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Profissional Documentos
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AGRI/ HORTICULTURE
DEVELOPMENT
CONSTRAINTS.
PERMACULTURE
ALTERNATIVES
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TECHNOLOGY RECEIVING & TRANSFERRING
CENTERS
THE COMMILLA APPROACH
The Comilla Approach was the Late, Lamented, Akhter Hameed Khan’s method of
tackling Rural Development in Former East Pakistan. To cut down upon Establishment
Expenses, Centers were established in Police Stations. The original design envisaged
Centers wherein Professionals could get together with Farmers to explain the aims and
impart the methods of the GREEN REVOLUTION. After Practical Research in the field,
we have developed MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS based upon this Approach.
Chapter
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QALANDAR NAGAR CENTER
DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS
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ever relating to new and better crops and timings. What little that has
been done, such as the introduction of Canola, is sabotaged by supply of
poor quality seed. My farmers from the Haripur Region have faced a total
lack of germination of Canola Seed supplied in 1999/ 2000.
• CREDIT: A local bank was approached for credit for establishing Off-
Season structures for vegetables. Despite enthusiastic agreement by the
bank officials, funds have not been released even after a lapse of four
months. The amount requested was in the Micro Credit Range. Delay in
releasing funds for time sensitive crops is not the correct method of
Credit Disbursement. Even a few days delay can cause severe loss in
yields. This, in turn, lowers profit margins and even wipes them out. Lack
of finances creates a situation wherein the best use of land is not
possible.
• SEED: Upon four occasions, over a period of 6 months, seed
purchased proved to be sub-standard. This causes a lot of loss to the
farmers. Time, effort and money is wasted, as returns from poor seed are
not sufficient to make the effort cost effective.
• POOR CULTURAL PRACTICES: The tractor is a specialized tool. It
has been found that mechanical skills in cultivating the land are sorely
lacking. Lands are badly leveled. Contour Farming needs to be improved.
Soil erosion is being aggravated by not catering for drainage. Freshly
plowed land is subjected to torrential rain, the topsoil falls prey to sheet
erosion. Deep plowing is carried out in the wrong season and too often.
Crop rotation and green manuring is not practiced. All these factors have
led to sorely depleted soils. Orchards too, face many problems. Pruning is
hardly ever carried out. Secondly, cultivation around Fruit Trees is
carried out in a harmful manner, i.e. too deep and not restricted to the Drip
Line of the tree’s foliage. Thirdly, efficient systems for irrigation are not
adopted. Fourthly, fertilization with organic and stabilized nutrients is
sorely lacking. All these factors curtail yields severely as well as produce
unhealthy fruits; diseased and Pest-Prone trees.
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Agriculture . Department is outdated. There is no recommendation for
Potassium. Secondary and MicroNutrients are not used.
• LACK OF TECHNICAL SUPPORT: The Extension Service of the
Agriculture Department leaves much to be desired. They are either under-
qualified or do not have enough facilities to be able to carry out their jobs.
• ABSENSE OF CROP INSURANCE: Being totally at the mercy of
nature is not conducive to encouraging Farmers, Investors or Credit
Institutions. Uncertainty engendered by changing weather patterns leads
to extreme caution on the part of the farmer.
• LACK OF STORAGE/ COLD STORAGE/ PROPER TRANSPORT
FACILITIES: This factor obviously effects Horticulture tremendously. The
farmers are almost blackmailed into selling their produce at the lowest
possible rates.
• POOR MARKETING ATMOSPHERE: Here as in other sectors of our
Economy, there exists a Buyers rather than a Sellers Market. For
development, this situation needs to be reversed. The seller should not be
blackmailed when he attempts to sell. The prevalent market situation
discourages change from extensive to intensive farming.
• DIFFICULTIES IN EXPORT: The number of difficulties and delays
that an exporter has to face discourages many from attempting to export.
Loss caused by these factors leads to a turning away from this most vital
aspect of a Nations economy.
• LACK OF INFORMATION: Crop specific information is sorely lacking.
Planting methods; densities; spacing; fertilizer and cultural requirements
and timings are usually quite obscure.
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21 CENTURY AGRICULTURE
SOLUTIONS
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USE OF STABILIZED FERTILIZERS/ SAFE PESTICIDES: Advances in Research
have revealed the viability of Stabilized and thus safe mineral fertilizers. We
need to adopt the forthwith. Despite ban on certain Pesticides, they are
available in the market (Heptachlor etc.). Secondly, our Agricultural
Departments need to be educated about modern and safe products. Once the
concerned Authorities are convinced, the sale of unstabilized fertilizer can
also be banned.
• FERTILIZATION: Again, this aspect can be practically demonstrated.
Banding; deep banding and foliar application need to be introduced. Training
in this regard needs to be imparted. Not only does it result in great savings
and also increases yields.
• PLANT NUTRITION: We have much to learn about this field. The world has
made great advances in this field. When the very latest in CDs and Videos
can be instantly imported into the Country. The latest techniques and
methods should also be transferred.
• TECHNICAL SUPPORT: The Agri Extension Service is badly in need of
overhaul. One method is to encourage Technology Receiving & Transferring
Centers.
