leaves and/or weakening of the stem, which can break.

Management

Avoid planting potato tubers in shallow soil. Plant the tubers at a depth of 10 to 15 cm.
Install pheromone traps 20/ha.
To avoid potato tuber moth egg laying in exposed tubers, earth up 60 days after planting.
Spray NSKE 5% or Quinalphos 20 EC 2 ml/lit (ETL 5% leaf damage) to control foliar damage.
Store the tubers under 3cm thick sand.
Apply Quinalphos dust to the seed tubers at a rate of 1 kg per 100 kg of tubers.

b) Potato Cut worm (Agrotisypsilon)

Symptoms

During the day, the cutworm larvae remain in the soil at the plant’s base. Some species cut down the stems of young potato plants at night, while others climb the plants and feed on their leaves. Old instar larvae can occasionally tunnel into potato stems, causing plant growth to be disrupted. Tubers near the ground surface may be damaged in such cases. A single larva can destroy several potato plants in a single night.

Management

During the summer, set up a light trap to attract adult moths.
Install a sprinkler irrigation system to potato farm and irrigate the field during the day to expose the larvae to bird predation.
A day after planting, drench the collar region of the plants with chlorpyrifos 50% + cypermethrin 5% (BASF-ADEXAR) at the rate of 1ml/Lit of water.

c) White Grub (Holotrichiasp)

Symptoms

Bore holes are observed on the tuber. More than two holes are frequently found on a single tuber. Because white grubs do not enter and live inside tubers, these holes are not very deep.

Management

Summer ploughing to expose pupae and adults
Install light traps and should be active between 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
During the months of July and August, handpick the third instar grub
During the autumn season, apply Phorate 10G @ 25 kg/ha in endemic areas (August – October)

Diseases

**a) Late blight (Phytophthora infestans)**

Symptoms

They produce dark green, brown and black spots on the surface of potato leaves and stems, especially near the tips or edges where water or dew collects. On the lower surface of the foliage, spores appear white in colour. In the case of tuber blight, white mycelium can be seen on the surface of the tubers.

Management

Remove any ground creepers that are a source of infection.
Spray Mancozeb 2 gm/lit water or Chlorothalonil 2.5 gm/lit water at 45, 60, and 75 days after planting.
Late blight resistant varieties such as Kufri Jyothi, Kufri Malar and Kufri Thangam should be grown.

b) Early blight (Alternaria solani)

Symptoms

Affected leaves develop circular to angular dark brown lesions ranging in size from 0.12 to 0.16 inch (3-4 mm). Concentric rings frequently form in lesions, resulting in the characteristic target-board effect. Leaves that have been severely infected turn yellow and drop. Tubers that have been infected have a brown, corky dry rot.

Management

Spray Difenoconazole 25% EC or Hexaconazole 5% EC at the rate of 2ml per litre of water.

c) Brown Rot (Ralstonia Solanacearum)

Symptoms

The first symptom is brown staining of the vascular ring (hence the name “brown” rot). The most characteristic symptom of brown rot in potato planting at the time of tuber formation is wilting. Bacteria ooze coming on the infected tuber surface and emit a foul odour.

Management

Choose tubers that are free of the brown rot disease.
Provide adequate drainage.
Spray streptocycline sulphate 90% + Tetracycline hydrochloride 10% at the rate of 6 gm per 30 lit of water.

Harvesting, Curing and Grading

Harvesting is possible when the plants turn a yellow-brown colour and begin to dry. Care should be taken not to injure tubers when digging land for tuber harvesting. Irrigation should not be applied one week before harvest. Tubers should be air dried for 10-15 days after harvesting for curing. The process of curing is done in Potatoes properly by heaping them under shade in a ventilated area at around 15°C-20°C. To ensure uniform quality of superior grade tubers and to obtain remunerative returns, they must be graded according to their respective sizes. Potatoes are graded as seed size tubers, large size tubers and chats (potatoes smaller than seed size tubers). The seed size tubers should be separated and saved for seed, depending on their health standards.

