Tree Crop ManagementDeveloped by

Paul SommersCalifornia State University, Fresno

psommers.csufresno.edu

My Background

• International agricultural development specialist. 34+ years in over 55 countries

• Worked in agricultural conflict zones (Philippines, Lebanon, Somalia, Armenia)

• Post conflict- Sri Lanka, Armenia, Georgia

• Poppy substitution- Burma

Core belief: incremental change in partnership with farmers = sustained/genuine progress

Session Outline

1) Discuss the importance of fruit trees

2) Identify a set of quality improvement practices farmers can undertake immediately at no additional cost within one crop cycle

3) Ways to work with the DAIL to engage farmers in discussions on how as a group they support each other to meet the quality needs of buyers

Key Messages• Afghans planting fruit trees = stability

• Most fruit and nut trees are grown inside home compounds

• Fruit trees are multi-purpose

• What-There are several quick impact actions you can take to make a difference during your deployment. How -Identifying audiences, communication channels and tools at each level is crucial.

The Mission

Where are Tree Fruits Grown?

How are trees viewed by society?

•AF considered sacred•Represent permanence -a belief in the future•Multipurpose- food, income, social events

Trees in War

Tree Fruit and Nut Crops with Economic Value

•Pomegranates

•Pistachio

•Mulberry

•Apricot

•Grapes

•Almond

•Plum

•Citrus (East)

Horticultural Skills

• Traditionally passed down by family. Pride in knowing how to farm their land.

• Knowledge and skills link broken with 30 years of conflict.

– Farmer as refugee

– Trees cut (Taliban)

– Bombed ( Soviets )

Major Challenges

1. Water use /moisture conservation

2. Using pruning tools

3. Harvesting (when & how to harvest, food safety)

4. Post harvest (grading standards, temperature control, storage, packaging, transport)

Case Study: Importance of Pomegranate

Low Input/High Output Crop

Very adaptable to difficult conditions:

48 different varieties grown including cold tolerate Russian variety

Poor soil fertility

Limited irrigation

Pest and disease tolerant

4 actions to improve productivity

• Manage tree growth

• Moisture conservation

• Fruit thinning

• Harvesting

Manage Tree Growth

The tree is mature after 6 years from planting.

First fruits within 3 years.

a) Start at soil level. Look for root suckers

b) Remove cross branches and dead wood as they affect fruit quality. Look for ways to thin out the thick growth.

c) Light pruning each winter to control height will help produce a healthy crop the next year. A taller tree will not produce more fruit

Managing Tree Growth

Water Conservation

Mulching is the best way to retain moisture

in the soil.

Fruit Thinning

Remove any fruit that set after June. It will not mature and draws value nutrients from existing fruit.

Harvesting

Fruits are fully ripe when, by tapping the fruit, it should have a metallic type sound.

Use of a harvesting bag will protect quality

Harvest Bag- Pomegranate

USA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G9YW9rCq0U&feature=related

Afghan 2:10min.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zqxvpcxkf4http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zqxvpcxkf4

12/21/11

Income

Suggestions for Action

• Look at key activities along the production cycle and discuss with key players which are their priorities for quality improvement.

• Understand potential barriers to change.

• Ensure your action does not contribute to on going community conflict.

• Use “Do No Harm” Framework.

Interventions: Do No Harm

“..it seems the only thing we ever learn is that we never learn.”

1.Aid is not neutral in the midst of violent conflict and into a resource-scarce environment.

2.How it is administered within local communities can either drive conflict or can strengthen peace capacities.

Reachback: On line Resources• ADT

http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=general/generalsearch.php&table=news&query=ADT&type

• USAID- http://afghanistan.usaid.gov/en/Program.20b.aspx

• Roots of Peace http: //www.rootsofpeace.org/programs/countries/afghanistan/

• USDA http://www.fas.usda.gov/country/Afghanistan/us-afghanistan.asp

• E-Afghan Ag. www.eafghanag.edu

• PHPD http://www.afghanistanhorticulture.org/Implementing_Partners.aspx

• NGO Map http://foodsecurity.ngoaidmap.org/location/31?force_site_id=2

Advice that will Stick

“Priority needs to be given to projects that are small, inexpensive and easy to sustain,” (ADT official)