• CROP INSURANCE: Crop insurance through Community Based Associations
will prove to be a positive step forward. In this manner, many mal-practices
can be avoided and the livelihood of the small farmer can be protected.
• STORAGE/ COLD STORAGE/ PROPER TRANSPORT FACILITIES: At first sight,
this problem seems to demand expensive remedies. Fortunately, there exists
a Low Cost method of construction that will provide these facilities as far as
storage is concerned. By-Products of this technology can be used for tiling
drains; channels and canals. The technology is called Earth Sheltered;
Ceramic Adobe; Passive Solar Construction
• EXPORT: This factor can be resolved by opening up channels and avenues.
Procedures can be simplified. The concept of Export Houses can be
considered.
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• INFORMATION:. Computer Technology should be used for Agriculture. The
first step would be to prepare an Agri Data Base. All relevant information as
pertinent to our environment should be collected.
• EXPERT SYSTEMS: Expert Systems can be deigned to retrieve information
from the DataBase as required on a User Friendly basis.
• ACCREDITED TRAINING: Training imparted in the Marakiz can be Accredited
to Institutions. The combination of Hands-On Training (HOT) and Formal
Examinations should produce first class skilled workers. Diploma holders
would be able to improve their employment chances both within and outside
the Country.
• POLYMER COATED SEED: The quickest and least complicated method of
achieving increase in the realization of the Genetic Potential of viable seed is
by Treating them with safe Systemic Pesticides; Chelated Secondary and
MicroNutrients and Natural Rooting and Fruiting Hormones registered and
passed by the Environment Protection Authorities.
• PROVISION OF AGRI/ HORTICULTURAL SERVICES: Employment of Marakiz
Internees by provision of Agri/ Horticultural Services to the surrounding
populace can prove to be effective as well as generate funds to make the
Marakiz self-sufficient.
• COMMUNITY BASED FARMERS AND MARKETING ASSOCIATIONS: The
extensive and growing CBOs Network can be made more effective by
organizing them as Farmers Associations for growing crops and receiving
Credit. Secondly, experts or individuals with aptitude can handle the
Marketing of Produce. The individuals can receive specialized training in this
regard.
Chapter
Chapter
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LOW-COST; INTENSIVE HERB &
VEGETABLE GROWING UNDER
CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS
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GEODESIC DOME
Climbing
Vine ENVIRONMENT
CONTROL/
PROTECTION
COMPANION
HERBS &
VEGETBLES
SUB SOIL
IRRIGTION
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MUSHROOM STRUCTURE
KHUMBI KULLA
In order to provide a chance for small house holders to grow mushrooms either for
sale or consumption, a small mushroom growing structure or a Kulla@ has been
designed. This design is on the principle of the Fired Adobe@. The ball clay mix has
sawdust added to it. Upon firing a porous brick results. This aids the passage of humidity
when the brick is wet. The structure contains eight 1m x 0.5m trays or 4 square meters
of growing space. There is a wind catcher on the vault roof and ventilators on both sides.
These can be opened and closed as per requirement. Thus humidity and ventilation are
catered for. The one-foot thick walls act as a good insulator and a moderate temperature
is maintained inside the Kulla. In case of areas of severe cold, the growing trays can be
alternated with fresh animal dung trays that will give off heat during decomposition.
Thus a cold frame technique can be used, especially in the Northern Areas, to provide
fresh mushrooms even in the depth of winter. However the number of dung trays used
reduces the surface area. This economical and long lasting structure is low cost in
construction and trouble free in maintenance. It is fire proof and earth quake resistant.
The structure is made in 4 days from locally available ball clay.
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CONCLUSION
The preceding material should amply convey the fact that there is plenty of
room for improvement in our Agri/ Horticultural efforts. No ill will should be
generated and all findings should be examined with an open mind. To reject
Modern Methods based upon obsolete data is abhorrent to say the very least.
Unfortunately, such attitudes exist amongst the top people in Official Agricultural
Circles. They must make an effort to be in step with the times. The Khidmat
Foundation is constantly engaged in efforts directed towards ameliorating the lot
of the Rural Poor. We are well aware of the fact that the ultimate solution of our
ills lies in the wholehearted participation of ALL! No coercion can possibly result
in genuine progress! A sense of sharing and caring has to be developed. People
have to take their fate in their own hands and reshape their future. True
development cannot be imposed from above. Suggestions and positive criticism
are welcome. Participation is requested in a National Drive for Progress! The
Khidmat Foundation has made efforts in this regard. For this purpose we are in
the process of organizing Marakiz in the Hazara Region. We have targeted this
Region as it has the most potential to be developed for the growing of seed as
well as raising crops for export. For this purpose we have established a Markaz in
Mung and have taken three other Sites on Long Lease (5 years). These Sites are
concentrated mostly in Southern Hazara. Secondly we are in the process of
establishing a Markaz in the Mansherra area. Obviously expense and effort are
required. We have laid the foundations and hope to build up a permanent structure
that would be an Institution. At this stage we request support in the form of funds;
technical expertise and enthusiastic membership. This is not a task for
individuals, no matter how dedicated. The task has to be taken on collectively. We
offer a partially established platform with no vested or hidden interests. Our
guiding light lies in the following: