operational manual on sustainable agricultural …

OPERATIONAL MANUAL

ON

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS

Contents

Sl. No. Topic

Page

1.0 Introduction : 1

2.0 Background : 2

3.0 Steps to Implement the Five Factors : 8

3.1 In-Situ Water Conservation Infrastructure : 8

3.2 Soil Health : 18

3.3 Ecology : 31

3.4 Indigenous Seeds : 39

3.5 Farm Diversity : 46

4.0 Development of Basic Infrastructure : 68

5.0 Income Statement : 74

6.0 Replication of SAS within the Farmers’ Community : 77

1

1.0 Introduction

This manual has been based on the last ten years of study on sustainable agricultural systems in

India. The first five years of study involved an all-India survey and case studies of different types

of sustainable agricultural systems in India. It also included various rounds of deliberations,

national seminars, and international conferences on sustainability of agriculture.

The second five years of the study included intensive action research on sustainable agricultural

systems. The action research on SAS combines all the five factors viz. water, soil, seed, diversity,

and farm ecology to establish crop–horticulture–livestock-agro forestry combinations to meet

nutritional security of the farmer family.

The purpose of the Sustainable Farming Operational Manual is to help farmers community in

establishing sustainable agricultural practices by using simple and cost-effective farm tools and

techniques.

The first experimental SAS Farm is located at Center for Education, Development &

Communication (CEDEC) in collaboration with NISWASS and XIMB, Bhubaneswar. The model

farm was initiated on 1 hectare land of CEDEC in 2016. After successful trials of sustainable

agricultural practices, this model farm has been replicated in the above three locations. The entire

farm land was divided into farming plots. Each plot is about 2000 square feet. The climate of

Bhubaneswar is classified as Tropical Climate. Initially, the soil of the farm land was heavier and

the farm ecology was lower. After soil testing, organic measures are being undertaken to improve

the soil health. Likewise, plantation activities have been undertaken in and around the farm land

for enhancing farm ecology.

Based on the above model farm, action research on Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS)

supported by DEAR, NABARD was operationalised at three Gram Panchayats of three blocks in

three Districts viz. (1) Liligada GP of Mohana Block in Gajapati District, (2) Nuagada GP of

Padmapur Block in Rayagada District, and (3) Pliheri GP of Daringbadi block in Kandhamal

District.

2

2.0 Background

As part of an action research on ‘sustainable community enterprise system’ supported by DEAR

NABARD and undertaken by the Principal Investigator, it was realized that the FPOs would not

be viable without sustainable production systems at the farmer community level.

During the above action research, it was observed that the increase in net income and wellbeing of

the small producers/farmers in the above producer company was largely dependent on the increase

in efficiency and productivity of agricultural production. In other words, the nature of product

technology and process technology practiced by the smallholder farmers were the keys to

efficiency and sustainability of the producer community and the producer company.

In the above light, a study on agricultural practices of farmers especially the small and marginal

farmers who constitute about 75% of farmers in India would help in better policy making. Based

on the contextual observations from the action research, it was also perceived that natural farming

practices were probably more relevant and efficient for the smallholder farmers. In pursuit to

understand sustainability of agriculture and smallholder farmers, the principal investigator

requested NABARD to support a study of sustainable agriculture system in India. Accordingly, an

‘All India study of Natural Farming’ was undertaken during 2011-13.

Based on the detailed information obtained from the 20 cases of farmers across the country, the

figures on net incomes and cost of production look very promising. These 20 farmers are from

different regions, different ecosystems and with different land holdings. Depending on the

maturity, size, and multiple cropping of the farm, the net income per acre per year is found to be

from 12,000 INR to 172,800 INR. Under sustainable agricultural practice, the net income per acre

increases as the farm become older.

The practice of natural farming or sustainable agriculture is quite promising. Farmers adopting

sustainable agriculture are doing quite well and their net income has been improving as their total

cost of agriculture as percentage of gross income is reducing. It is also interesting to observe that

the mixed cropping reduces the total cost as a percentage of gross income. Further, as the size of

farm increases beyond a point, the total cost as percentage of gross income increases.

Most importantly, the gross expenditure as a percentage of gross income is in favor of the farmers.

The figure varied from 3% to 75% depending on the level of multiple/mixed cropping, size,

maturity of the farm. The analysis of the cases reveals that the percentage of gross expenditure as

3

a percentage of gross income reduces as the farm adopts mixed cropping. Further, with larger size

of the farm, beyond an optimal point, the gross expenditure as percentage of gross income

increases due to increased operation and management cost. Table 1 below provides a summary of

the net incomes to individual farms from their respective farms.

4

Table 1: Farmers practicing Sustainable Agriculture, India

Sl

No

Name of Farmer

State Total

Land

(in acres)

Total Gross

Income per year

(in INR)

Gross Income per

acre per year (in

INR)

Gross

Expenditure per

year (in INR)

Net Income per

Acre per year (in

INR)

Gross Expenditure

as % of Gross

Income

1 Bhaskar Save Gujurat 14 25,00,000 1,70,000 80,000 172857 3

2 Subash Sharma Maharastra 10 14,00,000 1,40,000 8,00,000 60000 57

3 DepakSuchde M.P. 6 6,00,000 1,00,000 96,000 84000 16

4 Tony Thomas Kerala 7 7,00,000 1,00,000 1,25,000 82143 18

5 Joseph Wadaketh Kerala 2.5 3,00,000 1,2 0,000 60,000 96000 20

6 Chandramma A.P. 20 3,50,000 17,500 1,10,000 12000 31

7 Ravjeet Singh Punjab 11 7,15,000 50,000 2,20,000 45000 31

8 Belagola Farm Karnataka 7.28 4,00,000 45,000 3,00,000 13736 75

9 Krushna C. Bebarta Odisha 20 10,00,000 50,000 4,00,000 30000 40

10 Natabar Sarangi Odisha 5 3,00,000 60,000 18,000 56400 6

11 Raju Titus M.P. 13.5 22,00,000 1,63,000 1,80,000 149630 8

12 Sundaraman Tamilnadu 10 4,00,000 40,000 150,000 25000 38

13

Navaneeth

Krishnan Tamilnadu 5.56 6,50,000 1,16,906 3,50,000 53957 54

14 NallaKerai Tamilnadu 0.5 6,00,000 -- 1,70,000 -- 28

15 Raja Murugam Tamilnadu 3.5 3,00,000 85,714 -- -- --

16

Purusotham Rao

farm Karnataka 10 5,00,000 50,000 3,50,000 15000 70

17 Jayant Bharve Maharastra 30 16,00,000 53,333 8,00,000 26667 50

5

18 SAMBHAB Odisha 90 18,00,000 20,000 6,00,000 13333 33

19 Ramesh C.Dagar Haryana 108 150,00,000 1,30,000 105,00,000 41667 70

20

Dr. Mathew

Mathew Kerala 200 118,25,000 98,540 74,70,000

36291 63

6

The baseline study also revealed that the science and practice of sustainable agriculture has been

limited about research and codification. Currently, a few of the leading farmers of sustainable

agriculture have codified some aspects of their respective techniques and practices. These farmers

have been able to demonstrate the agricultural outputs more than systematically explain the

science of it. The processes of sustainable agriculture have not been fully codified such that the

small and marginal farmers could adopt them without hesitation. There have been little public

investments on research for empirical evidences and codification of sustainable agriculture and

hence the tacit and intricate knowledge system of sustainable agriculture has not been popular in

practice. As a result of this lack of scientific study, codification and subsequent training, the

adoption and replication of sustainable agricultural practices are much slower as compared to the

huge potential it offers to mitigate the risks of farmers and the growing demand for safe and

nutritious organic food by the consumers and the producers.

