Case Study: CSA Practices in Rice Field
Introduction
The http://www.sankalpa-agrotech was established in year 2017.It is currently doing remarkable worked in Madhesh province in the series of working in different place of the country. From October 1, 2023 after being selected as a partner in the project, focusing on climate-smart agricultural practices. It is also our aim to present an example that job creation and respectable profit can be earned by focusing on sustainable agricultural promotion while expending our own market networking including technology development, transfer and cost sharing. We are looking for ways to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides that have been used for generations, increase public awareness and make life easier for the next generation. In order to address these challenges, we believe that we should invest ourselves and become an example for others. In Terai, the rich have land but they do not cultivate it themselves. Likewise, the poor cultivate but they do not have land and skills. In this unequal situation, neither the arteries cultivate commercially nor the poor. The company will provide employment to the poor who rent the land of the landlords for a certain period and will also provide new skills and facilities. Our plan is to make the farmers partners and friends in the industrialization of the agriculture and benefit from the compressive farming system. The company has been involved in projects aimed at increasing Rice, maize productivity and empowering smallholder women, youths, returned migrant, and minority growers. These efforts include supplying agricultural machinery like corn shellers machine for each group, automatic sprayer tanks, power weeder, supporting sustainable maize and early verity rice cultivation, and working towards reducing dependency on imported grains. Sankalpa Agrotech has also provided agricultural insurance services and has been fostering an efficient and resilient agricultural ecosystem in Nepal
Climate smart agriculture (CSA) is an eco-friendly approach which is based on sustainable agriculture; reduce chemical pesticides and aims to achieve food security and broader development goals under a changing climate and increasing food demand. The Mithila Bihari, located in the southern lowlands of Dhanusha district of Nepal, is characterized by fertile agricultural land and a subtropical climate. It is the country’s breadbasket, producing a significant portion of Nepal’s rice, maize, and vegetables. However, the region is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as erratic monsoons, floods, droughts, and rising temperature. These climate stresses have begun to impact agricultural productivity, food security, and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Terai.
There are mainly two main pillars of climate smart agriculture i.e.
- To sustainably increase agriculture productivity and improve the income and livelihood of farmers.
- To build resilience and adaptation to climate change. Before the implantation of this project, farmers here were not aware of climate friendly agricultural practice.
Project Overview
Organization: Sankalpa Agrotech pvt.ltd.
Target Crops: winter Maize and Rice
Duration: 1 year (2023 Oct-Sep 2024)
Target Group: Group of farmers who want to improve farming i.e. 8 groups
Main objective: To organize and adopt climate smart agriculture [CSA] farming system
Location: Mithila Bihari Municipality
Objectives
- Introducing the program
- To do a comparative study
- To plane for the future
Selection of Rice Variety: – Hardinath hybrid f1
Methods of seed placed in nursery bed: – by broadcasting
Transplanting method: – Sowing by system of rice intensification method i.e. SRI method.
Total leased land area:
Demonstration plot in 2 hectare plus by own company ownership. Leasing 2 hectors Area for a demonstration plot in Mithila Bihari-07, Dhanusha district could be quite useful for agricultural and experimental purposes among farmers. A demonstration plot typically serves various benefits for farmers in several ways like as farmer learning plot. Along with the company’s own investment, an exhibition demo site has been managed in an additional four hectors of farmers’ fields.
Visual Demonstration: farmer can see agricultural techniques in action, which is more effective than visual learning.
Practical Experience: It provides Farmers with the opportunity to observe and practice new techniques, such as planting methods, Irrigation systems, or pest control measures.
Economic Benefits:
From demonstration plot, offer significant economic benefits for marginal farmers, women, youths, by providing them with income generation opportunities. This not only boosts their economic status but also contribute to the overall resilience and sustainability of the farming community. The company will take advantage of the partnership demo with GGGI that has made. After the production of paddy there will be financial accounting so that it will be easy to assess what can be done in the future.
Fig: Weeding in Demonstration Plot and weed management training on Group
Key Climate Challenges in the Mithila Bihari Muncipality of Terai
- Floods: The Terai is prone to frequent flooding, especially during the monsoon season.
- Droughts: Prolonged dry periods affect crop growth, leading to lower yields and increased reliance on irrigation.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Rising temperatures during critical growing periods can reduce crop productivity, particularly for rice field.
- Water Scarcity: In some areas, over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation and erratic rainfall patterns has led to water shortages.
To address these issues, the adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices has gained momentum in the Mithila Bihari. These practices aim to increase productivity, build resilience to climate change, and reduce emissions.
Objective of the Climate Smart Agriculture technology:
The primary objectives of this study are to:
- Reduce reliance on chemical pesticide:-Minimize the use of chemical pesticide by promoting alternative, ecofriendly, methods such as biological control, cultural practices and mechanical interventions.
- Conserve Biodiversity:-Protect beneficial organisms and natural predators that help control pest populations, contributing the overall biodiversity and ecosystem health.
- Improve farmer Knowledge and Decision-Making:-Equip farmers with knowledge and tools to monitor and manage pests effectively, leading to better decision making and timely interventions.
- Improve soil Health:-Maintain and improve soil fertility through the balance use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources promoting long term soil health and productivity.
- Analyze the distribution mechanisms of Nano Liquid Urea and NPK fertilizers.
- Assess farmers’ responses and adoption rates.
- Evaluate the impact on crop yield, soil health, and farm economics.
- Promote sustainable farming practices:- Encourage the adaptation of sustainable practices that contribute to the overall goals of climate smart agriculture, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and the use of compost and manure.
Methodology
- Data Collection: Surveys and interviews with farmers of Mithila Bihari-07, agricultural officers, and fertilizer distributors.
- Field Observation: Direct observation of farms before and after applying Nano Liquid Urea and NPK fertilizers.
- Soil and Yield Data Analysis: Data comparison from farms using traditional fertilizers vs. those using Nano Liquid Urea and NPK.
Distribution of Nano Liquid Urea and NPK Fertilizer
Introduction:
The use of advanced fertilizers such as Nano Liquid Urea and NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) fertilizers is seen as a key innovation in sustainable agriculture. Nano Liquid Urea, a concentrated nitrogen source, enhances crop growth with minimal environmental impact, while NPK fertilizers ensure a balanced nutrient supply for better crop yields. This case study focuses on the distribution, adoption, and impact of Nano Liquid Urea and NPK fertilizers, a rural village in the Dhanusha district of Nepal.
Background:
- Here is predominantly an agricultural community where farming forms the backbone of the local economy. Farmers in this region traditionally rely on conventional urea and fertilizers, which, over time, have led to soil degradation, lower yields, and rising production costs. The introduction of Nano Liquid Urea and NPK fertilizers was part to improve productivity, reduce environmental degradation, and make farming more sustainable. .
- Nano Liquid Urea:
- Benefits:
- Efficient Nutrient Delivery: Nano liquid urea has smaller particle sizes, leading to quicker absorption and utilization by plants.
- Reduced Application Rates: Due to its efficiency, farmers can use lower quantities compared to conventional urea, potentially lowering costs.
- Lower Environmental Impact: Reduced leaching and volatilization minimize the environmental footprint.
- Increased Crop Yield: Enhances nitrogen uptake, potentially leading to improved crop yields.
- Disadvantages:
- Initial Cost: Nano liquid urea may be more expensive upfront than traditional urea.
- Handling and Application: Requires proper handling and application methods, which might be unfamiliar to some farmers.
- Limited Awareness: Lack of knowledge and awareness about the benefits and usage among farmers could hinder adoption.
- Benefits:
- NPK Fertilizer:
- Benefits:
- Balanced Nutrition: Provides a balanced mix of essential nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) crucial for plant growth.
- Improved Soil Fertility: Enhances soil fertility, leading to better crop growth and yields.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for a wide range of crops and soil types.
- Disadvantages:
- Risk of Overuse: Over-application can lead to nutrient runoff, causing environmental issues like water pollution.
- Soil Health Impact: Long-term use may alter soil pH and affect microbial activity, potentially impacting soil health.
- Cost: Depending on the formulation, NPK fertilizers can be costly, especially for small-scale farmers.
- Benefits:
Farmer Adoption Rates: The adoption of Nano Liquid Urea and NPK fertilizers varied across the different groups:
- Early Adopters: About 30% of farmers quickly adopted the new fertilizers after attending the training programs and seeing initial results on pilot farms.
- Cautious Farmers: 50% of farmers expressed interest but were cautious about fully replacing traditional fertilizers. They opted for a partial application, mixing both new and traditional fertilizers to see results.
- Resistant Farmers: Around 20% of farmers were resistant to change, preferring to continue with traditional urea and DAP fertilizers due to a lack of trust in new technologies and skepticism about the long-term benefits.
Impact on Agricultural Productivity:
Nano Liquid Urea:
- Reduced Fertilizer Usage: Nano Liquid Urea requires significantly less quantity than conventional urea. Farmers reported applying 500 ml per hectare as opposed to 45-50 kg of solid urea, reducing the overall fertilizer requirement.
- Higher Efficiency: Crop health improved due to the higher nitrogen-use efficiency of Nano Liquid Urea, resulting in better plant growth and reduced nitrogen loss to the environment.
- Cost Savings: Farmers experienced lower costs in the long term, as Nano Liquid Urea was more effective in smaller quantities, reducing the need for frequent applications.
NPK Fertilizer:
- Balanced Nutrient Supply: The balanced NPK fertilizer provided plants with essential macro-nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), which resulted in better overall plant growth, improved root development, and increased resistance to diseases.
- Increased Yields: Farmers who applied NPK fertilizers reported an increase in crop yields by 15-20%, particularly in rice and wheat production.
- Improved Soil Health: Long-term use of NPK fertilizers helped replenish depleted nutrients in the soil, contributing to better soil structure and fertility.
Environmental Impact:
The shift from traditional fertilizers to Nano Liquid Urea and NPK fertilizers had several positive environmental outcomes:
Reduced Nitrogen Leaching: Nano Liquid Urea’s targeted application reduced nitrogen runoff, leading to less water contamination and improved local ecosystems.
Sustainable Soil Management: NPK fertilizers contributed to maintaining soil nutrient balance, reducing the dependency on chemical inputs and preventing long-term soil degradation.
Challenges and Limitations:
- Awareness and Training Gaps: Despite Trainings, some farmers still lacked adequate understanding of how to properly apply Nano Liquid Urea and NPK fertilizers.
- Trust Issues: Some farmers continued to distrust the new fertilizers, preferring traditional methods until they saw significant evidence of improved results.
Distribution of yellow sticky traps among all Demo plots
Background
Yellow sticky traps are widely used in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) due to their eco-friendliness and effectiveness in trapping a variety of flying pests, particularly:
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Thrips
- Leaf miners
- Moths
These pests are attracted to the yellow color and become trapped in the adhesive coating on the surface of the trap. The use of sticky traps reduces reliance on chemical pesticides, which are often harmful to both the environment and human health.
Methodology
- Selection of Demo Plots:
- Plots were selected based on farmer engagement, pest prevalence, and crop susceptibility.
- Participating farmers were trained on sustainable farming practices, including the use of biological controls and non-chemical pest management methods.
- Installation of Yellow Sticky Traps:
- Sticky traps were placed at a density of 30–35 traps per bigha, depending on pest pressure and crop type.
- Traps were positioned 2–3 feet above the crop canopy for optimal capture.
- Monitoring and Data Collection:
- Pest populations were monitored weekly by counting the number of insects trapped.
- Farmers were involved in tracking data to build local capacity and awareness.
- Assessment Parameters:
- Reduction in pest population compared to control plots.
- Impact on crop yield and quality.
- Farmer satisfaction and economic benefits.
- Selection of Demo Plots:
Fig: Distribution of yellow sticky traps and irrigation management.
Benefits
- Pest Population Control:
The yellow sticky traps demonstrated a significant reduction in pest populations, particularly for whiteflies and aphids. Compared to control plots where no traps were used, pest populations were reduced by over 60%. This reduction led to healthier crops with less visible damage. - Non-Toxic: A safer alternative to chemical pesticides, posing no risk to human health or beneficial insects like pollinators.
- Easy to Use: Simple to deploy and monitor, making them accessible to farmers with varying levels of experience.
- Reduced Use of Chemical Pesticides:Farmers using sticky traps reported a reduction in pesticide applications by 30-40%. This not only lowered their input costs but also minimized the harmful environmental impact of excessive pesticide use.
