Private sector agronomists training

Certificate distribution 

Six agronomists from Sugar Industry were given a short training in conservation agriculture on 14^th June, 2012. They were at Ayub agricultural Research Institute for training in sugarcane production practices. Training was imparted by Dr M. Aqil khan of CSISA, Pakistan. He dilated upon conservation agriculture practices which are being promoted emphasizing particularly the intercropping of field and vegetable crops in sugarcane or sugarcane in bed planted wheat. Sugarcane is a long duration crop planted in February or September. Crop is harvested in December-January so September planted crop stays in the field over a year period. In either case it is a year long crop permitting no other crop preceding or following it. Since sugarcane is planted in 3-4 feet apart rows, small farmers usually grow vegetables (onion, turnip, roots etc) or oilseed crops but this is a limited practice followed on no more than 10% of sugarcane area. Slow growth and wider row space make it amenable to intercropping, wheat on beds and sugarcane in furrows make an ideal combination. Sporadic efforts are under way but need to be systemized for larger adoption. Sugarcane planted in October- November in bed planted wheat can be easily adopted on large scale. The idea was appreciated by the industry workers and due to healthy effects of intercropping on sugarcane, sugar industry is prone to promote it. The training was conducted by training division of Plant Pathology Research Institute and Dr. Khan was the chief guest and distributed the certificates among the participants.

Dr. M. Aqil Khan addressing

Invitation lecture at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad

Dr. M. Aqil Khan, CSISA, Pakistan staff was an invited speaker at a seminar held at UAF on 9^th June, 2012. He spoke about direct seeded rice, its science and technology. Summing up the advantages of DSR for farmers and overall agriculture in the country he spoke about DSR technology and how it is different from the traditional paddy cultivation practices. DSR is aerobic crop production system which is in stark contrast to conventional practices and is environmentally distinct method impact on field fauna and flora. The aquatic pests presently associated with rice crop will give way to dry-conditions-loving weeds, diseases and insects. So slowly rice ecology would see a shift and some of the current problems would recede and new ones may crop up. He discussed in detail various crop production practices for DSR. This was a very timely exercise. Rice crop planting has begun so DSR technology created interest both in faculty and students. The seminar was chaired by Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, UAF. One hundred and ninety three faculty members and students participated. Concluding the talk Dr. Khan emphasized that the demonstration of new technology is a careful responsible prepositions. He advised scientists to ensure that farmers are conscious and willing to go any length to make it work. Good and motivated farmer, conducive field conditions and access to timely crop inputs would make the job easy.

Dr. M. Aqil Khan addressing

(Laft to right, Dr. Ehsanullah, Dr. M. Ashfaq, Dr. M. Aqil Khan and Dr. Asghar Ali)

Participants

TWG at Faisalabad, Pakistan

A TWG meeting was held at Faisalabad, Pakistan on 16^th May, 2012. Representatives of research, extension, UAF, Pvt industry and farmers participated the meeting (list attached). The agenda of meeting was upcoming DSR technology. Burning of wheat residues, seed rate, method of planting, irrigation and weed control came under intense discussion. Dr. M. Aqil Khan, Country Coordinator, CSISA, Pakistan welcomed the participants and gave a power point presentation to the participants on the subject. An open discussion took place and every body shared their experience. Burning of wheat straw is widespread especially after combine harvesting which causes loss of valuable organic matter and obnoxious source of air pollution leading to respiratory diseases and tragic traffic accidents. A farmer added that burning is practiced due to lack of proper machinery for ploughing in heavily strawed fields and the farmers’ impression that the following rice crop wears yellow and sickly look and, therefore, low yield. However, other farmers disagreed and talked of the positive effect of residue incorporation. Residue decomposition, however, needs extra nitrogen application to speed up digestion. Farmers were suggested by CSISA management to undertake observation plantings of straw burial and its effects on rice crop. Director Agronomy, AARI observed that it is a researchable issue and should be investigated.  Participants agreed that disking is the best available means to plow in wheat straw but it disturbs the field level and LL is necessary there after. Other aspects of DSR were also discussed. Farmers were generally satisfied with various planting techniques to establish the crop. Every method tried – dry sowing versus stale planting or drill versus broadcast all proved good as crop establishment means. A major emphasis was placed on weed control. All agreed that the success of DSR hinges on successful weed control. CSISA management related its experience about the subject and gave a graphic presentation on various weeds and their control. Farmers were apprised of weed threat and how to combat it. Irrigation practices related to DSR were also discussed and means to save water were elaborated/ discussed and a recommendation was developed on the subject.
Dr. Khan, further briefed the participants about CSISA project and the various successes/failures in DSR. A pamphlet regarding production technology of DSR was distributed amongst all at the outset for comments, suggestions and further improvement. Widespread use of rotavator came under discussion. CSSISA highlighted various negative effects of the rotavator use.

