XIII ANNUAL GROUP MEETING All India Network Programme ...

Proceedings and recommendations of XIII Annual Group Meeting, AI-NPOF, 27-29 November 2018 at TNAU, Coimbatore Page 1

PROCEEDINGS and RECOMMENDATIONS OF

XIII ANNUAL GROUP MEETING All India Network Programme on Organic Farming

held at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu)

(27-29, November 2018)

Scheme Leader

Dr A.S. Panwar, Director

Preparation, Compilation & Editing

Dr N. Ravisankar, Principal Scientist, National PI (NPOF) & PF (CU)

Dr A.K. Prusty, Scientist (Coordination Unit)

Dr M. Shamim, Scientist (Coordination Unit)

Technical Assistance

Dr Vipin Kumar, CTO (Coordination Unit)

Organized by

All India Network Programme on Organic Farming ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research,

Modipuram, Meerut-250 110, Uttar Pradesh


XIII Annual Group Meeting of All India Network Programme on Organic Farming

27-29 November 2018

Organized at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu)

(Recommendations approved by ICAR vide letter F.No. NRM/7-1/2019-AFC dated 15/02/2019)

Recommendations

A. Research

1. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) farmers should also be included in the geo-referenced characterization. The proforma for data collection is to be re-visited and new parameters may be added for collecting all the details related to ZBNF. The identified scientists from Bhopal, Karjat, Pantnagar, Udaipur and Umiam will meet at Modipuram and re-design the proforma.

(Action: National PI / PI of respective centres of AI-NPOF)

2. Comparative analysis of quality of produces from natural farming and organic farming should be

undertaken by Modipuram, Bhopal and Narendrapur centres. (Action: PI of respective centres of AI-NPOF)

3. Successful packages adopted by organic growers should be added under innovative practices (complete organic management as per NPOP standards with 75 % supply of nutrients through organic inputs + innovative practices) wherever the yield gap between on-station (AI-NPOF) and geo-referenced survey are less than 10 %.

(Action: PI of all the centres of AI-NPOF)

4. Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) is found to make the organic farming more profitable by reducing the market inputs to greater extent. Therefore, the study should be further strengthened by adding new locations (Pantnagar, Ludhiana and Gangtok) and also by providing adequate funds under contingencies.

(Action: PI of respective centres of AI-NPOF)

5. Weed flora, weed density, dry weight and indices should be worked out in the study on weed management under organic production system.


6. Trend of yield, soil quality and also other relevant parameters should be compiled and presented for the evaluation of different production systems.

(Action: PI of all the centres of AI-NPOF)

7. Analysis of seasonal (kharif, rabi and summer) response of various crops under organic production system should be undertaken for identifying the influence of seasonal variation in organic management package and research gap.

(Action: Dr M. Shamim, Scientist (CU) in collaboration with centres of AI-NPOF)

B. Others

8. Results of concluded experiment on bio-intensive complimentary organic production systems should be published as research papers and technology should be communicated to development departments for implementation.


9. Project proposal on “Molecular characterization of produces from organic, integrated and inorganic production systems” should be developed and submitted for National Agricultural Science Fund (NASF). A meeting of identified centres for the purpose may be convened and project proposal be prepared.

(Action: National PI/PI of selected centres of AI-NPOF)


10. A mid –term review meeting may be arranged in June 2019 to review the progress made by different centres of AI-NPOF and institutions (ICAR-ATARI-VI, ICAR-NBAIR, ICAR-NCIPM, ICAR-NOFRI) with respect to suggesting sustainable management strategies for Sikkim.

(Action: Dr A.K. Prusty, Scientist (CU) /PI of respective centres of AI-NPOF)

11. The testing of products and technologies of private agencies can be undertaken in the contract research mode. Suitable proposal under contract research may be developed as per ICAR guidelines and submitted to agencies which need testing of their products / technologies under the All India Network Programme on Organic Farming (AI-NPOF).

(Action: National PI)


Proceedings of

XIII Annual Group Meeting of All India Network Programme on Organic Farming

27-29 November 2018

Organized at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu)

ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research (ICAR-IIFSR), Modipuram is operating a Network Project on Organic

Farming (AI-NPOF) from 2004 with 13 co-operating centres representing 9 agro-climatic regions, 13 NARP zones and 12

states. Seven new centres were approved in XII plan and have been made functional from 2015-16, thus the scheme

covers 16 states. During 2017-18, the scheme was renamed as All India Network Programme on Organic Farming (AI-

NPOF). The 13th Annual Group Meeting of All India Network Programme on Organic Farming was organized at Tamil Nadu

Agricultural University, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) during 27-29 November 2018 as approved by ICAR (F.No. NRM/7-

7/2015-AFC dated 19 September 2018). Agenda items such as Action Taken Report of the previous group meeting, review

of centre wise performance based on results and publications, a brainstorming session on “Indigenous organic practices

including zero budget natural farming vs scientific organic farming” and review of progress of Tribal Sub Plan activities

were taken up. The programme was attended by all the AI-NPOF centres and special invitees (List of participants is

enclosed in Annexure-I). Proceedings, salient points and recommendations emerged from the group meeting are given

below.

27 November 2018

Session I: Inaugural

The group meeting started with Tamil Thai Vazhthu and ICAR song followed by welcome of the participants by the Dr E.

Somasundaram, HoD & PI, TNAU and Dr M.P. Singh PS&PF (TTRHRD), ICAR-IIFSR. Honourable Vice Chancellor Dr N

Kumar, TNAU inaugurated the group meeting as Chief Guest while Dr S. Bhaskar, Assistant Director General (Agronomy,

Agroforestry and Climate Change), NRM division, ICAR was Guest of Honour. Dr (Mrs) C Jayanhi, Director, Directorate of

Crop Management and Dr K. Ramaraju, Director, Directorate of Research, TNAU also graced the occasion. Dr K.

Ramaraju, Director of Research of TNAU while welcoming the participants, highlighted the research works undertaken by

the university. Dr (Mrs) C. Jayanthi, Director, Directorate of Crop Management in her address informed that TNAU is

having the separate department for organic farming through which research, training and education are being imparted for

the clients. She also mentioned that the presence of AI-NPOF centre at the university has resulted in development of

package of practices for major cropping systems in the national perspective. Dr M. P. Singh, PF (TTRHRD) presented the

brief scheme report in which he highlighted that during 2017-18, 12 field experiments related to evaluation of production

systems, varieties, integrated organic farming systems, farm waste recycling, pest and disease management, molecular

characterization of organic manures, weed management under organic production systems were undertaken. He also

informed that the institute is trying to create human resource development for organic farming in the country with the help

of National Institute of Agricultural Extension and Management, Hyderabad in the form certificate course on Certified Farm

Advisor on Organic Farming. Over the years, the scheme has contributed for developing 51 package of practices which are

being utilized by various state governments. Dr S. Bhaskar, ADG (AAFCC) in his guest of honour address, highlighted that

a total of 10,93,288 farmers are involved in the organic production processes which is highest in the world and informed

that current export value of Indian Organic commodities works out to Rs 3453.48 crores. He also highlighted that many

states are coming forward to adopt the organic farming either fully or partially based on the niche crops and areas. He said,

he was happy to note that Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu has been identified and programmes started for organic farming

promotion. He concluded with the remarks that the challenge of organic farming researchers include the countering the

negative aspects of organic farming like lower productivity especially during conversion period, making the rabi crops more

responsive to organic farming and reducing the cost of production. Dr N. Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Agricultural

University, Coimbatore in his Chief Guest address, pointed that he is very happy to be Chief Guest of this function as he is

XIII Vice Chancellor and happy to inaugurate the XIII Annual Group Meeting. Further, he elaborated the issues pertaining

to organic farming especially in horticultural crops where potential exists. The major constraints he observed for organic


farming is cost of certification and accessibility. The Annual Report 2016-17 of the scheme was released by the Chief

Guest. Dr N. Ravisankar, National PI, AI-NPOF proposed the vote of thanks.

Session II: Review of Results-I

The session was chaired by Dr. S. Bhaskar, ADG (AAFCC), ICAR and co-chaired by Dr M.P. Singh, (PF, TTRHRD), ICAR-

IIFSR, Modipuram. Dr. M Shamim, Scientist, ICAR-IIFSR and Dr K. Sathaya Bhama, Assistant Professor, TNAU,

Coimbatore acted as rapporteurs. In the session, presentation of action taken report of previous group meeting and the

review of results from Bajaura, Bhopal, Calicut and Coimbatore centres of AI-NPOF were taken up.

Dr N. Ravisankar, Principal Scientist and National PI, AI-NPOF presented the Action Taken Report (ATR) of previous

group meeting. The ATR was discussed and accepted as such. The Jabalpur centre has not submitted the ATR as well as

not attended the XIII Annual group meeting of AI-NPOF, Chairman of the session informed that non-participation and non-

submission of ATR is very serious matter and a strong letter should be sent to Vice Chancellor, JNKVV, Jabalpur with a

request to issue letter to the Principal Investigator for not repeating such things in future. After ATR, centre wise progress

was taken up

Bajaura (Himachal Pradesh): Dr D. K. Parmar, Principal Investigator presented the research highlights and salient

findings are

A total of 23 organic farmers were surveyed under geo-referenced characterization study. Total land holding of the

village was 69.9 ha and total area under organic farming was found to be 26.3 ha. About 61% of farmers were

marginal and 31% farmers were small. The average production under vegetables, cereals, spices and oil seed crop

was 6510, 4320, 7730 and 3330 kg/ha, respectively. Pea crop had maximum area and total production (13.2 ha and

81210 kg) followed by okra (7.54 ha and 49390 kg) and maize (5.56 ha and 18100 kg kg). Farmers grow only

vegetables like cabbage and potato during summer season and potato is grown in maximum area (16.8 ha.) than

cabbage (9.5 ha.). Only a small quantity of their produce is kept for self-consumption and rest is sold in the market.

The spices were found to be more remunerative with a net profit of Rs.244506/ha as compared to vegetables (Rs.

50399/ha). The computation of yield gap under NOPF experiments and farmers field revealed that all the crops had

higher yield under experimental conditions than farmers yield. The cabbage crop showed maximum yield gap (33.2%

less under farmers field conditions), whereas other crops showed an gap of around 3% to 10%.

Yield of kharif tomato was almost similar at all levels of management practices. Black gram and okra yield was higher

in integrated practice (50% inorganic+50% organic). During rabi, cauliflower yield and green pod yield of pea was

maximum with integrated practice (50% inorganic+50% organic). In summer season, the green pod yield of french

bean, tomato fruit yield and squash fruit in was higher in integrated practice (75% inorganic+25% organic). Best

cropping systems in terms of yield was black gram-cauliflower-squash with 75% organic+10% vermiwash and in terms

of net returns, tomato-cauliflower was the best cropping systems under organic management practice.

Hybrid Chameli 015 and Indranil of okra in kharif were found suitable for organic farming. None of the tomato hybrids

were found economical during kharif under organic management. Pea hybrid, Ten Plus and Nirali and cauliflower

hybrid US-178 and Chandramukhi in rabi season performed better under organic production system. Tomato hybrids

RK-123 and Heem sohna during summer were found suitable for organic production.

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Dr AB Singh, Principal Investigator presented the research highlights and salient findings are

Geo-referenced organic cluster was surveyed at Perwalia Sadak, Mugaliya hat, Tara Sevaniya and Raati Bar villages

in Tehsil- Huzur, District- Bhopal Madhya Pradesh. The total land holding size of the farmers varied between1.0 to

18.0 ha, out of which the maximum area under organic farming was 8 ha and minimum was 1.0 ha. The area spared

for cereal crop has been diverted to vegetable production and other cash crops like groundnut and cut flowers.

Farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost are the major sources of the nutrients supply, crop residue recycling and

composting through crop residue of cattle dung is also being practiced by farmers. Farmers have started planting

orchard crops like guava, pomegranate and custard apple besides the conventional crops like soybean, chickpea and


wheat. Only minimal amount of organic produces is reserved for household consumption and the rest sold out in either

krishi mandi or local market. The yield gap between experiment and farmers yield is found to be 12.4% in soybean,

10.4 % in wheat and 21% in chickpea inferring that package adoption gap by farmers.

Higher yields in kharif and rabi were found with 100% organic management and 75% organic +25% inorganic

management which were statistically at par to each other. However over all, organic production system was superior

over the inorganic and integrated systems across the cropping systems. Among the cropping systems, the highest

yield was recorded in soybean-chickpea system with 100% organic management. Highest net return was recorded

under soybean–chickpea with 100% organic management and 75% + innovative practices.

Soybean variety RVS-2002-4 registered maximum yield and net returns followed by JS 9752. In case of maize, cv.

Kanchan performed better in terms of yield and net returns followed by cv Proagro-4212. Among chickpea cultivars,

cv. JG-130 outperformed followed by JG-63. In case of wheat, cv. GW-366 registered maximum yield and net returns

followed by cv HI 8498.

Initial results of weed management under organic production system revealed that, incorporation of cotton seed cake+

one hand weeding recorded significantly highest maize and mustard grain yield and it was at par with intercropping

with cowpea compared to control.

Calicut (Kerala): Dr C.K. Thankamani, Principal Investigator presented the research highlights and salient findings are

A total of 30 organic farmers were surveyed under geo-referenced characterization. The area maintained under

organic farming was found to be 98%. The major crops grown are pepper, coffee, coconut, areca nut, ginger, turmeric,

banana and cocoa. Crop residue availability within the farm for recycling was found to be 4.0 t /ha/year and farmers

were having the vermicompost/bio-gas units and mean production of vermicompost was found to be 0.30 t/year. Major

constraints were found to be low price and high labour cost.

Maximum yield of ginger (29,460 kg/ha) was recorded with integrated (75% organic+25% inorganic) management

followed by integrated (50% each of organic and inorganic). In case of turmeric, 100 % organic management recorded

maximum yield (34,270 kg/ha) which was on par with integrated management (75% organic+25% inorganic) (34,080

kg/ha). Among varieties, Pragati recorded highest yield (48,540 kg/ha) followed by Sudarsana (43,800 kg/ha).

Stability analysis of varieties indicated that Suguna (48,000 kg/ha) is stable variety followed by Sudarsana (43,500

kg/ha) for organic production system. Significantly better oil, oleroresin and curcumin content in turmeric varieties were

observed under organic management.

A one acre Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) model comprising of crops (Turmeric, ginger, tapioca,

vegetables, cowpea and fodder grass) + livestock (2 cows) resulted in net profit of Rs.1.08 lakhs/year.

Initial results of weed management under organic production revealed that maximum yield was recorded with the

application of green leaves mulch at the time of planting + hand weeding at 45 & 90 DAP. Intercropping cowpea

+incorporation of biomass of cowpea at 45 DAP, green leaf mulching 90 DAP, hand weeding at 90 DAP recorded

maximum net return per ha.

Coimbatore: Dr E. Somasundaram, Principal Investigator presented the research highlights and salient findings are

Thondamuthur block covered under PKVY scheme was taken for charecterization The cluster formed under PGS in

the name of Kovai Thenderal Organic Group consists of 20 members from different villages. The PGS groups were

cultivating the high value crops such as turmeric, arecanut, coconut, onion, bhendi, tomato and brinjal. Individual

member of the groups are involved in entrepreneurial activities such as panchagavya, ghanjeevamrit, fermented fruits

extract, sale of mullu seethaa jam, organic ghee, desi poultry birds and eggs. All the members are maintaining 80% of

their land under organic, 15% for animal husbandry and 5% for fodder cultivation.

In green manure-maize-cotton cropping system, the highest yield of maize (6,138 kg/ha) was registered under the

combined application of 50% organic and 50% inorganic management, whereas the maximum cotton yield (1675

kg/ha) was recorded under 75% organic + 25 % inorganic management. Beetroot-maize system fetched the maximum

net returns compared to cotton-maize system and among the management, integrated management comprising of

75% organic and 25% inorganic was found to be better in terms of yield and economics.


Rice variety CO (R) 48 recorded significantly higher grain yield (5,770 kg/ha), followed by Mappillai samba (4,906

kg/ha), Kitchidi samba (4640 kg/ha) and Red kavuni (3870 kg/ha) under organic production system.

A one-acre IOFS model comprising crops (okra+ leaf coriander, maize + cowpea (fodder), greenmanure-cotton-

sorghum) + livestock (2 cows) + Gliricidia boundary plantations generated employment of 453 man-days. Crop

component share was 56% of the total income. Dairy component contributed 32% of the total income through milk and

manure while other allied components shared 13% of the total income. About 14.24 tonnes of fresh cow dung was

obtained from 2 milch animals and 2 calves.

The following points and recommendations emerged from the session for follow up action.

1. All centres should undertake time series analysis of individual cropping systems from 2003-2004 to 2017-18 in

terms of crop yield, net returns and soil physical, chemical and biological properties.

2. Observations on weed population, flora, density and all applicable indices related to weed management study

should be taken presented.

3. Characterization of different organic inputs especially innovative inputs used in the experiments should be

undertaken.

4. Characterisation of organic inputs and produce should be undertaken and to be coordinated by a scientist at

ICAR-IIFSR identified by the Director, ICAR-IIFSR.

5. As the yield gap is less under Kerala for spice crops, Calicut centre should identify best packages practiced by

farmers and apply in the experiments under innovative package treatment in comparison of different productions

systems study.

6. A detailed analysis of response of crops grown under organic production in kharif and rabi should be undertaken

for identifying the research gap and also influence of seasonal variation in organic management package.

Session III: Review of Results-II

The session was chaired by Dr. S. Bhaskar, ADG (AAFCC), ICAR and co-chaired by Dr M. Jawaharlal, Dean (Horticulture),

TNAU. The rapporteurs of the session were Dr Gautam Chatterjee, RMVU, Narendrapur campus and Dr R. Parimala Devi,

Assistant Professor, TNAU, Coimbatore. In the session, review of results of Ajmer, Ludhiana and Pantnagar centres were

taken up.

Ajmer (Rajasthan): Dr N.K. Meena, Co-Principal Investigator presented the research highlights and salient findings are

A total of 35 organic farmers were surveyed under geo-referenced characterization study. The results revealed that

100% farmers were having sandy loam soil. All the farmers are using FYM as nutrient source for crop production.

Around 65% farmers are having organically converted land holding less than 0.50 ha and remaining 35% are having

between 0.5-1.0 ha. Major crops grown during kharif are cluster bean, bajra, greengram, sorghum and maize

whereas in rabi, chickpea, barley, wheat, fenugreek, cumin, fennel occupies the major area. Average yield in wheat

was found to be 1800 kg/ha while fenugreek is 1200 kg/ha, chickpea 2200 kg/ha, cumin 120 kg/ha and barley 2000

kg/ha.

In seed spices based production system, integrated management having 75% organic + 25% inorganic package

performed better for coriander and fennel. Net return was also recorded higher with integrated management.

During rabi, higher seed yield of fennel was obtained with Gujarat Fennel-12 variety followed by Ajmer Fennel-1. In

case of coriander, yield was found higher in the variety Azad dhania-1 followed by Ajmer coriander-1. In kharif,

higher seed yield of green gram was recorded with MUM-2 variety followed by RMG-975. In cluster bean, seed yield

per hectare was found higher in RGC-1038 followed by RGC-1055.

Application of garlic extract 10 ml/lit + azadirachtin 0.03% EC @ 5ml/lit + tumba fruit extract 10ml/lit. was found to be

the best pest management practice against aphid and thrips in fennel and coriander crops for the consecutive 3

years.

Soil solarisation for 21 days recorded best control of Sclerotium rot in coriander (% disease index of 1.13) while

application of neem cake application (0.5 tons/ha) recorded best control of Ramularia blight in fennel (% disease

index of 5.2) under organic production system.


Ludhiana (Punjab): Dr C.S. Aulakh presented the research highlights and salient findings are

Among the 30 organic farmers surveyed under geo-referenced characterization at Nabha block, Patiala District in

Punjab, 96% farmers grown wheat and basmati rice. Farmyard manure, green manure and jeevamrit were the major

source of nutrition to crops followed by cow dung cake extract, phosphorous solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and

beejamrit. The pest and disease management was done with locally available neem+aak+datura formulations, sour

butter milk and tricho cards. Weeds were being managed by hand weeding, Labour intensive operations, lack of

marketing facilities, difficulty in weed control and reduced yield were the serious constraints in its adoption.

Among the different management practices, grain yields of basmati rice varied from 3890 to 4050 kg/ha and did not

influenced by different management systems due to common practice of green manuring in all the management

systems. Soybean seed yields varied from 1250 to 1580 kg/ha under different management systems and were

higher under organic. In summer, moong yields varied from 690 to 1300 kg/ha and were higher under organic

managements. The highest wheat grain yield in clusterbean-wheat-summer moong system (6,030 kg/ha) was

obtained in inorganic management and the lowest (5,570 kg/ha) in organic management. The highest net monetary

returns were obtained from basmati rice-wheat system under organic management. Soil organic carbon and soil

available N, P and K, when averaged over the cropping systems, were the highest in 100% organic management.

Punjab basmati 4 (5,130 kg/ha) of basmati rice and PBW 1 (5,920 kg/ha) of wheat gave higher yield under organic

management.

Differences among different treatments were non-significant under zero budget farming practices in basmati rice-

wheat system, though, the maximum grain yield of wheat (5,270 kg/ha) was obtained under integrated management

and it was minimum in unfertilized control. The non-significant differences might be due to green manuring in kharif

season (before planning and start of the experiment) which might have mitigated the treatment effects in wheat.

Pantnagar (Uttarakhand): Dr DK Singh presented the research highlights and salient findings are

A total 40 farmers was surveyed under geo-referenced characterization which revealed that the constraints behind

less productivity at farmers’ fields are due to package gap with respect to nutrient managemnet. Most of the farmers

were not using proper decomposed organic manure. Organic basmati proved to be more remunerative as compared

to conventional and hybrid rice.

Yield of basmati rice was higher in 100% organic management (4,976 kg/ha) in basmati rice- chickpea system

followed by 50% organic+ 50% chemical (4,858 kg/ha). Considering the economics of different cropping system and

management practice, higher net return was found with 100% organic followed by 75% organic + innovative

package. Among cropping systems, higher net return was found in basmati rice-chickpea followed by basmati rice-

vegetable pea. Grain yield of wheat was highest under 50% organic+50% inorganic (integrated management).

Potato yield was recorded highest under 100% organic (11,739 kg/ha) followed by 75% organic+ 25% Innovative

package (11,491 kg/ha).

Significantly higher grain yield (4,141kg/ha) and net returns (Rs. 66,287/ha) of basmati rice were recorded with Pant

Sugandha Dhan -17 variety followed by Pant basmati -1 (4,136 kg/ha and Rs. 66,172, respectively). The two high

yielding varieties HD-2967 (4,040 kg/ha) and UP-2565 (3,990 kg/ha) recorded higher yield in wheat under organic

production system.

System productivity in terms of basmati rice grain equivalent yield was recorded higher under direct seeded rice

+soybean-vegetable pea + mustard on FIRB system (10,018 kg/ha) followed by direct seeded rice -chickpea–

moong (9845 kg/ha) on FIRB system.

Initial results of weed management under organic production reveals that two hand weeding at 20 & 40 DAT

recorded higher yield of basmati rice (4,472 kg/ha) followed by Sesbania + 2 mechanical weeding treatment (4,370

kg/ha). Sowing of wheat after bio-fuming with mustard + 1 mechanical weeding practice in wheat was best among

all weed management practices for wheat .

Yield of wheat was significantly higher with integrated crop management (50% organic + 50% inorganic) (4,458

kg/ha) followed by NPOF package (3,604 kg/ha) compared to zero budget natural farming (Gurukul) package under

evaluation of zero budget natural farming practices



1. Green manure crop should not be taken up Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) experimental field to estimate

the real effect of ZBNF.

2. The centres should follow Gurukul package of practices strictly without any deviation.

3. ZBNF evaluation in pulses and other crops can be taken up in future.

4. Short duration horticultural crops (particularly greens) may be included in organic farming research.

5. Fruit crops like banana and papaya may be considered and included in organic farming research. Coimbatore

centre may explore possibility of linkage with HC&RI for undertaking organic farming research in fruit crops.

Suitable proposal may be prepared and submitted to ICAR-IIFSR for considering additional grants for

undertaking the study.

28 November 2018

Special Session: Brainstorming session on “Indigenous organic practices including zero budget natural farming (ZBNF)

vs scientific organic farming”

The session was chaired by Dr S. Bhaskar, ADG (AAFCC), ICAR and Co-Chaired by Dr. S. Mohan, Director (Publications),

TNAU. Rapporteurs were Dr. A. K. Prusty, ICAR-IIFSR, Modipuram and Dr. (Mrs) S. K. Manoranjitham, TNAU,

Coimbatore.

The brain storming session on Indigenous organic practices including zero budget natural farming (ZBNF) vs Scientific organic farming involving ZBNF practicing farmers and progressive organic farming farmers from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, agricultural entrepreneurs, state govt officials, researchers from ICAR and SAU’s and other stake holders was organized by ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram on 28 November 2018 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore on the occasion of XIII Annual Group Meeting of All India Network Programme on Organic Farming organized during 27-29th November, 2018. The meeting was chaired by Dr. S. Bhaskar, Asst. Director General (Agronomy, Agroforestry and Climate Change), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi along with Dr. S. Mohan, Director (Publications), TNAU as Co-Chairman. Shri P. Rajkumar, Ex-Mayor, Coimbatore corporation, Tamil Nadu also graced the occasion. At the outset Dr. N Ravisankar, National PI, AI-NPOF and Dr. E. Somasundaram, HoD, Dept. of Sustainable Agriculture and PI, NPOF centre, Coimbatore welcomed the dignitaries and participants. Dr. N. Ravisankar explained that the brain storming is organized to discuss various forms of organic agriculture including ZBNF which are being propagated in the recent times and also to find out the possibility of converging scientific organic farming and natural farming practices. Dr. S. Bhaskar, AG (AAFCC) informed that organic farming should be promoted in niche areas and crops with proper sustainable management strategies. He said ZBNF or scientific organic farming should aim for increasing productivity and sustainability together. A detailed deliberation on various principles of ZBNF, organic farming and science based organic farming were held which was attended by more than 100 delegates including Principal / Co-Investigators of All India Network Programme on Organic Farming from 16 states. An exhibition was also held in which farmers of organic farming and natural farming displayed their produces and products. Complete video profiling of the brain storming has been made. The following recommendations were emerged from the session:

1. All the natural farmers have practiced organic farming followed by natural farming. Hence it is evident that organic

farming is precursor before moving to natural farming as organic farming helped to build up the resources

especially soil fertility. All the natural farmers except one and all the organic farmers who have attended the brain

storming session expressed that, scientific organic farming must be promoted and practiced to realize all the

benefits of organic agriculture.

2. The name of Zero Budget Natural Farming is misleading and confusing among farmers as the term is applicable

only for intercropping conditions as expressed by ZBNF farmers. The term is used for main crop where in no input

is applied. Therefore, farmers expressed that name should be modified as Natural Farming with minimal external

resources/inputs.


3. Integrated organic farming systems having the components of science-based inputs and also components of

natural farming such as beejamrit, Jeevamrit and Ghanjeevamrit should be promoted for better productivity and

sustainability in agriculture.

4. Availability of critical and credible inputs in time for practicing organic farming in cropping systems perspective

should be ensured.

5. Intercropping and mulching are the common practices for all types farming such as chemical, organic and natural

farming. Hence, it should not be restricted to natural farming only.

6. The knowledge available in the public domain that one cow is enough for 30 acres under Zero Budget Natural

Farming is not practiced by none of the Zero Budget Natural Farmers participated. The natural farming farmers

who participated in the session expressed clearly that everyone was having more than one cow, for example 2

cows for 10 acres and 6 cows for 25 acres.

7. Research on quality of products under natural farming and organic farming can be undertaken.

8. Geo-referenced characterization of Zero Budget Natural Farming and Organic farmers to be undertaken for

bringing out a clear picture. A suitable proforma may be devised for collection of data by convening a special

meeting of identified centres of AI-NPOF.

9. 5P (Plan, Produce, Process, Package and Promote) model of organic farming should be encouraged through

government schemes.

Session IV: Review of Results-III

The session was chaired by Dr, A. K. Tripathi Director, ICAR-ATARI, Guwahati, Dr A.S. Panwar, Director, ICAR-IIFSR and

Co-chaired by Dr S. Mahimairaja, Dean (Agri.), TNAU. The Rapporteurs were Dr Nargis Kumari, AI-NPOF, Ranchi and Dr.

VK Parthiban Professor (Plant Pathology), TNAU. In the session, the review of results from Dharward, Karjat, Modipuram,

Raipur, Ranchi, Umiam, Udaipur, Almora and S.K. Nagar were taken up.

Dharwad (Karnataka): Dr SA Gaddanakeri, Principal Investigator presented the research highlights and salient findings

are

Out of sixteen organic farmers surveyed under geo-referenced characterization studies, four farmers are having

mango plantation while two farmers had sapota plantation. All the farmers were having bore-well water as source of

irrigation (protective). Around 60% of the organic farmers have grown vegetables viz., brinjal, tomato and leafy

vegetables as the village is just 16 km away from Taluk headquarter. Almost all the organic farmers were having

vermi-compost pits and Jeevamrit units while only two had bio digester units. Though the farmers are aware about

vermiculturing, use of vermiwash, cow urine and neemcake as source of nutrients and neem leaves extract as

insecticide, they are not much aware about the bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides. Farmers yield levels were low in all

the crops except cotton compared to yield levels obtained under AI-NPOF experiments.

Significantly higher seed yield of pigeon pea was recorded with state recommendation (937 kg/ha). Significantly

higher dry pod yield of groundnut was recorded with organic management having 75% nutrients applied through

manures and innovative packages (1,174 kg/ha.). The yield levels of maize did not differ significantly under different

production systems. Significantly higher seed yield of safflower was also recorded in the same management (1,106

Kg/ha), whereas significantly higher seed yield of rabi sorghum was recorded with integrated (50% each organic

and inorganic) production system (1,820 kg/ha). Significantly higher seed cotton yield was recorded with state

recommendation (1,108 kg/ha). The higher net returns of Rs 9,814 /ha in sole pigeonpea under organic production

system, Rs 35,480 /ha in groundnut+cotton intercropping system with 75% + innovative package of organic

production system were obtained.

Among the chickpea cultivars evaluated under organic production system, cultivar A1 produced higher seed yield

(2,857 kg/ha). Among the wheat cultivars, cultivar UAS 347(BW) produced higher seed yield of 1,945 kg/ha.

Higher soybean seed equivalent yield in soybean-wheat sequence system was recorded with conventional flat bed

with crop residues (1,345 kg/ha). Higher seed cotton equivalent yield in groundnut +cotton in intercropping was

recorded with conventional flat bed with crop residues (1,723 kg/ha). Higher sorghum grain equivalent yield in


greengram-sorghum sequence cropping system was recorded with conventional flat bed with crop residues (2,346

kg/ha) and higher soybean seed equivalent yield in soybean + pigeonpea inter cropping system was recorded with

conventional flat bed with crop residues (1,517 kg/ha)

Karjat (Maharashtra): Dr S.B. Bhagat, Principal Investigator presented the research highlights and salient findings are

A total of 30 farmers in Mhasala and Mahad blocks of Raigad district of Maharashtra were surveyed. The farming

situation is rainfed, however, in Mangaon tahsil the farming situation is partially irrigated. Yield level of rice at

farmers field were found to be 49.9 % lesser than the yield obtained under AI-NPOF experiments.

Integrated management (50% organic + 50 % inorganic) recorded maximum grain yield (4,752 kg/ha). Kharif rice

growin in the sequence having rabi brinjal recorded maximum and significantly higher grain yield (4,738 kg/ha), net

returns (Rs. 19,878/ha) and B:C ratio (1.27) recorded compared to grown after chick pea and field bean. Application

of 100% organic package recorded significantly the highest REY (2,6871 kg/ha) and net returns (Rs, 3,25,596/ha)

from rabi crops compared to other production systems. Rice–brinjal system with 100% organic package produced

maximum and significantly higher REY (62,967 kg/ha) and net returns of Rs. 6,97,934/ha.

In all 15 rice varieties (12 straight + 3 hybrids) of different grain types and durations were grown during kharif

followed by 15 groundnut varieties during rabi. All rice hybrids namely, Sahyadri 5 (6,766 kg/ha), Sahyadri 3 (6,711

kg/ha) and Sahyadri 4 (6,522 kg/ha) produced significantly higher grain yield compared to straight varieties. Among

straight varieties Karjat 5 (6,073 kg/ha) remained at par with Jaya (6,039 kg/ha) and Karjat 3 (5,836 kg/ha) and

recorded significantly higher grain yield over rest of the varieties. Among the groundnut varieties, TG 26 recorded

maximum and significantly higher dry pod yield (3,247 k/ha) over rest of the groundnut varieties except Konkan

Gaurav (3,095 kg/ha), TAG 24 (2,979 kg/ha) and Phule 6021 (2,956 kg/ha).

Grain yield of rice was significantly higher with the weed management package consisting of reduced spacing up to

25% + incorporation of previous crop residue + one hand weeding at 30 DAT. However, net benefit realization were

higher in one mechanical weeding + one hand weeding at 50 DAT (Rs. 14,275/ha). Groundnut recorded higher dry

pod yield with stale seed bed + reduced spacing up to 25% + mulching with previous crop residue + one hand

weeding at 30 DAS. Net realizations were higher (Rs. 2,11,835/ha) with soil solarisation with 25 micron polythene

mulch during rabi + one hand weeding at 30 DAS.

Modipuram (Uttar Pradesh): Dr R.P. Mishra, Principal Investigator presented the research highlights and salient findings

are

One cluster having five organic farmers in Bijnor District (Mojipur, Agari, Mohanpur, Bijnor proper and Nahthor

villages) were studied under geo-reference characterization of organic farmers study. The major farming systems

were crop + livestock and one leader farmer of the group also had the facilities for processing, value addition and

marketing of the organic produce for their group. FYM, vermicompost, biogas salary and livestock urine were found

as major source of plant nutrient management. Major crops grown were wheat, sugarcane, rice, mustard, fodder

crop ( barseem, hybrid napier and makhan grass etc.). There was lower incident of pest and disease and few

farmers used cow urine, neemastra , agniastra for insect pest control. The yield gap in crops were found to be

45.7% for wheat, 1.9% for rice, 29.7% for sugarcane and 50.3% for mustard.

Kharif basmati rice and maize yielded highest (4398 and 5838 kg/ha respectively) with 100% organic while,maize

(Bajaura popcorn) and coarse rice recorded higher with state recommendation or farmers package. During rabi,

wheat, potato and barley recorded higher with inorganic practices. Mustard gave higher yield with integrated

management (50% each organic and inorganic). Okra also recorded higher yield under inorganic condition.

Among the 12 varieties of maize and mustard evaluated for organic farming, maize variety Vivek QPM 9 recorded

higher cob yield (15,000 kg/ha), followed by PMH-1 (14,000 kg/ha) and PMH -5( 13,667 kg/ha). RGN 48 and Urvasi

of mustard performed well and produced 1,775 and 1,773 kg/ha yield respectively followed by RH 0406 (1,553

kg/ha).

Lowest weed density, highest green cob yield, stover yield and net returns of maize was recorded wth soil

solarisation with 8-25 microns polythene mulch during summer + one hand weeding at 40 DAS. In mustard, highest


seed yield was recorded with incorporation of mustard seed meal 15 days before sowing @ 5t/ha + one hand

weeding at 40 DAS followed by intercropping with chickpea (1:1). Highest net returns were found under

intercropping with chickpea (1:1). Weed density at 20 DAS was found lowest under soil solarisation with 8-25

microns polythene mulch during summer + one hand weeding at 40 DAS.

Grain yield (5,408 kg/ha) of wheat was found significantly highest under integrated crop management (ICM).

Population of soil bacteria (2.36 x 107 CFU/g soil) and fungi (7.2 x 104 CFU/g soil) was found to be highest under

NPOF package in the experiment on evaluation of zero budget natural farming practices. Grain (3,813 kg/ha) and

straw yield (4,320 kg/ha) of basmati rice was also found highest under ICM followed by NPOF package (3104

kg/ha). The reduction of grain yield under gurukul treatment was found to be 37.7 and 23.4% compared ICM and

NPOF package, respectively.

Raipur (Chhatisgarh): Dr M.C. Bhambri, Principal Investigator presented the research highlights and salient findings are

The majority of farmers adapted organic forming are schedule tribe and has 1.53 to 2.48 ha as average land

holding. Only 20-25% of land holding size is converted to organic forming and the major crop is rice and less area

under vegetables. The average dairy animal maintained is 1-2 per family with local breed and milk productivity is

very low. However majority of family has their own bullocks for agriculture use. The main constrains under organic

farming was found to be labour availability in time, unorganised market and pest management especially in

vegetables.

The soybean yield and net return was higher with 75% organic + innovative organic practices (10% vermiwash and

10% cow urine spray at 30 and 50 DAS). In rabi, the highest net return was obtained under sweet corn with 75%

organic + innovative organic practices (10% vermiwash and 10% cow urine spray at 30 and 50 DAS)

Scented rice varieties CR Sugandha Dhan 907 and C.G. Sugundhit Bhog gave the maximum yield. CR Sugandha

Dhan 907 has performed best from last four years and C.G. Sugundhit Bhog is good yielder and gave consistent

yield. In chickpea, JG-130 gave the highest yield followed by Vaibhav. Chickpea variety Vaibhav performed

consistently good from last three years under organic production system.

Maximum green cob yield of sweet corn was achieved under black plastic mulch followed by paddy straw mulch

applied at the rate of 4 t/ha. However, the highest net return was obtained with weed management through paddy

straw mulch. Maximum fruit yield of tomato was recorded under black plastic mulch which was comparable with

paddy straw mulch @ 4t/ha, whereas the net return was highest in paddy straw mulch followed by black plastic

mulch.

Ranchi (Jharkhand): Dr.(Mrs) Nargis Kumari presented the research highlights and salient findings are

Study involving 50 households of Angara block of Ranchi district in Jharkhand state was taken up. The area was

under 100% rainfed. Farmers maintained their complete land under organic farming which was certified by Lacon

Quality Certification Pvt. Ltd. Most the farmers have 1-3 milch animals and owned bullock drawn implements. Rice,

maize, potato, greenpea, brinjal, chilli and tomato are the main crops grown by the farmers. Majority of the farmers

used FYM as organic input. Farmers sold their organic products in village market. Unavailability of organized

market, lack of measures to control weeds, insects and diseases were the main constraints observed by the farmers

under organic production system.

Application of 100% organic management gave highest system productivity (6,189 kg/ha) followed by 75% organic +

innovative practices (Azolla in rice & bio-fertilizers in rabi crops) of 6,153 kg/ha. Among the cropping sequences,

rice- potato system had maximum system productivity (8,372 kg/ha) followed by rice-wheat (5,656 kg/ha), rice-lentil

(4,209 kg/ha) and rice-linseed (4,073 kg/ha). Among rabi crops, potato gave higher yield in 100% organic

management whereas, wheat and lentil performed better under 50% organic + 50% inorganic management while,

linseed gave higher yield under 75 % organic + innovative practices. The organic management through 75% organic

+ innovative practices (Azolla in rice & biofertilizers in rabi crops) gave highest system net return (Rs. 1,13,164/ha)

followed by 100% organic management (Rs. 1,09,667/ha) which was 70.52 and 64.70 % higher over inorganic (Rs

61,216/ha) management respectively.


Wheat variey K 0307 gave the highest wheat yield (3,156 kg/ha), net return (Rs. 23,035/ha) and B:C ratio (0.58)

which remained at par with wheat variety Raj-4229, DBW-39, GW-366 and BG-3 varieties. In rice-wheat system, the

varieties MTU-1010 (rice) and WR-544 (wheat) gave the maximum system productivity (6,652 kg/ha), system net

return (Rs. 68,317/ha) and B:C ratio (0.88) followed by Naveen (rice) -DBW-39 (wheat) and Lalat (rice)-DBW-14

(wheat).

Evaluation of weed management practices under organic production system revealed that, significantly higher rice

and wheat yield (2,850 and 2,188 kg/ha respectively) were recorded with hand weeding twice at 25 & 50 DAS

followed by intercropping with dhaincha (broadcasting @50 kg/ha) (2,700 kg/ha rice yield) and one mechanical

weeding at 25 DAS+ one hand weeding at 50 DAS (2,592 kg/ha in rice & 1,988 kg/ha in wheat). However, in terms

of gross return, net return and B:C ratio under 2 hand weeding at 25 & 50 DAS gave higher monetary benefit.

Regarding system productivity, significantly higher yield (5,151 kg/ha) was obtained in hand weeding (two) at 25 &

50 DAS followed by one mechanical weeding at 25 DAS+ one hand weeding at 50 DAS (4,682 kg/ha).

Umiam (Meghalaya): Dr Jayanta Layak, Principal Investigator presented the research highlights and salient findings are

Survey of organic farmers was conducted in 3 villages namely Mynsain, Pynthor and Umden Umbathiang in Ri-Bhoi

district of Meghalaya. The major soil types found in the three villages are the red loamy soil along with few locations

composing of the alluvial and laterite soil. The available N, P, SOC and pH of the soil at lowland condition were

recorded to be 212.1±25.6 kg/ha, 9.3±6.0 kg/ha, 15.8±3.4 mg/kg and 4.96± 0.65, respectively for 0-15 cm depth

and 185.1±21.6 kg/ha, 11.2±1.5 kg/ha, 12.8±.6.3 mg/kg and 4.87±0.65, respectively for 15-30 cm soil depth.

Similarly the available N, P, soil organic carbon and pH of the soil at upland condition were recorded at 205.7 ± 34.5

kg/ha, 21.6± 11.8 kg/ha, 13.3±3.6 mg/kg and 4.83±0.68 pH, respectively, for 0-15 cm soil depth and 168.1± 62.4

kg/ha, 8.9 ± 2.5 kg/ha, 10.3± 0.45 mg/kg and 5.04±0.65, respectively for 15-30 cm soil depth. The farmers of the

villages are mostly dependent upon rainfall for raising their crops except for those who have constructed micro rain

harvesting structures (Jalkund) which have greatly promoted the productivity of crops (especially vegetables) grown

in the winter season. Almost all farmers from the village maintained an average of 3-4 numbers of farm animals

(either goats, cows, pigs or poultry). Major Crops grown during the kharif season are rice, maize, frenchbean,

ginger, colocasia, sweet potato, turmeric, some vegetables etc. During the rabi season, the farmers cultivated

french bean, mustard, radish, cole crops, tomato, potato, peas, etc., while the post rabi season, cultivation of

various cucurbits were undertaken.

In all the vegetables (carrot, frenchbean, potato and tomato) highest yield was recorded under 100% organic

management with (16,210, 9,070, 16,150 and 18,390 kg/ha respectively followed by integrated management. The

average broccoli yield was recorded higher (14,260 kg/ha) with broccoli-french bean cropping system. Among the

management practices, 100% organic management recorded maximum broccoli yield (13,630 kg/ha) followed by

integrated (13,380 kg/ha) management practice.

Maximum green cob yield was recorded in DA 61-A (6,200 kg/ha) followed by RCM-75 (5,900 kg/ha). With respect

to kernel yield among the tested varieties/lines, DA 61-A and RCM-75 recorded maximum kernel yield with 3,700

kg/ha. In French bean, highest green pod yield was recorded in Naga local (9,000 kg/ha) followed by RCM-FB-18

(8,300 kg/ha). Among the tested tomato cultivars, MT 2 recorded maximum yield (20,550 kg/ha) due to less pod

borer incidence.

Under bio-intensive complimentary cropping systems, the yield of okra during kharif season ranged from 9,000 to

9,500 kg/ha and was highest under Frenchbean- okra system (9,500 kg/ha). In rice based system in sunken beds,

rice variety (Shahsarang-1) recorded the highest yield (4,470 kg/ha) under rice-lentil system. The highest lentil yield

was recorded following Shahsarang-1 variety of rice (1,380 kg/ha). The highest pea yield was recorded following

Vivek Dhan-82 variety of rice (4,680 kg/ha) followed by pea after rice variety Lampnah (4,480 kg/ha). The highest

rice equivalent yield was recorded under Rice (VD-82) –Pea (1,321 kg/ha) followed by Rice (Lampnah) –Pea (1,320

kg/ha).

Integrated Organic Farming System model registered a net return of Rs. 73,903/- per year from 0.43 ha. A net

income of Rs. 6262/- per month or Rs. 202 /- per day can be obtained.


Intercropping with soybean followed by soil solarisation + one hand weeding recorded relatively higher maize grain

yield compared to other weed management practices under organic production system. Incorporation of neem cake

@ 5t/ha + one hand weeding recorded negative income due to high market price of neem cake. As the maximum

temperature of the experiment area (Umiam centre) does not go beyond 32-33 degrees in general, soil solarization

could not give desired results with respect to weed management.

Cluster based demonstration of Organic Farming Package under TSP were conducted on organic kitchen garden,

demonstration of Raised and sunken bed (RSB) technology for improving cropping intensity and crop diversity,

demonstration on recycling of locally available biomass in crop production through composting and demonstration

on no-till maize-French bean intercropping in the adopted villages of Ri-Bhoi district.

Udaipur (Rajasthan): Dr SK Sharma, Principal Investigator presented the research highlights and salient findings are

Fifty households from villages namely Birothi, Basiwada, Jhudli and Dabla of Tehsil Jhodol of Udaipur District were

surveyed. Average land holding size was 1.2 ha. Average land holding size under organic farming is 0.75 ha.

Average vermicompost production is 2.25 t year -1. Crop residues available for recycling was found to be 2

t/household. Majority of farmers grow maize in kharif and wheat in rabi. Average yield of maize was found to be

only 1500 kg/ha and average yield of wheat is only 2400 kg/ha. Fruit and vegetables were grown organically for

home consumption. Use of neem leaves and cow urine based indigenous botanical concoctions were found for plant

protection in crops, fruit and vegetables. For weed management only hand weeding is done. On an average 40

man-days during kharif and 30 man-days during rabi were used in weeding.

Organic management practices with 75% organic + innovative practices gave maximum maize equivalent yield in

sweet corn + blackgram (5,386 kg/ha). Higher maize equivalent yield (6,871 kg/ha) was recorded in sweet corn +

blackgram intercropping system in 2:2 ratio with state recommendation practices along with net return of Rs.

81,457/ha. The maximum wheat equivalent yield (4,286 kg/ha) was recorded in Triticum durum under state

recommendations practices. Among all rabi crops, fenugreek gave maximum wheat equivalent yield (3,760 kg/ha)

under 100% organic management.

Sugar -75 variety recorded significantly higher maize yield (12,778 kg/ha) and net return (Rs. 1,56,763/ha)

compared to other varieties. In wheat, variety HI-8713 gave significantly higher grain yield (5,424 kg/ha) and net

return (Rs. 1,54,307/ha).

Under IOFS, maize equivalent yield of 5,120 kg/ha and a net return of Rs. 63,068 /ha was obtained from the

cropping system module.

Initial results of weed management under organic production revealed that maximum seed yield (2,840 kg/ha) of

sweet corn were recorded with stale seed bed with plastic mulch, which was at par with plastic mulch with soil

solarisation and summer ploughing. Maximum seed yield (1,264kg/ha) of fennel was recorded with summer

ploughing with plastic mulch, which was at par with plastic mulch with soil solarisation and stale seed bed.

Almora (Uttarakhand): Dr Dibankar Mahanta, Principal Investigator presented the research highlights and salient findings

are

Thirty one farmers from village Dhaili, P.O. Lamgara, Dist. Almora, Uttarakhand were surveyed. USOCA, Dehradun

has certified this cluster as organic in 2016-17. Farmers are cultivating both traditional local varieties and high

yielding improved varieties, but most of them are traditional varieties. Most of the area is under rainfed condition.

Cucumber, ridge gourd, horsegram, spinach were major vegetables grown.

The yield level during rabi was quite low due to: (i) Crops faced severe drought situation (rainfed system) during

peak vegetative and flowering stages, (ii) The very shallow soil depth, and (iii) The land was very poor to medium in

soil fertility status. Net returns under inorganic management during rabi was negative due to low yield. The highest

net returns recorded during kharif and rabi were from organic management. Grain amaranth-wheat + lentil (2:1)

were more profitable than fingermillet + black Soybean (2:1)-wheat + toria (2:1).

The soybean was severely infested with sucking bug, Chauliops choprai. Application of 5 and 10% extract of Melia

azederach reduced the sucking bug population up to 47 and 43%, respectively. The pre-treatment count have


severe incidence of aphids to soybean crop (33.33 to 50.94 aphids per plant). None of the bio-agents or botanicals

was found effective against toria aphids, except Nimbicidine 3 ml/litres, which proved 17% reduction in aphid

infestation.

SK Nagar (Gujarat): Dr K.M Patel, Co-Investigator presented the research highlights and salient findings are

Thirty households from Idar and Vadali taluka of Sabarkantha district were surveyed. Average land holding size was

found to be 3.66 ha and average land holding size under organic farming was 0.73 ha. Average number of animals

per household is found to be 4-5 and average number of animals per ha is 1-2. Average Farm yard Manure

production is found to be 9.28 t/year/farmer as well as vermicompost production is found to be 0.18 t/year/farmer.

Crop residues available for recycling were found to be only 0.9 t/household. Majority of farmers grow black gram,

green gram, groundnut and maize in kharif and wheat in rabi. Average yield of black gram was found to be 510

kg/ha and wheat is 2500 kg/ha. On an average, 0.5 t FYM/ha in ground nut and maize during kharif and 2.5 t

FYM/ha in wheat during rabi was applied by farmers. Neem oil, Neem leaves and cow urine based indigenous

botanical concoctions were used for plant protection. Labour intensive and costly weed management, low

productivity of crops, lack of availability of large quantity of organic inputs from small land holding and no assured

market with premium price for organic products were found to be major constraints of organic growers.

Groundnut-wheat-greengram system recorded significantly higher groundnut equivalent yield (4,962 kg/ha) while

highest net return (Rs 1,21,856/ha) was obtained with 100% inorganic package. Among cropping systems,

greengram-cumin-vegetable cowpea system produced significantly higher groundnut equivalent yield (17,426

kg/ha), gross return (Rs 2,78,819/ha) and net return (Rs 1,84,933/ha) with 50% organic + 50% inorganic

management.

Groundnut variety GG-20 (SS) and GJG-17 (S) produced significantly higher yield (2,052 kg/ha and 2,034 kg/ha)

and higher net return (Rs 75,048/ha and Rs 73,921 respectively) under organic management. In rabi season, wheat

variety GW 451 and GW 496 recorded significantly higher wheat grain yield (4,015 and 3,926 kg/ha) as well as

higher net return (Rs 30,744 and Rs 28,282/ha, respectively). In summer season, green gram varieties GM 4 and

GAM 5 recorded significantly higher yield (687 and 684 kg/ha) and net return (Rs 25,158/ha and Rs 24,903/ha

respectively).

IOFS model comprising of different components viz., crops (0.24 ha), green fodder crops (0.15 ha), boundary

plantation, dairy and Vermi-compost (0.01 ha) was established. A total net profit of Rs 28,211 was obtained from

crops from 0.24 ha area and Rs 19,737 was obtained by green fodder unit (0.15 ha area). Ardusa, napier grass and

lemon grass as well as repellent plants like ardusi, marigold, and coriander have been planted around the border

and bunds. From IOFS Model, a total net profit of Rs 47,948 can be obtained from 0.40 ha area.


1. Karjat centre should present the yield on per hectare basis instead of plot yield. 2. Chairman advised to relook the data of Modipuram centre especially in the experiment on evaluation of

different production systems and varietal evaluation. The team from Modipuram centre must discuss among themselves and make presentation in the group meeting. The project activities and data should be reviewed thoroughly at the institute level.

3. In Geo-reference characterization survey, livestock per household should be worked out and presented. 4. Observations on weed flora, weed density and applicable indices should be worked out. Weedy check

treatment should not be added in the experiment as decided in the XI annual group meeting of NPOF. 5. Analysis of data should be done properly when crops are failed in the experiment. Appropriate method

should be finalized in consultation with ICAR-IASRI by ICAR-IIFSR. 6. All the PI’s should attend the Annual group meeting instead of deputing Co-PI’s.

29 November 2018

Session V: Discussion and finalisation of work programme for Sikkim

The session was chaired by Dr A.K.Tripathi, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Guwahati and Co-chaired by Dr D. Jawahar, Director

(Natural Resource Management), TNAU, Coimbatore. Dr. Raghavendra Singh, ICAR-RC-NEH, Umiam and Dr R. Kalpana,

Associate Professor (Agronomy), TNAU, Coimbatore acted as rapporteurs. Initially, Chairman appraised the status and


purpose of the session to the house. Dr. N Ravisankar, National PI (AI-NPOF) and Member Secretary presented the report

submitted by the committee to the DG, ICAR which was constituted for the study of the problems encountered by the

farmers' for adoption of organic farming in Sikkim. Later on suggestions made by Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR on 25

September, 2018 on the report submitted by committee was presented by Dr. A.K. Prusty, Senior Scientist for action by

various institutions involved. Point wise recommendations finalized are given below

1. Long term data (preferably since 1995-96 onwards) on increase or decrease in productivity and

production as well as shift in area of major crops should be compiled and compared with that of

neighbouring states for trend in production and productivity.

Principal Investigators of AI-NPOF, Narendrapur, Ludhiana and Uttarakhand should provide the data on area,

production and productivity of food grain crops and other vegetable and horticultural crops from 1995-96 to till

date. The state data with one high and one low productive district data should be provided. The data of particularly

Darjeeling District in West Bengal, Punjab and Uttarakhand should be submitted to the Chairman of the committee

(Director, ICAR-ATARI-VI) and a copy to the Director, ICAR-IIFSR and Joint Director. ICAR-NOFRI by January 31

2019 for trend analysis.

2. Need for finding out the existing disease management practices by farmers under organic situations and

to study the sustainability and economic feasibility of the same.

Dr. Chandramani Raj, Scientist, ICAR-NOFRI and Dr. Chandra Bhanu, Senior Scientist, ICAR-IIFSR. Modipuram

should study and submit the report by May 30, 2019 to the Chairman and Member Secretary for compilation.

3. Information about adoption of local cultivars under organic regime and the trade-off between organic

packages and economic profitability

Dr. M. Shamim, Scientist, ICAR-IIFSR, Modipuram and Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Senior Scientist, ICAR-NOFRI,

Sikkim may take action and submit report by March 31, 2019 to the Chairman and Member secretary.

4. Preparation of answers to following scenarios

If subsistence farming is to be increased, what are the measures to be taken up (action will be taken by the

Director, ICAR-ATARI- VI)

What is the adoption rate of organic PoP's and whether are they being really promoted / adopted? (Action will be

taken by the Director, ICAR-ATARI- VI and should develop the proforma for collection of data)

5. Comparison of existing organic farming practices vis-a-vis scientific organic PoP's recommended for

major crops and should be linked to productivity and profitability

All the Krishi Vigyan Kendras of the Sikkim will be informed by the Chairman and Director, ICAR-ATARI-VI for

implementing it as on-farm trials for validation and comparisons of the scientific organic POPs in different villages.

Dr. Raghavendra Singh will coordinate for OFTs at all the KVKs at Sikkim.

6. For delineating the long term sustainability, trend analysis of important soil parameters like soil organic

matter, soil pH, N, P and K status from 1995-96 onwards till date should be compiled.

Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director will compile and submit the report by February 28, 2019.

7. Analysis of structural change in disease/pest incidence (whether new species? Whether intensity of

incidence increased? Time trend of disease incidence/ Tolerance of organically produced crops to natural

enemies etc).

One scientist (Agricultural Entomology) from each ICAR-NCIPM, New Delhi, ICAR-NBIAR, Bengaluru and ICAR

RC for NEH Region, Umiam should be included for action. In this regard a letter will be written to the Director of all


the Institutions for nomination of the Scientist. Dr. Shweta Singh, Scientist, ICAR-NOFRI, Sikkim and Dr.

Chandramani Raj, Scientist, ICAR-NOFRI, Sikkim should assist the team.

8. In-depth analysis of science of organic farming systems in Sikkim and lessons learnt should be made

A committee may be formed by the Director. ICAR-IIFSR for study on molecular characterization and formulation

of a project for organic inputs. Further Dr E. Somasundaram, PI, Coimbatore centre may be asked to visit the

Sikkim and collect the indigenous practices including plants used under organic farming and characterize.

9. Analysis of improvement in ecosystems services and important accomplishments achieved

Director, NRM, TNAU, Coimbatore will initiate action for documentation of recycling of natural resources available

in the eco-systems. A formal letter to be sent to Vice Chancellor, TNAU for collaboration with Natural Resource

Management Directorate of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.

10. Study should be made on information on natural agents helping in fighting natural enemy in organic

regime or the resistance is due to varietal contribution

Letter should be written to the Director ICAR-NCIPM, New Delhi, ICAR-NBIAR, Bangaluru and ICAR RC for NEH

Region, Umiam for nominating a scientist to initiate the action. Director, ICAR-IIFSR will meet with the Director,

ICAR-NBIAR, Banguluru in last week of December 2018 for implementation of the action. Dr. Chandra Bhanu,

Senior Scientist, ICAR-IIFSR and Dr. Chandramani Raj, ICAR-NOFRI will coordinate the study.

11. Recording of problems faced by organic farmers as per their perception rather than its interpretation by

researchers and economic analysis of organic farmers before and after declaration of organic state and

comparison with status of farmers from neighbouring districts in other states

After receiving the datasets from Punjab, West Bengal, Uttarakhand and Sikkim, action will be initiated by the

Director, ICAR-ATARI-VI, Guwahati and Director, ICAR-IIFSR, Modipuram.

12. Documentation of crop specific appropriate variety and appropriate technology

Packages for organic production of crops in cropping systems perspective have been undertaken by AI-NPOF

centres and developed packages are in public domain. Further, existing varieties have also been screened under

organic management and suitable varieties are identified.

A mid –term review meeting may be arranged in June 2019 to review the progress and discuss long and short term

strategies for development and their implementation. Remote sensing tools can also be employed for delineation of area

and changes over the period.

29 November 2018

Session VI: Review of Results-IV

The session was chaired by Dr C. Jayanthi, Director (Crop Management Division), TNAU and Co-chaired by Dr M.P.

Singh, Programme Facilitator (TTRHRD), ICAR-IIFSR, Dr K. M. Patel PI (AI-NPOF), S.K. Nagar and Dr R. Kalpana,

Associate Professor (Agronomy), TNAU, Coimbatore acted as rapporteurs. In the session, the review of results from

Gangtok, Narendrapur and Thiruvananthapuram was taken up.

Gangtok (Sikkim): Dr R.K. Avasthi, Principal Investigator presented the research highlights and salient findings are

Difficulty in using bio-control agents, and non-availability of bio pesticides and bio-fertilizers were major constraints

identified through geo-referenced survey. Susceptibility of existing varieties to pests and diseases was encountered as

one of the major constraints for successful organic production.

Vivek Sankul-31 and RCM-75 were susceptible to the TLB disease, thus, it may be inferred that local cultivars of

maize in Sikkim hold excellent promise for resistance against Turcicum leaf blight disease (Excerohilum turcicum).


Results of two year findings revealed that the highest grain yield was recorded in IC 109433 (26100 kg/ha) followed by

local Meethay (2500 kg/ha).

Among all the tested bio-pesticides, Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.3 ml/l showed best result with the lower per cent leaf

feeding by army worm (9.8) and reduction in the per cent dead heart (0.65 %). The second best treatment was

Beauveria bassiana @ 7 g/l with 14.5 % leaf feeding by army worm and stem borer dead heart (2.98%). The leaf

injury rating was lowest in maize plots treated with Spinosad 45 SC (2.5) followed by Metarhizium anisopliae @ 5 ml/l

(5.2) and petroleum oil based agrospray @ 10 ml/l (5.8).

In large cardamom, Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.3 ml/l was the most effective to manage all the pests (69.91 to 81.32%

reduction of infestation over control) followed by neem oil (1500 ppm) @ 4 ml/l (61.32 to 67.64% reduction of

infestation over control) and petroleum agrospray @ 10 ml/l (52.22 to 59.47% reduction of infestation over control).

The lowest disease incidence was seen in plants treated with T. viride 6.5%, P.fluorescens 0.5%, Sulfex 0.1% and

Artemisia 2.5% (i.e., 11.11%), followed by Chilauney 2.5% (17.77%) and Bordeaux Mixture 0.25% (27.77%).

Maximum fresh weight of capsule per clump was recorded in large cardamom plants treated with the vermicompost @

10 kg/clump + biofertilizer (98.82 g) followed by treatments vermicompost @ 7.5 kg/clump + biofertilizer (95.25g). The

best soil treatment that increased the yield of large cardamom significantly was boron @ 3.0 kg/ha, zinc @ 15 kg/ha

and molybdenum 100 g/ha as compared to control.

Narendrapur (West Bengal): Dr Gautam Chatterjee, Principal Investigator presented the research highlights and salient

findings are

Thirty farmers from South 24-Parganas district were surveyed and characterized. Soil type of the farms was found to

be either clay-loam or sandy-loam in texture. In majority, farming situation was found to be irrigated. Majority of the

farmers were marginal. Weed management was found to be done manually, while insect-pest management includes

botanical pesticides and neem oils.

Among the different management practice in rice, pusa basmati gave the higher yield with organic management either

100% or 75% organic + innovative practice. Non-basmati varieties recorded higher yield with integrated crop

management. Broccoli, capsicum french beans recorded higher yield in organic management while blackgram

recorded higher yield either with 100% organic or integrated 50% each organic and inorganic management. In pre

kharif season, sesame also resulted in higher yield with 100% organic management.

Kunapajala indigenous technical knowledge was characterized : With enrichment agent- Bombay Duck fish: pH-5.90;

EC-8.89 mS/cm; Available N-2.58 mg/ml; Available P-263.60 mg/ml; Available K-265.16 mg/ml; Organic Carbon-

1.71%; Iron-3.075 ppm; Zinc-0.77 ppm; Copper-0.88 ppm; Manganese-2.70 ppm; and IAA content-83 µg/ml. Total

microbial load: Bacteria-93.33±8.82x108; Fungi- 136.67±6.67x104; and Actinomycetes- 163.33±14.53x106.

With enrichment agent: Chicken and Mutton wastes (Fleshes, skin, soft bones): pH-5.72; EC-7.95 mS/cm; Available

N-2.42 mg/ml; Available P-500.98 mg/ml; Available K-219.90 mg/ml; Organic Carbon-1.81%; Iron-4.912 ppm; Zinc-

0.590 ppm; Copper-0.750 ppm; Manganese-2.044 ppm; and IAA content-132.33 µg/ml. Total microbial load: Bacteria-

276.67±1453x108; Fungi-420.67±8.82x104; and Actinomycetes- 163.33±14.53x106. Seventy five bacteria have been

isolated and purified based on distinct morphological characteristics. Among them, sixteen were selected based on

their plant growth promoting abilities like nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilisation etc. From these sixteen bacteria,

nine nitrogen fixers and seven phosphate solubilisers have been morphologically as well as biochemically

characterized and most of them are belonging to the Firmicutes family. Furthermore, it was found that these sixteen

plant growth promoting bacteria secrete indole acetic acid (IAA). These studies demonstrate that Kunapajala is a rich

source of plant growth promoting microbes. The molecular characterizations of the most efficient eight bacteria were

done using the ribotyping method. Five of them belong to Bacillus where as other two belong to different families.

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): Dr (Mrs) G. Suja, Principal Investigator presented the research highlights and salient

findings are

Geo-referenced survey of 30 farmers practicing organic farming in Ponnani, Kuttippuram and Mankada blocks of

Malappuram district of Kerala was conducted. Sixty per cent of the farmers belonged to the small and marginal group

with a land holding size of <2 ha. Average land holding size was 1.85 ha. Most of the farming situation surveyed was

rainfed (60%), remaining were irrigated. Being health conscious and aware of the quality of the organic produce, all


the farmers used the organic produce for their house-hold consumption (100%), and the surplus was sold to the

market by 93.33% of the farmers. The soil type was laterite (100%). Major crops grown are rice, fruit crops (banana);

vegetables (okra, brinjal, bitter gourd, snake gourd, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, ash gourd, pumpkin, cucumber, chillies,

amaranth, vegetable cowpea); root and tuber crops (cassava, yams, elephant foot yam, taro, arrowroot, sweet potato);

spices (ginger, turmeric) and plantation crops (coconut, arecanut, pepper). About 56.66% of the surveyed farmers

owned cow, 16.67% had goat, 53.33% had poultry (hen and turkey) as an integral part of organic farming. Animal

wastes were converted to excellent manures using biogas (in 30% cases) and vermi compost units (50% farmers)

(with an average capacity to produce nearly 200 kg compost/annum). Cow dung slurry/FYM (100%), poultry manure

(60%), vermicompost (23.33%), biogas slurry (16.67%), neem cake (63.33%), ground nut cake (20%), coir pith

compost (3.33%), bio-formulations like Panchagavya (10%), Jeevamrutham (16.67%), and green manuring (10%) use

as a nutrient source. Some were using ash (40%) and bone meal (33.33%) also. Majority of farmers conducted soil

testing before raising the crop. Pest & disease management practices included application of neem oil-garlic emulsion

(43.33%), neem oil (16.67%), fish amino acid (46.67%), egg amino acid (23.33%), kanthari emulsion (16.67), neem

soap (16.67%), Beauveria (56.67%), Trichoderma (73.33%), Pseudomonas (66.67%), pheromone trap (20%).

Intercropping, trap crops on field bunds and some indigenous practices were also adopted by the farmers. Type of

farm is mostly uncertified (96.67%), but certified in few cases (3.33%). High input cost, non-availability of quality

organic manures, labour shortage, small and fragmented land holdings, low price of the produce, damage due to pig

and other animal attack are the major constraints experienced by farmers.

Tuber yield of cassava was highest under 100% inorganic practice, which was closely followed by the yield under 75%

organic + 25% inorganic and state POP. In taro, the cormel yield was highest under 100% organic followed by 75%

organic + innovative practices. Taro was not remunerative this season due to poor yields. In kharif vegetable cowpea

and groundnut, 100% organic and 75% organic + 25% inorganic respectively were most productive. In green gram,

100% organic and in black gram, 50% organic + 50% inorganic produced highest yields. Economic analysis of the

system indicated that, cassava-groundnut was the most remunerative.

Twelve varieties of cassava were evaluated and found that CR-24-4 produced significantly higher yield (40,690 kg/ha).

Second highest yield was obtained from Sree Pavithra (29,490 kg/ha). The varieties, CR-24-4 also generated higher

profit (Rs. 4,42,062 /ha) and B:C ratio (3.63) followed by Sree Pavithra (Rs. 2,74,070/hat and B:C ratio of 2.63) under

organic system.

Dr M. Shamim, Scientist, Coordination Unit made the presentation on the consolidated results of “”Identification of climate

resilient production systems for Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh” and the salient findings are given below.

Analysis of long term data of AI-NPOF experiments related to different production systems and crops/cropping

system for three states namely Madhya Pradesh (Soybean-wheat, Soybean-mustard, Soybean-linseed, Soybean-

chickpea), Chhattisgarh (Soybean-wheat) and Karnataka (Soybean-wheat) were carried out.

Soybean grown under organic production systems gained 17.3% and 18.4% yield over inorganic production systems

under excess and deficit rainfall respectively in vertisols (Organic carbon of 0.53%) of semi-arid tropics (Central India)

of sub-arid Agro-Ecosystem. Under deficit rainfall, organic production system under performed statistically over

inorganic and integrated crop management production system in deep black soil (OC 0.64%) under sub-humid Agro-

Ecosystem. Under deficit rainfall situations, organic production system performed better over inorganic and ICM

production system with 36.7% higher yield in comparison to inorganic under semi-arid climate with 722 mm rainfall.

The following points and recommendations emerged from the session for follow up action

1. With increase in pH, availability of phosphorus is also increasing in the charecterization of organic inputs. This

needs to be verified and can be published as a paper with proper reasoning.

2. The dose of organic manures applied to each treatment must be given.

3. Distribution of rainfall and other weather factors should also be included in the analysis of identification of climate

resilient production system. Indices for climate resilient production systems can be developed. Soil moisture and

crop rooting pattern may also be considered. A suitable proforma for taking observation may be developed and

circulated to centres.


Session VII: Discussion and modifications in the existing programme

Session was chaired by Dr AS Panwar, Director, ICAR-IIFSR, Modipuram and Co-chaired by Dr. B.J. Pandian, Director,

WTC, TNAU, Coimbatore and Dr.Yashodha, CEO, Seed Certification, Sikkim. Dr P.C. Ghasal, ICAR-IIFSR, Modipuram

and Dr S.D. Siva kumar, TNAU, Coimbatore was the rapporteurs. Dr N. Ravisankar, National PI gave the overview on

modifications in the existing experiments and also informed that fund availability needs to be considered before discussing

on new proposals. After detailed discussion, the following changes in the existing experiments have been approved for its

implementation from 2018-19.

Sl. No. Name of Experiment Locations Decision on continuation /modification/ conclude/ approval

1. Geo-referenced characterization of organic farmers

All locations In the geo-referenced characterization survey, in addition to 30 numbers of organic farmers, 10 farmers of ZBNF also should be collected if ZBNF farmers are available in the state.

The proforma for data collection through geo-referenced survey may be re-visited and new parameters may be added for collecting all the details related to ZBNF. The following committee will re-design the proforma by 31 May 2019 and circulate to centres. Dr M. Shamim (Coordination Unit), Dr. S.K.Sharma, Dr, Jayantalayak, Dr. A.B. Singh, Dr.S.Bhagat and Dr.D.K.Singh

2. Evaluation of organic, inorganic and integrated production systems

All locations In the 75 % organic + innovative practices, farmers package should be added as innovative package for whatever and wherever the yield gap between on-station (AI-NPOF) and geo-referenced survey yields are less than 10 %. All the centres should identify the crops and innovative packages to be included and submit to ICAR-IIFSR by 31 May 2019 for approval.

Molecular characterization of produces from organic and inorganic management should be undertaken by Udaipur & Narendrapur centres.

A project proposal on basic research on Organic farming including molecular charecterization should be prepared by the following scientists. Dr N. Ravisankar, Dr Debashis Dutta, Dr. E. Somasundaram, Dr. D.K. Singh, Dr.Gautam Chaterjee, Dr. S.K. Sharma & Dr. C.S. Aulakh The project should be submitted by 30 April 2019.

Cropping system changes approved Ludhiana: Cluster bean to kharif greengram Raipur: Chilli to Cabbage

3. Evaluation of response of different varieties of major crops for organic farming

All locations New varieties for evaluation can be included wherever, the same varieties are not able to use due to non-availability. However, it should be ensured that at least five varieties are continued for 7 years for stability analysis.

4. Evaluation of bio-intensive complimentary cropping systems under organic production systems

3 locations: Dharwad (Karnataka), Pantnagar (Uttarakhand),

The experiment is concluded and all the Principal Investigators should meet at ICAR-IIFSR, Modipuram for developing the recommendations, research papers and other publications during June 2019.


Umiam (Meghalaya)

5. Development of Integrated Organic Farming System models

7 locations: Calicut and Thiruvanantha puram (Kerala), Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Umiam (Meghalaya), Udaipur (Rajasthan), SK Nagar (Gujarat) and Almora (Uttarakhand)

Funds for livestock shed have been released to Thiruvananthapuram, Udaipur, SK Nagar, Almora and Pantnagar. This should be completed by March 2019. Further, funds for purchase of livestock will also be given.

Gangtok centre is in the process of developing IOFS model with institute funds. This centre can also be added for the observations and study as per national programme.

Pantnagar and Ludhiana centres will also take up the programme from 2019-20.

6. Evaluation of Farm waste recycling techniques for organic farming

3locations: Dharwd (Karnataka), Modipuram (Uttar Pradesh), Almora (Uttarakhand)

C:N ratio and nutrient releasing pattern has to be studied for different inputs.

7. Documentation & validation of organic ITKs

4 locations: Udaipur and Ajmer (Rajasthan), Gangtok (Sikkim), Narendrapur (West Bengal)

Coimbatore centre is added for the study

8. Evaluation of organic management practices for insect pest in various crops

3 locations: Almora (Uttarakhand), Gangtok (Sikkim), Ajmer (Rajasthan)

Udaipur, Umiam and Coimbatore centres are added for the study

9. Evaluation of organic management practice for diseases in crops

2 locations: Gangtok (Sikkim), Ajmer (Rajasthan)

Coimbatore centre is added for the study

10. Development of scientific organic package for large cardamom

Gangtok (Sikkim)

No modification

11. Biochemical characterization& molecular identification of microbial population of different organic manures

Narendrapur (WB) Bio-chemical and molecular characterisation of Ghanjeevamirth and Jeevamrith should be completed by June 2019. Additional funds are to be given to the centre for undertaking the basic research on organic inputs.

12. Cluster based demonstration of Organic Farming Package under TSP

3 locations: Umiam (Meghalaya), Coimbatore

Udaipur centre is included.

Karjat centre is dropped for the demonstration.


(Tamil Nadu), Karjat (Maharashtra)

13. Evaluation of zero budget farming practices in basmati rice-wheat system

4 locations (Pantnagar, Ludhiana, Modipuram Kurukshetra)

Logistics arrangement will be made by the ICAR-IIFSR for collection of inputs from Gurukul, Kurukshetra and supply to centres. Director, ICAR-IIFSR assigned this responsibility to Dr PC Ghasal for co-ordinating with Gurukul, Kurukshetra and supply of inputs to centres.

Green manuring practice has to be included under NPOF package and integrated crop management (ICM) treatments while in ZBNF treatments, it should not be included.

General suggestions emerged from the session are

All the centres are requested to prepare and submit the Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) for organic farming in different crops and cropping systems

Concluded experimental results should be synthesized and published in the form of research papers and bulletins.

Session VIII: Special lectures

Session was chaired by Dr AS Panwar, Director, ICAR-IIFSR, Modipuram and Co-chaired by Dr. E. Somasundaram, Prof

& Head (Dept. of Sustainable Organic Agriculture), TNAU. Dr G.Suja, Principal scientist and PI (AI-NPOF), CTCRI,

Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. S. Senbagavalli, TNAU was the rapporteurs.

There were two lectures in the session. The first was on “Stored grain pest management gadgets and their impacts”

delivered by Dr. S. Mohan, Professor (Entomology) & Special Officer (Public Relations). He mentioned about the storage

losses in food grains and cautioned about the phosphide fumigation of storage of food grains on human health and the

need for the development of organic method of storage. Nine gadgets were developed for safe storage of agricultural

products. Some of the popular devices are TNAU probe trap, TNAU fit fall trap, TNAU flour trap, TNAU automatic insect

removal bin, TNAU light trap. He highlighted the importance of TNAU stored grain insect pest management kit box.

Second lecture on “Organic food regulation in India” prepared by Dr S.C. Khurana, Consultant, FSSAI, GoI, New Delhi. He

could make it to the programme and the contents of the lecture were highlighted by Dr N. Ravisanker National PI (AI-

NPOF), ICAR-IIFSR, Modipuram. Need for organic food regulations and the two systems of certifications i.e., NPOP by

APEDA and PGS- India by NCOF were highlighted in the lecture. Salient features of food safety and standards regulations

2017 and Indian Organic Integrity Database Portal was also elucidated.

Session IX: Plenary Session

Session was chaired by Dr AS Panwar, Director, ICAR-IIFSR, Modipuram and Co-chaired by Dr. C. Jayanthi, Director,

Directorate of Crop Management, TNAU, Coimbatore. Dr M. Shamim, Scientist, ICAR-IIFSR and Dr N. Thavaprakash,

TNAU acted as rapporteur.

The rapporteurs of respective session have presented the proceedings of all the session. The recommendations of

technologies for up-scaling by Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare and the respective State

Governments, policy, research and general were presented by Dr N. Ravisankar, National PI, AI-NPOF.

Recommendations of technologies for up-scaling and policy are given in Annexure-II. The recommendations from various

sessions and consolidated recommendations were discussed and finalized. Based on the overall performance for the year

2017-18, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur centre of AI-NPOF was selected

as best centre and a certificate was presented by Chairman and Co-Chairman. Dr C. Jayanthi, Director, Directorate of

Crop Management in her concluding remarks congratulated all the scientists working the scheme and bringing out useful


and applicable recommendations which can be adopted by organic farmers in different regions. She also underlined the

importance of taking up basic research on organic farming with sufficient budget and human resource allocation as it is

going to be the future of agriculture especially in hills and rainfed regions. Dr AS Panwar, Director, ICAR-IIFSR in his

concluding remarks emphasized on improving the quality of data collection, analysis and also publications besides transfer

of technologies to the clients in various forms. The group meeting ended with vote of thanks proposed by Dr N.

Ravisankar, National PI, AI-NPOF, ICAR-IIFSR, Modipuram.

The consolidated recommendations pertaining to research and general emerged from the group meeting are given below

A. Research

1. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) farmers should also be included in the geo-referenced characterization. The proforma for data collection is to be re-visited and new parameters may be added for collecting all the details related to ZBNF. The identified scientists from Bhopal, Karjat, Pantnagar, Udaipur and Umiam will meet at Modipuram and re-design the proforma.

2. Comparative analysis of quality of produces from natural farming and organic farming should be undertaken by Modipuram, Bhopal and Narendrapur centres.

3. Successful packages adopted by organic growers should be added under innovative practices (complete organic management as per NPOP standards with 75 % supply of nutrients through organic inputs + innovative practices) wherever the yield gap between on-station (AI-NPOF) and geo-referenced survey are less than 10 %.

4. Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) is found to make the organic farming more profitable by reducing the market inputs to greater extent. Therefore, the study should be further strengthened by adding new locations (Pantnagar, Ludhiana and Gangtok) and also by providing adequate funds under contingencies.

5. Weed flora, weed density, dry weight and indices should be worked out in the study on weed management under organic production system.

6. Trend of yield, soil quality and also other relevant parameters should be compiled and presented for the evaluation of different production systems.

7. Analysis of seasonal (kharif, rabi and summer) response of various crops under organic production system should be undertaken for identifying the influence of seasonal variation in organic management package and research gap.

B. Others

8. Results of concluded experiment on bio-intensive complimentary organic production systems should be published as research papers and technology should be communicated to development departments for implementation.

9. Project proposal on “Molecular characterization of produces from organic, integrated and inorganic production systems” should be developed and submitted for National Agricultural Science Fund (NASF). A meeting of identified centres for the purpose may be convened and project proposal be prepared.

10. A mid –term review meeting may be arranged in June 2019 to review the progress made by different centres of AI-NPOF and institutions (ICAR-ATARI-VI, ICAR-NBAIR, ICAR-NCIPM, ICAR-NOFRI) with respect to suggesting sustainable management strategies for Sikkim.

11. The testing of products and technologies of private agencies can be undertaken in the contract research mode. Suitable proposal under contract research may be developed as per ICAR guidelines and submitted to agencies which need testing of their products / technologies under the All India Network Programme on Organic Farming (AI-NPOF).


Annexure-I

List of Participants of XIII Annual Group Meeting

Sl. No. Name Organization Institute/Centre/Special invitee

1. Dr S. Bhaskar, ADG (AAFCC) ICAR ICAR

2. Dr A.S. Panwar, Director ICAR-IIFSR,

Modipuram

Institute Modipuram (UP)

3. Dr M.P. Singh, PS & PF (TTHRD)

4. Dr N. Ravisankar, Pr. Scientist & NPI-AI-NPOF

5. Dr A.K. Prusty, Sr. Scientist

6. Dr M. Shamim, Scientist

7. Dr Vipin Kumar, CTO

8. Dr E. Somasundaram, Prof & Head

(SoOAS)

TNAU TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

9. Dr A. Bharani, Assistant Professor

10. Dr K. Ganesan, Assistant Professor

11. Dr R. Jansirani, TNAU

12. Dr Gopal Lal, Director,

ICAR-NRCSS, Ajmer

ICAR-NRCSS Ajmer (Rajasthan)

13. Dr N.K. Meena, Sr. Scientist & Co-PI

14. Dr Pankaj Kumar Mishra, Pr. Scientist &

CO-PI NPOF

ICAR-VPKAS Almora (Uttrakhand)

15. Dr D.K. Parmar, Pr. Scientist & Co-PI CSKHPKVV Bajaura (H.P.)

16. Dr A.B. Singh, Pr. Scientist & PI ICAR-IISS Bhopal (M.P.)

17. Dr (Mrs) C.K. Thankamani, Pr. Scientist &

PI

ICAR-IISR Calicut (Kerala)

18. Dr S.A. Gaddanakeri, Pr. Scientist & PI IOF, UAS Dharwad (Karnataka)

19. Dr Lokanath H. Malligawad,

Prof & Head, IOF

20. Dr S.B. Bhagat Prof. & PI DBSKKV Karjat (Maharashtra)

21. Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director & PI ICAR-(RC)-NEH, Sikkim

Centre

Gangtok (Sikkim)

22. Dr Raghvendra Singh, Sr. Scientist & Co-

PI

23. Dr Chandra mani Raj, Scientist

24. Dr C.S. Aulakh, Director & PI PAU Ludhiana (Punjab)

25. Dr R.P. Mishra, PF (OAS) & PI ICAR-IIFSR Modipuram (UP)

26. Dr D. Dutta, Pr. Scientist

27. Dr P.C. Ghasal, Scientist

28. Dr Gautam Chatterjee, Assist. Prof. & PI SAR&D,RMVU Narendrapur (West Bengal)

29. Dr D.K. Singh, Prof & PI GBPUAT Pantnagar (Uttarakhand)

30. Dr Dr. M.C Bhambri, Prof. & PI IGKVV Raipur (Chhattisgarh)

31. Dr. (Mrs.) Nargis Kumari Assist Prof.& PI BAU Ranchi (Jharkhand)

32. Dr K.M. Patel, Jr. Agronomist & Co-PI SDAU SardarKrushinagar (Gujarat)

33. Dr (Mrs) G. Suja, Pr. Scientist & PI ICAR-CTCRI Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala)

34. Dr S.K. Sharma, Associate Director of

Research & PI

MPUA&T Udaipur

35. Dr Roshan Chaudhary, Assist. Prof. & Co-

PI

36. Dr Jyantha Layek, Scientist & PI ICAR RC-NEHR Umiam (Meghalaya)


Special Invitees

37. Dr N Kumar, Vice Chancellor TNAU Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu)

38. Dr. K. Ramaraju, Director of Research,

39. Dr C. Jayanthi, Director,

Department of Crop Management

40. Dr M Jawahar Lal, Dean (Hort.)

41. Dr S. Mohan, SO (Publications)

42. Dr A.K. Tripathi Director, ATARI,

Guwahati

Assam

43. Dr Subramani, P Agrinos India New Delhi

44. Mr Pradeep Kumar yadav Farmer Uttar Pradesh

45. Mr Ravinder Singh Farmer Uttar Pradesh

46. Mr Madhou Singh Farmer Madhya Pradesh

47. Mr Manohar Patidar Farmer Madhya Pradesh

48. Dr.Yashodha CEO, Seed Certification Sikkim

49. Dr S.D. Sivakumar Assistant Professor,

TNAU

Tamil Nadu

50. Dr S. Senbagavalli Assistant Professor,

TNAU

Tamil Nadu

51. Dr N. Thavaprakash Assistant Professor,

TNAU

Tamil Nadu


Annexure-II

Recommendations of technologies for up-scaling and policy finalized in the XIII Annual Group Meeting of All India Network Programme on Organic Farming

A. Technologies for up-scaling

1. Geo-referenced characterization of organic farmers in all the states indicated existence of wider yield gap

between yield obtained by organic farmers and NPOF experimental yield for many crops. The wider yield gap is

mainly due to under dose application of organic manures and adopting only indigenous practices for organic

farming. Therefore, popularization of scientific organic farming packages with critical and credible input support

must be made.

2. Application 75 % nutrients only through combination of organics such as FYM, vermicompost, Non edible oil

cakes and other locally available sources + 2 innovative inputs such as cow urine, panchagavvya, PGPR with

complete organic management for following locations and cropping systems

3. Application 100 % nutrients through combination of organics such as FYM, vermicompost, Non edible oil cakes

with complete organic management for following locations and cropping systems

4. Towards organic approach with 75 % organic + 25 % inorganic package and 50 % organic + 50 % inorganic

package for the following cropping systems and states

5. Promotion of identified varieties of crops for organic farming in different seasons and states

State Season Crop Recommended varieties

Chhattisgarh

Kharif Scented Rice CR Sugandha dhan 907

C.G. Sugandhit Bhog

Rabi Chickpea JG-130

Vaibhav

Himachal Pradesh Kharif Okra Chameli 015

Indranil

State Crop/Cropping System

Chhatisgarh Soybean-pea, soybean-chilli

Himachal Pradesh Kharif and summer tomato

Jharkhand Rice (Basmati type)-wheat

Karnataka Groundnut and Safflower

Madhya Pradesh Soybean-wheat, soybean-mustard, soybean-chickpea, soybean-linseed

Punjab GM-basmati rice-greengram


Himachal Pradesh Frenchbean and summer squash

Jharkhand Rice (Basmati type)-potato, Rice (Basmati type)-linseed

Kerala Turmeric

Maharashtra Field bean

Meghalaya Rice in sunken beds and French bean, carrot, potato, brocoli and tomato

in raised beds

Punjab GM-basmati rice-wheat

Uttarakhand GM-basmati rice-chickpea / vegetable pea and Potato


Himachal Pradesh Frenchbean, summer squash

Tamil Nadu Maize, chilli, beetroot and sunflower


Rabi

Cauliflower US 178

Chandramukhi

Pea Ten Plus

Nirali

Summer Tomato RK-123

Heem Sohna

Jharkhand

Kharif Rice MTU-1010

Lalat

Rabi Wheat K-0307

Raj-4229

Karnataka Rabi

Chickpea A1

JAKI 9218

Wheat UAS 347(BW)

DWR2006(DW)

Kerala Kharif Turmeric Pragati

Suguna

Madhya Pradesh

Kharif

Soybean RVS-2002-4

JS-9752

Maize Kanchan

Proagro 4412

Rabi

Wheat GW-366

HI-8498

Chickpea JG-130

JG-63

Maharashtra

Kharif Rice

Sahyadri 5 (hybrid)

Sahyadri 3 (hybrid)

Karjat 5 (Straight variety)

Rabi Groundnut

Jaya (Straight variety)

JL 26

Konkan Gaurav

Meghalaya

Kharif Maize DA-61A

RCM-75

Kharif French bean Naga local,

RCM-FB-18

Summer Tomato MT 2

0-17

Punjab

Kharif Basmati Rice Pb Basmati 4

Pusa Basmati 1509

Rabi Wheat PBW1 Zn

Unnat PBW 550

Tamil Nadu Rabi Rice Mappillai samba


Kitchidi samba

CO(R) 48

Red kavuni

Uttar Pradesh

Kharif Maize Vivek QPM 9

PMH 1

Rabi Mustard RGN 48

Urvashi

Uttarakhand

Kharif Basmati rice Pant Sugandha dhan-17

Pant Basmati-1

Rabi Wheat HD-2967

UP-2565

6. Resource conservation practices for organic farming

Cropping System Land configuration

Karnataka

Soybean-Wheat Conventional FB with crop residues

Groundnut + Cotton (2:1) Conventional FB with crop residues

Greengram-Sorghum Conventional FB with crop residues

Soybean + Pigeonpea (2:1) Conventional FB with crop residues

Uttarakhand

Direct seeded rice + soybean –vegetable pea +mustard

Direct seeded rice–chickpea-moong

FIRB system

Road bed and furrow system

Meghalaya

Carrot- Okra Raised bed

Rice (VD-82) -Pea Sunken bed

7. Promotion of Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) models to reduced the market input cost

Components

Calicut (Kerala)

Spice based system (Turmeric, ginger, fodder, vegetable cowpea, tapioca, banana, vermicompost, 4

cows)

Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu)

Field crop based system (Green manure-okra-maize; greenmanure-cotton-red gram, fodder, pest

repellant cafeteria, Teak, banana, Annual moringa, desmanthus, 1 milch cow, 1 heifer & 1bull calf +

vermicompost + boundary plantations (Gliricidia, coconut)

Umiam (Meghalaya)

Field & horticulture based system (Cereals + pulses + vegetables + fruits + fodder) + Dairy (1 cow + 1

calf) + fishery + vermicompost

8. Pest management package for seed spices

Garlic extract 10 ml/lit + azadirachtin 0.03% EC @ 5ml/lit + tumba fruit extract 10ml/lit for aphids and thrips

management in Coriander and Fennel


B. Policy (based on brainstorming session)

1. Integrated organic farming systems having the components of science based inputs and also components of

natural farming such as Jeevamrit and Ghanjeevamrit should be promoted for better sustainability in organic

agriculture.

2. Availability of critical and credible inputs in time for practicing organic farming in cropping systems perspective

should be ensured.

3. 5P (Plan, Produce, Process, Package and Promote) model of organic farming should be encouraged through

government schemes.

XIII ANNUAL GROUP MEETING All India Network Programme ...

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