1. Organic farming in major spices

Addition of large quantities of fertilizers and heavy use of plant protection chemicals to boost the yields became common practice in all producing countries affecting the quality of products. In view of the damage done to environment and human health by conventional intensive farming practices, the demand for organic products have come up world over.  In view of the importance of spices both as food adjunct and as medicine, the demand for organically produced spices is increasing substantially. DASD had initiated farmer participatory demonstration in compact area to promote latest technologies in organic farming in spicesduring 2008-09 and is being implemented successfully by different agencies in the subsequent years.During the year 2021-22, it is proposed to establish 25hafrontline demonstration plots in clusters under selected university. Organic spices with good intrinsic qualities having great value for export will be chosen. These demonstrations will help to develop these areas into production hubs oforganic spices for export.  

2. Maintenance of FLD plots on Organic farming in black pepper, established during 2019-20 and 2020-21.

The Directorate had established cluster-based demonstrations of25haeachon organic pepper production during the years 2019-20 (at farmers field in Wayanad district, Kerala by ICAR-IISR Kozhikode) and 2020-21 (in selected farmers field of Assam state by Assam Agri 3.

3.Establishment of FLDs on virus resistant chilli varieties

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is an economically important and widely cultivated crop of India. In India, chilli is grown in an area of 10.10 lakh hectares both dry chilli (6.23 lakh ha) and green (3.87 lakh ha) with annual production of 41.19 lakh MT of green chilli and 18.45 lakh MT of dry chilli.  Chilli leaf curl virus transmitted by whiteflies is a serious threat to chilli cultivation causing a loss up to 100% if affected in early stages. The virus is widespread affecting chilli cultivation in most of the North and south Indian states. Genetic resistance in host plants is an ideal defence against this virus, since it does not require use of insecticides to control vectors and this is beneficial for the environment and human health. ICAR-IIHR Bangalore has released five virus tolerant/ resistant hybrid varieties giving high yield and having good quality attributes of pungency and colour suitable for use in different segments of chilli market. The varieties are ArkaTejasvi, Arka Yashasvi, Arka Saanvi, Arka Tanvi and Arka Gagan.The hybrid chilli market is primarily dominated by private sector where seed cost is exorbitant. The IIHR hybrid varieties are reasonably priced and would help farmers in getting better returns from the crop. The Directorate proposes to take up FLDs on these five hybrid varieties during the year 2021-22 in the core chilli growing areas with the participation of the farmers. The plot size for a variety will be 0.5 acres. Cost of raising chilli crop in 0.5 acres is 0.5 lakhs.  To take up demonstration of five hybrid varieties in three different universities would require an expenditure of Rs. 7.5 Lakhs. 

4. Demonstration plots for seed spices

Seed spice is one sector, where productivity is much below the desired level. This is mainly because of non-adoption of high yielding/ disease tolerant/resistant varieties and modern technologies evolved for different crops. It is also noticed that high level of pesticide residue isfoundin seed spices samples which results in export rejections especially in cumin. DASD propose to address this issue by establishing demo plots for seed spices growers on Good agricultural practices in farmer participatory mode in traditional growing areas. Demonstration of Good Agricultural Practices in Cumin was taken up by NRCSS, Ajmer in clusters of 25 ha. in the districts of Balmer and Naguar, in Rajasthan during previous years and proved very successful with the technology being appreciated and accepted by the farmers, wherein use of pesticides was minimized with export in mind. The Directorate proposes to establish 64 demonstration plots of size 1 ha each for seed spices to demonstrate latest technologies including pesticide free production technology evolved in seed spices during the year 2021-22. The programme will be implemented through ICAR- NRCSSAjmer and other SAUs working in seed spices. An assistance of Rs 0.40 lakh /unit will be provided. The pesticide free production technology will be demonstrated for cumin in Gujarat state in association with SDAU, Jagudan and in consultation with NRCSS Ajmer. 

5. Demonstration plots for aromatic plants

The level of information on production technologies, improved varieties and commercial importance of aromatic plants is meager among the farming community. It was seen that after the successful implementation of demonstration of 25 ha in Korea district (tribal area) of Chhattisgarh state, the income generation and livelihood status of the tribal farmers were improved. To popularize technologies on aromatic plants, the Directorate proposes to establish 46 demonstration plots of size 1 ha in aromatic plants with an assistance Rs 0.80 lakhs/unit. This is an ongoing programme. 

6. Demonstration of on-farm water management - setting up Micro irrigation (drip irrigation)

Productivity and quality of any crop is affected by availability of optimum level of irrigation during critical stages of growth. Growth and yield parameters of spices like Black pepper, Chilli, Ginger, Turmeric and seed spices etc showed significant increase in response to irrigation. The Directorate proposes to establish 43 plots demonstrating optimum and efficient drip irrigation technique in spices.This is an ongoing programme and the cost norms are as per NMSA guidelines.

7. Frontline demonstration plots for Arecanut based multi species cropping system

Introduction of multi species cropping in Arecanut gardens aimed at increasing the net returns from unit area helps the farmers to withstand the fluctuating prices of Arecanut. Multi species cropping has tremendous potential to generate employment for improving quality of rural life. Multispecies cropping, not only provides additional income from inter/ mixed crop and employment, it can also act as a social security against instabilityof prices of main crop. Therefore, establishing demonstration plots in few farmers’ gardens will encourage many others to follow arecanut based cropping system for the improvement of their livelihood.This Directorate had established a total of 22 demonstration plots of one hectare each in Arecanut growing areas of Kerala and Karnataka during 2007-08, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 which were highly successful in disseminating the information to the farmers. The Directorate proposes to provide assistance for 3rd year maintenance for the demonstration plots established during 2019-20 for Arecanut based multispecies cropping in Karnataka during the current year as detailed below;

7.1. Multi species cropping in Arecanut Gardens in Karnataka (Nutmeg) – 3rd year maintenance

To popularize Arecanut Based Multi Species Cropping System through farmer participatory approach, the Directorate had establishedtwodemonstration plots of one hectare each on Arecanut based cropping system with Arecanut + Nutmeg + Black Pepper + Banana at farmers field in Dakshin Kannada district of Karnatakain 2019-20. The project was approved for 3 years. An amount of Rs 13.43 Lakhs was utilized to establish demonstration plots till 2020-21.

7.2.   Multi species cropping in Arecanut Gardens in Karnataka (Cocoa) – 3rdyear maintenance

To popularize Arecanut Based Multi Species Cropping System through farmers participatory approach, the Directorate had establishedfour demonstration plots of one hectare each on Arecanut based cropping system with Arecanut + Cocoa + Black Pepper + Banana at farmers field in Dakshin Kannada district of Karnataka in 2019-20. The project was approved for 3 years.  An amount of Rs. 7.59 Lakhs was utilized for establishment of the plot till 2020-21. 

8. Demonstration of Arecanut Dwarf Hybrids (3rdyear maintenance)

      Arecanut tall varieties even though possess high yield potential, are frequently prone to wind damage and sun-scorching and also become difficult to manage. The tall nature of the palm hinders various operations like spraying and harvesting which are quite labour intensive and cumbersome. Dwarf hybrids with high yield potential will directly benefit the growers by way of enhanced returns and reduced cost of various cultural operations like harvesting, spraying and also without causing much damages to palms due to sun-scorching and heavy wind and gives mechanical support to stem. Therefore, the Directorate established two demonstration plots of arecanut dwarf hybrids in farmer’s fields (2 units of 0.5 acre each) to promote its advantages among progressive farmers.The project was approved for 3 years in 2019-20.

9. Demonstration of arecanut fruit rot disease management using Mandipropamid23.3%SC fungicide

Fruit rot (‘Koleroga’ or Mahali) is counted as one of the most dreaded disease of arecanutwhich has resulted in 40-65 % yield loss in different district of Kerala and Karnataka during 2018-19. Based on trials conducted by ICAR-CPCRI, it was concluded that the use of Mandipropamid 23.3%SC @ 0.5% spray is the most effective method to control the disease in comparison with conventional methods. The DASD established demonstrations on integrated disease management practices for management of arecanut fruit rot using oomycetes specific fungicide Mandipropamid 23.3%SC in the selected farmers field of Kasaragod (Kerala) andDakshina Kannada (Karnataka) districts in association with CPCRI Kasargod during 2020-21. FLDs were established in 3 units (of one acre each) in the disease prone area of selected districts during 2020-21. The total project cost approved for 3 years is Rs.11.97 Lakhs. 

10. Participatory Demonstration of Cinnamon cultivation as intercrop in coconut gardens

DASD in association with CPCRI Kasargod had successfully established 4 demonstration plots of size one acre each for high density intercropping of cinnamon in coconut plantationsof Kerala, Karnataka and Tamilnadu through participatory approach during 2018-19, with an aim to  promotecinnamon cultivation in India. Going by the success of this programme , the Directorate proposesto establish 25 demonstration plots of one acre each on intensive cultivation of cinnamon as intercrop in traditional coconut gardens during the current year -2021-22,in the states of Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka and Andamans through their respective State Agricultural Universities /ICAR Institute. 

11. Participatory Demonstration on effective and eco-friendly management of white-grub using Entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) in Arecanut

White grub is a key pest of Arecanut and its intercrops in sandy loam soils of Karnataka and Kerala. It damages the seedlings and adult palms by feeding on roots, boring the bole and collar region. Usually the grubs are managed with application of high dose of pesticides applied frequently which is deleterious to ecosystem. EPNs are identified to be effective and environmental friendly alternative to manage white grubs by CPCRI, Kasargod. The front linedemonstrations established by the Directorate in association with CPCRI-ICAR to popularize ecofriendly management of whitegrub using EPNsinfarmers’ fields of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka during 2018-19 were successful in demonstrating of the technology. It is proposed to establish similar demonstrations in selected locations of Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka during the year 2021-22, with a total budget of Rs. 14.58 lakhs for a period of 3 years.

12. Demonstration of integrated management of inflorescence dieback disease in arecanut

Inflorescence dieback is one of the serious disease caused by Colletotrichumgloeosporioidesin Arecanut and resulting in serious yield loss upto 60% in the crop.In order to find the effective fungicide for IDB disease management, seven fungicides were evaluated under field conditions by ICAR-CPCRI and the results showed that Propiconazole 25% EC (0.3%) sprayed arecanut plots had less disease incidence and severity. To demonstrate the efficacy of propiconazole in IDB disease management, the Directorate proposes to establish demonstration plots of one acre each in three selected locations of Kerala and Karnataka in association with CPCRI Kasargod with a total budget of Rs.  12.75 lakhs for 3 years. An amount of Rs. 4.25 Lakhs may be earmarked for establishing the demo plots in first year. Detailed project proposal is attached separately for consideration of EC.

13. Demonstration of disease free ginger seed production using microrhizomes and IDM at multiple locations

Scientific innovations to reduce seed rate and to produce maximum seed yield from minimum initial seed material are of great significance in Ginger crop. The Kerala Agri University has standardized the disease free seedling production protocol for Ginger under DASD MIDH assistance. Field level cultivation package for microrhizome based single buds raised protraytransplants has also been demonstrated successfully by the university. The IDM technology developed by ICAR-IISR with soil solarisation and further amelioration with Calcium Chloride has been found to be effective in bacterial rot infestation management in Ginger. The Directorate propose to demonstrate the potential of microrhizome derived single bud transplants coupled with the IDM technology of IISR-ICAR of soil solarization and soil treatment, on a network mode at farmers’ field in selected districts of Kerala state to develop a protocol for disease free ginger seed production in the state.

The CPBMB centre will be generating microrhizomes of ginger in-vitro and after hardening, these will be raised in grow bags within polyhouse. Using the Rhizomes so developed single bud transplantswill be raised in protrays with coir pith and perlite and supplied to 5 KVK network centres. The KVKs will be distributing the single bud transplants to selected 5 farmers and the IISR IDM technology will be followed for cultivation. In the second year, second set of farmers, 5 from each district, shall be participating in the programme. Thus, the technology will be demonstrated in 50 farmers’ fields spanning 5 districts. The total project cost estimated for two years of implementationisRs. 16.78 Lakhs. For first year implementation of the demo programme, an amount of Rs. 8.24 Lakhs may be earmarked.  Detailed project proposal is attached separately for consideration of EC.