Sustainable agriculture

How much does it cost for constructing a polyhouse?

The cost of construction of polyhouse farming depends on the size, shape, structure and type of polyhouse. The cost of bigger naturally ventilated polyhouse ranges from Rs 900 to 1000 per square meter whereas the environmental controlled polyhouse require 2 to 3 times investments compared to previous one depending on the automation gadgets installed.  The per unit area cost of construction of smaller size poly houses are more compared to the larger poly house. Similarly, the cultivation cost in larger polyhouse is significantly lower than the smaller polyhouse.

What are the climatic conditions required for cinnamon plantation?

cinnamon

Cinnamon is commercially cultivated as a rainfed crop and being a hardy plant, Cinnamon is suitable for a wide variety of climatic conditions. It thrives well at an altitude of about 1000 m and a yearly rainfall of 200- 250 cm is suitable for cinnamon cultivation. Cinnamon requires a hot and humid climate and an average temperature of 27°C are ideal for its cultivation.

How bird damage management is done in sunflower crop?

sunflower

In sunflower farming, bird damage is a serious problem in sunflower cultivation. It can be managed by birds during the period from seed filling to harvesting. The rose- ruined parakeets are major bird pests of sunflower causing 10-40 % damage and in the isolated areas, it may cause damage more than 90%. Parrots invade the crop in flocks and inflict heavy damage and known to waste much more than what they eat. Bird scaring like tying of bright reflector ribbons above the crop should be used particularly in the morning and evening hours.

What is freeze ripening of date?

freeze

The dates which are on the khalal stage are picked and cleaned thoroughly to remove the dirt. A solution of lemon juice and water is prepared and the dates area soaked in it for 10 minutes as an attempt to pre-treat the dates. The solution is drained and the dates are wrapped in freezer paper or placed in freezer bags. They are freezed at a temperature of -64 to -122°F for 24 hours so that they reach the rutab stage. This process is call freeze drying.

What is Dry farming?

Dry farming

Cultivation of crops in areas where annual rainfall is less than 750 mm. Crop failure due to prolonged dry spells during crop period is most common. Dry farming is practiced in arid regions with the help of moisture conservation practices.

How biofertilizer management is done in Groundnut?

Groundnut

Biofertilizers are the source of microbial inoculants, which has raised hopes for many countries, both economically and environmentally. Bio fertilization, unlike the use of chemical fertilizers, is gaining constant attention and recognition from scientists because of the microbial inoculants. Introduced in soil or plant cultures directly affecting plant production capacity. The highest dry matter production in the use of both Rhizobium and Phospho Bacterium is because it increased the maximum shoot length, the number of branches per plant.

How organic farming policy helping farmers?

organic farming

Under the Gujarat governments organic farming policy, promoting organic farming practices in the state will spend about Rs 10 crores in a year. Gujarat is the 9th state after Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland to announce for organic farming policy. It helps farmers with certification, marketing and branding and focuses on the tribal areas. An organic cell will be set up under the agriculture department to implement the organic farming policy and a Gujarat organic Farming Committee will be formed to monitor the implementation of the policy for organic farming.

What is Ryanodine?

Ryanodine

It is an alkaloid derived from ground roots and woody stems of south American shrub. It is a stomach and contact poison effective against Lepidopterous pests. It is a muscular poison and known for blocking the conversion of ADP to ATP in striated muscles. It is used as dust (20-40%).