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