CSISA, PAKISTAN: 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.