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

0-til cotton planting training

Cotton is planted in Pakistan in two modes- cotton-cotton and cotton-wheat-cotton. Cotton following cotton (cotton-cotton) is early planted in February/March and is a new trend in cotton cultivation. The crop is long duration and, therefore yields are high. Lately, cotton prices have been rising in international market so farmers are happy with this new planting arrangement. Last year CSISA, Pakistan undertook successful 0-til cotton planting under both panting arrangements. Despite some short comings the 0-til planted crop yields were similar to those of conventional planting. So this year it is being expanded to farmer’s fields for further testing and demonstration. So CSISA has been contacting cotton farmers in various districts. A progressive farmer’s organization in Khanewal invited CSISA, Pakistan to its meeting on 1^st  February, 2012 at chak No. 122/15-L (30.37950N, 72.36366 E), district Khanewal. Thirty five farmers were present. Dr. M. Aqil Khan explained to participants general philosophy of CSISA program and, in particular showed last year’s 0-til cotton experience graphically. Farmers were explained the purpose and method of 0-til planting. A field demonstration was also given to the farmers. CSISA, Pakistan distributed a leaflet also explaining the purpose and methodology. A lively discussion followed the discourse by Dr. Khan. Farmers made several queries/observation regarding various aspects of CA. At the end, four farmers volunteered to undertake 0-til cotton planting experimentally at their farms. CSISA aims to expand its contacts further and expects to have some 15 such demonstrations in and out side CSISA hub.

Dr. M. Aqil Khan addressing the participants

Participants

Field demonstration

Zero til cotton planting