Measurement of Farm Incomes Economics of Food Markets Lecture 4 Alan Matthews.
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Summary Report
Organised byKrishi Vigyan Kendra
Kheda
Kheda Water Week Promoting farmer-scientist interface
June 9-13, 2015
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Centers for International Projects Trust (CIPT)© CIPT, September, 2015
EditingKamal Vatta, CIPT
Report writingNikunj Parekh, CIPT
InputsP K Sharma, KVK Kheda
Photo creditsCIPT, New Delhi and KVK, Kheda
This product is made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under Cooperative Agreement AID-386-A-12-00001. The contents of this report are the sole responsibility of CIPT and do not necessarily reflect views of USAID or the U.S. Government.
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The United States Agency for International Development India (USAID/India) has funded
the Water-Agriculture-Livelihood Security (WEALS) program to Centers for International
Projects Trust (CIPT), New Delhi. The program aims towards developing integrated
approach for managing water, energy and food to meet the food security goals and
equitable economic growth of farmers. The WEALS program is being implemented in the
states of Gujarat, Punjab and Jharkhand. CIPT has been actively working on addressing
water-energy issues in the agriculture sector in North Gujarat region for the past 4 years.
Subsequently, CIPT started working with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kheda in Central Gujarat
region. Some of the important interventions in Gujarat include the promotion of micro-
irrigation systems, alternative drought/heat tolerant wheat varieties like GW-11, ICT tools such as interactive web-based information
portals and relevant mobile applications to promote sustainable and resource-efficient agricultural practices.
As part of the USAID project, Centers for International Projects Trust (CIPT) in association with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kheda
(Gujarat Vidyapith) organized training program for farmers at KVK during June 9 -13, 2015. The week-long training program was
named as ‘Kheda Water Week’ where farmers interacted with various research and development experts to resolve their various
problems relating to water and agriculture in the region. Dr. P K Sharma, Director, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kheda, his team and
Mr. Nikunj Parekh, Project Coordinator, CIPT coordinated various activities of the program.
Major themes of the training program during different days of Kheda Water Week were the following:
Day 1 – Water Management in Kheda -The rice bowl of Gujarat
Day 2 – Soil and water management
Day 3 – Moving towards organic farming
Day 4 – Horticulture farming and its benefits
Day 5 – Ideal animal husbandry
Dr. P K Sharma, Director, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kheda welcomed all the guests and
farmers for celebrating the Kheda Water Week. He spoke about the aims and objectives
of the training program.He mentioned that the training program was aimed at reaching
farmers at the field level and discussing the problems and issues faced by them to arrive
at appropriate solutions. He pointed towards huge knowledge gaps and wide differences
between the recommended practices and what is being actually practiced on the farms. He
further referred to the challenges for adoption despite a number of potential technologies
and practices developed for enhancing farm production and farm incomes. He mentioned
that the training program was designed to provide access to better information systems
designed for farmers, experts view on challenges faced on field and solutions.
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Speaking at the program, Dr. Kamal Vatta, Director, CIPT introduced the work carried out
by CIPT in various parts of India. He said that chronic water shortage and groundwater
depletion emerged as the leading sustainability challenges for food security in India. He
mentioned that agriculture consumes over 85 per cent of water in India, and given the
high climate variability, irrigation is key to adequate crop yields, reliable production and
farmer income. A variety of government subsidy and food procurement programs have
led to climatically inappropriate cropping patterns and a dramatic increase in groundwater
pumping. Pumping is translating into large energy costs for the state, leading to budgetary
deficits. As groundwater levels decline, buffering climate variations becomes increasingly
difficult for all sectors of water use. He highlighted that strategies for improved on farm water and energy use efficiency are
discussed, but little progress is being made relative to the scale of the concern, and especially looking at climate risks. He also
explained how the use of modern technologies viz. soil moisture sensors has benefitted the farmers in Punjab. He also urged
farmers to get their soils tested for better nutrient management in paddy.
