Book of Extended summaries ISDA

International Conference on Reimagining Rainfed Agro-ecosystems: Challenges &
Opportunities during 22-24, December 2022 at ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad
farmers’ practices and improved practices, identification of technologies to be demonstrated,
rationalization of critical inputs, training programmes, regular monitoring visits, organizing
field days, reporting of successful cases etc. was carried in an effective manner. Emphasis was
laid to demonstrate those technologies for which maximum gap was observed. The
technologies which were demonstrated included improved varieties (GNG-1581/1958, CSJ-
515), optimum seed rate, seed treatment with chlorpyriphos, carbendazim and inoculation with
rhizotika and PSB, use of fertilizers in balanced doses, proper weed management practices,
management of pod borer etc. The critical inputs used by the centre were – quality seed of
improved varieties suitable for specific farming situation, chlorpyriphos and carbendazim,
biofertilizers (rhizotika and PSB), insecticide novaluron. NPK fertilizers and other inputs were
used by the partner farmers. Financial support for purchase of critical inputs were provided by
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) - Agricultural Technology Application
Research Institute (ATARI). Observation on yield and other parameters were recorded and
compared with farmers’ practice. Economics of demonstration plots and local check plots
(farmers’ practice) was calculated to compare the relative performance.
Results
Adoption of improved practices in demonstration plots provided better yield and returns than
those obtained under farmers practices. Average yield of five years in demonstration plots was
19.17 q/ha which was 19.5 percent higher than Average yield of local check plots (16.04 q/ha).
Better yield thus obtained in demonstration plots resulted into better net returns. Average
additional net returns of ₹12445/ha were obtained in demonstration plots with av. additional
cost of cultivation of ₹2320/ha resulting into higher benefit cost ratio.
Conclusion
Better yield and returns in demonstration plots indicate that there is possibility of minimizing
extension gap by conducting cluster frontline demonstrations at farmers’ fields with integrated
management approach.
T6-50P-1146
Achieving Fodder Self-sufficiency using Natural Farming Methods and Community
Action in a Rainfed Region: The Case of Ayyavaripalli Village, India
U. Sudhakar, M. Ramesh Kumar, V. Swaran and Bindu Mohanty
Watershed Support Services and Activities Network (WASSAN), Hyderabad - 500068, Telangana
Livestock and animal husbandry are integral parts of rainfed agriculture in India as they have
multiple roles like source of income, draught power and in times of distress a source of
liquidity. About 70 to 90 percent of the ruminant livestock in India is estimated to be in the
rainfed mixed farms (NRAA 2022) Scarcity of feed and fodder is identified as a major
Institutional and policy innovations for accelerated and enhanced impacts
904 | Page