- Increased Crop Yield:Crop yields in demo plots will be estimated to be 20-25% higher compared to control plots, with fewer pest-related losses.
- Economic Benefits:
The cost of the yellow sticky traps was significantly lower than that of chemical pesticides, providing a cost-effective pest management solution for smallholder farmers. The increase in yield and decrease in pesticide use resulted in a net increase in farm income - Agriculture Insurance: In the 21.94 hectors of land area of the farmer, the crop insurance company has done with united Ajod Company. This is the first insurance for paddy farmers in municipality. The insurance will cover the damage caused by natural calamities and pest, diseases. Not only that, every farmer’s life is also insured against accidental death of two lakhs.
- Technical service: Hundreds of people have benefited through counseling services by identifying the diseases, pests and problems of the members of the group we have prepared. Once every month, we have provided information to all farmers easily from their homes by using the system of necessary information. We have also provided free consultation and service to farmers who are not in the group. The much needed liquid fertilizer, organic pesticides and micro- nutrients etc. Where also distributed free of cost to the group. Technical services are provided by our diligent regular employees and senior agricultural consultants.
- Green Job creation: Employment has been provided to the youth who have returned from foreign employment and settled in the village and to the farmers who are thinking of going abroad in the future. We have employed some as annual contract and some as seasonal workers. We will increases this number in the future. This part-time employment has also helped many people to benefit. For the daily wage earners, this employment is a relief experience. Tractors and cow dung were used for plow and local materials such as bamboo, rope etc. Traditional and local goods have been used to the maximum. Employment has been created for the unskilled through wage work.
Weaknesses:
- The organization funding and evaluating the partner project should not give any information and official decision for two months.
- Farmer’s unwillingness to use old and traditional model of cultivation and seeds.
- Those who don’t want to buy goods try to make them away for free.
- The problem of changing employees of the organization responsible for monitoring.
- Women employees and qualified male employees outside the province are considered uncomfortable to work.
- Shopkeepers refuse to give bills for small items like stationary, kitchen team etc.
Problems and Solutions
- Diseases
The major diseases noticed during field visits were Bacterial panicle blight, sheath blight, brown leaf spots and false smuts. Only 15 percentage of Hardinath-1 plots were seen effected by sheath blight, although haven’t caused any significant yield loss in this variety. Bacterial panicle blight was seen to be initiated to most of the Hardinath-1 plots, about 50 percent of plots surpassed panicle initiation stage. Only 5 percentages of Hardinath-1 plots were severely attacked by Bacterial panicle blight. False smuts and brown leaf spots were minor on these fields. Propiconazole, Validamycin or Tricyclazole were recommended for Sheath blight whereas Streptomycin plus tetracycline hydrochloride along with Carbendazim were recommended for Panicle leaf blight.
2. Insects
The major insects noticed were stem borer and Rice Guandhi bug. Almost 80 percentages of plots were seen infested with stem borers and few white heads (dead white panicles) were observed in those fields with varieties Hardinath-1, Sona Mansuli and Katarni. Adult borer moths were also seen in the fields. Although Gandhi bugs were not seen exactly but some panicles seem to be infested with those. Neem base organic pesticides were recommended for Stem borer control.
3. Nutritional deficiencies
80 percentage of Sona Mansuli plots were seen to be deficient of Nitrogen and Potash. Almost 100 percentages of paddy plots were seen deficient to Potash which was seen even higher on Hardinath-1 and Katarni varieties. It seemed to increase with ageing of paddy crops after tending to panicle initiation stage to ripening. Suggestion of nutrients containing NPK 10-10-10 and sulphur plus micronutrients were suggested for highly deficient crops while use of Potassium 20% liquid foliar spray was suggested to crops with pollination and grain filling stages.
Fig2. Nitrogen deficiency seen in the field of Dayabati Das in Sona Mansuli variety
Fig3. Potassium deficiency seen in the field of Ram bharosh in Urja katarni variety
4. Lack of growth and tillering
Most of the paddy crops were seen to have lacked growth with some of plots having ununiformed growth. Hardinath-1 was seen to have on an average 20 tillers per plant while lowest of 10 tillers to highest to 30. Nutrients management schedule should be provided for optimum growth and tillering.
