P. Chakraborti and C. Mog Dhalai Zilla Parishad, Ambassa, Dhalai,Tripura
Introduction
Dhalai district is the smallest district in Tripura. It was formed in 1995 covering an area of 2312.29 sq km. The district is reach in natural resources and 70% of the area is covered by hills and forest. Total population of the district is 3, 36,491 as per the census of India 2001. Population density of the district is 139 nos. per sq km. and more than 70% of the population lives below the poverty line. Majority of the population belongs to schedule tribe community. The temperature of the district is 36°C max. 16°C min in summer and 28°C max. and 5°C min. in winter. Cropping intensity is 158%. Socio-economic condition of the people is very poor. Basic source of income of the farmers is from agriculture and allied sectors. The farmers are very poor. They have tilla land but they do not use their tilla land for income. They have no idea about the scientific integrated farming system. They do not have proper training in such areas. The improved varieties of crop seeds are not available in those areas and farmers used to collect low quality crop seeds from the traders. Therefore it is very necessary to improve the livelihood of the rural farmers through utilization of specific land area and develop location specific farming system for the enhancement of income in a sustainable way. Keeping the above statement in view the present programme of integrated farming system (Agri-Horti-Piggery-Fishery) has been envisaged by the Dhalai Zilla Parishad (DZP), Ambassa through NAIP among Balaram and Maracherra clusters of Dhalai district. The primary objectives were
· To integrate agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and fishery for proper utilization of specific land area.
· To develop location specific integrated farming system.
· To enhance the production and economic status of the poor farmers through a sustainable way.
· To maintain the agro-ecosystem for sustainability, profitability and competitiveness.
With these objectives, Agri-Horti-Piggery-Fishery based integrated farming projects were taken up in Balaram and Maracherra clusters.
Methodology
We visited the Custer Area along with the technical staffs, examined several spots and selected the beneficiaries who have suitable land etc. The beneficiaries were imparted trainings and on field practical demonstrations for proper execution in all aspects. Improved
varieties of inputs and technology were provided to the beneficiaries. Seedlings of pineapple, tapioca, arcanut, banana, pigglets, pigfeed, fingerlings and fishfeed were provided to the farmers. Pig sheds were also constructed for better safety and health of the pigs. Also the pig excreta can be easily collected so that these can be used as manures and fishfeed. Requisite fertilizers were provided. Proper fencing materials were also provided. The fishery ponds were renovated with assistance from the Panchayats through MGNREGP. For all the projects, we monitored regularly the implementation of the whole project and necessary advices / suggestions were given as and when required.
Results
Farming systems were demonstrated in three farmers fields of this district. Out of these three farmers two of them have attained a good production and good economic returns from their produces (Table 1).
Table 1a Productivity and income of the farmers through integrated farming system (2010-11)
Name of Component Area Before intervention After intervention
Beneficiary (ha/ unit)
Production Income Production Income
(kg) (Rs.) (kg) (Rs.)
Ramendra
Marak Pineapple (Kew) 1 ha Nil Nil Growing stage Nil
Tapioca Nil Nil 24000 1,50,000
Banana 0.8 ha Nil Nil 225 bunch 16,875
Arecanut 1 ha Nil Nil Growing stage Nil
Pisciculture 0.20 ha 1200 1,44,000/ 1728 2,07,360
Pig farming 1unit (2 nos) Nil Nil 6 nos. piglets 19,000
system born.
Total 3 ha 1,44,000 4,00,235
Marak
Durga Pineapple 2.18 ha 25,000 nos. 1,25,000 35,000 nos. 1,75,000 (kew)
Arecanut Nil Nil Growing stage Nil
Lemon 500 nos. 1,000 1,500 nos 3,000/
Banana 125 banch 9,375 275 banch 20,625
Pisciculture 0.32 ha 700 kg. 84,000 1125 kg. 1,35,000
Total 2.5 ha 1,43,775 3,33,625
Table 1b Productivity and income of the farmers through integrated farming system (2011-12)
Name of Beneficiary Component Area Production (kg) Income (Rs.)
(ha/unit.)
Ramendra Marak Pineapple (Kew) 1 ha 45 nos 270
Tapioca Growing stage Nil
Banana 0.8 ha 255 bunch 19,125
Arecanut 1 ha Growing stage Nil
Pisciculture 0.20 ha 2000 2,40,000
Pig farming system 1unit (2 nos) 7 nos. piglets born. 14,000
Total 3 ha 2,73,395
Durga Marak Pineapple (kew) 2.18 ha 40,000 nos. 2,40,000
Arecanut Growing stage Nil
Lamon 2200 nos 4,400
Banana 307 banch 23,025
Pisciculture 0.32 ha 1780 2,13,600
Total 2.5 ha 4,81,025
Conclusion
Before intervention the farmers did not use their tilla land properly for specific utilization for the development of farming system. After intervention they got the idea about the scientific utilization of specific land area for proper method of farming system development. They got the knowledge how to use their tilla land for integrated farming system model and enhance the productivity and profitability. Before intervention the productivity was Rs. 7, 20,000/ha at Balaram and Rs. 3, 25,137 at Maracharra but after intervention it has increased as Rs. 4,00,235/ha.during the year 2010-11 and Rs. 2,73,395/
ha during the year 2011-12 at Balaram and Rs. 3,33,625/ha during the year 2010-11 and Rs.
4,81,025/ha during the year 2011-12 at Maracharra. It is now a proven technology for the poor farmers of Dhalai district through which the marginal and poor farmers may increase their productivity and economic status through a sustainable manner.