CSISA, PAKISTAN: DSR field day at Chak No. 658/9, Jaranwala.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

DSR field day at Chak No. 658/9, Jaranwala.

A field day was held at chak No. 658/9 GB on 20 September, 2011 at Jaranwala, Faisalabad to show DSR technology in operation to the farmers, researchers, extension workers and private sector organizations. One hundred and thirty farmers, 4 researchers, 4 extension workers and 6 private sector representatives participated the field day. DSR was planted by a farmer, Ch. Muhammad Irshad, who had earlier undertaken successful 0-til wheat planting on 8 acres. Explaining his operations the farmer elaborated his steps for the audience involved in raising DSR. He planted the crop broadcast in standing water using 16 kg seed per acre. The crop was excellent and favorably matching with PTR. But, due to high seed rate which farmer had used fearing that crop may fail due to this unknown technology, there was some lodging in the field. He was now convinced that the seed rate was on higher side and that lower seed rates (10-12 Kg/acre) is optimum. Crop condition other than some lodging was excellent and so was weed control. He had sprayed clover twice post emergence with an interval of 20 days after planting. The participants were shown around the field and they were able to discuss various issues on spot and later in the meeting. Dr. M. Aqil Khan explained CSISA efforts over the past two years relevant to DSR. He related the farmers CSISA experience in raising crop and controlling weeds. Weed dynamics, variation from field to field due to crop rotation and their control was explained.. At the end 0-til, bed planting and relay wheat planting in standing cotton were also explained in the light of previous experience. Farmers actively participated in the discussion and raised several questions on these technologies. Some farmers showed interest in CSISA planter also.