Yield

The yield varies depending on the variety. However, the average yield of early-maturing varieties is around 20 t/ha, while late varieties yield around 30 t/ha.

Varieties/Hybrids

KufriAlankar, Kufri Anand, Kufri Ashoka, Kufri Badshah, KufriBahar, Kufri Chipsona-1, Kufri Chipsona-2, KufriSindhuri, Kufri Sutlej.

Millets-Smart Nutritive Food Conclave Was Inaugurated By Union Minister Piyush Goyal In Delhi

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April 11, 2023

Millets-Smart Nutritive Food Conclave Was Inaugurated By Union Minister Piyush Goyal In Delhi

An event titled “Millets-Smart Nutritive Food” was held in Delhi as a pre-launch event for “The International Year of Millets-2023” by APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) to promote millet exports.

The Minister of Trade and Industry of the Union, Piyush Goyal, was the chief guest at the meeting. At the first millet conclave, it was decided that the e-catalogue on 21 millet-producing states in India and 30 potential importing countries will be released by the Government of India. A Knowledge book on Millets prepared in acquaintance with the Yes Bank (Knowledge partner) was released. In this conclave, to promote the exports of millets, the government has managed the participation of farmers, exporters and traders in BSMs (Buyer Seller Meets) and 16 international traders.

Minister addressed to use ‘NOURISH’ as a call to action for millet’s promotion, in which-

N stands for New Market and destination.
O stands for the promotion of ‘Organic Methods’ for millet cultivation to enhance its value and global acceptance rate.
U stands for protection and tagging ‘Unique varieties’ with GI tag.
R stands for ‘Research on Millets’, expansion of the millets market by making them tastier and fast growing.
I stands for increasing ‘Involvement of Industry’ in the development of products, markets and value chains.
S stands for ‘Standards and Sustainability’ to get superior quality millets and its products.
H stands for High productivity and Home markets.

Global Support

An opening ceremony for the International Year of Millets -2023 was launched by the FAO of the United Nations, in Rome, Italy. 70 nations across the world took part in this launch and in the UN’s resolution. Millets were among the first cultivated crops in India as per the evidence found in the Indus valley civilization. That’s why PM Modi’s vision of Vasidaiva Kutumbakam and this IYM 2023 celebration if merged together will help to promote India’s Nutri-cereal Millets globally and will place it in the world ‘Food Map’.

29 Mobile Veterinary Units And Centralized Call Centers Inaugurated In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

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April 11, 2023

29 Mobile Veterinary Units And Centralized Call Centers Inaugurated In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

To benefit the livestock farmers in Kerala, 29 Mobile Veterinary Units (MVU) and Centralized Call centres were inaugurated by the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri. Parshottam Rupala. Each MVU will compulsorily consist of a qualified Veterinarian and a Paravet and will be operated using a centralized call centre having helpline no. 1962.

Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH & DC) Scheme is one that looks after the establishment and operations of MVUs. This scheme aims at establishing and strengthening Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries. This scheme provides financial assistance to UTs and States so that they can initiate the services of 1 MVU/1 lakh Livestock Population. It provides financial help of 100% up to Rs.16 lakhs/1 MVU for non-recurring expenditures and central shares (100% for UTs, 90% for NE and Hilly while 60% for other states) Rs. 18.72 lakhs/1 MVU towards recurring expenditure. For the financial year 2022-23, 4332 MVUs across the nation are sanctioned by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

Objectives of MVUs

To provide specialized services to livestock farmers.
Provision of diagnosis services, vaccinations, minor surgical interventions, audio-visual aids, artificial insemination and extension services at the doorstep of the farmers.
Will act as a one-stop to solve problems and distribute new information regarding animal health to the remotest areas.
The centralized call centre will receive all the calls from livestock rearers and veterinarians. The priority to the cases will be given depending on the nature of the emergency and accordingly will be transferred to the nearest MVU.