Empirical observations of different practices and literature on sustainable agriculture on

sustainability of agriculture suggest that the basic dimensions to sustainable agriculture include (a)

soil health, (b) seeds, (c) water (moisture) management, (d) mixed cropping for better plant

protection, (e) integration of agriculture to local livestock, (f) converging integrated agriculture to

local ecosystem by agroforestry and social forestry.

Following the all-India baseline survey on natural farming systems; XIMB organized a National

Round Table Discussion on Sustainable Agricultural Systems in XIMB in January 2016. This

RTD reiterated the significance of interconnectedness and inter-dependence of various actors and

actants in agricultural ecosystems. It also felt and sensed the need to emphasize on the general

principles of sustainable agriculture systems than recommend a particular type or nomenclature of

agriculture for long term sustainability of our diverse ecological systems in India. The RTD

brought out the key pillars - Seed, Soil, Moisture, Diversity and Ecology - for building sustainable

agricultural systems.

The RTD also reiterated the critical need for a bottom-up approach for agriculture to be

sustainable; that includes letting farmers choose the kind of agriculture and not heavily

determined by scientists or marketers, type of support that they require, and respect their norms

and language system. It was also pointed out that cluster-community based approach for

sustainable agriculture is a necessity and that the need to include the excluded, poor, and marginal

farmers in agriculture is necessary for making agriculture sustainable.

7

In addition, XIMB hosted the First Symposium on Transition Strategies for Sustainable

Community Systems on 19-20 January 2017 in Bhubaneswar. With SAS as one of the five Tracks,

the plenary session of this Symposium deliberated on the principles of seed, soil, moisture,

diversity, andecology in line with principles of agroecology. The participants also discussed on

the key factors which can enable a small farmer’s agricultural field to become sustainable and the

farming can be viable in short run and sustainable in the long run. Keeping this objective in mind

and spirit, transition strategies related to above principles in agricultural research, practices,

ecosystem services, and policies were discussed in the plenary session.

Prior to the action research project on Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) in the three

locations supported by DEAR-NABARD, the principal investigator had initiated some initiatives

at the community level to experiment with natural farming or organic farming systems. Dr. Om

Prakash Rupela, scientist in Organic Farming, was visited to farmers’ fields located at Nuagada

GP of Padmapur block in Rayagada district in 2011. As an exponent of organic farming, he had

sensitized the farmers in the above GP on the benefits of organic farming. Besides, Prof. K. T.

Chandy had also undertaken field visits to the farmers’ field located in Nuagada GP. He discussed

with farmers on various aspects of cultivation patterns and sensitized the farmers on improving

soil health and organic farming.

Likewise, Shri Subhash Sharma, a progressive farmer from Maharashtra, practicing natural

farming had undertaken field visits to the farmers’ fields located at both Liligada GP in Gajapati

district and Nuagada GP in Rayagada district in 2016. In both the locations, he had interacted with

farmers on various aspects of farming and had sensitized the farmers on Natural Farming.

The formal approval for the action research for sustainable agricultural systems in three locations

in Odisha by DEAR NABARD Mumbai came through in 2018. The five key factors of study

under the action research included the following as indicated in the Chart 1 below:

External Moisture In-Situ

Dead Soil Live

Exotic Seed Indigenous

Low Farm Diversity High

Shallow Farm Ecology Deep

Chart 1: Sustainable Agricultural Systems

8

3.0 Steps to Implement the Five Factors

3.1 In-Situ Water Conservation Infrastructure

Soil moisture is the most important element for the germination plants & crop growth and high

crop yield. Water serves not only as an agent of moisture but regulates the temperature. Specific

amount of water depends upon the climate, topography, vegetation, and hydrological conditions.

The most significant aspect of this action research has been the empirical evidence that it is

possible to make water available to any farmer land irrespective of the topography in areas that

have decent amount of rainfall (above drought conditions). The following measures can be

undertaken tofacilitate water availability on the farm land.

Land levelling and balancing of surface water flow:

Land leveling will be done at the time of preparation of land for the first time by use of leveler

through tractor. It is a onetime investment and use of heavy machine for a long-term usefulness

and minimization of slope in the crop field for smooth water conservation and cropping. The

farmers community can converge with their respective panchayats to mobilize land levelling work

under NREGS for their farm lands.

Image 3.1.1: Land levelling

Source: Action Research on SAS

9

Simple tool like zero level contour markers, that is made up of wood and attached to narrow pipe

(0.02 cm) with clamp and measuring scales, will be used for land levelling activities. The

instrument can be used to measure the ups and downs in a crop field so that micro-locks and

contour can be made accordingly. It will be useful for better conservation of rain water and

optimum utilization of water used for a crop field.

Image 3.1.2: Zero level Contour Markers


Trenches:

Usually, rain water flows over the farm land get wasted. Farmers have no idea how to stop the

rainwater runoff and after rainy season they become dependent upon the external sources for

irrigation. To stop the rainwater runoff, trenching with locks around the farmland is required.

These trenches are a one-time investment in a farm land. 3-4% of the farmland will be used for

excavating the trenches around the farm. Thissystem will conserve rain water of the farm.

Technical Specification:

• The depth and width of the trenches will be 6 feet and 4 feet respectively and the

length of the trench will be 80 feet at a stretch.

• A locking system of 10 feet length, 4 feet width and 1.5 feet depth will be constructed

at an interval of 80 feet. It will be patched by stones and gravels at regular interval. It

will be patched by stones and gravels at regular interval.

10

The overflown water has been stored in the trenches. Trenches can be excavated by using

JCB. Indeed, a lot of soil gets collected with this trenching exercise. The earth material of

these trenches can be put on the farm land to make the extreme slope areas of the

farmland. The maintenance of trenches can be done in every three years.Subsequently,

efforts will be undertaken to link the farmers with NREGS to mobilize trenching work for

their farm lands.

Image 3.1.3: Excavation of Trenches & Locks on the Farm


Lock

Trenc

h

11

Image 3.1.4: Leveling of sloppy areas of farmland with earth material of Trench



Leveling of sloppy areas of farmland

with earth material of Trench

12

Water in trenches around the farm that used to dry up within two hours after the rainfall in Year 1

was retained for five days and gradually seeped in within about eight days after every rainfall in

Year 2 of the action research.

Image 3.1.5: Water holding capacity of Model SAS Farm within 1 Year


Micro Locks:

Micro locks are the locking of the space in ridge and furrow in a field to keep the rain water

locked in a certain height and time period. Micro-locks will be made on the whole farm such that

rainwater could recharge there and then. By this method of micro lock, rain water will penetrate

underground rather than flow away from the field. The overflown water gets stored in the

trenches.

Technical specification: The size of the micro-locks will vary from 4 feet to 12 feet depending on

the level of the land. The micro-locks will be made by using a simple instrument.

