Himachal Journal of Agricultural Research

A. K. Sarial ¹, K. D. Sharma ², Virender Kumar ², J. C. Rana ³, V. K. Sharma ³, V. Nath ³

Affiliations
1 CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, IN
2 Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension Education & Rural Sociology, CSKHPKV, Palampur, IN
3 HP CDP, JICA, Hamirpur, IN

Abstract

A Crop Diversification Promotion Project (CDP) was implemented in Himachal Pradesh (HP) with the collaboration of the Japan International Cooperation Agency-Official Development Assistance (JICA-ODA) in 2012. It lasted for 7 years with the objective to improve the socio-economic status of farm families. The operational area had 210 sub project sites spread over five districts viz., Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi and Una of the state. The project was implemented following a comprehensive package of multi-pronged strategy encompassing infrastructure development (such as irrigation, farm access roads, markets, etc.), inputs supply (seeds, fertilizers, farm machinery, etc.) supported by technical and capacity building programmes and strengthening of extension services and organized marketing. The impact study on socioeconomic status of farm families was carried out based upon the extensive review of information collected from the status reports and evaluation studies conducted by different agencies in the operational area. Study revealed that CDP project has been quite successful in improving the socio-economic status of farm families across project sites. There has been increase in the irrigated area and the area under vegetable crops. Cropping pattern changed resulting into 35-50 per cent of the farms being highly diversified with 50 per cent of the area under vegetable crops. In general, the extent of diversification was 9.69 per cent for vegetables crops in Mid and Low Hills under HPCDP-JICA project. Farm productivity and income increased by more than 3.5 times over the baseline income. In some cases increase in income was 5-6 times. The increase in income was attributed to several contributing factors and interventions carried out under HPCDP initiatives. Major contributors were found to be assured irrigation, capacity building programmes, introduction of improved varieties/ cultivation practices and proper/ balanced use of nutrients. Operational farm efficiency also registered improvement due to use of improved tools and machinery provided under the project. Overall, the project enhanced the cropping intensity, productivity, production and marketed surplus. Keeping in view, the impact on raising income and food security of farm families, it is advocated to expand the HPCDP domain to cover farm families in all districts of Himachal Pradesh.

Keywords

Crop Diversification, HPCDP Sub Project, Production of Vegetable Crops, Growth Rates, Gross Income, Impact Factors, Input-Output Ratio.

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Aashima Batheja ¹, Vijay Rana ², A. K. Basandrai ³, A. K. Sarial ⁴

Affiliations
1 Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176062, IN
2 CSKHPKV, Rice & Wheat Research Centre, Malan-176 047, IN
3 Department of Plant Pathology, CSK HPKV, Palampur-176062, IN
4 Former Vice-Chancellor, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, IN

Abstract

Powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici (Bgt) has emerged as a devastating diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) worldwide. The disease is widely prevalent and causes severe losses in the north and southern hills and north western plain zone of India. It can be effectively managed by cultivation of resistant varieties, however majority of the varieties grown in epidemiologically important areas are susceptible. A successful breeding programme requires stable resistant donors and in this context, thirty-six diverse promising wheat germplasm lines were evaluated at multi hotspot locations i.e. Rice and Wheat Research Centre, Malan and IIWBR, summer nursery at Dalang Maidan (Lahaul & Spiti) under natural epiphytotic and controlled (net house) conditions for three consecutive years. Four lines (ONS 29, ONS 27, Pollemer and PMC 1) were free from the disease whereas, three lines (EIGN 33, TL 2995 and TL 2999) were resistant (score 1-3) at both the locations. These stable and durable resistant donors may be used in the breeding programme to diversify the powdery mildew resistance base of future wheat varieties.

Keywords

Wheat, Powdery Mildew, Resistance, Blumeria graminis F.sp. tritici, Adult Plant Resistance.

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