The farmers were invited to explain their previous DSR experience. Muhammad Shah, a progressive farmer of district Okara who has already sown 4 acres DSR explained his techniques. He has successfully used broadcast sowing in standing water. Mr. Ahsan, a farmer from district Hafizabad, however, was in favor of preplanting irrigation for planting. Participants were told that traditional wheat drill and CSISA planter has also been used successfully to sow the crop.

The farmers as well as CSISA team had a bitter experience of madhana grass especially in non-core areas. The participants were told that the use of 250 ml Puma super alongwith recommended dose of clover 12-15 days after sowing has successfully controlled madhana grass as well.

The participants were apprised that CSISA team has held training programs of farmers for laying out supervised demonstrations/ trials on DSR as well as its widespread adoption trials amongst the farmers. Director PPRI expressed his views regarding disease incidence on DSR and transplanted rice. It was decided that CSISA team will provide him the list of supervised demos/trials for conducting field trails on disease happening.

At the end Country Coordinator thanked the participants for their valuable suggestions and joining the meeting to review the production package.

Dr. Khan explaining DSR

Participants

CSISA, Pakistan efforts for promotion of DSR

In accordance to the activities planned by CSISA Pakistan for wide spread adoption of DSR amongst the farmers and further improvement in the production technology package the CSISA Pakistan team has enlisted a good number of farmers for DSR plantation, 50 supervised demonstrations/trials at farmer fields and a number of farmer days were held in and outside the hub domain in core and noncore rice areas during the current rice crop season. A very encouraging aspect of CSISA efforts is that not only Rice Research Institute Kala Shah Kaku is working on DSR project for the last two years but they along with Agriculture Extension are conducting farmer days as well for large scale adoption of DSR throughout the rice area. The CSISA Pakistan has till now conducted consultation meetings with farmers at Okara, Faisalabad, Wachoke Kalan (district Hafizabad), Jaranwala (chak # 658/9 GB) district Faisalabad and Shahkot (district Nankana Sahib) on 2^nd May, 10^th May, 11^th May, 14^th May and 17^th May 2012 respectively for selection of sites for DSR demonstrations/trials, dissemination of DSR technology and adoption by other farmers. Technical Working Group meeting especially focused on DSR production technology and its promotion was also held on 16^th May-2012 at Chenab Club(G) Ltd Faisalabad with the participation of researchers, Agri. Ext., representatives of private sector and farmers from various districts of Punjab province. A healthy discussion took place to further improve the technology. Following is pictorial view of the efforts.

At office of Distt. Officer Agri. Ext., Okara

At Chak 658/9 GB, Jaranwala, Distt. Faisalabad

At AARI, Faisalabad

At Wachoke  Kalan, Distt. Hafizabad

At Shahkot, Distt. Nankana Sahib

Field day on 0-til wheat demonstration after rice at chak # 172/ GB

Mr. Naseer a Govt. employee but having innovative mindset, keenly interested in agriculture and especially new technologies got a CSISA planter and used its three functions successfully. During the current wheat crop he used the planter for promoting 0-til wheat planting after rice and maize in his own and adjoin village and covered an area of 55 acres on custom hiring basis in addition to his own 6 acres. CSISA Pakistan conducted a field day on a demonstration block of 22 acres at chak # 172 in collaboration with farmer. The farmer representatives expressed their views about this technology and hoped for substantive increase in area in the next wheat crop. They appreciated the cost saving involved in land preparation, timely crop planting, water saving and the same time better yield. The CSISA team comprising of Rana Farman Ali- Ext. Agronomist, Abdul Hameed- Res. Associate and Hafiz Naveed Ramzan Res. Associate joined the event. CSISA team explained in detail the various CATs, benefits and their role in future agriculture. As rice is grown in the village and the surrounding area so special emphasis was given on DSR and its adoption. 103 farmers participated in the function.

Director Sugarcane Res. Instt., AARI addressing

Rana Farman Ali explaining 

Participants

At 0-til planted wheat field

Director General AARI, Punjab, Pakistan visits CA plots

CSISA, Pakistan planted CA plots at Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, (AARI) Faisalabad Pakistan this crop year. They included 0-til plated wheat after DSR, wheat on bed, relay planted wheat in standing cotton. Director General Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Dr. Noor-ul-Islam took time to visit, theses CA plots with CSISA, Pakistan team. He appreciated the CSISA efforts and recognizing the importance of these technologies and advised further strengthening of these activities. There were clear differences between CA and conventional planted wheat particularly bed planted. He asked the CSISA, Pakistan to provide the field shots of theses trials to send these to the Secretary Agriculture, Govt. of the Punjab.

