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