13

Image 3.1.6: Micro Locks prepared on the farm land for absorbing Rain Water


Measurement of rainfall:

This will provide the farmer a first-hand knowledge on the amount of rainfall on his farm land.

For this sake, simple tools like a 50-liter bucket and 1-liter bottle are required to measure the rain

water. Farmers are required to record the rainfall data each time it is occurring. Finally, they will

be able calculate the amount of rain water that falls on his/her farm land.

Micro Locks

14

Image 3.1.7: Simple tools to measure the Rainfall


Open Well:

Open well will bedug on the farmer’s land. The sole purpose is to use the water of the open well

to irrigate the crops and plants in the farm. This open well will also help the farmer to check the

current status of underground water of his/her farm land. Inside the open well, farmer can do the

stone bonding/concrete rings to protect the open well. Farmers can mobilise the open well under

schematic provisions available in the concerned line department. However, we observed stone

bonding seems to work better than concrete rings especially with large sized open wells.

15

Image 3.1.8: Open Well


Image 3.1.9: Stone Bonding inside the Open Well


16

Image 3.1.10: Inserting Concrete Rings inside the Open Well for its protection


Installation of solar Pumps:

Energy is required to run the pump sets to lift water from open well. To reduce the dependency of

farmers on conventional energy i.e. electricity required for farming purposes, the priority is given

to renewable energy sources. In this light, solar pumps will be set up in the farmer’s field for

pumping out water from open well to irrigate the farm crops, forest & horticulture plants etc.

Furthermore, the farmers can use this solar energy for household uses like lighting bulbs in nights,

using fan etc. This will minimise the farmer’s expenses on electricity and he/she can utilise this

money for his/her children’s education, health, & hygiene etc.

17

Image 3.1.11: Installation of Solar Pumps


18

3.2 Soil Health

Soil derives its nature and character from the billions of microbes that live and thrive in it.

Disruptions in the ecological relationships and proportional balance among bacteria, viruses,

fungus and insects are promoting pests. Further, application of chemical fertilizers & pesticides

will destroy the soil quality. After land leveling, soil is to be treated with utmost care. The fertility

& nutritional conditions of the soil should be maintained through application of organic manure,

biomass etc. Prior to undertaking the ploughing activities on the farm land, compost/dried cow

dungs are to be spread over the farmland. Then the ploughing of the farm land should be carried

out by bullocks. The soil as far as possible should be made plain and powder type. It is also

advised that the dry weeds are carefully removed from the land at the stage of land preparation.

Image 3.2.1: Application of compost


19

Image 3.2.2: Land ploughing by bullocks


Green Manure:

Green manure plants can be grown on the farm land. Within a span of 6 weeks’ time period, these

plants will be cut and mulched in the soil for improving soil health. This technique sequester

carbon from air and fix it into the soil. This process will increase the organic carbon in soil, fix

atmospheric nitrogen in soil and make soil conducive for life (of microorganisms).

20

Image 3.2.3: Cultivation of Green Manure Plants for Manuring purposes


Sun Hemp Plants

21

Image 3.2.4: Mulching of green Manure


Simultaneously, farmer can sow Dhanicha seeds between the Arhar lanes for improving soil

health. After 6 weeks’ time, the Dhanicha plants need to be cut down and mulched in the soil.

This green manuring activity increases the soil health and help get a bumper crop of arhar (cow

pea) as we found in our experimental farm.

Mulching of Green Manure Plants

22

Image 3.2.5: Mulching of Dhanicha


In addition to the above organic biomass, farm yard manure can be prepared from cow dung and

applied on the farm land to improve soil health.

Farm Yard Manure: The following material will be required for preparation of farm yard

manure-

i. 1 trolley (1000 kg) dried cow dung

ii. 4 Kg Jaggery

Preparation Process:

➢ Spread the above dried cow dung and the height will be 2 feet.

➢ Mix the jaggery with water

➢ Spray the mixture on the dried cow dung bed

➢ Spray water on it and leave it

➢ The jaggery will further decompose the cow dung and destroys the weeds that have

started growing on cow dung

➢ Again spray water on the bed in 2nd month

➢ After 60 days, the farm yard manure will be ready

Mulching of Danicha plants

23

The above farm yard manure is powder type and can be applied on the farm land. If the farmer

does not use this manure for a long period, then it should be covered with dried leaves and water

should be sprayed over it in regular intervals.

Image 3.2.6: Preparation of farm Yard Manure


24

Image 3.2.7: Preparation of farm Yard Manure


Preparation of Microbial rich Solutions: Microbial rich solution is liquid in form. The

application of microbial solutions control pests and also keeps the plant areas clean. The following

material are required for preparation of microbial solutions –

Preparation Process:

• Water – 10 liters

• Cow dung – 1 kg

• Cow Urine – 1 liter

• Black Jaggery – 50 gm

• Mix together Ten (10) liters of Water, One (1) liter of Cow Urine, One (1) kg of Fresh

Cow Dung and Fifty (50) grams of Organic Black Jaggery.

• Keep this solution for three (3) days

• Stir this solution twice or thrice each day – stir twelve (12) times clock wise and twelve

(12) times anti-clock wise on each occasion.

• On the fourth (4th) day, the concentrated solution is ready.

25

Application Process:

Image: Preparation of Microbial Solutions

Image 3.2.8: Preparation of Microbial Solutions


Biomass:

Biomass is used to increase the nutrition of the soil. Biomass is found in the living plants and

biological wastes at farm. Pit is required for biomass preparation. The Pit size is as follows –

Once Pit is ready, then, put all the plant residues and dried leaves and farm wastes in that pit and

apply mixture of jaggery and water on it. Gradually, this jaggery mixture will decompose the

wastes and convert it into biomass. The biomass is to be covered on the farm land where

cultivation is planned. All these measures create conducive condition for the microorganisms to

✓ Length-8 feet

✓ Width-6 feet

✓ Depth-3 feet

Mix 1 liter of the above microbial solution with 10 liters of water of water and apply in crop

beds. This microbial solution acts as an Accelerating Agent for Decomposition by various

beneficial microbes.

26

flourish on the farmland. Through continuous work of microorganisms on the soil, the soil

porosity and quality of soil increases substantially. This condition of soil helps increase water

absorption capacity of the soil during monsoon and will also help increase the ground water level

of the farm land.

Soil Porosity:

Farmers can themselves check the soil porosity of their farm land. It can be checked with the first

rain of the monsoon. For this, they need simple instrument like a digging bar. The farmer has to

dig the holes on his farm land with the help of digging bar. The point upto which the soil with

moisture contents will not come in the digging bar, the farmer should stop digging further. Now

he has to measure the soil with moisture content portions of the digging bar with the help of a

measuring tape. This will provide him basic information whether the porosity level of the soil has

increased or not in comparison to an adjacent land where such farming has not been undertaken in

the previous year.

Increased water holding capacity was noticed from the observations in the experimental plot in

two different ways. First, the soil moisture was found to be at deeper level in the experimental plot

than control plot. Second, water used to dry up within two hours in the trenches around the

experimental plot during the monsoon month of June-July in Year 1; was retained in the trench for

up to five days before gradually seeping down during the same period in Year 2. Please see Photo

set 2 for the visuals of the above two points. Third, with similar amount of rainfall; water in the

open well rose on the experimental plot increased by over eight feet in Year 2.

