documentation of indigenous coping mechanisms … · documentation of indigenous coping mechanisms...
TRANSCRIPT
Documentation of Indigenous Coping Mechanisms
Towards Disaster and Risk Reduction
1. Executive Summary
SEVA has undertaken a pilot project for documentation of indigenous coping mechanism towards disaster and risk reduction under the programme of Advanced Centre for Enabling Disaster Risk Reduction (ACEDRR) of Tata Dhan Academy. SEVA has documented 100 practices of traditional knowledge, innovations mostly from Tamil Nadu which have been adopted by the communities or individuals in order to survive or overcome disaster related risks and uncertainties. These practices have been classified broadly into agriculture, animal husbandry and direct risks to human.
Documentation work has been initiated during April – 2008 and extended till Nov.2008. A team of 3 members has undertaken field visit in many places of Tamil Nadu to understand and document traditional knowledge, community practices and grassroots innovations which are being followed by the communities or individuals. SEVA has designed a tool kit for documentation of practices which may be a community knowledge or innovation. It includes name and address of the practitioner or innovator, education qualification, family background, title of the innovation, details of the practice or innovation, salient features of the innovation, details of herbal ingredients, method of preparation, dosage, feedback of the practice from other users, genesis of the practice or innovation, disadvantages of using this practice of innovation, diffusion or spread of the practice or innovation, whether patent has been filed, whether it has been tested by formal laboratories or institutes and any other relevant information. SEVA has interviewed the effectiveness of the practice or innovation by contacting those members who are using or adopting this practice to get feedback or impact assessment. SEVA has also gone through Numvali Velanmai back issues in order to review the existing coping mechanisms practiced by communities or farmers and also those who adopted after reading such practice or innovation (Numvali Velanmai is a quarterly news letter in Tamil being published by SEVA for disseminating indigenous knowledge and innovations over the last 16 years; It has a readership of about 2000 members including farmers, academics and social workers).
After the documentation of the practice from the field they have been classified or categorized in to agriculture, animal husbandry and human related. SEVA has selected best 100 practices from the list after discussion with the team members. SEVA has also consulted and circulated this documentation work to the members of Honey Bee network and their inputs and suggestions have been considered. SEVA is also in the process of cross checking and taking all formalities while putting it in the website as a public document. SEVA has also published a special issue of Numvali Velnmai April – June 2008 on the documented coping mechanism.
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2. Introduction
Local communities or individuals use time tested / traditional wisdom in order to prepare or cope with disaster like situation viz., long dry spell / drought, flood, cyclone, disease out break and other natural calamities. Change in cropping pattern, selection of crop varieties, breeding practices in animal production, herbal healing practices, irrigation practices, mutual help are few approaches, adopted successfully by communities are to be understood and therefore necessitate documentation of such practices or innovations. This will also help us to incorporate time tested models or approaches for adoption or replication. NGOs and other programme implementers would combine both traditional and other scientific approaches which may be cost effective and efficient. However so far there is no systemic attempt in documentation and even those practices documented are not shared with interested organizations / institutions. Due to this lacuna indigenous knowledge erosion is taking in a faster rate. Those old people who have been using this practice are unable to share this knowledge due to no mechanism or system in curriculam for the younger generation to learn from their communities or traditional wisdom.
The traditional practices or grassroots technologies are low cost, easy to adopt as they depend on local resources and often not polluting the environment and food chain system. The need for documentation work has been realized by Honey Bee Network in India and its founder Prof. Anil Gupta, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad has motivated many professionals or volunteers to involve in this process of knowledge dissemination and SEVA is also one of the members in this mission.
Honey bee Network has drawn its spirit from the behavior of Bees. Just as flowers do not complain when their nectar is taken away, (in fact they attract the bees), we should collect the knowledge, innovations and practices of people in ethical and responsible manner. We should not make them anonymous and give them credit for their generosity in sharing their knowledge. Likewise, just as bees cross-pollinate flowers, we should also facilitate learning of farmers, artisans, pastoralists, and other innovators from one region to another by communicating in local languages. Further, the honey of wealth or benefits if generated through value addition or otherwise, be shared with the knowledge providing communities and individuals as well as nature in a fair and just manner.
Dissemination of indigenous knowledge through news letters, web sites ( www.sristi.org, www.indiainnovates.com and www.nifindia.org ) helps in respecting, recognizing and rewarding the traditional knowledge holders, and grassroots innovators and communities for attempting their own solutions to local problems without any aid from outside. Honey Bee Network thus is an ‘odd ball’ network celebrating creativity and innovation at grassroots. It also lobbies for protection of their intellectual property rights, follows the concept of Prior Informed Consent while dealing with their knowledge, tries to provide them value addition support and facilitates diffusion of innovations through commercial or non commercial channels.
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The sharing of people’s experience is relevant at the time of globalization, which is responsible for the erosion of much of traditional knowledge / biodiversity though much greater erosion is taking place due to our inability to generate trust, reciprocity and mutual feeling of solidarity among the community members. (Real wages have gone down in many places) The following are few of the illustrative attempts of our network for the protection and promotion of traditional knowledge or grassroots innovations through empowerment of knowledge holders.
3. Description about Study Location
Documentation of coping mechanism has been undertaken in Tamil Nadu state, South India. SEVA over the last 16 years has been involved in the documentation of indigenous knowledge, innovations in the field of agriculture, animal husbandry and herbal treatment for human and animals. SEVA has also tested few practices in collaboration with some formal institutes like Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Science University, Chennai.
SEVA has a 3 members field team which include Mr.P. Vivekanandan, C. Balasubramanian and Mr.R. Nallasenapathi. Members of the team member individually visited villages and contacted selected individuals for documentation of coping mechanism. Clues for documentation work has been taken from the practices or innovations published earlier in Numvali Velanmai old issues. There after detailed study and documentation work has been initiated after contacting or locating selected places or villages. In some places 2 or 3 visits were also made for detailed study of the practice or innovation. Members used mostly public transport for reaching the field site. SEVA has utilized the type of innovators association of Tamil Nadu promoted by SEVA and SEVA staff team who are working with women self help groups and pastoralists or livestock keepers groups in selected districts.
Tsunami affected places, flood affected areas, drought affected areas and semi-arid tract were selected for study purpose. In addition innovators and old people in the communities of selected villages, herbal healers, tribal communities have been contacted for seeking more information. Group discussion or informal workshop has been facilitated by SEVA for the purpose of documenting traditional wisdom or innovation in the risk prone area such as Nagapattinam, Vellore, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Madurai, Theni, Virudhunagar, Sivagangai, Erode, Karur, etc.,
4. Review of Literature
In India, Honey Bee Network is one of the pioneer organized movement involved in documentation, validation and dissemination of indigenous knowledge and innovations. Prof. Anil Gupta, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad has initiated work on documentation of agricultural practices and innovations during 1990 onwards. The Honey Bee network thus enhances knowledge providers’ capacity to solve their problems. The network comprises NGOs, volunteers, innovators and knowledge
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providers. The Honey Bee Network members, have been publishing the newsletters over the last 18 years ( some for lesser duration than others) in different language regions of India as given below:
Publication of News Letters in Different Languages
1. Tamil Language -"Numvali Velanmai "Editor : P.Vivekanandan, SEVA, 45,T.P.M.Nagar,Viratipathu, Madurai-625010, Tamil Nadu .Phone:0452-2380082email : [email protected]
2. Kannada Language –Hittalagida Editor : Dr.T.N.Prakash,Department of Agricultural Economics,University of Agricultural Sciences,GKVK, Bangalore-560 065.Ph: 080-23620025email: [email protected] ; [email protected]
3. Telugu Language – Honey Bee (just being launched)Dr K.L. Rao, Flat No 303, Angeerasa ApartmentsStreet 1, Lane 1, Tarnaka – 500 017, Hyderabad (AP) 040 - 27150566 ; (R) 9848073489
4. Gujarati Language -"Loksarvani"Editor : Ramesh Patel ,SRISTI,P.B.No:15050,Ambawadi, Ahmedabad-380015. Phone : 079-279 13 293 email : [email protected]
5. Oriya Language -"AmaAkhaPakha" Editor : Dr.BalaramSahu,
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3RBP5/2.BP.Colony,Unit-8, Bhubeneswar-751012.Orissa. email: [email protected]
6. Malayalam Language -"IniKarshakan Samsanikkatte"Editor : Sri.James,T.J., Peermade Development Society,Peermade, Iduki-685531, Kerala.email : [email protected]
7. English:"HoneyBee" and Hindi ‘Sujh Bhuj’ Editor: Prof.Anil.K.Gupta,Indian Institute of Management, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad -380015. Gujarat.email: [email protected] ; [email protected]
Dissemination of indigenous knowledge through news letters helps in respecting, recognizing and rewarding the traditional knowledge holders, and grassroots innovators and communities for attempting their own solutions to local problems without any aid from outside. Honey Bee Network thus is an ‘odd ball’ network celebrating creativity and innovation at grassroots. It also lobbies for protection of their intellectual property rights, follows the concept of Prior Informed Consent while dealing with their knowledge, tries to provide them value addition support and facilitates diffusion of innovations through commercial or non commercial channels.
The sharing of people’s experience is relevant at the time of globalization, which is responsible for the erosion of much of traditional knowledge / biodiversity though much greater erosion is taking place due to our inability to generate trust, reciprocity and mutual feeling of solidarity among the community members. (Real wages have gone down in many places).
Govt. of India has recognized the work of Honey Bee Network and thus National Innovation Foundation (NIF) was established in February 2000 by Department of Science and Technology, by putting a small corpus for replicating the activities of honey Bee network. NIF announces biennial competition for scouting green grassroots innovations and traditional knowledge practices, and the accepted entries are entered in the National Register for Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge or
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People’s Knowledge Database in the case of common practices. So far over the last five years more than 40,000 innovations, traditional knowledge practices and ideas have been added to ten thousand practices collected earlier from over 400 districts making it about 50,000 innovations and traditional knowledge practices. Honey Bee Network has contributed about 80 per cent of these to NIF.. The awarded entries are screened further for patenting and so far 65 patent applications have been filed in India and six patent applications have been filed in the US patent office., three have been granted in USA and four in India. Relevant innovations and traditional knowledge practices are placed in public domain after obtaining prior information consent ( PIC) from the innovators. Commercially viable l entries are pursued for diffusion on business terms.
Patriotic peoples Science and Technology (PPST) Foundation, based at Madras has been organizing Congress on Traditional Science and Technologies of India, since 1993 onwards ; the first congress on Traditional Science and Technologies of India was organized on 28 Nov - 3rd December 1993 at Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. It has published 250 abstract on agriculture, architecture, building materials forestry, health care and nutrition, metals, textiles, cottage / traditional industries, water management and vermiculture. PPST has subsequently organized 2nd congress on Traditional Science and Technologies at Chennai during 1995 and 3rd Congress during 1998 at Varanasi.
Compas ( Comparing and Supporting Endogenous Development ) is an International network over the last 12 years encourage its members to understand the diversity of rural people’s knowledge and encourage local experimentation. A.V. Balasubramanian and T.D. Nirmala Devi (2006) have compiled Traditional Knowledge Systems of India and Sri Lanka. Centre for Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Chennai has published Vrikshayurveda practices (treatment for plants and trees) in Tamil & English and also conserving traditional seed varieties of paddy and vegetables in Tamil Nadu. BAIF and NGO based at Pune has organized First International Confress on Ethnoveterinary Medicine during 1997 and it has compiled the proceedings of the conference as alternatives for livestock development. Dr. Jayvir Anjaria (2002) has compiled ethnoveterinary heritage in India. H. David Thurston (1990) has documented sustainable practices for plant disease management in traditional farming systems and he quotes that ‘ Today there is a serious concern about modern agriculture because it is so highly energy intensive, its genetic base its narrow and its goals of increasingly higher yields and labor use efficiency lead to extensive mono culture and over production. It is time to re examine the potential for traditional agriculture to contribute to an improved and sustainable modern agriculture’.
5. Importance or Significance of this pilot initiative
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Documentation of traditional wisdom and innovations will enhance the farmers, communities or individuals their understanding and preparedness to cope with the disasters, risks and uncertainties. The sharing of people’s experience is relevant at the time of globalization, which is responsible for the erosion of much of traditional knowledge / biodiversity though much greater erosion is taking place due to our inability to generate trust, reciprocity and mutual feeling of solidarity among the community members.
Indigenous coping mechanism have been tested over many years and some innovations developed by innovators are also tested by individuals ; they are all still open for testing or validation by farmers, individuals or research institutes. Such practices or innovations can be included after pilot testing in the main stream development by formal programmes while implemented by state authorities. However there is a urgent need to document such traditional practices or innovations which otherwise will be eroded due to lack of interest in the modern development programmes and also lack of motivation to learn from traditional wisdom by the younger generation.
6. Methodology
During April – November 2008 documentation of coping mechanism has been undertaken in Tamil Nadu state, South India. SEVA has a 3 members field team which include Mr.P. Vivekanandan, C. Balasubramanian and Mr.R. Nallasenapathi. Members of the team member individually visited villages and contacted selected individuals for documentation of coping mechanism. Clues for documentation work has been taken from the practices or innovations published earlier in Numvali Velanmai old issues (There is a systematic compilation of old issues of Numvali Velanmai published over the last 16 years). There after detailed study and documentation work has been initiated after contacting or locating selected places or villages. In some places 2 or 3 visits were also made for detailed study of the practice or innovation. Members used mostly public transport for reaching the field site. SEVA has utilized the type of innovators association of Tamil Nadu promoted by SEVA and SEVA staff team who are working with women self help groups and pastoralists or livestock keepers groups in selected districts. SEVA has also utilized the help of NGOs in Tamil Nadu and discussed with their farmers, women self help groups association members, healers and old people for documenting community knowledge and innovations.
Tsunami affected places, flood affected areas, drought affected areas and semi-arid tract were selected for study purpose. In addition innovators and old people in the communities of selected villages, herbal healers, tribal communities have been contacted for seeking more information. Group discussion or informal workshop has been facilitated by SEVA for the purpose of documenting traditional wisdom or innovation in the risk prone area such as Nagapattinam, Vellore, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Madurai, Theni, Virudhunagar, Sivagangai, Erode, Karur, etc.,
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SEVA has designed a tool kit for documentation of practices which may be a community knowledge or innovation. It includes name and address of the practitioner or innovator, education qualification, family background, title of the innovation, details of the practice or innovation, salient features of the innovation, details of herbal ingredients, method of preparation, dosage, feedback of the practice from other users, genesis of the practice or innovation, disadvantages of using this practice of innovation, diffusion or spread of the practice or innovation, whether patent has been filed, whether it has been tested by formal laboratories or institutes and any other relevant information. SEVA has interviewed the effectiveness of the practice or innovation by contacting those members who are using or adopting this practice to get feedback or impact assessment. SEVA has also gone through Numvali Velanmai back issues in order to review the existing coping mechanisms practiced by communities or farmers and also those who adopted after reading such practice or innovation (Numvali Velanmai is a quarterly news letter in Tamil being published by SEVA for disseminating indigenous knowledge and innovations over the last 16 years; It has a readership of about 2000 members including farmers, academics and social workers).