CSISA, Pakistan is putting together these snaps with brief purpose and history for delivery to DG AARI.

DG AARI with Dr. Khan at relay wheat field at CRI, AARI.

DG AARI with Dr. Khan at ZT cotton field at CRI, AARI.

Farmer’s field day at Chak No. 81/JB, Faisalabad

A farmer Rana Tahir Ali planted 2 acres wheat on beds at chak 81/JB Faisalabad. Fauji Fertilizers Company Limited (FFC), the largest fertilizer distributor in Pakistan joined CSISA, Pakistan in this demonstration.  FFC provided the soil analytical facilities, nutrient recommendations and the needed fertilizers. Bed planted crop was late planted on December 21, 2012. Yet the crop was markly superior to CP crop.

FFC held a farmer’s day on 18-04-2012 at the site. One hundred and fifty farmers attended the field day. Farmers were shown around the bed planted field and were explained the technology on site as well as in meeting place. Dr. Muhammad Aqil Khan showed farmers with the help of flexi charts, various CA technologies, their purposes and advantages. Beside wheat based CA technologies he discussed DSR technology for impending rice season. FFC staff discussed the nutrient needs on the wheat crop and facilities they are extending to farmers. At the end there was question- answer session which provided further details of the CA.

Recitation from Holy Quran

Dr. Khan addressing the participants

Participants of the meeting

Participants visiting BP field

Farmers’ training in intercropping of sugarcane in bed-planted wheat and CA practices

A Field Day was held by Engro Fertilizers Ltd. for farmers training in modern sugarcane production practices. CSISA Pakistan was invited to explain sugarcane in BP wheat intercropping and other CA technologies. The FD was held at Jaranwala, approximately 108 farmers and Extension and Engro field staff participated. Opening the seminar Dr. M. Aqil Khan from CSISA, Pakistan dilated on the unfolding agricultural situation, rising food demands and deteriorating terms of crop production – squeezing land, diminishing water availability, rising costs of fertilizers, chemicals and energy. Farmers already are finding agriculture an uneconomic proposition (a farmer had come with his expenditure sheet for producing sugarcane crop showing Rs. 181,000 cost of production per acre). So reducing cost, adding efficiency to inputs and deploying modern practices to increase crop and system yields are key to revitalize agriculture, increase food availability and improve rural economy. Dr Khan explained various CA technologies with the help of flexi charts and field shots of these practices. He explained how these technologies help save water, promote timely crop planting, reduce cost of production and raise multiple crops from a field. Intercropping of sugarcane and mung bean in wheat and relay cropping of wheat in cotton were explained and shown through printed charts to the audience.    At the end DSR was also explained followed by discussion.

             Dr. Aqil Khan addressing participants

Describing CA with the help of flexes

              Engro Representative addressing

Participants of seminar 

PARC will benefit from IRRI, CIMMYT (News item from Pakistan Observer)

Please click link below for the news item
http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=145765

Farmer’s field day

CSISA, Pakistan and a local fertilizer giant, Engro Fertilizers Ltd. held a field day for farmers to demonstrate the utility of bed planting in enhancing yield and saving water on 8^th March, 2012, at Chak No. 296 RB, Faisalabad. The farmer, Raja Asghar Ali, had planted 8 acres wheat on beds using CSISA planter. The crop is heading and showing a comparative edge of bed planting in water saving. The farmer himself was appreciative of bed planting technique. The field day provided the opportunities to the participants to see the bed planted and flat sown wheat themselves and learn from the farmer the comparative difference. Dr. M. Aqil Khan explained to the participants CSISA goals and objectives and the advantages of bed planting.
Engro had put a fertilizer trial to show the role of NPK in raising cop yield. Senior Engro official from Lahore was also present. The field day was chaired by the Dean Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agriculture Faisalabad and Director Cotton Research Institute jointly. For many a farmers bed planting and associated technology was a first time experience and they were generally receptive. 110 persons from research, extension, private sector and farming community participated.

Dr. M . Aqil Khan addressing 

Dean Agriculture, UAF

Director Cotton addressing 

Engro representative

Participants

Field visit

CSISA, Pakistan helps PARC establish Pakistan Cereal Knowledge Bank

Cereal knowledge banks established by IRRI and CIMMYT are popular sites for a variety of people connected with agriculture. These were primarily developed to serve farmers with latest production technology so their economic lot and national food security are improved and have, overtimes, diversified into rich repositories of various facets of agricultural knowledge. In view of their popularity IRRI helped many countries establish their national knowledge banks. Pakistan had yet not one of its own so Dr. Noel Magor and David Shires asked Dr. M. Aqil Khan, CSISA, Pakistan, Coordinator, to help establish cereal knowledge bank in Pakistan during latter’s visit to IRRI in October, 2011. Dr. Khan talked to various persons in Pakistan Agricultural Research Council for the purpose. The chairman was particularly enthused by the idea. He held a meeting with his Scientific Information staff and Dr. Khan and, as a result, Pakistan Cereal Knowledge Bank came into being on 15th February, 2012. IRRI further supported the establishment of CKB by holding a training workshop on CKB held on 14th-15th March, 2012 at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad. Dr. David Shires, IRRI Consultant on knowledge management traveled to Pakistan to conduct the workshop. People from various agricultural fields from all over Pakistan attended the workshop. This helped clarify the purpose and goal of the CKB and its needed mechanism. The participants appreciated the institution of CKB in unison, the Chairman, PARC was particularly forthcoming. In his closing remarks he dilated upon the importance of CKB and identified several other areas for inclusion in the bank and securing local and international support.

                                                     Participants of workshop

                        Chairman PARC (centre), Dr. M. Aqil Khan (left) and David Shires

                                                     Group photo of participants

CSISA, Pakistan celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD)

CSISA, Pakistan in partnership with Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, the principal agricultural research site in Pakistan and employing growing number of female staff in office and field positions, celebrated IWD on 8th March, 2012. Director General Agriculture (Research), AARI and a local women leader were in chair. The highlight of the day was a speech competition on women role in nation building. Inaugurating the day the DGA (Res.) Dr. Nur ul Islam, welcomed the CSISA efforts in organizing the IWD which is a first function of its kind in the 60 years history of Institute. DGA spoke of the role of the women in changing the society and promotion of national development. He recounted how AARI has benefited from the newly inducted female staff particularly in strengthening laboratory work. Female workers have proved responsible, diligent and persistent in their work. Naturally the institutional activities are upswing. The female participants one after the other highlighted the women contribution in family life, social, economic and political spheres. Landmark contribution of women in history and shaping the present day world were recounted. It was shown that a determined and dedicated woman can excel in the man dominated world if she is guided by courage, fearless aspirations and determination. A panel of three judges judged the speeches and CSISA, Pakistan presented a shield to the winner, Miss Seher Jamil, Research Officer (Biotechnology). Dr. Abid Mehmod, Director Cotton who represented the DGA after he left invited the women to effectively participate in national progress. He showed that women are facing no discrimination. In fact they enjoy privileged status in Pakistani society; therefore, there is a wide field open for Pakistani women if they shed the historical and cultural taboos. Seventy female workers attended the function. At the end, Dr. M. Aqil Khan, CSISA, Pakistan, thanked the participant for their participation, enthusiasm and bold presentation of their cause.

                                                    DGA presiding the function

                                                  Dr. M. Aqil Khan welcoming

                                                   DG, AARI addressing

                                                   Stage secretary

                                                      Participants of IWD

                                                     Shield presentation

0-til cotton training cum field visit

A farmer’s training at CSISA, Pakistan office was organized on February 09, 2012 in continuation of the efforts to test/demonstrate 0-til cotton planting at farmer’s field. Eight farmers and two private sector persons participated.

After briefing the aim of CSISA, Dr. M. Aqil Khan highlighted the need of conservation agriculture in the scenario of receding land and water availability and increasing population pressure. Benefits of bed planting, 0-til planting and relay cropping of wheat in cotton, inter cropping of sugarcane in bed planted wheat and DSR were explained with the help of flexy charts. Farmers made several queries/observation regarding various aspects of CA. The multifunction CSISA planter also came under discussion.

Emphasizing on cost reduction and successful crop establishment, cotton farmers were explained the last season’s experience of 0-til cotton planting. A leaflet explaining the purpose and methodology of 0-til cotton was also distributed. Dr. Khan urged the farmers to undertake 0-til cotton planting for further testing at their fields to which they agreed. Then, the farmers were taken to the 0-til cotton field, where a healthy discussion took place.  The participants were also visited 0-til and bed planted wheat fields at AARI.

Dr. M. Aqil Khan addressing the participants

ZT wheat field

Bed planted wheat field

ZT cotton field

CSISA planter briefing