27

Image 3.2.8: Measuring soil porosity


28

Sketch 3.2.1: In-Situ Water Conservation

Water Absorption Capacity Topography

CONTROL PLOT EXPERIMENTAL PLOT


De-weeding techniques:

Weeds hamper the growth of plants. Farmers can use small tools to remove weeds from the

cultivated plots at its early stage. This is called child weeding. It saves time, energy and money

of the farmer. It is also not advisable to remove weeds completely from the bed as existence of

weeds on the farmer’s land controls nitrogen, oxygen etc. on the bed/field. Weed height should

not be more than plant height.

Soil Testing:

Soil testing should be undertaken at regular interval to test the soil quality. The soil testing can

be undertaken at any Agriculture University in the respective states. Even the farmer can liaise

with Agriculture Officers operating at District and Block level for getting information on soil

testing in their areas. Soil testing will provide basic information on the existing composition of

the soil like Organic carbon, pH, EC, NPK, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Micronutrients

(copper, Iron, Zinc, Boron), Microbial population, Bulk density, Water holding capacity,

Texture and other key micro-nutrients. Soil testing will show the variations of the above

compositions of thesoil and accordingly, the farmer can take the advice of agriculture

experts/professionals to undertake measures to improve the soil quality of his/her farm land.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Soil

Porosity

29

Prior to undertaking ploughing activities on the farm land, as per the advice of the Officer-In-

Charge of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,Orissa University of

Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), the required number soil of samples weretaken from

various cultivable spots in the farm for soil testing. Further, necessary organic measures were

undertaken for improving the soil health. The same approach to contact the local agricultural

university may be followed in respective location of a farmer.

Image 3.2.9: Soil Testing Report of Model Farm, NISWASS, Bhubaneswar


30

Image 3.2.10: Soil Testing Report of Three SAS Farms


31

3.3 Ecology

Ecology refers to Farm forestry around the farm. For agriculture to be sustainable, it needs to ape

the local natural systems that will be balanced and stable over generations. In other words, the

above aspects of soil, seed, moisture and diversity need to be integrated and synthesized with

respective local ecology for long term sustainability of agriculture. The horticultural and forest

species will help pollination in the farm. In the above ecological settings of the farm, bees and

birds will be the key actors in spreading pollination in the farm. This pollination in turn helps in

high yielding of various crops that will be extremely gainful for farmers. The mini-forest around

the farm will not only control temperature on the farm but also protect the farm from high velocity

winds and heat waves. The purpose is to manage climate at a farmers’ micro-farm level.

Image 3.3.1: Farm Ecology


32

Image 3.3.2: Farm Ecology


33

Image 3.3.4: Farm Ecology of Model farm, CEDEC, NISWASS


Different varieties of forest plants are planted around the farm to ensure that there are some

flowers on the farm though out the year. This is to create a natural infrastructure for the honey

bees, butterflies and other smaller species that live above soil to survive with the farm ecology.

The forest plant of different species will be planted on the boundaries of the farmer’s land for

maintaining and balancing farm ecology. As per the Farm Norms, the Table-1 illustrates the

varieties of forest plants that are to be planted around the farm.

Table 3.3.1: Forest Saplings

Canopy: (20%) Acacia Krushna Chuda, Radha Chuda, Sisu, Phasi, Bamboo, Debdaru,

Walnut, Arjun etc.

Mahanima Tree: (40%) Mango, Tamarind, Neem, Ambada, Harida, Jackfruit, Karanja,

Bahada, Dimiri, Jamun, Mahula, Chiku etc.

Sub Tree: (30%) Guava, Drumstick, Bakul, Amla, Chakhunda, Sub-babul, Chandan,

Bela, Cashew etc.

Shrubs: (10%) Kachan, Pomegranti (Dalimba), Kadipatta, Banana, ganga siuli,

Papaya etc.


34

Likewise, the farm norms have also set the heights of the above forest saplings that are to be

planted sequentially. The given Table 2 illustrates the above factors –

Table 3.3.2: Farm Norms

Farm Norms Tree Variety Standard heights Norms for the Farm

50 foot Canopy 114 foot 120 Foot

30 Foot Tree 49 foot – 114 Foot 50 foot – 120 foot

15 foot Sub-tree 20 foot – 49 Foot 20 foot – 50 Foot

5 Foot Shrub Layer 7 Foot – 20 Foot 7 foot – 20 foot


A farmer can reach out to the Department of Forest and Department of Horticulture operating at

state level and then with block level forest office and horticulture office for mobilization of

various species of both forest saplings and horticulture saplings. Again, keeping an eye to the farm

size, estimation can be done regarding the required number of the above saplings and also

mobilized from these local offices. This technique for enhancing the farm ecology has also been

undertaken in all three experimental SAS farms located in three different locations as well as in

the CEDEC SAS Farm in Bhubaneswar. Given below is the plantation sketch of model SAS farm

located at CEDEC.

Table 3.3.3: Forest Plant Species planted around on 1 hectareModel SAS Farm in Year 2

Layer Name

with % Plant Local Name Scientific Name

Total Number of

plant per Mound Average

Canopy

(20%)

Acacia Acacia catechu 50 10

Krushna Chuda Delonix regia 10 1

Radha Chuda Peltophorumpterocarpum 1

Sisu Dalbergia sissoo 50 10

Bamboo Bambusoideae(2 types) 50+2

Debdaru Cedrusdeodara 10 2

Walnut Juglans regia 40 8

Mohagany Honduran mahogany 10 2

Putranjiva Putranjivaroxburghii 10 2

35

Arjun Terminalia arjuna 35 7

Total 215 43

Tree

(40%)

Mahanima Azadirachta Indica 25 5

Patoli Steriospermumcolais 50 10

Tamarind Tamarindusindica 25 5

Neem Azadirachta Indica 50 10

Almond Prunus dulcis 40 8

Jackfruit Artocarpusheterophyllus 10 2

Karanja Pongamiapinnata 50 10

Bahada Terminalia bellirica 50 10

Jamun Syzygiumcumini 10 2

Mahula Madhucalongifolia 2

Chiku Manilkarazapota 4

Total 237 47

Sub Tree

(30%)

Guava Psidium guajava 50 10

Bakul Mimusopselengi 50 10

Amla Phyllanthus emblica 50 10

Chakhunda Senna occidentalis 50 10

Sub-babul Leucaena leucocephala 50

Bela Aegle marmelos 30 6

Kaitha Limoniaacidissima 10 2

Simaruba Simarouba glauca 10 2

Sunari 10 2

Kadamba Neolamarckiacadamba 10 2

Total 320 64

Shrub

(10%)

Kachan Bauhinia acuminata 40 8

Pomegranti

(Dalimba) Punicagranatum 25 5

36

Kadipatta Murrayakoenigii 10 2

Banana Musifera Indica

Flowering plant Cassia nodosa 25 5

Total 100 20

Grand Total 872 174


37

Plantation Diagram 1.5 Foot 1.5 Foot 1.5 Foot

4 Foot

4 Foot

2 Foot

2 Foot

2 Foot

2 Foot

4 Foot

4 Foot

1.5 Foot

1.5 Foot

1.5 Foot

4 Foot

Sketch 3.3.1: Plantation Diagram

Source: Action research on SA

38

Depending on the requirement of individual farm site, plantation of forest plant can be

undertaken. It is designed to create and strengthen the farm ecology in order to establish

biodiversity in and around the farm. It helps in increasing pollination, reduce temperature on the

farm, and check wind speed. All these improve the overall balance and crop yield on the farm.

Image 3.3.3: Plantation of Forest Plants


39

3.4. Indigenous Seeds

To reduce the cost of seed procurement by farmers and make them self-reliant on seeds, the

farmers can be encouraged to use local/indigenous seeds that are genetically stable and suitable

for local micro-climate of the farm. Seeds that are out of circulation in the clusters, those

indigenous seeds from nearby clusters will be collected and sown in the farm; and the best

suitable varieties on the farm will be retained for further multiplication in the local area.

It is not advisable for the farmers to use Hybrid/GM seeds though these variety seeds provide

higher yields. However, there are several issues with these with reference to smallholder farmers.

1. The re-germination of these seeds is much lower and GM seeds are terminator seeds that do not

yield fruits after one crop. 2. These seeds cannot fight with local climatic conditions. 3. These

seeds require application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides that hampers not only the soil

health of the farm land but also has adverse impact on human health, and 4. The cost of these

seeds is high and hence much risk of loss due to weather unreliability due to climate changes. 5.

The overall transaction cost of these seeds is much higher and hence the net profit to the farmer

over a couple cycles becomes less profitable. The local genetically stable seeds are far robust and

remove the weather risk to the smallholder farmer. The productivity of the farmer selected seeds

indeed gives much better yields than the seeds procured from the market.

The harvested seeds will be mixed with ashes or neem powder to protect those from pest attack.

Then these seeds will be stored in the store room. During the seed sowing time, the seeds should

be treated properly to make it disease free. For 10 kg seeds, the following materials are required

for seed treatment –

→ Fresh cow dung – 1 kg

→ Cow urine – ½ liter

→ Forest soil – 1 kg

→ Jaggery – 300 grams

→ Ash – 1 handful

→ Water – 1 liter

40

Process:

The above seed treatment process makes the seeds 90% disease free.

Seed sowing is the most important activity. Germination of seeds requires certain environment

viz. moisture and balanced temperature. Timely seed sowing lead to the better output.

Image 3.4.1: Harvest & Storing of Local Seeds


→ Mix all the above mentioned material well in the 1 liter

water and prepare the semi liquid paste

→ Mix the seeds in that paste well by using two hands

→ Store or dry it in the shade for 2 hours

→ Sow those seeds on the bed.

41



42



43

Furthermore, farmers need to set up Seed Banks in their villages so that various indigenous/local

seeds can be preserved for next cycle of cultivation. Farmers can also take these local seeds from

their seed banks.

To promote the importance of local/indigenous seed, Seed Fair can be organized at

GP/Block/District level. This will become helpful for knowledge sharing and exchange among

farmer communities.

Nurseriescan be developed on the farmer’s land to grow indigenous vegetable varieties. To this

effect, Nursery beds can be prepared. The length, width and height of the nursery bed should be 3-

5 meter, 1.5 meter, and 15cm respectively. This removes the water stagnation on the bed during

monsoon. The soil of the nursery beds will be mixed with farmyard manures properly and the soil

of the beds will be levelled. Various local vegetable seeds will be sown on these nursery beds.

After watering, the beds are to be covered with straws/dried leaves to balance the temperature of

the beds. Then the seedling of the nursery beds can be taken to the main farm land for

transplantation. Further, after germination of seeds, the whole nursery beds should be covered

with polypropylene sheets, rather using any locally available natural material to protect them from

extreme temperature as well as from rainfall. It is important to procure seeds of these local variety

vegetables for next cycle.

44

Image 3.4.4: Nursery Beds


45

Image 3.4.5: Nursery Bed


46

3.5 Farm Diversity

Diversity includes not only crop diversity but also integration of horticulture, livestock, medicinal

plants, and general bio-diversity at the farm level. Agriculture is visibly a highly interconnected

and interdependent system of production and its output is a result of deep and dynamics

relationship among various living and non-living organisms in a micro ecosystem. Diversity

indeed is the chant/mantra to sustainability of agriculture and small farmers.

In first year, the farmer could cultivate Arhar and Maize in their farm for improving soil health

that has worked well in our action research.

Image 3.5.1: Arhar & Maize Cultivation


47

Image 3.5.2: Arhar with black gram


Image 3.5.3: Maize cultivation in one patch of the Farm


48

Image 3.5.4: Diversity of the Model SAS Farm, CEDEC, NISWASS


Mixed Farming:

Mixed farming practices can be followed for furthering the soil health. In this category, different

varieties of crops and vegetables like millets, pulses, oil seeds, vegetables etc. will be undertaken

for cultivation. This mixed farming will help the farmer in enhancing the soil fertility of his/her

farm land and can harvest multiple crops and vegetables in the same piece of farm land in a given

time. A farmer may choose the total area where he/she can adopt the mixed farming technique.

This will also foster his economic growth. The detailed seed list of mixed farming is given below

–

49

Table 3.5.1: List of Mixed Farming

Kala (O/S) Ghantia (M) Pumpkin (V)

Jawar (Jana) (M) Dungerani (P) Baelo (P)

Ragi (Mandia) (M) Long Bean (P) Butter-Bean (Simba) (V)

Metenga (P) Sweet Potato (V) Cucumber (V)

Kandula (P) Maize © Brinjal (V)

Kangu (M) Ridge Gourd (V) Bitter Gourd (V)

Suan (M) Bottle Gourd (Lau) (V) Kaunria (V/OS)

Kusula (M)

(M: Millet, O/S: Oil Seed, P: Pulses, V: Vegetables)


Image 3.5.5: Mixed Farming


50

Annual Crop Plan:

Based on the micro climate conditions of the farmer’s farm land, Annual Crop Plan will be

prepared to rotate the crops that will suit respective locations. Given below is the Annual Crop

Plan that was prepared for carrying out agricultural activities in the experimental locations-

Table 3.5.2: Annual Crop Plan


Crop Rotation Plan:

The crop rotation plan will be prepared that engages the farmer in cultivating various crops and

root crops, cereals and pulses, and vegetables and leafy vegetables etc. throughout the year. This

crop diversity will increase the farmer’s annual income. The month wise general crop rotation

plan is indicated in Table 3.1.

Subsequently illustration of different crop plans in four different farm locations where the

experiments were undertaken are presented for better understanding. The four different farms are

located in 4 districts of Odisha viz. Khordha, Gajapati, Rayagada, & Kandhamal. The above farm

sizes are different from each other and so also is the topography.

Kharif

(June-Sept)

Rabi

(Oct-Jan)

Summer

(Feb-May)

Maize + Cow Pea

Vegetables

Toria (Soriso)

Arhar + Ragi

Sesame

Millet(Mixed) Potatoes Sesame

Green (Mixed) Vegetables

Root Crops

51

Table 3.5.3: Crop Rotation Plan

Item

Variety January February March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Cereals

&

Millets Maize Maize Maize Maize Wheat

Sorghum Pearl Millet

Wheat

Pulses

Fenugreek

(Methi) Fenugreek

Black

Gram

Black

Gram Gram Amaranths Amaranths Amaranths

Amaranths Green Gram

Green

Gram

Amaranths

(KhadaSaag

In Local

Language)

Green

Gram Cumin Gram Cumin

Summer

Groundnut

Horse

Gram Black Gram

Horse

Gram Gram Rajma

Rapeseed

Pigeon

Pea

Green

Gram Rapeseed Rapeseed

Rajma

Horse

Gram Rapeseed

Pigeon Pea

Sesame Sesame

Leafy

Abant

Chuka/Green

Sorrel

Abant

Chuka/Green

Sorrel ChavliBhaaj ChavliBhaaj ChavliBhaaj Coriander Coriander

Coriander Coriander Coriander

Green Leaf

Onion Coriander

Green Leaf

Onion

Green

Leaf

Onion

Green Leaf

Onion

Green

Leaf

Onion

Green Leaf

Onion

52

Chakvat Chakvat

Seed

Coriander

Stem/

Flower Brinjal Brinjal Bitter Gourd

Bitter

Gourd

Bottle

Gourd

Bitter

Gourd Tomato Beans Brinjal Bean Brinjal Brinjal

French

Beans Bottle Gourd Bottle Gourd

Bottle

Gourd

Cluster

Bean

Bitter

Gourd Brinjal Cabbage Brinjal Cabbage Cabbage

Musk Melon Cluster Bean Chills Chilies Cowpea

Bottle

Gourd Tomato Cauliflower Cabbage Cauliflower

Cowpea Cluster Bean Chol Bhaji Chilies Valsheng Tomato Cauliflower Ova

Dhemus Cowpea

Cluster

Bean

Shimla

Mirch

Cluster

Bean Valsheng Pea Pea

Muskmelon Dhemus Cowpea Cotton

Pharsalus

Bear Tomato

Okra Okra Okra Okra Kartuli Tomato Tondli

Tondli

(Tendli In

Hindi) Ridge Gourd Pumpkin Okra Valsheng

Tondli

Ridge

Gourd Tondli Pumpkin Valsheng

Shimla

Mirch

Ridge

Gourd

Snake

Gourd

Roots Radish

Sweet

Potato Ginger Ginger Onion Carrot Carrot Carrot

Turmeric

Sweet

Potato Turmeric Onion Onion Radish

Potato Potato

Radish Radish

53

Sugar Beet Sugar Beet

Spice/Oil

Seed Fennel Seed Caster Linseed Linseed Shepu

Spinach Spinach Spinach Spinach Groundnut Shepu

Hing Shepu Shepu Shepu Shepu Shepu Spinach

Mentha Mentha Mentha Shepu Spinach Spinach Spinach

Soya Bean Spinach

Fruit Watermelon Watermelon Watermelon Cucumber Cucumber Cucumber Cucumber

Cucumber

Animal

Feed

Fodder

Maize

Fodder

Maize

Fodder

Sorghum

Fodder

Sorghum

Fodder

Maize


(Adopted from Shri Subhash Sharma, Farmer of Maharashtra)

54

Sketch 3.5.1: Model SAS Farm Sketch, CEDEC-NISWASS, Bhubaneswar


55

The second experimental SAS Farms is located at Liligada GP of Mohana block in Gajapati

district. From climatic point of view, the area is characterized as rainfed area. One side of the farm

area is bounded by small hill that is covered with various forest trees. Rest side of the farm land is

surrounded by neighbours’ farm lands. The soil of the farm land is fertile one and the organic

carbon is high due to existence of hilly forest area. The area of the farm land is about 2 hectares.

For convenience and better management, the whole farm land is divided into several plots for

farming, watering, and de-weeding etc. become convenient. Accordingly, different crops are

cultivated in these farm plots throughout the year. Given below is the farm sketch of Liligada GP.

56

Sketch 3.5.2: SAS Farm Sketch, Liligada

Farmer’s Shed

Open Well

Source: Action Research on

SAS

57

The third experimental SAS farm is located at Nuagada GP of Padmapur block in Rayagada

district. Here, the topography the farm land is good. The public road has also divided the farm

land into two parts. Like Liligada SAS pattern, Farming plots were created and soil testing was

done for further improvisation. Furthermore, plantation activities have been undertaken to

improve the farm ecology.

58

Sketch 3.5.3: Farm Sketch, Nuagada

Cow Shed

Farmer’s Shed

Open Well


SAS

57

The fourth experimental SAS farm is located at Pliheri GP of Daringbadi block in Kandhamal

district. The total farm land is about 2 hectares. Likewise, the whole farm land is divided into

several farming plots. The farm ecology is comparatively lower than that of other two SAS farms.

The soil of the farm land is heavier and red in color. The soil testing was done and various

measures were undertaken to improve the soil health. Besides, consistent efforts are undertaken to

promote plantation in and around the farm for creating farm ecology.

58

Sketch 3.5.4: SAS Farm Sketch, Pliheri GP, Padmapur Block, Kandhamal District

Farmer’s Shed Cow Shed

Drying Yard

Open Well


SAS

59

The intercropping practices enable the roots of the multiple crop plants and horticulture plants

reciprocate with each other. This mechanism also helps in increasing microbial populations in the

soil. One should however need to learn more about inter cropping system, application of spacing

amongst the horticulture plants.

Plantation of Horticulture Plants:

Furthermore, various horticulture plants like litchi, guava, custard apple, coconuts, papaya,

mango, jackfruits, tamarind, sapota, amla, lemon etc. will be planted in and around the farm land

to increase biodiversity. This will also provide economic return to the farmers in the long run.

A series of images are provided to show the plantation of horticultural plants on different farms.

Subsequently, the sketches of different farms along with the horticultural plants are shown for

better understanding and application of the same in any farm settings.

Image 3.5.6: Guava Plantation


60

Image 3.5.7: Mango Plantation


Image: Papaya Plot with Bee Keeping


Image 3.5.8: Bee keeping


Bee Keeping

61

Image 3.5.9: Banana Plantation


62

Banana Banana Banana Banana

B

C

Dalimba

Plot - F

Mango Mango

Mango

Guava Amla Lemon Sapota Plot - E

Plot - C

Sapota Guava Litchi

Lemon litchi Amla Custard Apple

Sapota Guava litchi

Dalimba Sapota

Mango Mango

Amla

Sapota

Custard Apple

Guava

Sapota Litchi

jackfruit

Jackfruit

Sapota

Mango Guava Lemon Sapota Mango Litchi Guava Amla Litchi Sapota C.Apple

Mango Mango Litchi Guava Lemon Guava Lemon Sapota

Litchi C.Apple

Mango

Amla

Guava Lemon Lichi Dalimba C.Apple Sapota Lemon Amla

Lemon

Mango Sapota Mango Litchi Lemon C.Apple Sapeta

Amla Sapota Lemon Guava Pomegranate

Mango Lichi Mango Litchi Sapota Amla Mango

Liligada GP, Mohana Block, Gajapati District

W

Sapota

Lemon Litchi Guava

Mango

Mango

Guava

Plot - A

Plot - D

Plot - B

C.Apple

Pomegranate




Sketch 3.5.5: Plantation Sketch of SAS Farm, Liligada GP, Gajapati District


63

Sketch 3.5.6: Plantation Sketch of SAS Farm, Nuagada GP, Rayagada District


Lichi Lichi Litchi

6 Pomegranate

Coconut Coconut Amla Amla Drumstick CA CA Guava Custard Apple Sapeta Sapeta Lemon Lemon Drumstick

Amla Amla 5 Pomegranate Litchi Amla Lemon CApple Guava Litchi Sapota

4 Sapota Amla CApple DS Litchi

Litchi

3 C.Apple Guava Litchi Amla

2 Guava

Amla Guava Lichi

Guava Mango Coconut Coconut 1 Drumstick Guava Coconut Coconut 15ft Mango 60ft Jackfruit 60ft Tamarind 60 ft Mango 60 ft Jackfruit 15 ft

Pomegranate

Lichi

Lichi

Guava

Sapota

C.Apple C.Apple

Coconut Coconut

Lichi

JF

Jackfruit

Mango Tamarind Jackfruit Mango

Jackfruit Tamarind Mango Jackfruit Mango

Sapeta Jackfruit Tamarind Mango Jackfruit Mango

Jackfruit Tamarind Jackfruit Mango

Coconut

Sapeta

Lemon C.Apple

Sapota

Jackfruit

Coconut

Amla

Lemon

Pomegranate a

Mango

JF

Jackfruit Tamarind Mango Jackfruit Mango

Banana Banana Banana Banana Banana






Amla

Jackfruit Mango Mango Mango Coconut Mango Mango Mango Mango Mango Mango

Sapeta

70 ft 70 ft 70 ft 70 ft

C. Apple

Lichi Pomegra

nate C.Apple

lichi Guava Lemon

Mango Mango

Saptea

Guava Drumstick

Lemon Lichi

Mango

Mango Mango

Mango Mango

Sapota

Mango

Jackfruit Lemon

C.Apple

Litchi

Guava Mango

Mango

Coconut

Mango Mango

C.Apple

Amla

Mango

Guava

Drumstick

Mango

Lemon Litchi

Guava

Mango

Road

Nuagada GP, Padmapur Block, Rayagada District

Mango to Mango distance is 70 ft.

Mang

o to M

ango

dista

nce is

40 ft.

Mango to Mango distance is 50 ft.

64

Lemon Mango Coconut Guava Amla

K E C.Apple Lemon Guava Banana Banana Banana Banana Banana Litchi Sapota Sapota Jackfruit Amla Guava Banana Banana Banana Banana

Guava J Litchi Pomegranate Amla Banana Banana Banana Banana Banana D

Litchi Gva C.apple Amla Lemon Sapota Guava Amla

I C.A. Sapota Guava lemon Pomegranate

Guava Banana Banana Banana Banana Banana Banana Banana Banana Banana Sapota Pomegranate Mango Litchi C

H Spt Gv lemon C. Apple

Tamarind Guava C.A. Guava Lemon Litchi Guava Banana Banana Banana Banana Banana Banana Banana Banana Banana B Guava Mango Pomegranate Lemon Litchi Amla Tamarind Mango Litchi Sapota Guava Amla G Sapota Litchi 5 ft 50ft 50 ft 50 ft 5 ft


Sapota C.A. Guava Pomegranate Coconut Amla Sapota Amla F A Sapota Sapota C. Apple Amla Litchi

Coconut Coconut

C.A.

Guava

Litchi

Spta

Guava

Lmn

Sapota Pomgrnte Lemon

litchi

Custard Apple (C.A.) Amla

Guava

Amla

Pomegranate

C.A. Sapota

Litchi C.A.

Amla

lichi Guava Sapota Lemon

Lemon Guava C.A.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate

Pomegranate

Sapota

Lemon

Pomegranate

Amla

Amla Pomegranate

Guava Mango

Sapota

C. Apple

Litchi

Guava

Lemon Sapota Guava Mango

Pomegranate

Mango

Mango

Tamarind

lichi Pomegranate Sapeta

Custard Apple

Lemon litchi Amla Sapota

Lichi Tamarind

Litchi Sapota Pomegranate Mango

Guava Custard Apple Litchi

Lemon Amla

Jackfruit

Jackfruit

Sapota

Guava

Amla Coconut

Pliheri GP, Daringbadi Block, Kandhamal District

W

Mango Pomgrntf

Sketch 3.5.7: Plantation Sketch of SAS Farm, Pliheri GP, Kandhamal District


65

Integration of Livestock:

To increase the farmer’s net income, livestock i.e. cows and calves, poultry, goatery, and

duckerycan be integrated with the farming practices. Rearing of domestic animals at farm level

will help farmers accruing multiple benefits like-

• Cow dung & cow urine and execrate of other domestic animals can be used as organic manure

• Application of this organic manure will enhance the soil health and microbial population in

farmer’s farm land

• Additional income can be generated by selling milk and various milk related produces viz.

cheese, ghee, paneer etc, and also from selling eggs, chickens and goats.

• Practicing of bee keeping at farm level will also help farmer earn extra income by selling

honey in the local market.

Image 3.5.10: Integration of Livestock


66

Image 3.5.11: Integration of Poultry


67

Image 3.5.12: Integration of Goatery


68

4.0 Development of basic Infrastructures:

From operational point of view, there is the need to develop basic infrastructures on the farm. The

following basic infrastructures will be developed on the farmer’s lands–

4.1 Fencing:

Many times, the field crops are damaged by the both domestic and jungle animals as the farm land

has no fencing around it. To protect the farm crop from animal attacks, fencing will be done

around the farm land. Fencing material can be barbed wires, wire meshes, PVC coated weld wires

etc. Farmers can use any type of the above fencing material according to their financial

conditions. Even, locally available natural resources like, wood buttons, bamboo etc. can also be

utilised for fencing work around the farm land.

Image 4.1.1: Fencing


69

Image 4.1.2: Fencing



4.2 Construction of Cattle Shed:

Domestic animals like cows and calves, poultry, goatery, and duckery will be reared in the farm to

foster the farmer’s economic growth. On this ground, there is the need of constructing cattle sheds

on the farm so that these domestic animals will be reared safely. Further it will be easier to collect

cow dung and cow unrine from one place for preparing organic manure. The design of the catttle

shed may vary from place to place. It can be brick and cement structure with tin roof/mud house

with thatched roof. This cattle shed will provide protection to the domestic animals of the farm

from extreme hot during summer, from heavy rain during monsoon and severe cold during

winter. More particularly hens and goats will remain safe inside the cattle shed from the attacks of

jungli animals. The cattle shed should be constructed near the farmer’s shed so that the farmer can

keep vigilant eye on these livestock.

70

Image 4.2.1: Cattle Shed


4.3 Basic Infrastructure to collect Cow & Cattle Urine:

Application of organic manure is the most important activity for improving soil health as well as

increasing the farm productivity. The need the hour is collect cow dung and cow urine for

preparing compost and microbial fluid. Cow dung is to be collected from the cattle shed and put

on the specified area of the farm for composting. Simultaneously, provisions will be made for

collecting cow urine. Simple basic infrastructures like medium size tank will be erected adjacent

to the cattle shed to collect cow urine. Cemented Channels will be routed from cattle shed to urine

tank for smooth flow of cow urine into the tank. The above cow urine will be further utilized for

preparation of microbial solutions – an organic solution. Besides, one fodder plate will be erected

in the cattle shed to put fodder for the cows and calves.