7. Outcome of Documentation Work
After the documentation of the practice from the field they have been classified or categorized in to agriculture, animal husbandry and human related. SEVA has selected 100 best practices from the list after discussion with the team members. SEVA has also consulted and circulated this documentation work to the members of Honey Bee network and their inputs and suggestions have been considered. Documentation of traditional wisdom and innovations will enhance the farmers, communities or individuals their understanding and preparedness to cope with the disasters, risks and uncertainties. SEVA is also in the process of cross checking and taking all formalities while putting it in the website as a public document ( www.sevango.in ). SEVA has also published a special issue of Numvali Velanmai April – June 2008 on the documented coping mechanism. The documentation work has been assisted by our documentation staff R. Vallimayil. Photos and videos in appropriate place are being attached along with the practice or innovation.
We have classified the practices in the following categories :
Sl.No
Type or Category of Practices / Innovations
Number of Practices /
Innovations
1 Agriculture 78
2 Animal Husbandry 15
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3 Human (directly related to human health) 7
Total 100
The details of the individual practices are shown in the Annexure 1.
SEVA will constantly upgrade in the practice or innovation after receiving latest information or development from the field.
8. Acknowledgement
SEVA acknowledges the active and continuous support received from the members or volunteers of Honey Bee Network and National Innovation Foundation, Ahmedabad over the last one decade or so. SEVA sincerely acknowledges the financial support received from TATA - DHAN Academy under ACEDRR pilot programme for documenting indigenous coping mechanisms during April – Nov. 2008.
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9. References
1. Anil Gupta (1990) ‘Honey Bee’ volume (1) 1990, Indian Institute of Management, Vastrapur, Ahemedabad – 380015.
2. BAIF (1999) – Ethnoveterinary Medicine Alternatives for Livestock Development – Proceedings of an international conference held in Pune, India on 4 - 6 Nov. 1997.
3. A.V. Balasubramanian and T.D. Nirmala Devi (2006) – Traditional Knowledge Systems of India & Sri Lanka published by Centre for Indigenous Knowledge System, Chennai.
4. David Thurstion, H (1990) – Sustainable Practices for Plant Disease Management in Traditional Farming systems published by Oxford & IBH publishing Company, New Delhi.
5. Jayavir Anjaria Minoo Parabia, Shilendra Diwedi (2002) – Ethnovet Heritage – Indian Ethnoveterinary Medicine an overview published by Pathak Enterprise, Ahmedabad.
6. PPST (1993 – Key note papers and Extended abstracts of “Congress on Traditional Sciences and Technologies of India” organized IIT, Bombay, 28 Nov. – 3rd Dec. 1993.
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Annexure – 1
1. Transplanting Method in Sugarcane to Overcome Flood and Water Stagnation
Mr. Bharathidasan (35) a youth in Thanjakur village in Sivagangai district has developed
innovative method in sugarcane planting to overcome rotting of seed setts during water
stagnation or flood situation . Before 1990s the official recommendation was to plant
setts in horizontal lying position. This practice is successful in all areas. However in
water stagnated areas or lands submerged due to flash flood caused by rain lead to
rotting of whole sett and the germination was poor in turn heavy loss for farmers in
Thanjakur area which is known for raising sugarcane in Sivagangai District.
To overcome this difficulty planting the setts in a slanting position with 1/4th portion in
side the ground and allowing the sett to be visible above the ground at 45o angle was the
idea which clicked well. Initially Mr. Bharathidasan tried this practice in his land of 20
cents during 1991. At that time many people criticized that it will not germinate. Since
the larger length of sett is above the ground level and is exposed, it t is certain to result
in good germination. After seeing the successful germination during water stagnation the
setts didn’t rot or spoil. Even rotted it was only a small bottom portion of the sett and it
will not affect the entire sett. Then this innovation has been accepted by nearby farmers
and adopted the same practice. Now over the last one decade this has been followed
by more than 50,000 farmers in Sivagangai and nearby districts. The innovator has been
awarded SRISTI sanman Award through SEVA. The method of plantation is shown in
the illustration.
Address of the Innovator:
Mr. Bharathidasan
Thanjakur,
Thiruppachethi via
Manamadurai Taluk
Sivagangai District
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2. Transplanting Method in Sugarcane to Reduce Water Requirements
Many farmers in Sivagangai district during 1980’s opted for sugarcane cultivation as a
private sugar factory has been procuring cane on regular contract basis. In the initial
years sugarcane cultivation was profitable but later on farmers realized water scarcity as
groundwater table has been getting reduced gradually. Water scarcity resulted in
reduction in area of irrigation. During that time Mr. Bharathidasan has developed a
practice which reduces not only water requirements but labour cost too. The method of
preparation of bed and planting is shown here:
In ordinary method of raising sugarcane farmers prepare beds and channels. The beds
are of 11/2’ width and raised to a height of 11/2’. The seeds setts are placed horizontally
for germination. Each bed is spaced at every 4 feet and water is allowed to enter each
bed from main irrigation channel. Mr. Bharathidasan has merged 2 beds so that the
width of the bed increased into more than 4’ (4+11/2’ + 11/2’). He irrigates beds
alternatively. This practice reduces water consumption by 50%. It also reduces labor
cost for weeding and intercultural operations. It reduces the number of setts from
conventional requirements of 30,000 into 15,000 (singled budded setts). The space
between the beds (alternatively) is filled with sugarcane trashes and it server as good
manure after composting in-situ. In this method sugarcane can be retained as ratoon
crop up to 8 years compared 3-4 years in conventional method.
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(For placing seeds setts 22 laborers are required in the conventional system compared
to just 4 laborers in the new method ; similarly weeding operation by laborers can be
saved from 35 – 40 per acre) .
The innovator has been awarded SRISTI Sanman Award through SEVA.
Address of the Innovator:
Mr. Bharathidasan
Thanjakur,
Thiruppachethi via
Manamadurai Taluk
Sivagangai District
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3. Control of Semporian Disease in Turmeric
Mr. Chellamuthu (45) is an agricultural laborer living in Karukkampalayam village, Erode
District, Tamil Nadu. He has been involved in spraying of chemical pesticides and he
suffered due to frequent exposure of pesticide exposure and realized his mistake. With
the help of Kodumudi Natarajan he developed skills in preparing herbal pesticide.
He developed a formula for control of turmeric disease. This disease is locally called as
Semporian. (Pathogenic disease or caused by mite or other sucking pests not visible).
The symptoms of the disease are noticed by small red spots on the surface of the leaf &
it will spread to the entire leaf and it will become burnt appearance. After some time the
plant will die. This disease will occur during the month of karthigai & Margali (winter
months-Nov - Dec) usually 150 days after planting of turmeric. Nowadays due to
spraying of chemical pesticides the disease is noticed much earlier i.e. 80 – 90 days
after planting.
Farmers normally adopts chemical method of control by spraying chemical pesticide like
Bevistin, Dithane M45, Monocrotophos, Rogor & spent up to Rs 600 to & 700 for 1 acre.
For control of this disease Tamilnadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore recommends
spraying of Indofil or Dithane M 45 once in 20 days keep on adopting this chemical
method to prevent this disease as told by the farmer. Therefore once this disease
comes farmer has to spend lot of money to save the crop.
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Mr.Chellamuthu developed a herbal formula for control of this disease. For preparing
the herbal formula the following ingredients are needed:
Garlic – 1 kg,
Ginger- 500 gm,
Green chillies - 500gm,
Pepper – 200gm,
Tobacco 500gm,
Neem oil 200ml,
Khadi soap 30gm.
First garlic has to be soaked 100 ml of kerosene for over night and this has to be ground
along with green chilies and pepper. Then tobacco is to be soaked in water for one day
and then filtered and has to be mixed in with 200 ml of Neem oil. Now all of them are to
be mixed together. Finally, soap 30 gm, has to be added and stirred well. Now the total
quantity of the mixture will be about 7 litres. This entire quantity will be sufficient to spray
1 acre. (Add 700 ml of the fluid in 10 litres of water and sprayed; totally 10 tanks are to
be sprayed; tank capacity is 10 litres).
After spraying this herbal pesticide the leaves turn in to dark green and the colour is
retained for ever. He has so far tried this practice for 6 farmers who cultivate Turmeric
and farmers gave good feed back. He sells this pesticide at the rate of Rs 50 per litre,
After seeing this success he tried the same method for control of sugarcane early shoot
borer, mealy bugs and paddy earhead bug which are also equally damaging pest . He
found satisfactory results.
The farmer has been awarded by National Innovation Foundation for a herbal formula for
control of many crop pests during 2002.
The address of Mr.Chellamuthu.
Mr. K.M. Chellamuthu,
Karukkampalayam,
Oonchalur post,
Kodumudi Via,
Erode Dist - 638 152.
Phone: 04204 – 266127; Cell: 9486602389
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4. Income from Dry lands through Cultivation of Indigenous Samba variety of Tamarind Tree
In Tamil Nadu several types of tamarind trees exist. Generally tamarind types with long
and flat pods are preferred as they yield well. Other than yield trait there are certain traits
which are to evaluated as they reduce cost of harvesting and number of fruits , quality of
fruits etc.
At the same time, some tamarind trees produce short sized pods, but produce them
profusely. Besides harvesting of matured fruits is rather easy. By simple mechanical
shaking, they will fall down and gathered easily. The labour and cost involved for
harvest are considerably low.
The yield of tamarind is as high as 300 kg per tree per year bringing an income of about
Rs 6,000/. Mr.Ramachandran, a farmer has identified this unique tree in his garden and
conserved this species. Now, he propagates this tree by collecting seeds and
distributing to interested farmers. This tree is now more than 50 years old and it has
been planted by his fore fathers as he claims.
Name of Innovator and Address:
Mr. T. Ramachandran
S.Pappinaickanpatti village,
(Via) T.Ramanathapuram
Elumalai – 625 535
Madurai – District.
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5. Innovation in Farm Forestry and Soil Conservation Practices followed by Mr.Velu Mudaliyar
Mr. Velu Mudaliyar (65) is a farmer in Puliangudi village in Thirunelveli District. Earlier
he was marginal farmer and through his hard work he earned money and procured lands
adjoining to Western Ghats. He is having about 10 acres of land and an open well
nearby the hill. The land was undulative and it is prone to soil erosion due to heavy
winds during July to September and flash floods during October to November. In order
to avoid erosion he established wind belt with trees like teak, neem, subabul, mango etc.
and he also constructed a check dam with locally available stone materials and it is
much stronger compare to ordinary check dam constructed by Government.
He also acquired skills in set right of problems in pump set, oil engine, laying of pipes for
irrigation etc. He has developed the following agro- forestry techniques as follows:
Raising green manure crop in Mango
He raises wild indigo (Kolinchi) as an inter crop in slopy land of young mango garden, to
prevent silt erosion and for improving soil fertility.
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Raising 2 -3 trees in the same pit:
He plants 2-3 numbers of tree saplings such as neem, tamarind in the same pit (a pit
size of 1 x 1 x 1 feet) for 3 years and allowing only one vigorous growing tree. The other
trees will be uprooted and used for fuel or for roof material.
Planting Hawaian giant (subabul)
The stump cuttings of subabul tree are used as planting material in the hedges of field.
Usual practice is to raise subabul seedlings and planting them in pits and it takes longer
time to attain a required size; instead vegetative propagation by using stump cuttings is
quicker and in a shorter time it will have good foliage. It acts as a live fence for the
garden as well as good fodder and for fuel wood production. In few plots of 2 acres he
raised subabul as a mono crop. The fallen residues are collected regularly and it is used
as a mulch or compost for enriching soil fertility in other parts of the field where he grows
field crops and vegetables.
Avoiding damage from wild pigs
He raises mango and guava orchard by planting healthy, vigorous seedlings of Mango /
Guava instead of the grafts, as the grafts spread over ground and their fruits are prone
to damage by wild pigs that exist in forest area nearby. Trees grown from seedlings
grow straight and their fruits are not nearer to ground and thereby escape damage from
wild pigs.
Using herbal pesticide
He uses need seed kernel extract and neem oil for control of pest and disease in his
garden. For preventing fruit fly damage in hybrid moringa (drumstick) he prefers raising
country variety (perennial moringa tree) which is highly resistant to fruit fly.
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Selecting trees to overcome drought
Earlier about a decade ago, he was raising coconut, acid lime, and guava on large scale.
Nowadays due to climate change and meager rainfall he plans to remove coconut and
acid lime and replace with teak, perennial moringa tree, mango and amla (Indian
gooseberry).
Collection of seed materials and raising nursery
He carefully selects seeds from high yielding and vigorous trees and raises nursery at
his farm. He is selling seedlings of guava, acid lime, neem, mango, jack fruit, amla, teak
etc. Many farmers relay upon him for procuring quality seedlings.
He has been awarded “Viruksh Mithra” award by Forest Department for his outstanding
work.
Name of Innovator and Address
Mr. Velu Mudaliar
No. 4, Chidambara vinayagar Temple Street
Puliangudi -- Post
Thirunelveli District,
Tamil Nadu
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6. Traditional methods of control of field rats
Using Mud pots
Field rats cause heavy loss to crops like paddy. Mud pot trap: A small mud pot with a lid
is used as a trap to catch field rats. Mud pot is erected over tripped of wooden sticks at a
height of 9 inches from ground and set at certain angle (slanting position). The lid of the
pot is put in the field ground, top side facing down and fixed with 3 small sticks. (Figure)
Inside the pot small quantity of dried fish / fried kernels of ground nut kept as bait. When
the rat attempts to get the bait by jumping the pot topple down over the lid and the rat
gets trapped inside and subsequently removed and killed. Daily up to 8 rats trapped by
this method.
Birds perching sticks
In the paddy field few places long sticks are planted and straw rolls are placed to over
them, so as to attract to perch over on them. During night hours some predatory birds
like owls will come and perch over the sticks. The field rats that are found in the vicinity
are caught as prey and eaten.
Name of Innovator and Address
Mr. Nagaiah Naicker,
T. Krishnapuram Post,
Saptur via,
Peraiyur Taluk - 626 535
Madurai District
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7. Control of Termites in Rainfed Paddy Nursery
When paddy nursery raised under rain fed situation in light textured soil like red loam,
the termite incidence is more. The termites will move in gangs and devast the young
seedlings and eat them away completely, causing total disaster. This will lead to re
sowing of the nursery bed once again at heavy cost. Besides the optimum season is
also missed.
To prevent this loss of nursery, it is followed traditionally to spread bitter leaves of neem
and hairs of goat and human beings in thick layer. The termites that eat them will perish
soon.
Name of Innovator & Address:
Thiru. M.A. Chinnathambi,
Alangampatti – village
Kamboor,
Melur -625 101
Madurai – District.
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8. Traditional method of Control of Rhinoceros beetle in Coconut Palm
Farmers in Puliyangudi village traditionally follow a practice to control Rhinoceros beetle
which affects coconut trees. If the pest affects the crown region of coconut trees and in
severe cases it causes much economical damage to trees.
Mr Gomathinayagam a farmer wanted to adopt this practice in his 5 acres of coconut
garden. Two numbers of earthen pots are buried into the soil so that the top of pot
alights at ground level and it is openly exposed. Water is filled up to ¾ th of the pot. To
each pot 250 gm of powdered castor cake (castor cake obtained after extraction of
castor oil) is added and mixed will.
After 3 days it ferments and typical odor emanates from this attracts the adult rhinoceros
beetles which cause sever loss to the Coconut palms leading to poor yield of nuts. The
beetles that fall into the pots will perish soon,
This practice is followed for several years my many farmers in this region.
Name of Farmer & Address
Thiru. Gomathi nayagam,
Vivasiyigal seva sangam (Farmers service Association),
Puliangudi – Post
Thirunelveli – District.
22
9. Indigenous method of control of Root rot & Foot rot diseases in Paddy Crop
Root and foot rot diseases cause heavy damage to paddy corp. To alleviate this loss, an
indigenous method was developed and followed fro several years with success.
After planting paddy seedlings and within 20 to 25 days, drain out the standing water
from the field. Then apply poultry droppings (40 kg/ac) mixed with neem cake powder
(20kg/ac) uniformly. No irrigation for 3 days.
Three days later irrigation water is allowed to stand for a depth of 5cm. By this method
the diseases could be efficiently controlled.
Name of Innovator & Address:
Mr Deva siromani,
Kollangadu Vettivinai,
Kodiyoor Mulagu moodu.
Kanyakumari District - 629 167
23
10. Preventing Paddy crop loss caused by Paddy Earhead bugs
The flowers of herbal plant called in tamil “peyurunjan” flower (or) “Sannambu” flower
(Cycas cercinalis) available in the western ghats as wild plant. This plant during the time
of flowering will release obnoxious odour. Farmers of Puliangudi, Vasudevanallur and
Sivagiri areas of Tirunelveli District are using this odour to wade away the earhead bugs.
Farmers usually collect the flowers of the plant during December – January when the
paddy crop is attaining panicle initiation stage. These flowers are cut in to small pieces,
covered and tied with wet cotton cloth. These cloth bundles are again covered with
straw and fixed on the top of the sticks (at 3 to 4 feet height) which are placed in 2 or 3
spots of 1acre standing paddy land. Dew fall in the early morning during winter months
will help to emit obnoxious odour that will repel the ear head bugs away from the paddy
field. Otherwise the earhead bug attack will lead to chaffy grains as it is endemic to this
region and cause severe economic loss to paddy farmers.
Name of Farmer & Address:
Thiru. Gomathinayagam,
Vivasiyigal seva sangam (Farmers Service Association),
Puliangudi – P.O.
Thirunelveli – District.
24
11. Herbal Pesticide for control of Leaf Spot Disease of Paddy Crop
Kandhari chilli (A type of red pepper) is a wild Capsicum variety (said to be more
pungent and has more capsicin content) locally noticed in Kanyakumari District. The
fruits are very small and tiny and it will be pointing upwards direction. About 4 kg of
Chilli fruits are taken, ground and mixed with water to spray for 1 acre of paddy crop
affected with leaf spot disease. This spray gives sufficient protection to paddy crop from
all kinds of leaf diseases caused by fungal organisms. The normal grain yields also
restored.
Name of Innovator & Address:
Thiru. N. Deva Siromani,
Kollangadu vettivilai,
Kodiyoor Mulagu moodu post & via,
Kanyakumari – District.
25
12. Control of Algae growth in open wells
In the open wells, green algae found to grow profusely and float over the water level.
These organisms may hinder the operation of pump sets lifting water, by entering into
foot valve and blocking the passage of water. This necessitates fetching a pump
mechanic for repairing or rectifying the defect in the foot valve.
The simple method followed indigenously is to cut straw of paddy into small pieces,
bundled in gunny bags and immersed into the algae affected well. By this innovative
method the green algae is controlled.
Name of Innovator & Address:
Sri.M.P. Vellaimaya thevar,
Kinnimangalam,
(Via) Sekkanoorani,
Madurai. District.
26
13. Improving ground water recharge through low cost Check Dams
Mr. Francis a social worker visited Natram palayam village in Dharmapuri District and
found that farmers are facing recurring droughts and they are unable to take income
from agriculture and animal husbandry. During rainy season they received optimum
rainfall but during summer the streams and wells dry up and due to this village people
surrounded by forest and mountain faced hardships. Mr.Francis after discussion with
villagers decided to construct 13 small check dams across streams to benefit 15 small
hamlets nearby.
After construction of check dams across streams, rain water stored for 10 months in a
year in these structures. This in turn has improved the springs in open wells newly
constructed and installed more than 100 pump sets for irrigating agricultural land.
They successfully cultivate three crops in a year viz. paddy, ground nut and mulberry.
Silk worm rearing is practiced; standard of life of the villagers has improved a lot. They
are able to upkeep dairy animals and goats as they faced no water problem for drinking
purpose. Mr.Francis motivated people to contribute their labour and time for constructing
check dams, stone bunds across sloppy lands upto 10 – 20 percent of the total cost of
construction. By seeing this model, people in nearby villages approached Mr. Francis to
replicate this model. He covered many villages under people initiated check dam
construction in Thali block in Dharmapuri District. In all these villages the check dams
have increased ground water table, dry lands have been converted into garden land and
cropping intensity increased leading to improve standard of living of local people in this
hilly region. With help of people, local communities he initiated check dam construction
in Thali block and so far 300 check dams have been already constructed.
Name of Innovator & Address:
Mr. Francis
I.V.D.P.
4 –B, TB link Road,
Krishnagiri – Post
Dharmapuri District.
27
14. ‘Pitta’ bird as an indicator to forecast rainfall in Sri Lanka
Pitta (Mina) a type of migrating birds arrive in Srilanka during September taking
advantage of the north – east wind prevailed during the month.
The rainfed cultivation in the drought prone area is being started with the arrival of these
birds. By seeing the arrival of the birds, farmers start cultivating the land by ploughing
and keeping it to seed bed condition ready for sowing. The seeds are also procured and
kept ready by then. Because of this well preparedness they will not miss a single rainfall
but take advantage of it and ensure successful crop in the dry land.
Source of Information:
Mr. Peter,
Vice Coordinator – Planning (Forest for people)
Thanamal vila – P.O.
Sri Lanka
28
15. Tractor / Tiller drawn Ridger to form ridges and furrows for sugarcane, cotton, banana crops
Agricultural operations in dry land are to be performed in time especially in the
preparation of field at the time of on set of monsoon. However availability of labour
decides the timely completion of agricultural operations. Nowadays, farmers faced
labour shortage and therefore sometimes agriculture becomes risky. Mr.Lakshmanan
has developed labour saving ridger which can be attached with tractor or power tiller.
This labour saving implement called Ridger was developed and used by a farmer Mr.G.
Lakshmanan, in his village Sallipatti near Srivilliputhur.
He has removed the share point from the power tiller and in its place fixed by welding
blades of the size 12- 14” length and 10 -12” width. By operating this ridger 3 furrows
can be opened with the required interval. No human labour is needed; it is most
economical form ridges and furrows for crops like sugarcane, cotton, banana etc.
Name of Innovator & Address:
Mr. G. Lakshmanan,
Sallipatti village,
Srivilliputhur Taluk,
Virudhunagar – District.
29
16. Preventive method for control of Small Pox virus in Sheep
Small pox is caused by a virus is fatal to sheep. Sometimes severity of the virus disease
affect the entire sheep herd as it is infectious. As a preventive method, serum is
collected from the boils of the affected animal and injected into a healthy sheep to
prevent the spread of the virus causing small pox.
This is practiced by sheep rearing herders of Ramanathapuram District in Tamil Nadu.
Name of Informer and his address:
Thiru. P. Abimannan,
Jothi Manickam village,
(Via) Chekkanoorani,
Madurai –District
30
17. Rearing Pigeon birds in mud pots in Tribal villages in Bihar
People of Shilli village in Bihar state rear pigeon birds in small mud pots. Shilli village is
situated in hilly tract. The villagers grow pigeon birds in 6 – 8 mud pots hanged
underneath the roof of their house. These birds provide sufficient meat requirement to
their family.
Mud pots of 15 – 20 litres capacity are hanged underneath the roof of the houses. First,
few birds procured and placed in the mud pot. The birds are fed with grains initially.
Later on the birds go outside and collect their food and return to their nests during
evening. Therefore it requires least maintenance and birds are sold sometimes to meet
family expenses or used for table purpose on important occasion including visit of
relatives or guests to their families.
Source of Information:
Numvali Velanmai
SEVA,
45, TPM Nagar,
Virattipathu,
Madurai – 10
31
18. Traditional method of control of ‘Pugaian’ pest
(brown plant hopper) in Paddy
Innovative farmers around Karumathur village in Madurai district uses locally available
materials like rice bran – 15 kg mixed with kerosene – 2 liters and applied in the morning
hours near 1 acre of paddy crop affected by brown plant hoppers known as Pugaian
pest (Fulgorid - Nilaparvata lugens).
This practice provides effective control of the pest without using chemical pesticides and
has no residual toxicity in the produce after harvest of paddy.
Source of Information & Address:
Mr. A. Selvaraj,
Arul Anandhar college,
Karumuthur village
Madurai District
32
19. A simple method of preparation of Herbal Pesticide against
Crop Pests
Locally and easily available materials like garlic bulbs and green chilli solution with an
adhesive agent to stick on to the leaves of affected crops – serve as an effective bio
-insecticide to ward off / to repel / to control severed pests like pod borers, aphids and
thrips. The method of preparation is given below:
Solution: 1 - Garlic bulb 500 gm peeled cut in to pieces and soaked in kerosene over
night and filtered.
Solution: 2 - Green chillies (Capsicum fruitescens) 50 gm ground into a paste and mixed
with water – 1 litre and filtered.
Solution: 3 - Soap powder 100 gm dissolved in 1 litre of water to serve as sticking
agent.
All the 3 solutions are well mixed with 100 litres of water and used as spray fluid in the
morning hours over the foliage of affected crops like Cotton, redgram, sunflower,
pomegranate, grapes etc.,
Name of Innovator & Address:
Dr. W.B. Rahootkar
Principal (Retd),
Punjab Rao Agricultural University,
Maharashtra
Source: Numvali Velanmai
33
20. Organic Amendments to Reclaim Sodic Soil
Farmers in Tamil Nadu follow traditional practices for reclamation of saline / alkaline
soil. The following practices separately or in combination have been followed by
farmers and they are given below:
- Palmyra leaf (Borassus flabellifer), Pungan leaf (Pongamia glabra), Tamarind
fruit shell (Tamarindus indica), Pirandai (Cissus quadrangalaris) vines are cut
into small pieces and applied as organic amendment and allowed to decay in the
wet land (after puddling the soil).
- Good quality water / rain water is let in to the field and the soluble salts are
leached out by draining the water.
- Daincha (Sesbania acculeata) raised with high seed rate as green manure and
ploughed in situ during its flowering stage.
- Organic manures like Farm Yard Manure, compost and tank silt applied liberally
and incorporated in to soil.
Source of information: Numvali Velanmai
34
21. Fish Oil emulsion prevents green Jassids in Mango
Green jassids suck the plant sap from inflorescence and cause shedding of flowers
without the formation of young fruits in mango.
The traditional practice is able to save possible economic loss to the growers
Fish oil – 2 litres mixed with water – 200 litres and the solution is sprayed with a hand
operated sprayer over the inflorescence of mango during flowering stage, to control
green jassid.
When young nymphs of green jassid are seen on the inflorescence repeat the spraying
of fish oil solution at weekly interval.
Source of Information:
Numvali Velanmai
SEVA
45, TPM Nagar,
Madurai – 625 010
35
22. Mari gold raised as Inter Crop to minimize Tomato Fruit borer Incidence
For every 16 rows of Tomato 1 row of “Maattu Sevvanthi” (mari gold – Calendula
officinalis) is raised as an inter crop found to minimize the incidence of fruit borer in
tomato.
40 days old seedlings of marigold when planted in tomato field (25 days old tomato
seedlings after planting), there will be synchronized flowering of both the crops.
This will minimize the incidence of fruit borer in tomato. The larva of the fruit borer
attracted towards mari gold flowers and therefore tomato crop will be spared from pest
attack. The quantity of unaffected fruits of tomato will be more, bringing economical gain
to the grower.
Source of information:
Thiru C. Selvaraju,
8/58, Daily vegetable market road,
Bhavani – 638 301,
Erode – District.
36
23. Making bon fire for control of Groundnut pests
Bon fire is set up with agriculture waste materials near field crops like groundnut to
attract female moths of Red hairy caterpillar (Amsacta albistriga) pest on ground nut and
Prodenia litura caterpillar pest on several field crops.
Bon fire is made during night time. The adult moths of Amsacta albistriga are attracted
towards the light. The attracted moths will fall and perish in the fire. This method is
practiced in Palladam, Kannivadi, Singampunari areas of Tamil Nadu with success.
Red hairy caterpillar is a devastating pest to rain fed groundnut. Few farmers also make
light traps and set them in the night time nearby crop field. By setting up light traps, the
emergence of moths and its outbreak can be known in advance and all possible control
measures on a war – foot basis can be followed to prevent this major disaster to ground
nut.
Source:
R.T. Shanmuganathan,
Renga farm,
Kannivadi,
Dindigul – District.
37
24. Traditional method for Foot and Mouth disease in Cattle
The affected animal is isolated from other healthy one to prevent spread of the disease.
The animal is fed with banana fruits soaked in Castor oil over night. Pig meat is cooked
and mixed with ‘samai’ (a millet called as Panicum sumatranse) food and fed to the
affected animal.
Dried fish soup / fish oil emulsion, kerosene oil is poured into the hoof of the animal.
Source:
Thiru G. Ramadoss,
Gandhigram Trust,
Gandhigram P.O.
Dindigul – District.
38
25. Herbal healing practices for the Animal to Conceive or Effecting Fertility
First administer Aloe vera, pseudo stem for 3 days in the empty stomach. This should
be followed with administration of sprouted bengalgram. Germinated bengalgram seeds
(about 200 – 250 gm per day) are fed to the cows for 14 days continuously. During this
course of treatment animals show symptom of heat and animals are to be taken for
either artificial insemination or natural crossing. Before taking the animal for natural
crossing or insemination neem bark soaked water has to be administered orally.
Neem tree bark is soaked in water over night and the water is filtered and fed.
These practices were believed to control worms in the intestine and ovary and also
provide good nutrition and vitamins for the growth of the ovary.
Source:
Thiru. G. Ramadoss,
Gandhi gram Trust,
Gandhigram P.O.
Dindigul
39
26. Traditional method of Control of Insect Pests of Tree Crops
When trees are grown in garden especially in the seedling stage they will be affected by
caterpillar pests. The caterpillar pests will feed on the foliage of the tree seedlings lead
to casualty of trees and it will be a loss to farmers. In order to prevent such casualty a
simple traditional method is practiced by farmers.
In this method water is filled in small cement trough or pots. This will attract the
predatory birds to the garden which will prey on the caterpillar pests damaging the trees
incidentally and thus enabling the biological pest control. About 80% of bird species are
insectivores and feed on the larval caterpillar.
Still some pests may persist. To control them the following method is prescribed: In a
mud pot neem cake, leaves of Calotropis and Nux-vomica are soaked in water and kept
in few places in the garden. The insects are attracted towards the fermented smell of the
ingredients and fall into them and perish.
Name of Innovation & Address:
Thiru. P. Thangasamy,
Sendhangudi,
Nagaram – P.O.
Pudukkottai – District.
40
27. Botanical Pesticides to Prevent Coconut Pests
For preventing the incidence of Rhinoceros beetle and Nephantis caterpillar pests in
coconut palm, 1% neem oil is sprayed.
In between the tender leaves of coconut fronts, the leaves of wild indigo
(Tephrosia purpurea) are placed intact, which will prevent the incidence of Rhinoceros
beetle.
Name of Innovator & Address:
Thiru Thavasi perumal,
Peyodu,
Sandhapuram Post - 629 201.
Kanniyakumari District.
41
28. Traditional Method of Control of Pests of Paddy and Pulse
Crops
Leaf - caterpillars of paddy are controlled by spreading neem leaves in the field or
applying wood ash to crop.
Similarly top dressing of well decomposed farm yard manure and green leaf manures
such as neem, ‘poovarasu’ ( Thespesia populnea), ‘Vagai’ (Albizia lebbeck) on 30 the
day of planting. Apply powdered neem cake (or) “Pungam” (Pongamia pinnata) cake at
1 kg per acre over the foliage of paddy crop.
When pulse grows like black gram, small pulse (Siru payaru) are stored, small quantity
of ‘Vasambu’ (Acorus calamus) is powdered and mixed to prevent the attack of store
pest.
Name of Innovator & Address:
Thiru. Thavasi Perumal
Peyodu, Sandhanapuram Post - 629 201.
Kanyakumari District.
42
29. Agricultural Practice to Overcome Flood in Maruthampallam
Village
In ancient days an agricultural practice to overcome the flood damage has been
practiced in Maruthanpallam village, Tharangambadi Taluk, Nagapattinam District.
Before 30 years, there was plenty of water available for agriculture purposes. With the
availability of water the farmers have been raising long duration varieties like
Thankgasamba, Kattasamba, Vazhansamba in their fields. These are all 6 months
duration varities which are suitable and flood resistant varieties of paddy. Due to that
the farmers have selected the above variety for their cultivations and they are conserving
such traditional varieties.
Agricultural Practice to overcome Flood
Farmers initiate collective action whenever they face flood. In earlier days a short
durations variety ‘kuruvai samba’ ( 3 months duration) and a long duration variety
‘Ottdada’ ( 5 months duration ) mixed and sown in nursery during the month of July
(Adi). After 20 days of sowing the seedlings were transplanted in the main field. Both
these varieties are meant for withstanding flood situation. During the 3rd month the
‘Kuruvai samba’ will be harvested. The another variety ‘ottada’ will come for harvest on
the 5th month. ‘Ottadai’ variety of paddy is able to withstand flood water and will not be
rotten. Therefore it escapes flood situation and gives normal yield. Both these 2
varieties together will yield 20 – 25 bags of paddy in one acre.
Address :
Mr. N. Sabapathi
S/o. Nagappan,
North Street,
Maruthampallam village,
Tharangampadi Taluk,
Magapattinam District.
43
30. Traditional agricultural practice “Javuruvi vasayam”
(Javuru / Subsurface Agricultural practice / Contour Farming followed in Javvadhu
Hills)
Javvadu hills are located at 25 km from Thriuppathur town of Vellore District. In Javvadu
hills region there are villages viz., Palaiyapalayam, Kambukudi, Waduvur,
Thagarakuppam, Arasamarathukollai, Arasamarathu pudur, Perumbali, Chinnavattam,
Kovilur and Pelur all comes under Pungapattunadu Panchayat. In the above villages
tribal peoples in the name of Hindu Malayali or Malayala gounder are living. The main
profession of these peoples is agriculture. They are hard workers. They are doing
excellent agriculture practices with the available water. They are cultivating all kind of
crops like paddy, Ragi (Elusine coracana), Bajra, Samai / little millet
(Panicum sumatranse), banana, vegetable, flowers etc. They also are practicing a
fantastic traditional practice of ‘Javuru’ paddy cultivation in the hilly region with the use of
lake water.
Javuru / Subsurface Agricultural practice / Contour Farming followed in Javvadhu Hills
In this method with the use of water flowing in between the hill (subsurface water) they
are doing the agricultural practices. It is locally called as “javuru vivasayam“. The lands
44
are leveled across the water lake and used it for raising paddy. They prepare the lands
layer by layer and use it for agricultural operations. Here they are raising paddy and
banana crops. The water stored in the first layer and it automatically flows to another
dam layer field by subsurface flow. Also the stored water can be diverted to adjacent
side land and used for agricultural purpose if there is availability of plenty of rain water.
Here they usually raise paddy varieties such as Superponni, ‘Ambasamudram’, ‘Tailor
Ponni’ (3 months duration variety). It yields 8 - 10 bags (100 kg per bag).
Documented by:
Mr.C.Balasubramanian
SEVA
45, T.P.M.Nagar,
Virattipathu,
Madurai – 625 010
Tamil Nadu
45
31. Traditional Fishing Practices and Livelihood Security for Fishing
Commuinites in Kanniyakumari District
There are 15,000 fishering families in Muttam village of Kannyakumari District who
depend upon Indian Ocean for their livlihoods. There are 100 boats, 1000 Catamaram
(country made boat) and 50 Motorised boats are operating in this village.
Association for Catamaram fisherman
Catamaran fishermen associations has been functioning more than 10 years. The
members of this association has to pay 5 paise from every one rupee from their fish
sales(5 % of income ) . Out of 5 paise, 2 paise accounted for administrative expense
and 3 paise, accounted in their members account as savings. In the beginning the
association helped to avoid the middle men in the selling of fish .
The traditional fishing techniques are explained below :
46
Increasing Fish Catch through Oythumattu or Mayakka
While fishing in the sea water through country made Kattamaram in order to attract fish
fisherman use traditional device to catch large quantity of fishes. It is locally called as
Oytghumattu or Mayaka . In ancient days they hang coconut fiber and inserted in cotton
thread inturn attached with the fishing hook (Thoondil) for fishing from catamaran. This
set up is hanged from the boat to a depth of upto 120 feet depth of sea. Nowadays the
coconut fibre is replaced florescent colour paper locally known as Jarigai. By seeing the
colour ed subatance the fish are attracted for false prey and caught in the fishing cook.
In each thread there will be 10 fishing cook are provided. Each thread is attached at
bottom with a iron ball weghing 250 gm and this set up will enhance free suspension at
needed depth of sea.
The hooks are connected at an interval of 3 - 4 feet in the nylon threads. The length of
each thread is about 120 feet ( 30 paru ). The length of thread used in vallam boat is
abhout 200 feet (50 paru ) The fishes attracted by the colour of of jarigai are caught by
the hook.
During the day time the hooks and colour papers are attached at an interval of 1 -2 feet
in the Oythumattu fibre. During the night time the hooks and papers are connected at
an interval of 3 -4 feet distance. Usually the paper connected during the day time should
be reflective power. For that the paper used in the day time should be white or green in
colour.
Attracting Fish through Light
Fishermen understood that the fish attracted by the light used in ships. By seeing this
concept they started using petromax light for fishing..
47
Types of Fishes available in Muttam Sea
1. Neicholai : It is a tasteful fish variety and each fish costsRs.2 /fish.
2. Thendanjalai : Costs Rs 10 / Kilogram.
3. Peicholai Siravu: The fat from this fishes used for painting the vallam and
thus painted have more life span. The soup from fish is relished .
4. Theratchi, Thirukkai: This fish is eaten it will cool the body system.
5. savalai, kanavai kilathi, It provides more body heat.
6. Sira: The ghee taken form the fished are very useful for children health
improvement.
7. Chinna sira: Black in colour .
8. Periya sira: White in colour.
9. Thodu:It is a kind of shell. The muscle of this shell can be cooked and it induces
more milk secretion for lactating mother.
10. Kuduppu fish: It costs Rs 100 / kilo
11. Moorai : It also called as palmoorai . The are two varities in it : one is with
yellow flesh and another one is with white flesh
Prediction of Fishing season and Natural Calamities
From the ancient days onwards the fishermen predicted the time and abundance of fish
or breeding based on appearance of stars in the sky. The fishermen judge the
availability of fishes and commencement of cyclone and direction of cyclone. For
example the season was calculated based on particular date synchronizing the particular
star appearance:
May – 5th ----- Eranjavelli
June – 5th ---- Arankottai
July – 5th ----- Kadal velli
48
On these days or 2 days before or after cyclone formation is predicted.
Nermathi velli
This star never change its postion ; it is used for locating the directions.
Source :
Jerome Sorabi,
14/39, Nadumuttam,Near Church,
Muttam - 629 202
Nagarkoil District
49
32. Assured Crop in Cauvery Delta Region through Farm Ponds
In Nagapattinam district the villages viz., Anaikoil, Manickapangu, Veppanchery,
Pillaiperumal nallur and Erukkanchery situate at the tail end of cauvery river. These
villages are comes under Tharangambadi Taluk. Usually these villages farmers are
raising paddy crops with the help of cauvery river water.
Generally these villages are affected by flood during the raining season. In ancient days
they cultivated paddy followed by pulse cropping system. They were able to take 3
crops per year. But now they are facing difficulties even to take one crop successfully.
They are facing water scarcity in the beginning stage (June – August) and water logging
problem during the raining season (Sep - Oct) .
So they don’t have assurance to take one paddy crop in these wet land area. To over
come these difficulties the dry land cultivation with help of farm pond is helping the
farmers to over come water scarcity and assured cropping. It provides food security for
them.
Supplementing Irrigation in Drylands by Using Farm Ponds
In the above said areas farmer have dry land holding ranges from ¾ acre to 3 acres with
different size of farm ponds raised on then land size. Usually the size of the farm pond
ranges from 30 x 25 x 10 feet or 50 x 30 x 10 feet. Using these farm pond farmers
harvest the rain water and use it for agriculture purposes. They can take two or three
50
crops from this field that depends upon the availability of water in the farm pond inturn
depends upon rainfall. In these fields farmers are raising groundnut, vegetables and
Casurina etc. It increases cropping intensity, more income from agricultural land and
therefore assured crop even if water from the river stops.
Source :
Mr.C. Balasubramanian,
SEVA Field Office
Manickapangu Village
Tharangampadi Taluk
Nagapattinam District.
51
33. Conservation of Malaimadu Cattle in W Pudupatti, Watrap Block, Srivilliputhur Taluka, Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu
Case of Mrs R Radhika
“Malaimadu” is a native cattle breed found in Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Karur,
Theni and Dindigul districts of Tamil Nadu. The population of the breed is about 25,000.
We have promoted Malaimadu herders association in Seithur village of Virudhunagar
district four years back. During this year we have promoted Malaimadu herders
association in Sethunarayanan village. There are 72 members who maintain 12000
Malaimadu breeds of indigenous cattle and sheep. The population of the breed is
reduced to 1/10th of original size. Malaimadu breed is providing draught bullocks and
manure to the farmers. These animals are very good for wetland ploughing.
SEVA is also negotiating with Forest Department for providing grazing permit for the
cattle owners so as to save this breed from extinction. The grazing permit has been
withdrawn for the last 5 years (as the forest has been declared Grizzled Giant Squirrel
Wildlife Sanctuary). SEVA has also arranged for participation of members of Malaimadu
cattle herders associations in the National Level Pastoral delegation for meeting policy
level people at New Delhi during 1st week of December 2005. This is mainly for restoring
the grazing rights of the pastoral communities.
52
SEVA has provided loan facilities for 3 SHG members in W Pudupatti village, Watrap
block, Virudhunagar District for purchase of Malaimadu cows during November 2004.
Each member has been supported with a loan of Rs.5,000 which can be repaid over 20
monthly installments. The women members prefer Malaimadu cows because they like
the quality of the milk and these animals can be maintained with less care or cost. The
milk yield of Malaimadu cows is about 3-4 litres per day. So far, they have repaid
Rs.10,000. Annexure 1.3 is case study of a SHG member in W Pudupatti to whom SEVA
has provided loan facilities for purchase of Malaimadu cow.
Mrs R Radhika (34 years old), W/o Mr Rajagopal is a SHG member in W Pudupatti
village, Watrap block, Virudhunagar district to whom SEVA has provided loan facilities of
Rs.5,000 for purchase of Malaimadu cattle during November 2004. Her father-in-law had
been keeping Malaimadu cattle for long. Earlier the family had this breed numbering
more than 100. Even Mrs Radhika herself was maintaining 5-6 Malaimadu cattle some
years back. All of them were either killed by tigers or lost in the forest. Now she
maintains only the cattle procured out of the loan provided by SEVA. She preferred to
maintain Malaimadu cattle because of her inherent interest in the same.
Mrs Radhika reports that the milk yield of her Malaimadu cattle is 2-2.5 litres per day
whereas that of other crossbred in the region is 5-6 litres per day. Mrs Radhika uses the
milk for her family consumption and sells remaining milk to neighbours at the rate of
Rs.9.50 per litre, who specifically ask for Malaimadu milk. The cow has so far given birth
to 2 calves, out of which 1 has grown up now. People prefer Malaimadu milk because of
its denseness and nutrition content. The milk is slightly yellowish in colour with good
taste and flavour. The milk products of Malaimadu cattle such as curd, butter and ghee
are also quite tastier with high level of nutrition, and people treat its ghee very special for
its attractive flavour.
Some of the special characters of Malaimadu cattle noticed by Mrs Radhika are:
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1 After grazing, Malaimadu cattle return home on their own, while the herder has to
guide other breeds of cattle.
2 They withstand diseases whereas other breeds of cattle are prone to diseases.
3 They need lesser food and care than other breeds.
Mrs Radhika complains that officials of Forest Department are not at all permitting
herders to take their cattle for grazing in hills. When Malaimadu cattle are permitted to
graze in the hills, they, along with grass, graze medicinal herbs available in hills, which
increase their immunity level in body against diseases. They also become very strong
and shiny. Because of denial of permission to graze in hills, Mrs Radhika feeds her
Malaimadu cow with fodder/straw which other breeds of cattle consume and as such,
her Malaimadu has acquired characteristics of other breeds of cattle and has become
prone to diseases.
Mrs Radhika has reported that her Malaimadu cow also has got affected by Mastitis last
year when other breed animals got affected by the disease. Because of the disease, her
cow stopped giving milk for 1 year and she was also not able to repay the loan. To treat
Mastitis, she pounded chalk-piece into powder and mixed it with lemon juice to make a
paste. She applied this paste in the Mastitis affected area twice daily in the morning and
evening for 4 days. She also got her cow injected by the Veterinary Doctor. Though the
animal got cured from Mastitis, it again got affected by the disease after some months.
Second time, she applied only the above paste preparation on the affected area. Now
she says that her cow has got complete cure from Mastitis and has started yielding milk.
However, Mrs Radhika is very happy with keeping Malaimadu, and she intends to
acquire one more cow if SEVA helps her with loan facility.
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34. Cultivation of “Nithyakalyani “ is drought prone dry land area
‘Nithyakalyani’ (Vinca rosea) is a medicinal plant which is suitable to drought prone area
and also in dry lands. The seeds of Nithyakalyani is black in colour. 1 litre seeds is
enough to raise cultivation of Nithyakalyani in one acre. These seeds are spread out in
10 cent nursery during the month of November and irrigate regularly at a interval of one
week. The germination of seed is appeared in 10 -15th day of sowing. The
transplanting of seedling can be taken in between the 45 – 50 days.
Transplanting
The land should be ploughed and then make ridges and furrows. The transplanting of
seedlings is taking place only after irrigation during the month of January ; there is a
need of 10 -15 labourers for transplanting, and first irrigation should be given on the 3rd
only at 7 – 10 days of transplanting.
Harvesting
We can harvest the leaves during the 75 – 90th days as first harvesting and the second
and third harvesting is after 60th day of successive harvesting. We may go upto 4th
harvesting if there is enough leaves. The cost of leaves is Rs 20 – 30 per kg. We can
get 600 kg of leave at first harvesting and during second it will be 750kg and in the third
it will be 750 kg and in the fourth it will be 600 kg of leaves.
Income from leaves Rs. 40,000 / acre
Expense for 1 acre Rs. 20,000
Net income Rs. 20,000
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Benefits
1. The leave are procured from the field itself by the traders
2. Drought tolerant crop
3. Plant protection cost and manure cost is very less or negligible
Address of the Innovator
Mr. Ramasamy Naicker
S/o. Balakrishnasamy
1/6. South Street
Gopalapuram – 626 463
Rajapalayam Taluk
Virudhunagar District.
Ph : 04563 – 253 241
Mob : 9245260732
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35. Drought Tolerant New Moringa Variety developed by
Mr.Alagarsamy
Mr.Alagarsamy (51) lives in Pallapatti village, Nilakottai Taluk of Dindigul district of Tamil
Nadu. He is a post-graduate in Arts and looking after his farm of 5 acres of garden land.
He developed interest in evolving a new moringa variety after he desperately looked for
moringa pods for village festival which he could not fetch due to existing moringa
varieties non bearing in off season.
The Story of Evolving a New Moringa Variety
When he studied at college at Coimbatore he visits his friend’s village Thondamuthur
near Coimbatore and he developed interest by seeing some good moringa varieties
which were profusely yielding. Later, after completing his college studies he was
unemployed and wanted to pursue his experiment with different moringa varieties
continuously for 9 years.
Mr.Alagarsamy collected the pollen from the local variety found in Thondamuthur of
Coimbatore district. Then he cross pollinated the “Yaazhpanam” moringa by using this
pollen. He isolated 4 phenotypically similar fruits from these trees. The seeds were
separated and he sowed them in his garden. From these trees he noticed the bumper
yield. He studied the performance of this variety continuously for 4 years. He used this
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tree as mother plant and mass multiplied by an innovative propagation method of air
layering.
Mr.Alagarsamy tried various propagation techniques in moringa. Two feet length of limb
cuttings of moringa is planted at depth of one feet. He also tried air layering method.
Barks (1" length) of selected branch of the mother tree are removed. Panchakavya
soaked coir pith is placed over this portion and covered with polythene sheet. Both the
end of polythene has to be tied with thread. Root growth is seen 20 days after layering.
Then the rooted air layers are separated from the mother tree. Polythene sheet is
removed and the layers are planted with the mass into the polythene bag. This bag
contains mixture of sand, red soil and farm yard manure. These polythene bags are
placed in the nursery for 20 days. After that air layers are ready for planting.
Mr.Alagarsamy named this new moringa variety as “Pallapatti Alagarsamy Vellimalai
Murugan (PAVM)” Moringa.
Salient Features of the New Moringa Variety
Now most of the farmers in the Dindigul region have started planting this new variety as
it fetches them a better price and has improved their economic situation. This variety
can also be planted in drought prone area. In these areas irrigation is given at fortnight
interval initially i.e. upto 5 months and monthly interval later. Compared to other high
yielding short duration moringa variety, it requires less water and withstand drought as
similar to perennial moringa trees.
The trees started yielding from 5 – 6th month of planting. It yields throughout the year.
About 300 kg of matured pods can be harvested per tree per year from 2nd year
onwards. If organic farming practices are followed the fruits are fleshy with 2.5 feet
length and 200 gm weight each. The keeping quality also increased upto one week.
From one tree one can earn a profit of Rs. 2000 per year. Farmers in Ottanchatiram area
who adopted this new variety are deriving good income and a farmer Mr.Rajendran
states that in his garden he derived an income of Rs.1 lakh per acre per year. This crop
yield profusely in red soil area and farmers income is Rs.60, 000 – Rs.1, 00,000; and in
block cotton soil average income is about Rs. 50,000 per acre.
Dissemination of New Variety
58
Over the last 9 years he has so far sold more than 10,00,000 number of grafted
seedlings of Moringa to about 3,000 farmers in Dindigul, Madurai and Coimbatore
districts. This variety has been planted in 6000 acres in these districts. There are good
enquiries and many farmers visited his field and he is expanding his nursery. There are
regularly 9-10 women are employed in his nursery for grafting the seedlings.
Micro Venture Support
In order to expand his nursery activities he has received a loan amount of Rs.10,000
from Innovators Association (through NABARD revolving fund given to SEVA) on 29-10-
2004 and later he has repaid all the loan amount through the income by selling rooted air
layers. In order to expand his nursery activities he has acquired 5 acres of garden land
and a mother nursery with this new variety is being maintained in this land.
Employment Generation through Raising Grafted Seedlings
He is maintaining a nursery centre to produce and distribute grafted seedlings of his new
moringa variety. He is producing about 20,000 rooted grafts in a month. There are 9
women are employed on daily wages involved in making rooted layers, filling nursery
bags with soil and manuring the field. Very recently due to good demand of seedlings
the number of daily wage labourers are increased to 20. For example
Smt.Pappatiammal (w/o Mr.Anbu) in Pallapatti village is a wage labourer and she is able
to perform a maximum of 100 grafts (air layering) in a day. She works for 9 hours in a
day and earn Rs100. (In the village, agricultural women labourer earns about Rs.60-80
depend upon the nature of agricultural operation). She learned the skill of air layering
and now become an expert. She says that by experience she is doing loose tying of
medium (it includes coir pith soaked in panchagavya) during summer season, tightly
during rainy season. After putting the rooting medium it takes about 22 days for
complete sprouting of roots and it extends to 1 month during rainy season. Annual
turnover is 2.5 lakhs seedlings and he earns a profit of Rs.6 lakhs per annum.
Recognition of New Variety
59
SEVA has documented this new variety and facilitated for recognition. Mr.Alagarsamy
received “SRISTI Sanman Award” during 2006 at National workshop on Indigenous
knowledge and innovations organized at Ahmedabad by SRISTI. Mr.Alagarsamy also
received “Golden Achievers Award” constituted by Bharathiyar Panbattu Kazhagam,
Chennai during 2006. His farm has been visited by many scientists, farmers and
government officials and they appreciated the nursery centre with the new moringa
variety where it is mass multiplied and distributed.
A team of scientists from Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam
visited his nursery and given their observations. They have given report (CARDS/SEVA/
Evaluation of innovations/2006 dated 26.12.2006) which concludes: “Mr.P.Alagarsamy’s
systematic efforts to promote perennial moringa cultivation and his bioformulations to
promote organic farming are commendable”
A Case study with a farmer who planted New Moringa Variety
Mr.Kuppusamy of Srirangagoundanpudur village, Dharapuram Taluk, Erode District has
been cultivating new moringa variety in 1 acre land procured from Mr.Alagarsamy. He is
having an open well and he irrigates the moringa seedlings once in a week initially and
nowadays it will be an interval of about 15 days. Now the moringa trees are 2 years old.
Initially he planted 200 grafts in 1acre and spent about Rs.12, 000 for procuring grafts,
planting and manuring. It started yielding from 6 months onwards. Annually he has to
attend inter cultural operations such as weeding, application of manure, plant protection
and harvesting of pods and the total expenses in a year will be about Rs.50, 000. The
harvesting operation is performed weekly once and he harvests about 4 bags each time
(A bag weighs 500 kilos). Bearing of fruits is noticed throughout the year except during
rainy season i.e. 3-4 months there will not be any yield. However in well drained red
gravel soil bearing of fruits is seen without interruption. He disposes the pods at market
and it fetches about Rs.5 - 20 depending upon the consumers demand. Annually about
20 tonnes of moringa pods can be obtained at the average of 100 kilo per tree with 200
trees in one acre. The yield of trees in hedges exceeds 200 kilos but less yield from
those trees inside the field. A farmer can get a gross income of Rs.2, 00,000 and after
allowing Rs.75, 000 (including capital expenses & depreciation) towards recurring
expense a net profit will be around Rs.1.25 lakhs in one acre. However the yielding of
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moringa trees is little less in black cotton soil as it do not yield during rainy period i.e.
September – December.
Address of Innovator:
Mr. Alagarsamy.P,
6/39, south street,
Pallapatti,
Nilakottai Taluk,
Dindigul District
Tamil Nadu state
Mobile: 98653 45911 / 97917 74887
Documented by:
P.Vivekanandan, SEVA
Email: [email protected]
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36. New Acid Lime Variety Suitable for Drought condition - developed by Mr Anthonysamy
Mr. Anthonisamy is a progressive farmer in Puliangudi village. He studied upto 7th
standard. His age is 66 years. He has 2 sons and 1 daughter and all married. Now he
is living with his wife and one son and grand children, family members numbering 8
people. He owns 70 acres of garden land and cultivates sugarcane, acidlime, paddy,
vegetables, sorghum, millets. He is having open wells and pumpsets to irrigate his
crops. He is earning about Rs.5,00,000 per year. He keeps few dairy animals and
bullocks for agriculture purpose.
Anthonysamy has raised acid lime in his 30 acres of land. He had been practicing
intensive chemical input agriculture from 1975-1985 and made a good profit. Later on,
he started facing problems like declining productivity and disease attack, which led to
large-scale purning of crop. He found a deficiency of trace elements such as Zinc,
Boron, Iron and Copper in spite of applying mineral fertilizers to that crop. At that time,
scientists from Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore visited his
farm and suggested that low productivity was due to the shallow root system of citrus
plants and advocated improving the efficiency of the root system as well as the mode of
applying nutrients to the plant.
Using Wild Citrus Plant as Rootstock for Grafting
Samy then developed an idea of increasing efficiency of the root system by using the
wild plants (as rootstock) grown in forest. He had observed that the wild lime was
drought tolerant and devoid of diseases. He collected a few wild citrus plant species and
planted them in his land. After ten years the wild species started bearing fruits.
However, the fruits were very bitter, unpalatable and size of fruits too small. He then
thought of taking the wild citrus species as rootstock for grafting with an ordinary Edward
citrus variety to produce a hardy tree with better-tasting fruit. Accordingly he grew
seedlings of the wild citrus and used them as rootstock. He grafted the first set of plants
in 1994 and after a period of 4 years i.e. during 1998 the grafted plants started bearing
fruits.
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Mr. Samy was astonished to see the vigorous growth of the plant, which is not only
disease free but also bears a higher number of violet-tinged flowers to each leaf axis on
lengthy bracts. The grafted trees also had desirable characteristics of being shorter in
stature, and having a larger surface area for exposure to sunlight. He measured the tap
root length of new variety and confirmed that the desirable characteristics and vigour of
the citrus trees are due to the deep root system i.e., four to six feet in length, which is
extraordinarily longer than the ordinary grafted plants root length of up to two feet only.
Further Breeding
In 1996 Mr. Samy grafted and planted a first batch of 120 plants using wild citrus
rootstock. In second batch he used 200 wild citrus rootsrocks, grafted with the first
generation citrus plants (F1 obtained by crossing wild citrus with high-yielding Edward
lemon). The second-generation plants have maintained the good qualities of the first.
He is now planning for third generation grafting by using wild citrus rootstock of second-
generation grafted plant. So far he has planted 440 grafted plants over the last six
years.
Desirable Characterstics of Newly Developed Variety
He observed the following characteristics of the newly grafted plants:
1. Root system is highly developed in new variety, penetrating the soil up to five to six
feet in depth (compared to a maximum of two feet in ordinary grafted variety) - the lateral
roots (Shallow adventitious roots) are also well developed in the new variety.
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2. Number of quality fruits (A-graded fruits) is 90% in the new variety, compared to 60%
in ordinary plantation. The plants are comparatively shorter but tend towards more
horizontal growth a larger surface area to absorb sunlight for better photosynthetic
efficiency.
3. The productivity is 5000 fruits per tree per year compared to 2500- 3000 fruits in the
ordinary type.
4. The plants are able to survive without irrigation / watering compared to the high level
of water requirement of normal plants.
Trying the New Variety under Dry land Condition
Mr. Samy wanted to cultivate this new variety under natural conditions, without any
watering He has been growing few numbers of plants withut watering from 1998
onwards. His experiments worked and the plants are bearing fruits without watering,
But the yeild of fruits is around 1500 to 2000 compared to 5000 when they get watered
regulraly. Drought tolerant Acid Lime variety
Searching for Other Good Root stock
Appreciating the success of outcome of using wild cirtus rootstock he started searching
for other varieties of wild citrus rootstock, from other states. He went to Andhra Pradesh
and procured wild citrus plants from Guddur village. Now he has been growing different
types of rootstock and continuing his experiments.
Mass Multiplication and Propagation of New Citrus Variety
By seeing the success of this new variety Mr. Samy wanted to market this grafted
variety. At present he has raised 1000 grafted plants by using wild rootstock. He
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ascertained that he would not be able to supply the high market demand, and therefore
he decided to give this propagation work to his friend Mr. Vijay Anand who is living in
Sayarpuram village in Thoothukudi district. Accordingly Mr. Vijay Anand has established
a mother unit for mass multiplication and propagation of the new variety. He is also
trying Budding method of reproduction instead of grafting to undertake mass
propagation.
Address of the Innovator:
Mr.Anthonisamy,
53 , West Car Street,
Chinnthamani,
Puliankudi village,
Tirunelveli district.
Ph : 04636 – 233343
Mob : 99429 79141
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37. Plant Growth Regulator developed by
Mr. S. Balasubramaniam
Thiru. S. Balasubramanian is living in Manganallur main Road, in Mailadudhurai town, in
Nagapattinam district. He has studied Higher Secondary Education (+2). He has been
doing Agriculture field work for the last 15 yrs. He developed inclination in organic
agriculture and during the course of organic forming he developed herbal growth
regulator. He has been using this growth regulator for the last 6 yrs. He is also a
member of organic farmers club promoted by Agriculture University.
He realized initial success in chemical farming and latter found that it is harmful to soil
and also environment. He slowly developed herbal recipes for control of pest and
disease and also to increase the growth of the plant.
His method of preparation herbal growth regulated is given below:
1. Sea weed (Sargassum) 20 kg
2. Illuppai seednut cake (Bassia latifolia ) 1 kg
3. Vasambu (Acorus calamus) 1 kg
4. Adadhoda (Justicia adodhoda) 500 gm
5. Fish – jaggery mixture 20 ml
6. Alcohol 50 ml
7. Sothukathalai (Aloe vera ) 1 kg
8. Soap solution 100 gm
By using the above items he is preparing the growth regulator. He has named the growth
regulator as “Science Sri”. It has to be applied 250 ml for one acre at twice or thrice. It
gives greenish color when sprayed to crops and good yield also. It saves the crops from
pests and disease attack.
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He has supplied the growth regulator to 60 farmers over the last 6 years and applied in
200 acres of lands to various crops like black gram, green gram, beans, sugar cane,
banana, coconut, coffee, tea and cultivated medicinal plants.
Address of the innovator :
S. Balasubramanian,
397, Manganallur Bajar,
Mayiladudurai,
Nagapattinam District - 609 404.
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Indigenous Coping Mechanisms for Disaster and Risk Reduction in Agriculture
38. Control of Nematode by Using Asafoetida
Mr. Chellamuthu aged 45 years living in Karukkampalayam Village. Earlier he has some
land and due to family problems and partition problem he became landless. Since then
he has been involved in spraying pesticides on daily wage basis. This area is known for
intensive farming as it situates in Bhavani river bed area and also open wells and
farmers grow crops like turmeric, onion and sugarcane, coconut, jasmine. So there is
always good demand especially during Oct.- Dec. for spraying chemical pesticides.
In Erode district farmers raise, turmeric groundnut, banana, jasmine, brinjal and other
vegetables which are susceptible to nematode attack. The affected plants show
withering and yellowing of leaves lead to death of plants. If Nematodes attack such
vegetable crops then it will affect the entire plot and lead to considerable yield reduction
thereby it is a menace to farmers.
In order to avoid nematode damage farmers usually apply Furdan granules / Thimet and
spend Rs.750 per acre. Mr. Chellamuthu an innovator who has understood traditional
practice of applying Asafoetida to boost the yield of Moringa tree. He has tested this to
increase the growth and yield in Peerkai (ribbed gourd) for few plants. He ground the
asafoetida and diluted with water and drenched the root zone of ribbed gourd and this
has worked. Similarly he wanted to try the same technique to the nematode affected
turmeric plants. This has recovered the withering plant and increased vigor and growth
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of turmeric. He realized that asafetida able to produce more adventitious roots to over
come the nematode attack and there by escape or recover from attack rather than killing
the nematode.
He again tested this another farmers field where nematode attack was severe in
turmeric. He has again got good results. He later tested to the groundnut, jasmine,
brinjal which were affected by nematode attack and found consistent results.
Over the last 2 years he has standardized the practice. Now he advocates tying 1 kilo of
Asafoetida in a gunny bag and keep it n the entrance of irrigation channel. The effluent
water when enter the field it takes care of protecting crops from nematode attack. In
Kasiagoundan valasu village 7 farmers learned this practice and they have treated their
turmeric and jasmine in 20 acres field and they continue this practice. They feel it is
cheaper i.e. they spend Rs.380 towards purchase of 1 kilo of Asafoetida instead of
spending Rs.750 for purchase of chemical pesticide like Thimmet or Furadan.
Mr. Nachimuthu , Mr. Subramanian ,Kottaipudur village, Mr. Vadivel in Amaravathy
palayam village, are regularly following this practice.
Mr. Chellamuthu,
Karukkampalayam,
Oonchalur post, Kodumudi Via,
Erode Dist. 638 152.
Phone : 04204 – 266127 ;
Cell : 9486602389
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39. Mulching for Control of Weeds in Turmeric
Sri. Chellamuthu is using sugarcane waste trashes, leaf sheath as mulch for placing
them in the space between rows of turmeric. This mulching is practiced after 15 days of
planting of turmeric i.e. during the month of “Ani” (May – June). This will reduce the
growth of weed plants such as “Korai” (Cyprus rotendus). Turmeric is raised with a
spacing of 1.5 feet between rows. He is filing the space alternatively with trash mulches.
One row for irrigation and next row for mulching and subsequent row for irrigation water
and this order is continued. This method reduce irrigation water and also weeds. In the
conventional method of without mulching 50 laborers are required for weeding operation
over 3 time weeding compared to 20 laborers in the innovative mulching practice.
Address of Innovator:
Mr. K.M. Chellamuthu,
Karukkamapalaym,
Oonchalur Post,
Kodumudi via,
Erode District .
Ph : 04204-266127
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40. Using Red Ants to Prevent Pest Attack in Orchards
Mr. Loganathan could not continue his studies as he failed in SSLC. Later he learned
diesel mechanic work and now he is employed in Custom Department. During his
leisure time he developed interest in growing medicinal ornamental and horticultural
species.
Mr Loganathan has developed simple technique of rearing red ants in the garden. The
red ants will then feed on the stem borer (a pest which attacks trees in the trunk region
by making hole and feed the tissues of the tree and severe infestation lead to wilting of
trees) in coconut, cashewnut, mango, moringa etc.
Under the trunk of tree apply 5 baskets of ash has to be placed near the tree collar
region. Clay soil or loamy soil taken from tank. The soil should not be easily dissolved
when moist. Both are mixed together. Above this sprinkle a layer of jaggery powder.
This will attract red ants and make nesting nearby. The increased ant population will be
beneficial in controlling stem borers or any caterpillar pests in the garden.
V. Loganathan
Thachar Street,
Piradabaramarpuram Post
Velankanni Via
Nagai District - 611 111
Mobile : 099652 42196
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41. Control of Coconut Eriophyid mite by using predatory mite
Eriophyid mite affected coconut
The Eriophyid mites in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala affect the
coconut plantations for the past two years. The Eriophyid mite sucks the soft issue sap
of the young buttons under the lobes of perianth. This leads to the brownish
discoloration and fissure on the buttons and makes them to shed from the trees. The
buttons with standing this effect become small nut and have hard husks which are very
rough to dehusk and not suitable for producing fibers. This also reduces kernel size and
oil quality. All these factors make revenue loss to the farmers at the rate of Rs.0.50 to
Rs.1.00 / nut.
Life history of Eriophyid mite
The Eriophyid mite completes its life cycle within 8-12 days. It is spread by air. The
Eriophyid mite feeds the reproduces within the lobes of perianth by sucking tissue sap of
soft tissues of young buttons. Because of this, it gets maximum protection.
Impact of chemical pesticides usage
72
The farmers applied many pesticides through root and spraying on the palm. This
application killed all beneficial insects already lived in the habitat. This has produced
pesticide resistant varieties of Eriophyid mite. The pesticide application increased the
pesticide residue in the coconut and made them poisonous. This residue passes on to
human by consumption. This residue is responsible for many diseases and the people
dwelling in the city have second thought to drink tender coconuts. Not this method
becomes unpopular among the farmers.
Research on Eriophyid mite control
Rajendra Foundation for agricultural research and rural development, Koothampatti,
Chitar, Bhavani Taluk in Erode District has done research on this disease. This
foundation made many milestones in the biological pest control for the past one decade.
First, it used many plant extracts, aromatic oils and spices extract in different proportions
against this pest either by spraying or by root feeding. More than 100 such experiments
have been done. Some attempts controlled mite but this was only temporary. The
attack was again appeared with in 20 days. So the president of the foundation
Mr.N.Rajendran made research on biological control of this mite. He is an expert in the
biological control of pest. He finally found four predatory insects against this pest. They
are Anthocorid bug, Amblyseius mite, Predatory thrips and Staphybonidae beetle.
Among the four, Amblyseius mite is multiplied in the laboratory and supplied to the
farmers. This mite has been identified as Amblyseius (Neoseiulus) paspaalivorus.
Method of predator release on the tree
These predatory mites are unable to move in the bottle or test tube as they have
tendency to die in such environment with in an hour. However, these predators are first
inoculated in to the infected button perianth and these buttons are sealed in a perforated
polyethylene packet. This method provides feed to the predator and makes them to
survive and multiply within the perianth. Its life cycle is also very short. A predatory mite
feeds many eggs and young ones of Eriophyid mites in a day. This type of inoculated
button perianth gives no damage to the predator. This inoculated button has to be kept
after removing the package on one tree out of ten trees near the affected bunch. The
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parcel perianth lobes should not be removed at any situation. The predatory mite in this
inoculum will spread to all other buttons of the bunch and multiply there and spread to
other bunches.
Efficiency of Amblyseius mite
As this Amblyseius mite is tiny, it easily enters into the button perianth and destroys all
pests and their eggs of a button as it moves to other button and other tree in search of
food. By this way it spreads to all trees to grove within three months. This can be
identified by examining the buttons of other trees of the grove where the predator was
not released. This examination showed either decreased number of Eriophyid mite or
complete destruction of pest in all the buttons of the predator released grove, i.e. this
method reduce the Eriophyid mite numbers from few thousands to fee hundred or nil in
the buttons of affected tree. The increased number of Amblyseius mite completely wipe
out the pest in due course and check it permanently in the future if there is any further
incidence. This method gives fruitful results in Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri,
Coimbatore, Virudhunagar, Dindigul, Thirunelveli and Kanyakumari Districts of Tamil
Nadu.
Benefits of predator:
• It is simple and economic method for Eriophyid mite control
• It does not affect environment
• It yields poison less nut
Address of the innovator
Mr. Rajendran,
Rajendra foundation for Agricultural Researach and rural Development,
Chittar- 638 302,
Kesarimangalam P.O, Bhavani T.K. Erode District.
Ph : 04256 – 2239858
74
42. Fish Jaggery Mixture as Organic Liquid Fertilizer
Mr. Anthonisamy (65) has been doing farming for the past 40 years in Puliankudi village,
Tirunelveli district. He has been awarded with 3rd prize for developing a new acid lime
variety during 3rd round competition organized by NIF. He recently developed few
innovative practices which are shown below:
Mr. Anthonisamy has developed organic liquid fertilizer which he claims substitute urea
and nitrogenous fertilizer. Now a days he stopped even spraying panchagavya and
applying organic manure due to substitution of this fish jaggery mixture. In a plastic
drum of about 200 liters he prepares this solution by taking the following ingredients:
Fresh fish procured from ponds ( “Kendai” fish ) or from sea water – 25 kg,
jaggery – 25 kg, water – 100 liters and papaya fruits – 6 number.
First he mixes jaggery and fish together and soaking in water for 15 days. On 16th day
he adds papaya fruits after removing all the seeds from the fruits and crush the fruits
along with the existing solution. After 4 days ( totally 20 days of initial soaking ) of
putting papaya fruits he adds 50 liters of water and finally filtered. This has to be sprayed
at 1 liter per acre or 100 ml per 10 liters of water. This has to be sprayed 2 times for
paddy, 4 times for sugarcane and 2 times for onion starting from 15 – 20 days after
planting at 15 days interval.
After practicing 2 years he substituted jaggery with crude molasses obtained while
crushing sugarcane for the purpose of making jaggery.
Mr. Anthonysamy crushes sugarcane in his farm and prepares organic jaggery.
Sometimes he collects waste materials while preparing jaggery which is locally called
“alaikazhivu” ( waste liquid jaggery usually relished by pigs ) and mixes with the water at
10 times and later add equally jaggery fish solution together and sprayed to sugarcane
as foliar fertilizer by using mechanized sprayer attached in the power tiller. He usually
arranged 4 barrels of fish + jaggery solution for spraying in 4 acres of sugarcane field.
He never applies inorganic fertilizers and he is getting 80 tones of cane yield per acre.
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He has standardized the method by applying specific dates for various crops. For
example for sugarcane he is spraying on 60th day, 120th day, 118th day and 260th day.
For paddy he is spraying on 25th day and 45th day.
Earlier he was only using papaya fruits for adding into the liquid fertilizer mixture. Now
he advocates any waste fruits available in the farm can be used. He uses fruits of
palmyra tree, guava tree, etc.
Address of Farmer
Sri. Antonisamy
53. Mela Ratha Veethi,
Sinthamani,
Puliangudi – 627 855.
Tirunelveli district.
Ph : 04366 – 233 343
Cell : 9443582076
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43. Raising Sugarcane in Sandy soil
Mr.Anthonisamy (65) has been doing farming for the past 40 years in Puliankudi village,
Tirunelveli district. He has been awarded with 3rd prize for developing a new acid lime
variety during 3rd round competition organized by NIF. He recently developed few
innovative practices which are shown below:
Green manure as intercrop in Sugarcane
Usually there is a common practice to raise green manure as intercrop in sugarcane and
incorporates as mulch after 45 – 50 days of sowing. He modified the method by
introducing some practices based on his close observations: After raising first green
manure crop he goes for second crop and that too has been incorporated in the soil for
composting. His method of green manure mulching is described below:
Two rows of sets of sugarcane are planted together; then the spacing of 7 or 10 feet will
be provided between rows of sugarcane sets. In this space of 7 – 10 feet he raises
Daincha as first crop. He irrigates the field with drip lines. After 45 – 50 days of sowing
green manure plants are uprooted manually and incorporated into the soil by manual
labour. Green manure is incorporated in between the space of 3 ft. allowed between 2
rows of sugarcane. In the empty space of 7 ft he does not incorporate green manure.
Then he goes for sowing of 2nd green manure crop by choosing green gram and this also
uprooted after 45 days of sowing and incorporated in the soil. After few years he
changed the green gram and goes for sun hemp as it is less cost per kg of seed and
also sun hemp is free from aphid attack which is usually seen in green gram. And also
the foliage obtained from sun hemp is more than the green gram.
Spacing Innovation
Usually sugarcane setts are planted at the rate of 30,000 sets per acre.
Mr. Antonysamy is planting 16,000 – 17,000 sets of per acre due to innovative spacing
practices. Earlier he adopted 7 – 10 ft space between sugarcane rows. He plants
sugarcane setts with row spacing of 3 ft. Therefore the spacing is 10 x 3 x 3 x 10 …..
like that. After 2 years of experiments he standardized the spacing and now he adopts 6
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x 3 x 3 x 6 x 3 x 3 …… like this. This spacing system is optimum for harvesting sunlight.
It also avoids rat damages because there was no shade inside the rows. He uses drip
line in between 3 ft gap between rows of sugarcane. He irrigates daily for 3 hours and
he calculates that for 1 kg of producing jaggery he applies 1480 litres of water (compare
to 22,000 liters for producing 1 kg of sugar in conventional system). He incorporates
sugarcane leaves / trashes stripped from the cane during 4th month and 7th month in the
3ft gap. Leaves stripped during 9th month is incorporated in the 6 ft gap. After
incorporating he applies soil for decomposition.
In the conventional system farmers give space at 2.1/2 ft between rows of sugarcane
and stripping of leaves is very difficult and due to this the rain water stands in the leaves
leading to lodging of cane and ultimately resulting in less recovery of cane and
susceptible to rat damage.
Initially he applies basal application of 3 tractor loads of farmyard manure. After planting
sugarcane he alternately sprays Panchakavya and fish jaggery solution. From 4th month
onwards he removes the trashes from sugarcane and place in the soil as mulch. Yield
of sugarcane is determined by erect canes which should not lodge. In order to prevent
lodging of canes he incorporates soil around the root zone by periodical earthing up. By
doing this the interspace between rows of crops is deepened to a depth of about 2 feet
and this space is enough for harvesting sunlight and aeration. This practice ensures
good cane growth even in sandy soil where the fertility is very low. By using drip method
he covers 4 – 6 acres compared with conventional irrigation of 1 acre. He is planting CO
– 86032 varieties and harvests upto 80 tones per acre. He never uses any chemical
inputs. He is running his own crusher unit and while preparing jaggery he uses bhendi
plants ( 5 plants per tank of sugarcane juice ) and lime powder, vegetable oil for removal
of impurities or to get required quality. Now a day he standardized the method of organic
jaggery. He specifies for every tank of sugarcane juice he advises 3 kg of bhendi fruits,
300 gms of lime powder and 20 ml of groundnut oil (for every tank of 200 litres of
crushed juice).
Address of Farmer
Sri. Antonisamy, Tirunelveli district.
Ph : 04366 – 233 343 ; Cell : 9443582076
78
44. Control of Mushrooms in Acidlime
During rainy season (Sep – Nov) there will be growth of mushrooms from the collar
region of the trees of acidlime. The size of the mushroom will be about ¾ - 1 ft
diameter. If these mushrooms are not controlled it will lead to death of trees. Farmers
in this area usually applies Bordeaux mixture for control of mushrooms. Bordeaux
mixture needs 4 – 5 days to suppress the growth of mushrooms. Mr.Anthonysamy has
succeeded in finding alternative method of disease control by using locally available
materials:
Aloe vera – 2 kg, Garlic – 1 kg are to be crushed and ground well by adding little water
to make it as a paste. This has to be smeared over the affected collar region of trees.
This practice ensures control of mushrooms within 3 hours.
He also uses this Aloe vera + garlic mixture for control of earhead bugs in paddy or
sorghum. For control of ear head bugs he adds “Moottanarielai” ( Coleus aromaticus ),
tulsi (Ocimum sanctum ) each one kg and mixes in 100 liters of water into the existing
Aloe vera + garlic mixture. This ensures protection of grains from earhead bug attack
and better than synthetic pyrethroids recommended by agricultural department.
Testing
SEVA has published this innovative practices in the Tamil version of Honey Bee. After
that Dr. M. David, Prof. & Head of Plant Protection, Agricultural College, Killikulam has
visited his farm along with Dr. S. Jeyarajan Nelson. They have given a report stating
that the farmer is using zero inputs and due to this there is there are good number of
natural enemies like predators which is responsible for biological control. And also
incorporating green manure enhanced the productivity of the soil as per their report.
Report copy attached.
Mr. Anotnysamy has given soil samples, collected from his field to Murugappa Chettiar
Research Centre, Taramani, Chennai and they have given the soil analysis report. The
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report is attached. Jaggery samples were sent to Central Food Technological Research
Institute, Mysore and test reports states that increased content and no pesticide
residues. The report is attached.
Dissemination of Innovation
Over the past 2 years more than 500 farmers visited his farm. In Cuddalore and
Villuppuram districts about 50 farmers are adopting this spacing method. To quote an
example Mr. Arulmani in Thirukkoyilur village, Villuppuram district, Mr. Amalraj,
Kuruvikulam, in Tirunelveli district are practicing this spacing, and manuring model
adopted by Mr. Antonisamy.
Address of Farmer
Sri. Antonisamy
53. Mela Ratha Veethi, Sinthamani,
Puliangudi – 627 855.
Tirunelveli district.
Ph : 04366 – 233 343
Cell : 9443582076
Documented by: P. Vivekanandan, SEVA.
80
45. ‘Achukkadu’ A Traditional Farming Practice
‘Achukkadu’ a traditional farming practice is followed in Karaiyur Village of Thiurmayan
Taluk Pudukottai District. This is rain water harvesting cum paddy cultivation method
adopted by about 50 families in this village.
‘Achukkadu’
Achukkadu is traditional farming lands, in which the uplands on converted into lo9ws
land in 3 types of levels and used for agricultural practices. Hence there are 2 – 2.5 feet
height difference in between the 3 type of level lands. The field bunds an in 2 feet
heights. By which the fields a used as rain water harvesting structure and it used for
agricultural practices.
Cultivation Practice
The farmers are planning in such a way that during the month of July – August they can
go for nursing raising with the first rain water. And the nursery is maintained with
successive rain water. They during the month of Sept – October on the receipt of rain
the can go for transplanting and completing the transplanting work within 2 or 3 days.
81
Usually the farmers have been using the first level land for raising Maize, Horsegram,
Greengram, Blackgram and the second and third level lands an used for paddy
cultivation.
In older days the farmers preferred the paddy varieties of kichili, sorrovai. But nowadays
they are raising ADT – 36, ADT – 39 varieties of paddy.
Intercrop
Normally the farmers are cultivating the crops like Maize and Horsegram and sweet
gram (labled purpureus) are intercrop. Some of them are cultivating groundnut with
maize as intercrop.
Information:
Mr. M. Karuppa, S/o Muthan,
South Street, Karaiyur,
Thirumayam Taluk,
Mr. A. Vellaiyan,
S/o Azhagar, Pallivasal Street,
Karaiyur, Thirumayam Taluk,
Pudukkottai District
82
46. Planting Trees Species Suitable for Preventing Wind Erosion of Soil
Underneath the Western ghats in Rajapalayam area most of the farmers raise dryland
crops. This area is facing wind erosion due to speedy wind during South-west monsoon.
The wind damage includes soil erosion and deposit of silt or sand dunes. In order to
make wind belt dry land agro forestry was experimented in a farmer’s field and it founds
to be giving good results. In rain fed areas, the trees are planted at 5 meter row spacing
and 2 meter interspacing between trees. Pits of the size 3 cubic feet are dug and seeds
of tamarind, Rajasthan teak (Tecomella undulata), Sisoo (Dalbergia sisoo) are directly
planted when monsoon rain sets.
During the early years inter crop with pulses are raised. To prevent shading of trees
pruning of branches resorted. Through the yield of Cowpea as intercrop revenue of
Rs 2000 amount was received by the farmer of Rajapalayam who practices the farm
forestry practices.
Name of farmer : Thiru. Ansarudhin
Social Forestry Research Centre,
44, Mill Road, K.R.Nagar,
Rajapalayam – 626 108.
Virudhunagar District.
Source : Numvali Velanmai
83
47. Indicators of Ground Water Resource
Water divining is necessary when new open wells or bore wells are to be dug out in an
area. Traditionally farmers use certain indicators as they are useful for this purpose.
The existence of “Arasu” (Ficus religiosa) and “Alamaram” (Banian tree / Ficus
bengalensis) trees are believed to be good indicators of water resource. Besides big
sized white ant hills (termite mounds) existence in an area, also indicates good spring of
underground source of water. Farmers tell that “the depth of the hill of termite extends
up to the ground water level”.
Source of Information:
Dr. Manivel,
Geology Department,
Bharathidasan University,
Tiruchirapalli.
84
48. In - situ Vermi Compost Preparation in Orchard
Mr. Jayant Baruve, Vita village of Maharastra has developed in situ vermi composting in
his orchard where he cultivates fruit crops such as grape vine and pomegranate. In
between two adjoining rows of fruit crops, a trench size of 5 feet wide and 6” deep is
opened and to the full length of the field. This shallow trench is filled with
1st laye : Green leaf, stubbles, green stalks
2nd layer: Farm Yard Manure and organic waste materials
3rd later: Dung of Cattle (raw), earth worm added
4th layer: Covered with dry leaves / stubbles
Sprinkle water or irrigate once in a week. After 4 months, vermi compost is ready and
can be applied to other fields. As it contains earth worms and earth warm cocoons, the
earth worm spreads wherever vermi compost is applied.
The farmer is not using inorganic chemical fertilizers (or) insecticide. By practicing this
way of organic farming, the soil fertility is improved; water requirements of crop reduced
and yield is improved after few years.
Innovators Address:
Mr. Jayant Baruve
No.1, Chaitanya Complex,
Karad Road,
Vita Village,
Sangli District.
Maharastra State – 415 311.
Ph : 02347 – 272 141
85
49. To Induce Sprouting of Seed Nuts of Coconut
Farmers in Theni district follow a traditional practice which will enhance quick
germination of coconuts so that it will save irrigation water in the nursery bed. Selected
seed nuts of coconut are allowed to float in well water for 20 days. Thereafter the
sprouted nuts are planted in the nursery bed.
The sprout emerges out quickly in the nursery bed. This will subsequently develop into
vigorous, healthy seedlings. Further this enable selection of ideal seedlings for
establishing good plantation of coconut.
Innovators Address :
Thiru. Ananthan and Thiru Nandha kumar,
Agriculturist,
Surulipatti – P.O.
Cumbum,
Theni Dist.
86
50. Farm Forestry by using Saline Water
In Saline land cultivation of annual crops is very difficult. Saline land is result of irrigation
with saline water from wells. However by using the saline water farm forestry is one of
the income generating option for the farmers. Tree species suited for saline & brackish
well water are tamarind (Tamarindus indica), neem (Azadirachta indica), Albizia Sp.,
Eucalyptus, Teak (Tectona grandis), Casuarina, Pithocellobium dulce, Pongamia, Black
babul (Acacia nilotica), Coconut, ‘Naval’ (Sizigum cumine), Moringa (Moringa oleifera).
Trees are planted through rising of seedlings or stem cuttings in the case of moringa
(can be planted during April to June, irrigated only during summer). Other than moringa,
all the above species can be planted through seedlings or grafts during Oct – November.
Application of red soil, organic manure in pits will enhance the growth and vigor of
seedlings planted. While raising nursery the following points are to be observed:
--- Polythene bags of 250 to 300 gauge are suited for seedlings that
will grow in the polythene bags for 4 to 12 months.
--- A hand pump can provide water to irrigate about 10,000 seedlings
raised in the nursery bed / polythene bags
Fruit tree species suited to rainfed situation: Naval, gooseberry, sapota, mango
(variety, Bangalora), Pithocellobium dulce, annona, guava (local variety through seeds).
Source ;
Seminar on Farm forestry on 8.6.94 by SEVA
45, TPM Nagar,
Virattipathu.
Madurai – 625 010.
87
51. Traditional method to Prevent ‘White fly’ and Aphids
Incidence in Dryland Crops
Farmers usually raise mixed crops in dry lands. This system will prevent or minimize
pest damage to rainfed crops. Raising sorghum or bajra with close spacing in hedges
will prevent insect damage to main crop. On all the four sides of cultivated crop land, tall
grown sorghum or bajra are raised thickly in 4 rows. The tall grown millets will prevent
the entry of pests like white fly and aphids into the cultivated crop, as they cannot fly
over the height of tall hedges. Even if they enter the damage in such field will be
minimum unlike in other mono crop field without hedges.
Innovators Address:
Thiru V.R. Ayyappan,
Farmer,
Reddiapatti,
Sukkampatti.Post
Dindigul District.
88
52. Intercrop in Chilli to Prevent damage of Sucking Pests
Chilli (Capscicum frutescens) is a important cash crop grown by farmers. When chilli
crop is raised as a mono crop it is usually affected by sucking pest like thrips, aphids,
jassids. In the bunds of irrigation channel, coriander is planted as intercrop when chilli is
grown as main crop. Coriander will give some yield. This practice of growing intercrop
will prevent or reduce the incidence of sucking pests attack in chilli and possible yield
loss is prevented.
Due to the strong smell emanates from coriander plants, sucking insect pests like, thrips,
aphids, white fly incidence is minimized in Chillies.
Innovators Address :
Thiru. V.R. Ayyappan,
Reddiapatti,
Sukkampatti Post,
Dindigul District.
89
53. Buttermilk to Prevent Tobacco Mosaic Disease
To prevent the incidence of tobacco mosaic disease, well fermented buttermilk is mixed
with water at 1:20 ratio and sprayed over the foliage of tobacco with a hand operated
sprayer. This is a traditional practice adapted by many tobacco farmers in Dindigul
District.
This method is found to be very simple and effective in preventing the disease.
Innovators Address:
Thiru. V.R. Ayyappan,
Reddiapatti,
Sukkampatti Post,
Dindigul District.
90
54. Botanical Pesticide for the Control of Sucking Pests in Vegetable Crops
Cow’s urine, neem oil and tobacco leaf decoction are mixed together into a solution and
sprayed over the foliage of vegetable crops, to prevent the incidence of sucking of pests
like thrips, aphids, jassids. In vegetable crops such as beans, cucumber, ladies finger,
brinjal, etc.,
This spray provides adequate plant protection and leaves no residual toxicity in the
vegetables, we consume.
Innovators Address : Thiru. V.R. Ayyappan,
Farmer,
Reddiapatti,
Sukkampatti Post,
Dindigul District.
91
55. Safe Seed Storage in Mud Pot
Grains / pulses are better stored in big mud pots, which will provide aeration for the
respiration of viable seeds.
The pot is filled with seed with 1 foot space at the bottom of the pot. The grain is
covered with cloth / paper. Then over this a layer, the leaves of neem, notchi (Vitex
negundo), Pungam (Pongamia pinnata ) are spread as a layer of 3” height and above
that sand is spread to 6 “height.
The stored pests that pass through the sand layer will be affected in the neck portion
and subsequently by the leaf layer consisting of the above 3 types of leaves having
insecticidal properties.
Innovators Address : Thiru. V.R. Ayyappan,
Farmer,
Reddiapatti,
Sukkampatti Post,
Dindigul District.
92
56. Control of Outbreak of Coconut Rhinoceros beetle
Waste oil like castor oil / ground nut oil is taken in a small mud pots and tied to coconut
tree, lamp post ( at 10 feet height )in the coconut garden. The adult rhinoceros beetles
are attracted due to the smell of oil and fall into the pots and perish soon.
Source: A.L. Madhavan,
Teacher,
S.V. Mangalam,
Singampunari block,
Sivagangai District.
93
57. Tea Mosquito Bug Tolerant Cashew Variety
Generally cashew trees flower during October, when humidity is high. This condition is
favorable for the development of pest - Tea mosquito bug.
The cashew variety – ‘ Ullal’ will be flowering during December – January and thus will
escape the incidence of the tea mosquito.
Besides organic manures like farm yard manure and Compost when applied to the
cashew, the flowering period is delayed and less attracted by tea mosquito bug. Such
organically manured tree at an average yield 20 kg of kernels per annum.
Soruce: Thiru. Varnashi Krishnamurthy,
Adayanakka,
South Canara District
Karnataka - 574 260.
94
58. Aphids Control in Cotton / Chillis
After the distillation of ‘Palmarosa’ –oil (Cymbopogan martine) the residue steam left in
the condenser is cooled and the liquid is collected. This liquid is made use of ,in plant
protection, to control the sucking pest like aphids in cotton and chilli crops.
Besides controlling the aphids, this spray enables to keep the foliage of the crops green
for ever.
Source: Thiru. A.L. Ravindran, F armer
24/1, N.G.O. Colony,
Srivilliputhur – 626 025.
Virudhunagar – Dist.
95
59. Turmeric powder and wood ash dusting for control of Aphids
Turmeric rhizome and waste finger rhizomes are dried and finely powdered and sieved.
This turmeric powder and wood ash sieved are mixed in 1:1 ratio and used as duster
during early morning hours over the foliage of vegetable crops, when dew fall is there, to
control the sucking pests like aphids.
This dusting provides very efficient control of aphids that suck the plant sap from
vegetable crops.
Source: Dr. Prinsttasen,
Division of Plant Pathology,
Indian Agricultural Research Institute,
New Delhi. – 110 012
96
60. Setting up of Traps to Attract Female Moths
Castor beans are well roasted in heat, powdered and put in flat mud vessels. To this
water is added, mixed and allowed to soak for 24 hours; When a typical odour is
developed, 4 -5 such mud vessels ( traps )are put inside and around cultivated field
crops.
The insects and the adult female moths will be attracted towards these traps due to the
odour developed and fall into them and die.
Once in a week, the powder of roasted castor bean and water are to be replaced fresh
and set up in different places of the field to attract insect pests.
Innovators Address : Thiru. V.R. Ayyappan,
Farmer,
Reddiapatti,
Sukkampatti Post,
Dindigul District.
97
61. Tar application in Coconut palm to prevent the damage of Rodents
To prevent the damage by fields rats and squirrels in coconut trees, tar is heated and
applied to the base of the palm all around upto a height of 0.5 meter from the ground
level to a thickness of 15 cm. As the tar applied surface will be smooth, the field rats
and squirrels cannot climb over it.
Besides termites are also prevented by this method. Now a days polythene sheet is tied
around the base of the Coconut palm for this purpose.
Innovators Address : Thiru. V.R. Ayyappan,
Farmer,
Reddiapatti,
Sukkampatti Post,
Dindigul District.
98
62. Control of Nut grass weed in the Crop Field
Nut grass is locally called as ‘Korai’. If the weed occurs then it will affect the growth of
the field crop and it also spread to the entire garden. In order to prevent the nut grass
ploughing the land has to be performed by using neem plough ( plough made of neem
wood).Besides, the application of neem cake as organic manure is believed to control
nut grass weed in the field efficiently.
Innovators Address : Thiru. V.R. Ayyappan,
Farmer,
Reddiapatti,
Sukkampatti Post,
Dindigul District.
99
63. To Control ‘Orabanche’ Fungus in Tobacco Crop
Whenever Orabanche mushroom appears on tobacco crop, apply any vegetable oil
soaked in a cloth regularly over the mushroom.
This practice will efficiently control the orabanche mushroom.
Innovators Address : Thiru. V.R. Ayyappan,
Farmer,
Reddiapatti,
Sukkampatti Post,
Dindigul District.
100
64. Traditional method of Control of Crop Pests and Improving the Fertility of the Soil
A pit is dug near irrigation channel and agricultural and animal waste materials are
applied in the pit including cow dung, Calotropis leaves, powdered neem cake and urine
and well mixed.
Allow them to decompose (2 – 3 months is allowed for proper composting) well. After
that irrigation channel is allowed to pass through the compost pit before reaching the sub
channel and enter the crop plots. This will enrich the soil fertility besides minimizing the
incidence all kinds of crop pests.
Innovators Address : Thiru. V.R. Ayyappan,
Farmer,
Reddiapatti,
Sukkampatti Post,
Dindigul District.
101
65. Seed Treatment for Improving Germination in Soya bean
When soya seeds are sown in salt affected soil, its germination is as low as 30 percent.
To improve its viability, per treat the seeds with ‘Usilai’ (Albizia amara) leaf powder.
For 1 kg of seeds take 150gm of ‘usilai’ (Albizia amara) leaf powder by mixing them
with rice gruel.
By this seed treatment, the germination will improve up to 90 percent.
Innovators Address :
Thiru . C. Selvaraj,
Numvali Velanmai.
102
66. Traditional Methods of Control of Field Rats
In Chengalpet area of Tamil Nadu, all around the paddy field, “Thalai” (Pandanus
fascicularis) leaf sheath are fixed closely in the field hedges as fence to prevent entry of
rats. The thorns found in the leaf margin will pierce into the abdomen of the rats.
Then the ‘Irulas’ hill tribes were employed as professional rat catchers. They use mud
pot filled with straw bits with a hole in the bottom. The pot is placed over the live burrow
and by burning the straw pits, smoke will be formed which is directed into the burrow to
kill rats. The pot is tightly closed with its lid.
In another method, a mud pot is placed with its bottom hole. Eitcher bamboo or banana
bank or “Korai’ (nut grass) stem is inserted up to the bottom and by frequent pulling up
and down a typical sound is made, which will frighten the rats to leave off the place.
Source: Thiru. Govindasamy Naicker,
Echoor,
Thirukkalu kundram block,
Chengalpet District.
103
67. Using a hand net for Control of Insect Pests
A hand net can be made by taking a old (worn out) badminton bat and a cloth bag is
hanged from the circle frame. The handle of the bat is used to hold the hand net for
making sweeps in order to collect the female moths, beetles, grasshoppers that are
flying over field crops, periodically. The beneficial insects if any are collected can be
released and all other crop pests are destroyed.
Similarly two persons can hold a large sized net and pass it on across the field to catch
all ear head bugs in paddy fields.
Source of Information : Dr.K. Seenivasan & Dr.P.N. Krishnamurthy,
Indian Horticultural Reseach Centre,
Bangalore – 560 089.
104
68. Inter Cropping in Cabbage for Pests Control
Cabbage is affected by insect pests such as diamond back moth, leaf roller, Heliothis
caterpillars. Farmers mix 2 – 3 insecticides together and spray frequently
for 12 – 16 times to control of these pests.
Consequently the insect pests develop resistance to pesticides. There is also residual
toxicity in the cabbage harvested. Besides all beneficial insects and predators are killed.
To avoid this, inter cropping with mustard is recommended : 2 rows of mustard for every
25 rows of cabbage is suggested. One row of mustard is sown 10 -15 days in advance
and the 2nd row of mustard is sown 25 days after cabbage sowings.
When diamond back moth incidence is observed, spray 4 % solution of neem kernel
extract at 2 – 3 days interval.
Source:
Drs. K. Seenivasan & P.N. Krishna murthy
Indian Horticultural Reseach Centre,
Bangalore – 560 089.
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69. Reclamation of Alkaline Soil through Green Manure
In the salt affected lands growth of crop is very poor and crop yield is considerably
affected. In such problematic land application of green manure is practiced by traditional
farmers for reducing the soil alkalinity. They usually incorporate the following plants :
‘Virali’ (Dodonaea angustifolia)
‘ Pirandai’ ( Cissus quadrangularies)
‘ Ananthalai’ (Glossena dentate)
‘Aavaram ‘ ( Cassia auriculata)
Semina foliage ( ? )
Patchala tree ( ? )
Palan foliage ( Wrightia tinctoria )
These foliages about 15 bundles per acre is being applied and incorporated in the soil.
Among the green manure plants the foliage of the ‘Palanthalai’ is to be applied only
limited quantity. Otherwise it will create more heat in the soil and affect the plant growth.
Innovator Address : Thiru Subramanian,
Kottaiyoor, kadavur Post.,
Karur District.
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70. Hybrid ‘ kudai’ Chilli Cultivation through Organic Farming
Indo - American hybrid chilli seeds are costlier. 10 gm seed costs Rs. 350/ - . Nursery
is raised and singly seedling is planted and spot application of water is made due to
water scarcity.
To prevent cut worms affecting the stem of seedling, 1kg of lime + 10 kg of ash mixed
with 200 litres of water and applied around root spread area. When 10 kg Borate is
applied in the chemical method of control it costs more than Rs 500/ac
Country moringa is planted as intercrop at 18 feet spaced rows. After the moringa pods
are harvested, the green foliage is harvested during March – April and applied as gren
leaf manure to chillis.
Green chillies yield is up to 33 tons/ac and the organic produce fetches Rs 2 higher per
kg than the chemical method.
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71. Traditional method of Pest Control in Paddy Crop
In Chengalpattu area, the ‘Irular’ hill tribes follow this method. They take a mud pot half
filled with water. To this 3 kg of short ‘ kendai ‘ variety of fish is added and buried in a
manure pit to ferment for 3 days. Then they take the pot out and add required quantity of
neem seed extract. All the contents are thoroughly mixed and diluted with water at 1: 5
ratio.
This solution is sprayed over the foliage of paddy to control all caterpillar pests.
Innovators Address :
Thiru. Kannan,
Thiruvannai koil,
Chengalpattu District.
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72. Traditional Paddy Variety ‘Vadan samba’ for Human and
Animals
The ‘vadan samba is a rainfed paddy variety grown in upland. The duration of the variety
is 150 days. The variety is sown during August and harvested in December. As it is a
tall variety yields more straw which is relished by cattle. Farmers prefer this variety as it
is providing nutritional rice as well as good quantity of straw available for feeding their
cattle.
Besides this variety, ‘ Ondra kitchidi’, ‘Maduvu mulungi’ and ‘Thooya malli’ are the other
local varieties grown in ‘javvadhu’ hills.
Farmers Address : Thiru G. Venkatachalam,
Eastern ghats Development Agency,
1/109, Raja veethi,
Valayampattu village,
Chengam Post
Thiruvannamalai District - 606 701.
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73. Traditional method of Growing Garden Lab-lab (Avarai) for
Getting more Yield
‘Avarai’ (Lab-lab) seeds are dibbled in a pit during June – July, just below a grown up
Moringa (Moringa oleifera) tree.
The seedlings after growing for 1 feet height from the pit is made to pass through a hole
made in the stem of moringa tree and the hole is plugged with cow dung + kerosene
mixture.
The vines will pick up growth, spread over the moringa tree and yields profusely with
pods to be used as vegetable.
This practice is followed by farmers in the village of Keppilingampatti in Virudhunagar
District.
Source : Numvali Velanmai
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74. Seed Treatment by soaking in Cow Urine and Acorus powder
A method of seed treatment is being followed by the farmers in Dindigul district in order
to prevent crop disease especially Sorghum against smut disease. As per this method
the previous night water is boiled and cooled. In the next day morning, both cow’s urine
and powdered ‘ vasambu’ (Acorus calamus) are mixed with that water.
Then the sorghum seeds are soaked in that solution for a day. All the floating seeds are
removed.
The next day the solution is decanted and the soaked seeds are sown in the field. It is
believed that cow’s urine and Acorus powder had anti pathogen effect to kill disease
causing organisms.
Source: Numvali Velanmai
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75. Organic Liquid Manure for Improving Soil Fertility
In a gunny bag, the leaves of Adathoda (Adathoda zeylanica), ‘Naikkadugu’
( Cleome viscose) and neem (Azadirachta indica) in equal quantity to make total
weight to 5 kg.
To this added 5 kg of cow dung and the bag is tied and immersed in a drum or barrel
containing about 200 litres of water for 2 - 3 weeks. A fowl oduor will develop which will
vanish at the end of 3rd week. Now the solution is ready for field application.
This solution is transferred into few mud pots with small hole at the bottom. The mut pot
is placed near the irrigation channel so that the solution drips into the water and thereby
flow slowly into the soil, enriching its fertility.
Address of the Innovator : Thiru Vellamayathevar,
Kinnimangalam
Checkanurani Via
Madurai District.
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76. Herbal Recipe for Control of Mosaic Virus Disease in Vegetables
For preventing the spread of mosaic virus, in chillis (Capscicum frutscense) and tomato,
spray any one of the following solution.
1) Milk – 1.5 litres
water – 5 litres
Bogainvilla leaf – 3kg
All these are boiled, decoction prepared and mixed with 100 litres of water.
2) Butter milk – 4 litres, add maida flour - 1 kg, mix and dilute with 100 litres of
water. The tubers of yam (Karunai) – 2kg are cut into small pieces, cooked and mixed
with 100 litres of water. Both are mixed together and used for spraying in 1 acre of
vegetable crops.
Source: Thiru. Jayanth Baruve and
Thiru Saravana kumar,
Aravindhar Ashram,
Pondicherry.
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77. To Augment Water spring in Open Wells through Rain Water
Harvesting
In Saurashtra area of Gujarat, 2.25 lakh farmers adopt this practice. This is suited to
wells situated is low lying area, with hard rocky strata at the bottom.
During rainy season water flows through streams or in rivers. The flow of rain water is
harvested into the open wells. When rain water flows into these open wells in excess
quantity carrying silt / sediments, a pit of the size 6 x 6 x 10 feet is made adjoining to
the well as seen in (Fig).
The silt/ sediments that are carried with rain water filtered by the pebbles and sand
layers of the pit efficiently. There by preventing the entry of silt/ sediments into the open
well. Only the filtered rain water enters into the well with a pipe (18” diameter) filted at
the bottom of the pit. This method efficiently utilized flash flood water, surface water,
stream water and stored in the open wells used for irrigation purpose.
Source: Thiru. M.Dinesh kumar,
VIKSAT,
Thaltej tekra,
Ahmedabad - 380 058.
Gujarat.
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78. To Recover the Crop Plants Affected by Weedicide Toxicity
The innovator Mr. Chellamuthu is a NIF 2nd round awardee. He has developed an herbal
pesticide. After his award he became popular and he is earning his livelihoods through
selling of herbal pesticide. He received a call to attend the crops which were affected by
weedicide toxicity.
Mariappan, a farmer nearby his village ‘Noyyal’ asked his laborer to spray Glyco
weedicide to control korai (Cyprus rotundus) and Arugampul (Cynadon dactylon) while
spraying the weedicide it affected the nearby banana plantation. The adjoining banana
plantation has withered and looks like burning symptoms after 20 days of weedicide
spraying.
Mr. Chellamuthu has first sprayed the affected banana plants with herbal pesticide.
Second time after 15 days he sprayed ‘Panchagavya’. After 10 days of Panchagavya
spray he sprayed combination of panchagavya and herbal pesticide (at the ration of 100
ml panchagavya + 200 ml herbal pesticide in 10 liters of water). Now the banana
plantation recovered from toxicity and it is healthy.
For details of preparation of herbal pesticide and panchagavya is shown in the profile of
Mr. Chellamuthu.
Address of Innovator
M. Chellamuthu
Karukkampalayam
Unjalur Via
Erode District
Ph : 04204 – 266127
Mob : 94866 02389
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