Dr. Vatta further mentioned that, CIPT is currently working with KVK Kheda on a nutrient management program based on soil
testing. The program will cover 100 farmers from the region and would involve training, extension and provision of fertilizer input
for improved nutrient management in paddy crop.
Dr. Atul Mehta, Research Scientist and Head, Main Rice Research Station, Anand
Agricultural University also interacted with the farmers. He mentioned that agriculture
in Gujarat still comprises large scale cultivation of food crops like rice and wheat. For
instance, the area under cultivation of rice in terms of percentage against total food grains
has increased from over 11 per cent in 1960-61 to around 19 per cent in 2009-10. The rice
cultivation is carried out primarily in Anand, Kheda, Ahmedabad, Vadodara and certain
other districts in Gujarat state with Kheda district as major cultivator of rice also known
as ‘rice bowl of Gujarat.’ For efficient use of water, soil management and maintenance of
micro-nutrient is very important, he added. Dr. Mehta also shared information on improved
paddy varieties and its yield, fertilizer and water management in paddy.
While speaking at the program, Dr. K S Prajapati, Research Scientist, Main Rice Research Station, Anand Agricultural University
shared the information on insect and pest management practices in paddy crop with farmers.
Day 1
* * *
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Soil testing helps in balanced and appropriate application of fertilizer. Gujarat state is at the
forefront of streamlining soil health card program for the farmers in the state. Speaking
at the program Dr. V P Ramani, Associate Research Scientist, Micro-Nutrient Research
Project, Anand Agricultural University highlighted the importance of soil testing and
nutrient management to farmers. He mentioned that various factors are responsible for
proper growth and development of crops. However, micro-nutrients play a very important
role in crop growth.
Dr. Ramani further recommended the combination of 60 per cent chemical fertilizer, 30 per
cent organic manure fertilizer and 10 per cent bio fertilizer. He further advised farmers to use farm yard manure in order to increase
the porosity of soil. In addition, he also advised farmers to get their soil tested for better management of micro as well as macro
nutrients in the soil for improved productivity and yields.
Citing the excessive use of fertilizer and water resources in Central Gujarat region
Dr. V R Bogra, Associate Director of Extension Education, Anand Agricultural
University stated that farmers should optimize the use of natural resources and
adopt scientific approach in farming.
Dr. K F Parmar, District Agriculture Officer, Kheda also interacted with farmers. Dr.
Parmar recommended farmers to adopt scientific approach in agriculture in order
to reduce the expenses.
Dr. P N Shukla, Deputy Director Horticulture, Kheda advised farmers to switch
from traditional cropping systems to high value cash crops such as vegetables.
Further, Dr. Shukla also educated farmers on various schemes offered by the
Government of Gujarat.
Day 2
* * *
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Dr. S S Kalamkar, Director, Agro Economic Research Centre (AERC) for the state of
Gujarat and Rajasthan, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India also spoke at the
training program. He introduced the work and activities conducted by AERC in Gujarat.
He explained to the farmers the concept of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) offered
by Government of India for 24 crops and how such a policy has helped in boosting
agricultural production while ensuring food security. However responding to farmers’
queries he also agreed that the MSP policy has led to disparities between regions and
crops and it has not helped in achieving desired crop diversification in a big way.
Dr. Kalamkar also invited suggestions from farmers with regards to various policy initiatives and schemes undertaken by the
Government. He also explained in detail the procedure of how the Minimum Support Prices for crops are decided by the Government
of India.
While speaking at the training program, Dr. Mahesh Patel, Principal and Head,
Department of Agronomy, Anand Agricultural University explained that during
earlier times farmers used urea efficiently. During recent times the use of urea has
increased and management of soil is very poor. He also explained how increased
use of fertilizers and chemicals has adversely affected the agricultural productivity.
Due to increased use of fertilizers insects-pests and diseases have increased
significantly leading to poor crop productivity and incomes to farmers. Dr. Patel
suggested farmers to switch towards organic farming.
Mr. Jigar Bhatt, Deputy Director Agriculture, Kheda also spoke at the training
program. He suggested farmers to move towards efficient use of fertilizers and
water resources. Recommended practices prescribed by agricultural universities
and departments are available over various platforms and he advised farmers to
follow the recommended practices in order to sustain agricultural incomes.
Day 3
* * *
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Dr. K B Kathiria, Director of Research, Anand Agricultural University interacted
with the farmers on various issues with focused discussion on horticulture and
cash crop farming. He gave detailed information on selection of vegetable crops
and diseases resistant variety of vegetables suitable to the climatic conditions in
Central Gujarat region. Improved varieties of vegetable crops have been developed
by Anand Agricultural University for farmers and Dr. Kathiria exhorted farmers to
move towards such high value and resource efficient crops.
Furthermore, Dr. Kathiria advised farmers to use the pesticides and chemicals
according to recommendations and to keep the farm plots free from weeds. He
also advised the farmers to study the market situation and prices while cultivating
vegetables on their farms.
Dr. Subhash Patel, Unit Head, Main Vegetable Research Station, Anand Agricultural University shared the information on the
cultivation of important vegetable crops in Gujarat.
Dr. Ketan Patel, Department of Animal Husbandry, Matar, spoke to 150 women
farmers who participated on the last day of the training program. He raised a very
basic question of why farmers are moving away from animal husbandry and dairy
sector. He called for the women farmers to prioritize the animal husbandry sector
since it contributes to a sizeable percentage in rural farm incomes. He exhorted
women farmers to keep due care of cattle and the places where cattle reside.
Proper health maintenance, timely medical examinations of animals and proper
intake of food for such animals should be taken due care. He also insisted women
farmers to use improved technologies available in dairy sector in order to increase
the milk production and consequent incomes. He urged farmers to get the animal
insurance in the first place.
Day 4
Day 5* * *
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While interacting with women farmers, Dr. Kaushal Prajapati, Subject Matter Specialist,
KVK Kheda urged them to select the improved breed of cattle. He also shared the scientific
approach towards animal care for higher milk production. Fodder crops such as Jowar,
Maize etc. yields good quantity of fodder and farmers dependent on dairy sector should
opt for such crops.
Speaking at the program, Nikunj Parekh, Project Coordinator, CIPT expressed satisfaction
that many young women farmers participated in the training program. He further added
that despite huge investments in infrastructure and introduction of new technologies,
the unsustainable farm incomes persisted as a chronic problem in Indian agriculture.
Restructuring of farming system in such cases by introducing mixed farming, particularly crop farming and dairy always help in
raising rural farm incomes. He also highlighted the following gender specific issues in agriculture:
• Do women participate in decisions undertaken in the sector?
• Are women involved in the agriculture sector activities aware of the available extension services, technology options, policies
etc.?
• Do women have access to productive resources such as land, human capital (education, knowledge, time mobility)?
The week-long training program provided an excellent forum for a learning discussion
amongst farmers and experts. The program ended on a high note with several farmers
urging KVK and CIPT to conduct more such training programs so that they get benefitted.
The literature material on recommended practices in agriculture for Central Gujarat region,
nutrient and soil management techniques, and schemes offered by Government of
Gujarat in agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry sector was also distributed to the
participating farmers. The group interaction session was also held at the end of session on
each day of the training program inviting several interesting questions and facts from the
ground level. The program was attended by 612 farmers in the region across 36 villages in
Kheda district. During the training program 43 experts marked their presence and delivered
lectures and training to farmers on various subjects.