Conclusion

This will lead to better health of the livestock and the provision of veterinary facilities at doorsteps for the livestock farmers in Kerala.

28.11 Crores Approved To Relieve Mandous Cyclone – Affected AP FCV Tobacco Farmers

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April 11, 2023

28.11 Crores Approved To Relieve Mandous Cyclone - Affected AP FCV Tobacco Farmers

The interest-free loan will be given to each member of the Tobacco Board’s Growers’ Welfare Scheme (of the Southern region of Andhra Pradesh) as a relief against Cyclone Mandous – A decision by Shri. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry.

New Delhi

To provide immediate relief to over 28,112 FCV tobacco farmers affected by Cyclone Mandous in Andhra Pradesh, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal approved the grant of a special interest-free loan of 10,000 rupees to each member of the Tobacco Board’s Growers’ Welfare Scheme. This measure will benefit 28,112 farmers in the Southern Light Soil and Southern Black Soil regions of Andhra Pradesh by helping them to cope with the damage caused by cyclone Mandous.

FCV (Flue-cured Virginia) tobacco is the most exported tobacco variety among all raw tobacco and is grown in 10 districts of Andhra Pradesh, with an annual production of 121 million kg (2021-22) over an area of 66,000 ha. Of the total unmanufactured tobacco (excluding tobacco waste), FCV tobacco exports were 53.62 per cent by volume and 68.47 per cent by value during FY 2021-22.

Tobacco Board of India

The Tobacco Board was established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry with it’s headquarters located at Guntur, AP. The objectives behind its establishments were to –

Look after the welfare of Tobacco farmers
Regulate its production and curing process
Help farmers to sell tobacco through e-auction platforms
Bring advances in its quality and improve yield
Promoting its export

Tobacco Cultivation

Four types of tobacco are cultivated in India-

FCV
Bidi
Ciger filler
Hookah and chewing type

500-1000 mm of annual rainfall is required for tobacco cultivation and it cannot withstand excessive dry weather conditions. Andhra Pradesh ranks first in Tobacco production while Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar, Karnataka and Telangana also grow it.

Conclusion

The relief announced by the Tobacco Board is an excellent step towards saving the no. .1 status of AP in tobacco production. Not just this, it will also boost the strength of farmers and help them to cultivate tobacco without worries.

e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Scheme

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April 7, 2023

The National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Scheme is a central sector scheme launched on April 14, 2016 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. The Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is the nodal agency and the iKisan division of Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited (NFCL) is the technology provider for the e-NAM platform. The scheme aims to promote uniformity in agriculture marketing by streamlining the procedures across integrated markets, removing information asymmetry between buyers and sellers and promoting real-time price discovery based on actual demand and supply.

Scheme Overview:

National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) is a pan-India electronic trading portal that networks existing Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities. The e NAM platform aims to promote better marketing opportunities for farmers to sell their produce through an online competitive and transparent price discovery system and online payment facility. The program’s goals include integrating markets, initially at the level of the States and eventually at the national level; streamlining marketing and transaction processes; encouraging better marketing opportunities for farmers; establishing quality assaying systems; and promoting stable prices and consumer access to high-quality produce. The scheme components include the selection of State’s/UT’s APMCs/RMCs, provision of e-NAM software to States/UTs free of cost, financial assistance and technical assistance.

Features of National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Scheme:

Electronic trading portal: The platform uses technology to enable seamless trading of agricultural produce among different states, allowing farmers to sell their produce to buyers from other states, thereby increasing their market reach.
Single window services: The e-NAM platform provides a single window for all APMC related information and services, making it easier for farmers to access the information they need. It provides real-time information on commodity arrivals, quality and prices, buy and sell offers and e-payment settlement directly into farmers’ accounts, thereby reducing the hassle of dealing with multiple parties for different services.
Uniform marketing procedures: The scheme aims to streamline marketing and transaction procedures and make them uniform across all markets to promote efficient functioning of the markets. This helps to ensure that all farmers and buyers have a level playing field and reduces the scope for malpractices.
Quality assurance: The e-NAM platform aims to establish quality assaying systems to promote informed bidding by buyers. This helps to ensure that buyers are aware of the quality of the produce they are buying and farmers are incentivized to produce better quality crops.
Better marketing opportunities for farmers: By removing information asymmetry between farmers and traders, improving real-time price discovery based on actual demand and supply of agri-commodities, transparency in the auction process, prices commensurate with quality of produce, online payment, etc., the e-NAM platform aims to promote better marketing opportunities for farmers/sellers. As a result, farmers receive higher prices for their produce and rely less on middlemen.
Financial support: The programme offers financial support to the State or UT for certain APMCs or RMCs, up to a maximum of Rs. 30.00 lakhs per market, to help with the costs of purchasing hardware, five internet connections, assaying equipment, and other necessary infrastructure to prepare the market for integration with the e-NAM platform.
Technical assistance: The scheme provides technical assistance through Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), the Lead Implementing Agency (LIA) and Strategic Partner (SP) Nagarjuna Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd. (NFCL) for implementation of the e-NAM platform. This helps to ensure that all stakeholders are trained and equipped to use the platform effectively, thereby increasing its adoption and impact.

Latest News about the Scheme:

According to the latest data from the Press Information Bureau portal in December 2022, the e-NAM platform has integrated with 1260 mandis across 22 states and 3 Union Territories. This integration has facilitated the trading of various agricultural commodities. The total volume of these commodities, which includes bamboo, betel leaves, coconut, lemon, and sweet corn, is worth approximately Rs. 2.22 lakh crore of trade that has been recorded on the e-NAM platform.

Benefits of the e-NAM scheme:

The benefits of the e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Scheme are as follows:

Farmers can sell their produce through an online platform with competitive and transparent price discovery system
Farmers gain access to multiple markets and buyers through digital channels
Uniformity in agriculture marketing is promoted through streamlining of procedures across integrated markets
Information asymmetry between buyers and sellers is eliminated
Real-time price discovery is promoted based on actual demand and supply
Online payment settlement is made directly into farmers’ accounts

Drawbacks of e-National Agriculture Market:

Limited reach: The e-NAM platform is only available in the markets that are integrated with the platform.
Limited crop coverage: Although the platform supports trading of multiple crops, the range of crops traded on the platform is still limited and many crops are still not covered.
Dependence on infrastructure: The success of the e-NAM platform depends on the availability of necessary infrastructure, including hardware, internet connections and assaying equipment, which may be a challenge in some areas.
Lack of awareness: Many farmers are still not aware of the e-NAM platform and its benefits, which limits its reach and potential impact.

How to Apply for the e-NAM scheme:

Step 1: The farmer must register on the e-NAM portal by providing the required details such as name, address, contact details and bank account details.
Step 2: After registration, the farmer can list their produce for sale on the e-NAM portal.
Step 3: Interested buyers can view the listed produce and place bids on them.
Step 4: The farmer can choose to accept or reject the bid.
Step 5: If the bid is accepted, the payment is made online and directly into the farmer’s account.
Step 6: The farmer can then deliver the produce to the buyer.

Documents Required for e-NAM:

The documents required to apply for the (e-NAM) e-National Agriculture Market Scheme are mentioned below:

Aadhaar card
PAN card
Bank account details
Land ownership documents

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the e-NAM scheme has been instrumental in promoting uniformity in agriculture marketing and creating a unified national market for agricultural commodities. The scheme has enabled farmers to sell their produce through an online competitive and transparent price discovery system and online payment facilities, benefiting all the stakeholders, including farmers, mandis, traders, buyers, processors and exporters. The scheme has also reduced transaction costs, increased accessibility to markets and enhanced price realization for farmers. The e-NAM yojana is a significant step towards transforming the agricultural sector in India and achieving the goal of doubling farmers’ income.

Explore the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to learn how it aids in building modern infrastructure and improving supply chain efficiency.

One District One Product: ODOP Scheme for Local Growth

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April 7, 2023