71

Image 4.3.1: Basic Infrastructure to collect Cow & Cattle Urine


Chanel to collect cow & cattle urine

Urine Tank

Fodder Plate

72

4.4 Construction of Drying Yard:

A small drying yard needs to be constructed on the farmer’s land. The drying yard will be used for

cleaning, sorting, grading, & packing of crops. It will be used for drying of crops for seed

purposes. It can be used as a platform for organising meetings and trainings for farmers. Drying

Yard can be constructed under NREGS. The size of the drying yard may vary from farm to farm

but the ideal size is 30’ x 30’ and the height of the drying yard may range from 1.5 feet to 2 feet.

Image 5.6.4.1: Drying Yard


73

4.5 Construction of Farmer’s Shed:

A farmer’s shed need to be gradually constructed on his/her farm land. While this is most

essential, he/she can work systematically on building the other natural and physical infrastructure

before he/she set up a good living place for his/her family on the Farm. He/she can then be able to

do well all his work on the farm; watch & ward purposes, storing crops, seeds, farm tools &

machineries. The farmer’s shed can be a CC roof house/Asbestos house/Thatched house. It

depends upon the financial conditions of the farmer. Even a mud and thatched shed will serve the

purpose. He/she can beautify the shed by using colours. The ideal size of the farmer’s shed is as

follow-

Image 4.5.1: Farmer’s Shed


Foundation – 25 x 6

Width – 20 x 6

Bed room – 11 x 10 / 10 x 3

Kitchen – 10 x 2 / 6 x 4

Store room – 6 / 6 x 4

Latrine room – 7 x 7 / 6

Veranda – 6 x 6

74

5.0 Income Statement

Income of farmers from across the country, adopting different methods of sustainable agriculture

was presented in the introductory section of this manual. All of them are doing well and off course

they have in their practice for much longer time. In our action research our hypothesis was that a

famer family can earn a gross income of INR 40,000 per month. Other than supplementing some

cattle feed for cows on the farm, there is no external inputs to the farm; most of the above income

can be the earning for the farmer and his/her family. In our first trial SAS Farm, this hypothesis

has been proven. Indeed, it has been observed that it is possible to enhance this gross income to

about 50,000 per month per hectare. Given below are the incomes of different SAS farms at

different stages of maturity.

SAS Farm, CEDEC, Bhubaneswar

The gross income in year 1 of the experiment was INR 198,000 and it expected to reach INR

350,000 in the second year. From Year 3 onwards the expected income is INR 500,000 or more

per hectare per year.

Table 5.1: Production of variety of agriculture and allied produce from 1 hectare Model SASFarm

& Income in 1st Year of Intervention1st June 2016 - 31st May, 2017

Sl.No Item Quantity Unit of Measure INR

1 Banana 135.00 Pcs 515.00

2 Brinjal 157.30 kg 4,800.00

3 Brinjal Seedling 8.00 pc 40.00

4 Corn 369.00 pc 2,300.00

5 Corn Seed 400.00 pkd 4,000.00

6 Cucumber 4.00 kg 101.00

7 Dhania Leaves 232.00 bundle 1,160.00

8 Dhania Seeds 5.00 bundle 50.00

9 Green Harad 1.00 kg 40.00

10 Kosala Saga 36.00 bundle 180.00

11 Harad Dal 1,267.00 kg 101,450.00

12 Honey 2.25 kg 675.00

13 Jack Fruit 18.00 pc 540.00

14 Karela( Bitter Gourd) 8.95 kg 378.00

15 Mango 12.00 kg 200.00

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16 Mango Jam 26.00 kg 3,760.00

17 Mango Squash 43.00 kg 6,750.00

18 Mango Pickle 10.20 kg 1,370.00

19 Methi Saga 134.00 bundle 670.00

20 Methi Seed 6.00 pkd 60.00

21 Papaya 6.90 kg 136.00

22 Pumkin 1,000.00 kg 15,000.00

23 Pumkin Flower 3.00 bundle 30.00

24 Tomato 340.00 kg 6,960.00

25 Tomato Seedling 16.00 Pc 75.00

26 Tomato Souce 30.00 kg 6,050.00

27 Turmeric 1.75 kg 140.00

28 Lady Finger (

Bhendi)

26.15 kg 773.00

29 Maize 500.00 pc 2,500.00

29 Milk

37,480.00

TOTAL

198,183.00


Table 5.2: Production of variety of agriculture and allied produce from 1 hectare Model SASFarm

& Income during the period January-December 2020


The hypothesis that the gross income to a farmer family on a one hectare land can be INR 40,000

per month has been achieved in the above farm. It has taken about 5 years to initiate, experiment,

and stabilize here. However, on an actual smallholder farmer situation, it would take lesser time.

5.1 Given below is the Comparative Tally on harvested agricultural products for the three

SASTrial Farms located at Liligada GP, Gajapati district, Nuagada GP Rayagada district,

&Pliheri GP, Kandhamal district. The results in terms of production in different sites of the

action research in year 2 are given below. The situation has already improved in year 3.

Income from Vegetable (in Rs.) Income from Milk (in Rs.) Total (in Rs.)

38,414 3,31,470 3,69,884

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With better diversity and integration, the income would gradually touch to the income in the

first experimental farm in CEDEC, Bhubaneswar.

Table 5.3: Comparative Tally of harvested agricultural products of SAS Farm

Items Liligada GP Nuagada GP Pliheri GP

Arhar 55 kg 61 kg 20 kg

Big Kandula 5 kg xx 1 kg

Maize 55 kg 10 kg 137 kg

Ragi 2.2 kg 2 kg 47 kg

Kuenri 0.5 kg 3 kg 92 kg

Dungerani xx 21.5 kg 23 kg

Janha xx xx 23 kg

Sun Hemp 3.2 kg xx 18 kg

Dhanicha 100 gm xx 14 kg

Chia 80 gm 700 gm 50 gm

Yam 60 41 29

Potato 110 120 100

Onion (Small) 8 15 13

Tapioca 29kg 500gm 10 kg Not harvested

Elephant Yam/Telinga

Potato

10 kg 5 kg xx

Potato 30 kg 97 kg 55 kg

Onion 20 kg 27 kg 20 kg

Cowpea 4 kg 400 gm 4 kg 2.5 kg

Beans xx xx 1 kg

Ladies Finger 1.5 kg 64 kg 750gm 3 kg

Peas xx xx 2 kg

Yam 60 kg 41 kg 29 kg

Elephant Yam 6 kg 250 gm 2 kg xx

Gourd 1 kg xx xx

Radish 2.5kg 3 kg 50kg

Brinjal 1 kg 300 gm 30 kg xx

White potato xx 0.5 kg xx

Lemon xx 1297 pieces Xx

Source: SAS Trial Farms

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6.0 Replication of SAS within the Farmer’ Community

The farmer adopting SAS that balances all the five factors can become the training centre for

other farmers in their respective local community / GP. The images below show some of the

training programmes undertaken at the three sites of the SAS Farm sites.

Image 6.1: Farmers of Pliheri GP with late Shri Deepak Suchde


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Image 6.2: Farmers with Shri Subhash Sharma & Shri Bharat Bhushan Tyagi


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Image 6.3.:Training of SAS with other Farmers

Image 6.4: Training Session in Progress


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Image 6.5: DDM, NABARD Khandahmal & AGM, NABARD Bhubaneswar RO at the SAS-FPO

Training to motivate & guide the local cluster level Farmers


operational manual on sustainable agricultural …

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