With time, the challenges for agriculture sector have increased manifold. Sustainable growth in agriculture is not only dependent on
the use of quality inputs but also on the rational use of natural resources, climate change and timely access to quality information
on inputs, outputs, markets, weather and other related parameters. The training program generated immense interest among
farming community in Kheda region. Access to information can significantly improve the efficiency of resource use, which is an
important concern due to rapidly depleting natural resources such as groundwater and soil health. CIPT and KVK are partnering to
demonstrate the use of efficient technologies in the future.
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Testimonials
“Very nicely organized technical program where large numbers of farmers participated” – Dr. V R Boghra, Associate
Director of Extension, Anand Agricultural University
“Well organized program. Congratulations to KVK and CIPT for organizing Kheda Water Week for farmers. Joint effort is very
well appreciated” – Dr. V P Ramani, Head, Micro Nutrient Research Project, Anand Agricultural University
“KVK Kheda and CIPT have jointly organized a wonderful seminar cum training program for the farmers in the region.
Through such training program farmers get need based information” – Dr. P N Shukla, Deputy Director of Horticulture,
Nadiad, Government of Gujarat
“It is very pleasing to note the activities conducted at the field level by KVK and CIPT. Interaction with farmers was
wonderful” – Dr. S S Kalamkar, Director, Agro Economic Research Centre for the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, Sardar
Patel University, Anand
“Celebrating Kheda Water Week itself is a best extension activity for farmers. Good wishes to CIPT and KVK Kheda”
– Mr. Jigar Bhatt, Deputy Director of Agriculture (Extension), Nadiad, Government of Gujarat
“Kheda Water Week organized by CIPT and KVK was well taken by the farmers. Such programs are useful to farmers,
extension workers and scientists” – Dr. K B Kathiria, Director of Research, Anand Agricultural University
Voice of Farmers
“Through Kheda Water Week organized by KVK Kheda and CIPT, we got immense opportunity to learn different aspects
of agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry. During the week different themes were covered including modern
technologies for agricultural development. We thank the organizers for conducting the training program and request to
conduct such training programs more frequently in the future” – Ekta Farmer Cooperative, Machiyel Village, Kheda
“We thank the CIPT and KVK Kheda for inviting us to the training program organized under Kheda Water Week. We got
immense opportunity to interact directly with various experts on new technologies and challenges in the region. During the
training program around 750 farmers took part during the week long program”- Sardar Farmer Cooperative, Dethali village,
Kheda (Registered with NABARD).
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Centers for International Projects Trust910-911, Pragati TowersRajendra PlaceNew Delhi - 110008T: +91-11-4056 5989W: www.cipt.in
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, KhedaAt & PO. Dethali, Taluka MatarDist. Kheda - 387210T: +91 2694 29125W: www.gvkvkkheda.org
The Centers for International Projects Trust (CIPT) is the India Office of the Columbia Water Center. Established
in 2008 as not-for-profit trust, the purpose of CIPTs work is to understand and perform applied research in the
fields of water, energy, agriculture, climate, environment, health, education and economic upliftment.
In collaboration with government agencies, civil society and private sector partners, CIPT is developing and
pilot testing new models for effective water and energy management across different regions of India. We
work towards providing rigorous, research-based knowledge as the foundation for various field based initiatives
involving the local communities, government, non-government and private partners.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Farm Science Center), Dethali is established under the edge of Gujarat Vidyapeeth
(Deemed University), Ahmedabad on 18th June, 2005 at Dethali, Ta. - Matar, Dist. Kheda. KVK is an innovative
science based institution to impart vocational skilled trainings to the farmers, farm women, rural youth and field
level extension functionaries.
Krishi Vigyan Kendras are grass root level organizations meant for application of technology through
assessment, refinement and demonstration of proven technologies under different micro farming situation in a
district.
KVK Kheda is also organizing various extension activities like field day, farmers’ day, exposure tour, kisan gosthi,
farmers’ fair, crop symposiums etc. during which experts, extension workers and farmers are involved and learn
from each other.
Centers for International Projects Trust, New Delhi
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kheda