5. Unaware and unattached beneficiaries
Most of the beneficiaries were found to be unaware of the diseases and insects or any other issues as suggested by our PC or technicians. They were found to be unwilling to use any recommendation or bear any cost for correction of the problems. This could hamper to achieve desired productivity of our variety Hardinath-1. Our technicians were laborious and always willing to make regular visits to farmer’s field seeking for problems and providing suggestions and solutions to their problems. But there was certain gap or there could be some matter the same was not received from the beneficiaries. It was found that there was some trust building issue that the farmers were not much depended with our technicians for technical issues.
6. Ignorance
50% of the farmers were willing to do as suggested. Other 50% were ignorant to any type of problem that has occurred to their fields. Most of the farmers who share their production with their land lords or who cultivate on lease or rents were seen to ignore their paddy crops whatever be the problem.
es.
7. High and unnatural expectation of beneficiaries
Despite of all the grants and subsidies, technical support and exposure to high earning crops provided by the project, the farmers of this community are expecting unnatural facilities. They seek all the agri- inputs and inter cultural operations free of cost which is beyond the project provision. This may proof to be the great threat in the future.
Even though, they are very much satisfied with the growth of maize crop and are eagerly waiting to see the production and ultimately the profit. Once, they get to see the productivity and profit they could earn through maize, we think they should then get convinced. Most of them are waiting to see the comparative advantage of maize than other crops they were used to before.
Farmer Engagement and Satisfaction
Participating farmers were highly satisfied with the results, noting that the technology was easy to use and resulted in visible improvements in crop health. The project also enhanced farmers’ awareness of sustainable practices.
Challenges
Some farmers were hesitant to adopt the traps, being accustomed to chemical solutions. However, this was mitigated through continuous education and the demonstration of positive results.
- Limited Range: Primarily effective for flying insects; not useful for soil-dwelling or non-flying pests.
- Maintenance: Requires regular monitoring and replacement to maintain effectiveness.
- Weather Sensitivity: Effectiveness can be reduced in adverse weather conditions like rain or strong winds
Conclusion:
The implementation of yellow sticky traps in demo plots by Sankalpa Agrotech under the GGGI-KOICA project in Mithila Bihari was a success. The traps provided an environmentally friendly, cost-effective solution to pest management, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and increasing crop yields. The project also helped build awareness and capacity among local farming able farming practices. With further scaling, this technology can contribute to enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers in Mithila Bihari facing challenges
Some pictures related our activities:
Fig: Automatic Sprayer Tank Distribution in Ganesh Krishak Group
Fig: Corn Sheller Machine Distribution
Fig : weeding management & Yellow sticker trapped placing on Demo Plot
Fig. Hardinath 10, Nepli Hybride paddy plot with heigh yealding beautiful fruit
Fig : Integrated Pest management Training on Group 1. Laxminiya maharani 2. Mahila krishak samuha
Appendix:
Farmer’s detail who planted hardinath hybrid F1 rice in their Demo plots
SN | SN | Farmer's Name | Address | Demo Area | Age | Gender | Group Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lalbabu sah | Mithila bihari -07,Tarapatti | 20Katha | 44 Yrs. | Male | Shree Ram Krishak Group | |
2 | Asha Pandit | Mithila Bihari -03,Mithileshwar | 15 Katha | 45yrs | Female | Jay Jay Bhairav Namuna Krishak Group | |
3 | Saukhilal Yadav | Mithila Bihari -06,Pathra tole | 20 Katha | 67yrs | Male | Laxminiya Maharani Krishak Group | |
4 | Manoj sah | Mithila Bihari –06,Sirsiya | 20 Katha | 38yrs | Male | Maa Ambe Krishak Group | |
5 | Ram Bharosh Paswan | Mithila Bihari-07,Tarapatti | 27 Katha | 40yrs | Male | Mahavir Krishak Group | |
6 | Bimal Devi Mandal | Mithila Bihari -02,Purandaha | 4 Katha | 34yrs | Female | Janaki Krishak Group | |
7 | Anwar Nadaf | Mithila Bihari -04 Ramaul | 20 Katha | 47yrs | Male | Shree Ganesh krishak Group | |
TOTAL | 126 katha |
Name and Geographical location of our Group:
Other database related information’s:
https://database.sankalpa-agrotech.com/homepage
Real diagram pictured of project implementation site: