Agricultural development and the DEEDS Agricultural Extension Officer...

Economic development in the field agriculture is primarily focused in two areas: the provision of training in modern and traditional techniques and the creation of the infrastructure needed to implement these new methods. All the farmers in the villages are eligible for this training, regardless of whether they are a member of a Farmer's Association or not. DEEDS has recently appointed an Agricultural Extension Officer (AEO) to undertake training, and to give advice in the field of agriculture. The work undertaken by the AEO and DEEDS can be summarised as follows:

1.Training in Recommended Package of Practices

The Recommended Package of Practices is decided by the State Government and uses knowledge of local soil, climate and markets to form guidelines for farmers. Using these guidelines, the AEO provides training in crop diversity, safe levels of fertilizers and pest problems and solutions.

2 . New Methods and Techniques

The AEO and DEEDS provide training in modern agricultural methods and techniques while also sourcing quality materials and government approved seeds. Inter-cropping (the cultivation of two crops on one plot of land) and seed storage are two examples of training in new methods and techniques. Both require no additional investment, effort or fertilizers but can make a substantial difference to a farmer's livelihood.

*Inter-cropping

The cultivation of two crops on one plot of land is an insurance against the failure of late rains and also gives a more balanced diet. For example farmers are encouraged to grow Millet, a source of carbohydrates, and Pulses, a source of protein, in the same field. It takes on average 120 days before Millet can be harvested and only 80 days for pulses, a difference that is important. If the Monsoon totally fails then both crops will fail, however if only the late rains fail, then a small income can at least be made from the sale of the Pulses. The farmers are still encouraged to grow both Millet and Pulses because both are essential for a balanced, healthy diet.

One indirect benefit from growing Pulses is that the root nodules contain bacteria called Rhizobium . This bacterium readily absorbs atmospheric nitrogen, converting it to nitrates in the soil that are used by the plants to grow. This is an important part of the nitrogen cycle and can result in a 25% reduction in nitrate fertilizer application, lowering the overheads of the farmer.

*Seed Storage

Individual seed storage is a simple way of saving money and insuring a high percentage of germination of seed, a crucial factor as only 40% of seeds bought germinate. This has to be undertaken by an individual and not at a community level because collective seed storage requires a communal space for storage and a person to moderate this. For example, Groundnuts are commonly grown in the Ponnai project area. A farmer uses 80kg of seeds on one field at a total cost of 2400 rupees (80kg @ 30 rupees per kg). Once the farmer has harvested his crop, he then stores 80kg of seeds for next year and sells the rest @ 10 rupees per kg. By storing the seeds he has lost a potential 800 rupees in income (80kg x 10 rupees per kg). However, as his initial outlay for seeds was 2400 rupees, the farmer has in fact made a saving of 1600 rupees (2400 rupees – 800 rupees). This has been achieved by simply planning for the next year and not by increasing yield or effort.

The training for seed storage given by DEEDS is also very simple. While harvesting the farmer selects the healthiest looking and highest yielding plants and puts them to one side for storage. The following year only bulged seeds will then be planted and any small and withered seeds will be thrown out. All this will increase the likely hood of germination. There is no other technical input needed.

3. Irrigation

The project operational area is located in the hottest part of Tamil Nadu and as a consequence getting enough water for irrigation is a major problem in the villages. This area has an average rainfall of 985.5mm per year, slightly above the State average, and there is ample scope for rainwater harvesting for use in agriculture.

One of the most effective means of rainwater harvesting is to build a check dam across a downstream and DEEDS has overseen the construction of such a dam near the village of P.N.Palayam . The catchment area of the check dam consists of small hills and uplands, collecting water from three sides that converges as one stream. The check dam has a spillway of 10 metres length and 3.98 metres in height from the deepest bed level of the stream. This tank irrigates nearly 50 acres of paddy fields under direct irrigation besides recharging the downstream wells of the project area. The building of this check dam has enabled the local farmers to add rice to the crops that they traditionally grew, Dry Ragi and Groundnut. They are now able to harvest two crops a year, roughly half of which is for personal consumption and the rest is sold as a cash crop. There are plans to introduce a local species of fish into the check dam that will hopefully have two benefits: income generation and improving the daily diet of the local population.

The construction of three open wells in the village of Godarpalli has recently been completed and they are all registered in the name of the local Farmers Association. The Association has also applied to the Government Electricity Board for a connection to power an electric water pump. DEEDS funded the construction of these wells and the members of the Farmers Association provided labour. The water collected in these wells will enable the farmers to convert 15 acres of dry agricultural land into paddy fields.

4. Awareness and Practice of Organic Agriculture

DEEDS is actively encouraging organic farming through a number of initiatives, the Pulse growing noted under Inter-cropping is one example. The AEO is also developing Vermicompost using a local species of earthworm. The earthworms digest natural fibres of plant waste and break down cattle manure, which results in compost that is rich in plant nutrients and essential minerals. This compost is purely organic and helps to maintain the soil nutrient status for long-term agriculture. The AEO decided to use a local species of worm (more suitable for the local climate and soil condition) after consulting the Department of Environmental Science, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University .

5. Sourcing Local Resources

The use of local resources and materials is promoted by the AEO as these are often the best solution to local problems. The practise of covering pulse grains with red mud paste is an important step in avoiding pests that attack the grains while in storage. An extract from the Neem seed can also be applied as a natural pesticide, this replaces the first spray of chemical pesticides needed on all crops. Although this does not end dependency on chemical pesticides, it reduces their usage in the fields.

6.Forging Links with Government Agencies

The forging of links between communities and government agencies is a central part of the strategic plan of all of DEEDS' projects, both rural and urban. Such links are vital for the long-term, sustainable development of the farmers and of the community as a whole. The AEO, for example, has strong connections with the local Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and consults them for technical advice.

Such links have many advantages for the community and individual, as knowledge of schemes and initiatives that are specifically beneficial can be given to the villages. One such scheme is targeting farmers who have suffered because of the low rainfall over the last two years that has resulted in many wells drying up. The Government will provide 20, 000 rupees per farmer, 80% of which is in fact supplied as rice and the rest in money. This cash is to be used to build smaller, feeder wells that will hopefully help to restock the empty wells when good rains arrive. The rice will go some way to helping feed the family of the farmer in the meantime. The AEO found out about this scheme through his contacts and has organised many of the farmers so that they can apply. The farmers would almost certainly missed out had the AEO not alerted them to this scheme and it demonstrates the importance of such links.

Article contributed by ex-DEEDS volunteer, Paul Gunstensen.

The director talks to villagers

A tractor hired for the harvest

British volunteers at break time

Non-formal education in Ponnai

An awareness puppet show

The AEO is just one of the experienced team we have working with villagers in Ponnai. Can you, or your organisation help support our projects? Please click here for more information.