Friday 5 December 2014

Integrated Pest Management - Light Traps

In our Agriculture for Everybody blog series, as part of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM), we will discuss Light Traps in this blog and their need for it.




Which crops need Light Traps?
  1. Generally, field crops like cereals (rice, maize, sorghum), millets, pulses (chickpea, pigeonpea, lentil, greengram), flowers, vegetables (okra, cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, brinjal) etc require Light Traps
  2. Even horticultural crops (mango, litchi, pomegranate, apple, guava, coconut, banana) require Light Traps
How many Light Traps are required per acre?
  1. 2 (Two) Light Traps are required per acre
Which stages of the crop require Light Traps?
  1. Each and every stage of the crop require Light Traps meaning from the beginning of the planting of the crop until the end of the harvest (for short term crops)
What time should the Light Traps be activated?
  1. Light Traps need to be switched on or made available from 6 pm to 9 pm when the pests are most active
What are the different colours of Lights used in Light Traps?
  1. Black Lights (Bulbs that emit Ultra Violet Wavelengths) - Best Option
  2. Blue Lights
  3. White Incandescent Lights (or Fluorescent Bulbs)
  4. Yellow Lights
  5. Green Lights
  6. Red Lights
What should be the height of the Light Traps?
  1. Generally, it is advised that the Light Traps be placed atleast 3 ft to 6 ft above the ground
What is the distance between the Light Traps?
  1. Optimally, the Light Traps should be of equi-distance from one another
What problem is solved by Light Traps?
  1. Light Traps acts as a warning sign on the build up of the pests
  2. Light Traps control the next generation of pests as the parents are destroyed
What are the options in Light Traps?
  1. Three Options are available
    • Oil Lamps (For example, Kerosene Lamp)
    • Electrical Lamps
    • Battery Operated Lamps
What is the disadvantage of Light Traps?
  1. Light Traps trap even the beneficial insects and hence can be a disadvantage at times

    Friday 14 November 2014

    Farm Design - Design Two (Annapoorna Model)

    In our Agriculture for Everybody blog series, we will see a Farm Design named "Annapoorna Crop Model".  The details are provided below.



    Field Preparation of "Annapoorna" Crop Model
    • The area of land is half an acre.
    • A trench of 18 inches or 1.5 feet width and 6 inches depth needs to be dug along the boundary.
    • Beds of 7 feet width have to be made followed by a trench of two feet width and 6 inches depth.
    • The soil taken out from the trenches is to be spread evenly on the bed.
    • The height of this 7 feet bed is slightly raised. In order to make it more fertile, some organic manure and tank silt can be added to the bed. The plot is now ready with rich microbial cultures and nutrients. This is due to the fact that excess water flows into the drains from there into the pond.
    Cropping Pattern

    The variety of crops that can be cultivated in this plot-We can plant perennial/horticulture plants like mango, jack fruit Guava, Lemon etc. Tenant farmers can grow short duration plants like Pomegranate, Papaya, Drum-stick, Banana etc. We can also grow only vegetables, leafy vegetables, millets, pulses etc. We can also plant Marigold, Chrysanthemum for trap crops and Agave, Mehandi, Castor, Jowar, Maize, Red gram as border crops.

    While planting fruit bearing varieties like mango, jack fruit- we should bear in mind that the canopy of our trees remains within our own field. To ensure this, they should be planted six feet within the boundaries and their branches should be pruned as they grow bigger.
    System of Rice Intensification (SRI system) can be adapted for cultivation of not only paddy but wheat, ragi, maize and other millets also. Many vegetable crops can be grown with proper spacing and the use of de-weeder makes farming a less labour intensive.

    Harvesting & Marketing

    The planting or harvesting of the crops on all the beds in the half acre of plot is not done at a time. Different crops that mature at different times are grown one after the other. This ensures good yield and more income from the crops round the year. The bed on which the crop is ready for harvest alone will be collected and the next sowing/planting is done in a sequence. Therefore the need for many laborers at one time will not arise. Moreover, the difficulties in selling of the crop at a time or distress sale can be avoided.


    Spacing Between Different Crops
    • Big trees such as Mango, Jack-fruit, Jamun, and Amla should be planted 36 feet apart.
    • Guava, Chikku, Lemon and Pomegranate saplings can be planted in between the mango plants at a distance of 18 feet.
    • Papaya, Drum-stick, Banana that occupy lesser space should be planted at a space of 9 feet between the second set of trees listed above. The above plants should be planted along the same row across the plot of land leaving space to cultivate single variety of vegetables, pulses, millets etc on each bed. Alternate cropping and Crop rotation should be adopted for each bed to control pests.
    Organic Farming Practices

    Organic farming practices need to be followed for soil enrichment, treating seeds, control of pests and diseases. The fundamental requirement for organic farming is native cows/Buffallows. We know that the use of cow-dung and cow-urine has proven to give better yield. In addition, milk and milk products also will help increase family's nutrition, health and income. Regular use of farm-yard manure, NADEP compost, Amrutha Mitti, (Soil enriched with useful microbial culture), Amrutha-jalam, Dravajeevamrutham and Neemasthram ensures growth of healthy crops and prevents damage due to pests and diseases.


    In this model water is made available to the bed by irrigating the trenches once in 8 to 10 days which provides adequate moisture to the roots. This makes it easy for the farmer to irrigate the land besides conserving water. We need to note that the plants require moisture but not standing water.

    Rainfed Areas

    So far, we have seen the cultivation of crops with water resources. Annapoorna model can also be adapted in areas without adequate source of irrigation, power supply. For this- Mulching, and Drip irrigation with manual pumping, or watering enables the farmer to reap good harvest all through the year and earn regular income.

    Farm Pond and Alternate Livelihoods

    A farm pond at the lower portion of the land should be dug to store the excess water that otherwise flows out causing soil erosion, nutrients depletion and damage to the crops. When aquaculture is taken up in this pond it will help farmers get extra food and income.


    A part of the farm-pond can be covered to make a shelter with a closely knit wire-mesh. Few poultry birds can be reared in this. The droppings of the poultry birds will serve as feed for the fish in the pond and this generates extra income.


    Some of the farmers using shade-nets to cover the fish pond to protect the fish from direct sunlight. Vegetable creepers like ridge gourd, bottle gourd etc., can be grown around the pond which will make a natural shade over the pond- providing vegetables and thereby additional income.


     'Annapoorna' model is an intensive, integrated, adaptable organic farming model that ensures food security.


    Source: Jattu Trust (http://www.jattutrust.org/)




    Please refer to the following link for more details related to the the Annapoorna Model


    1. Month wise yielding of Annapoorna model - http://www.jattutrust.org/Eng%20annapurna%20digubadulu%20new%20farmat.xlsx


    2. Requirement of Seeds and Fruit Plants for Half Acre Annapurna Model During One Year - http://www.jattutrust.org/reports/Eng%20half%20acre%20annapurna.xlsx





    Wednesday 1 October 2014

    Integrated Pest Management - Pheromone Lures / Traps

    In our Agriculture for Everybody blog series, as part of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM), we will discuss Pheromone Lures / Traps in this blog and their need for it.


    Which crops need Pheromone Traps?
    1. Generally, high density crops like cereals, millets, pulses, flowers, vegetables etc require Pheromone Traps
    2. Even Coconut and similar crops require Pheromone Traps
    How many Pheromone Traps are required per acre?
    1. Each crop requires different number of Pheromone Traps and hence follow the recommendations for that particular crop
    What should be the height of the Pheromone Traps?
    1. Generally, it is advised that the Pheromone Traps be placed atleast 1 ft above the crop canopy
    What should be the orientation of the Pheromone Traps?
    1. For best results, it is advised that the Pheromone Traps be placed in upright position
    What is the distance between the Pheromone Traps?
    1. Optimally, the Pheromone Traps should be of equi-distance from one another
    When to replace the Pheromone Traps?
    1. Optimally, the Pheromone Traps should be replaced at specific intervals for getting optimum performance from trap
    What problem is solved by Pheromone Traps?
    1. Pheromone Traps acts as a warning sign on the build up of the pests
    2. Pheromone Traps control the next generation of pests as the parents are destroyed
    Do we require different Pheromone Traps?
    1. Yes.  Each pests has its own Pheromone Traps and Lures
    What are the different varieties of  available Pheromone Traps?

    1. American Bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera)
    2. Armyworm / Ear cutting caterpillar (Mythimna separata)
    3. Beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua)
    4. Brinjal Fruit & Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis)
    5. Cigarette Beetle (Lasioderma serricorne)
    6. Cocoa Pod Borer (Conopomorpha cramerella)
    7. Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella)
    8. Coffee White Stem Borer (Xylotrechus quadripes)
    9. Cucumber moth (Diaphania indica)
    10. Diamond Back Moth (Plutella xylostella)
    11. Groundnut Leaf Miner (Aproaerema modicella)
    12. Melon Fruit Fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae)
    13. Oriental Fruit Fly (Bactrocera dorsalis)
    14. Pink Bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella)
    15. Pink stem borer (Sesamia Inferens)
    16. Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus)
    17. Rice Yellow Stem Borer (Scirpophaga incertulas)
    18. Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros)
    19. Spiny Bollworm (Earias insulana)
    20. Spotted Bollworm (Earias vittella)
    21. Spotted stalk borer (Chilo partellus)
    22. Sugarcane Early Shoot Borer (Chilo infuscatellus)
    23. Sugarcane Internode Borer (Chilo sacchariphagus indicus)
    24. Sugarcane White Top Borer (Scirpophaga excerptalis)
    25. Tobacco Caterpiller (Spodoptera litura)
    Note: For a complete list, refer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pheromone_trap


    Thursday 25 September 2014

    Integrated Pest Management - Yellow Sticky Pans / Traps

    In our Agriculture for Everybody blog series, as part of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM), we will discuss Yellow Sticky Pans/Traps in this blog and their need for it.


    Which crops need Yellow Sticky Traps?
    1. Generally, high density crops like cereals, millets, pulses, flowers, vegetables etc require Yellow Sticky Traps
    How many Yellow Sticky Traps are required per acre?
    1. Each crop requires different number of Yellow Sticky Traps and hence follow the recommendations for that particular crop
    What should be the height of the Yellow Sticky Traps?
    1. Generally, it is advised that the height of the Yellow Sticky Traps be at the crop height
    What should be the orientation of the Yellow Sticky Traps?
    1. For best results, it is advised that the Yellow Sticky Traps be placed vertically
    What is the distance between the Yellow Sticky Traps?
    1. Optimally, the Yellow Sticky Traps should be of equi-distance from one another
    When to replace the Yellow Sticky Traps?
    1. Optimally, the Yellow Sticky Traps should be replaced when the entire trap is full of insects or when the trap is no more sticky
    What problem is solved by Yellow Sticky Traps?
    1. Yellow sticky traps are a non toxic way to control and monitor aphids, cucumber beetles, fruit flies, fungus gnats, leafhoppers, froghoppers, moths, whiteflies, flea beetles, leaf miners etc
    What are the different options in Yellow Sticky Traps?
    1. Yellow Sticky Traps are readily available in the market and can be bought and used as it is
    2. Yellow Sticky Traps can be created by applying Castor Oil on the yellow coloured side of the tin, plate etc and they need to be smeared Castor Oil after cleaning daily

    Friday 5 September 2014

    Choosing the Crops (Groupwise) based on Soil Types - Work In Progress

    In our Agriculture for Everybody blog series, we are going to see how to select Crops (Groupwise)based on Soil Types.


    The Data provided below will help the farmers choose the crops based on the Soil Types.  The data has been grouped together for easy understanding.







    Please note that this blog is Work In Progress.


    • Black Soil is also called as Black Cotton Soil or Clay Soil
    • Coastal Soil is also called Coastal or Alluvium Soil

    Cereals
    Crop Name
    Black Soil
    Coastal Soil
    Laterite Soil
    Red Soil
    RiceYYY
    WheatY

    Fibre Crops
    Crop Name
    Black Soil
    Coastal Soil
    Laterite Soil
    Red Soil
    Agave
    CottonYY
    JuteY


    Flower Crops

    Crop Name
    Black Soil
    Coastal Soil
    Laterite Soil
    Red Soil
    Anthurium
    Carnation
    China Aster
    Chrysanthemum
    Crossandra
    Cut Chrysanthemum
    Cut Rose
    Dendrobium Orchid
    Gerbera
    Gladious
    Golden Rod
    Jathimalli (Pitchi)
    Lilium
    Malligai
    Marigold
    Maruvu
    Mullai
    Nerium
    Rose
    Tuberose

    Forage Crops


    Crop Name
    Black Soil
    Coastal Soil
    Laterite Soil
    Red Soil
    Cumbu Napier
    Deenanath Grass
    Fodder Cholam
    Fodder Cowpea
    Fodder Cumbu
    Fodder Maize
    Guinea Grass
    Kolukattai Pullu
    Kudirai Masal
    Muyal Masal
    Soundal
    Veli Masal





    Fruit Crops

    Crop Name
    Black Soil
    Coastal Soil
    Laterite Soil
    Red Soil
    AcidlimeY
    AmlaY
    AnnonaY
    AppleY
    ApricotY
    AvocadoYY
    BananaY
    BerY
    BilimbiY
    Bread FruitY
    CarambolaY
    DurianY
    Egg FruitY
    FigY
    GrapesY
    GuavaY
    JackY
    JamunY
    KarondaY
    KiwiY
    LemonY
    LitchiY
    LoquatY
    Mandarin OrangeY
    MangoY
    MangosteenY
    MulberryY
    PapayaY
    Passion FruitY
    PeachY
    PearY
    PersimmonY
    PhalsaY
    PineappleYY
    PlumY
    PomegranateY
    RambutanY
    SapotaY
    StrawberryY
    Sweet OrangeY
    West Indian CherryY


    Medicinal Crops
    Crop Name
    Black Soil
    Coastal Soil
    Laterite Soil
    Red Soil
    Aswagandha
    Gloriosa
    Phylanthus
    Senna
    Stevia
    Periwinkle
    Pyrethrum
    Digitalis
    Medicinal Dioscorea
    Medicinal Solanum
    Aloevera
    Medicinal Coleus
    Tippili






    Millets





    Crop Name
    Black Soil
    Coastal Soil
    Laterite Soil
    Red Soil
    CumbuYYY
    KudiraivaliYYY
    MaizeYYY
    PanivaraguYYY
    RagiYYY
    SamaiYYY
    SorghumYYY
    TenaiYYY
    VaraguYYY





    Oil Seeds


    Crop Name
    Black Soil
    Coastal Soil
    Laterite Soil
    Red Soil
    CastorYY
    GingellyYY
    GroundnutYYY
    NigerY
    SafflowerYY
    SunflowerYY




    Plantation Crops
    Crop Name
    Black Soil
    Coastal Soil
    Laterite Soil
    Red Soil
    ArecanutY
    BetelvineY
    CashewnutY
    CocoaY
    CoconutY
    CoffeeY
    OilpalmY
    PalmyrahY
    RubberY
    TeaY

    Pulses


    Crop Name
    Black Soil
    Coastal Soil
    Laterite Soil
    Red Soil
    BengalgramYYY
    BlackgramYYY
    CowpeaYYY
    Field lablabYYY
    Garden lablabYYY
    GreengramYYY
    HorsegramYYY
    RedgramYYY
    SoybeanYYY
    SwordbeanYYY



    Spices



    Sugar Crops

    Crop Name
    Black Soil
    Coastal Soil
    Laterite Soil
    Red Soil
    Sugarbeet
    SugarcaneY
    Sweet Sorghum



    Vegetables

    Crop Name
    Black Soil
    Coastal Soil
    Laterite Soil
    Red Soil
    AmaranthY
    Annual Moringa Y
    Ash GourdY
    AsparagusY
    BabycornY
    BasellaY
    BeetrootY
    Bellary OnionY
    BhendiY
    Bitter GourdY
    Bottle GourdY
    BrinjalY
    BroadbeansY
    Brussels SproutY
    Butter BeanY
    CabbageY
    CapsicumY
    CarrotY
    CauliflowerY
    CeleryY
    Ceylon SpinachY
    Chakravathi KeeraiY
    ChekurmanisY
    ChickpeaY
    ChilliesY
    Chinese CabbageY
    Chinese PotatoY
    Chow chowY
    Cluster BeansY
    CocciniaY
    ColocasiaY
    CucumberY
    Curry LeafY
    DioscoreaY
    Elephant Foot YamY
    French BeanY
    GherkinY
    Knol-kholY
    LablabY
    LettuceY
    MintY
    Musk MelonY
    PalakY
    PaprikaY
    PeasY
    PotatoY
    PumpkinY
    RadishY
    RhubarbY
    Ribbed GourdY
    Small OnionY
    Snake GourdY
    SoybeanY
    Sweet PotatoY
    TapiocaY
    TindaY
    TomatoY
    TurnipY
    Vegetable CowpeaY
    WatermelonY
    Winged BeanY








    Thursday 14 August 2014

    Choosing the Crops (Groupwise) based on Longevity (age)

    In our Agriculture for Everybody blog series, we are going to see how to select Crops (Groupwise)based on Longevity (age).
    The Data provided below will help the farmers choose the crops based on the duration of the crops.  The data has been grouped together for easy understanding.







    • Short Term Crops a.k.a Short Duration Crops are considered to be less than or equal to 1 Year (<= 1 Year)
    • Medium Term Crops a.k.a. Medium Duration Crops are considered to be greater than 1 Year and less than or equal to 5 Years (> 1 Year & <= 5 Years)
    • Long Term Crops a.k.a Long Duration Crops are considered to be greater than 5 Years (> 5 Years)
    • Unknown Category Crops are waiting for the right slot to be identified and will be removed at a later point of time once the crops is slotted properly.
    Note: If there is any discrepancy in my categorization, please let me know.




    Cereals

    Short Term Crops
    Medium Term Crops
    Long Term Crops
    Rice (94-160 D)
    Wheat (85-110 D)

    Fibre Crops

    Short Term Crops
    Medium Term Crops
    Long Term Crops
    Cotton (165 D)
    Agave (8 Y)
    Jute (120-140 D)



    Flower Crops

    Short Term Crops
    Medium Term Crops
    Long Term Crops
    AnthuriumTuberose (2-3 Y)Malligai (15-20 Y)
    Carnation (1.5 Y)Crossandra (3 Y)Mullai (20 Y)
    China AsterGolden Rod (2 Y)Nerium
    Chrysanthemum (6-8 M)Gerbera (2 Y)Rose
    Cut Chrysanthemum
    Cut Rose
    Dendrobium Orchid
    Gladious
    Jathimalli (Pitchi)
    Lilium (8-16 W)
    Marigold (130-150 D)
    Maruvu




    Forage Crops

    Unknown Category Crops
    Short Term Crops
    Medium Term Crops
    Long Term Crops
    Cumbu NapierDeenanath Grass (55-60 D)Fodder Cholam (3 Y)Soundal/ LEUCAENA
    Guinea GrassFodder Cholam (60-100 D)
    Kolukattai PulluFodder Cowpea (60-65 D)
    Kudirai MasalFodder Cumbu (45-50 D)
    Muyal MasalFodder Maize
    Veli Masal/ HEDGE LUCERNE





    Fruit Crops
    Short Term Crops
    Medium Term Crops
    Long Term Crops
    Banana (12-15 M)Acidlime
    Papaya (24-30 M)Amla
    Pineapple (18-24 M)Annona
    Strawberry (3 Y)Apple
    Apricot
    Avocado
    Ber
    Bilimbi
    Bread Fruit
    Carambola
    Durian
    Egg Fruit
    Fig
    Grapes
    Guava
    Jack
    Jamun (50-60 Y)
    Karonda
    Kiwi
    Lemon
    Litchi
    Loquat
    Mandarin Orange
    Mango
    Mangosteen
    Mulberry
    Passion Fruit
    Peach
    Pear
    Persimmon
    Phalsa
    Plum
    Pomegranate
    Rambutan
    Sapota
    Sweet Orange (20 Y)
    West Indian Cherry

    Medicinal Crops

    Short Term Crops
    Medium Term Crops
    Long Term Crops
    Aloevera (6-7 M)Digitalis (2 Y)
    Aswagandha (150-170 D)Medicinal Dioscorea (2 Y)
    Gloriosa (160-180 D)Periwinkle
    Medicinal Coleus (5-6 M)Stevia (5 Y)
    Medicinal SolanumTippili (3 Y)
    Phylanthus (80-100 D)
    Pyrethrum
    Senna



    Millets






    Short Term Crops
    Medium Term Crops
    Long Term Crops
    Cumbu (75-100 D)
    Kudiraivali / Barnyard Millet (75-95 D)
    Maize (94-110 D)
    Panivaragu / Proso millet (70-75 D)
    Ragi / Finger millet (95-120 D)
    Samai / Little millet (75-110 D)
    Sorghum (90-150 D)
    Tenai / Foxtail millet (80-90 D)
    Varagu / Kodo millet (120 D)





    Oil Seeds




    Short Term Crops
    Medium Term Crops
    Long Term Crops
    Castor (120-170 D)
    Gingelly / SESAME (70-90 D)
    Groundnut (90-130 D)
    Niger (80 D)
    Safflower (120-125 D)
    Sunflower (80-95 D)




    Plantation Crops


    Short Term Crops
    Medium Term Crops
    Long Term Crops

    BetelvineTea
    Coffee
    Coconut (60-80)
    Arecanut
    Rubber
    Cashewnut
    Cocoa
    Oilpalm
    Palmyrah (100+)

    Pulses




    Short Term Crops
    Medium Term Crops
    Long Term Crops
    Blackgram (60-80 D)
    Bengalgram (85 D)
    Cowpea (55-90 D)
    Mochai / Field lablab (105 D)
    Garden lablab (100-120 D)
    Greengram (56-90 D)
    Horsegram (45-60 D)
    Redgram (95-180 D)
    Soybean (80-100 D)
    Swordbean (110-120 D)



    Spices




    Unknown Category Crops
    Short Term Crops
    Medium Term Crops
    Long Term Crops
    PaprikaCoriander (30-40 & 90-110 D)Allspice
    Fennel (7-8 M)Cardamom

    Cinnamon
    Fenugreek (20-25 & 90-100 D)Clove
    GarlicNutmeg
    Ginger (8-9)Pepper
    MustardTamarind
    TurmericVanilla (12-14 Y)

    Sugar Crops




    Short Term Crops
    Medium Term Crops
    Long Term Crops
    Sugarbeet (5-6 M)
    Sugarcane (10-13 M)
    Sweet Sorghum (115-125 D)



    Vegetables

    Unresolved Category Crops
    Short Term Crops
    Medium Term Crops
    Long Term Crops
    Asparagus (15-20 Y)AmaranthAnnual Moringa  (2.5 Y)Curry Leaf
    Basella (6 M)Ash Gourd (140 D)Brussels Sprout (3 Y)Rhubarb (5 Y)
    Ceylon Spinach (6 M)Babycorn (55-65 DMint (4 Y)
    Chakravathi KeeraiBeetroot (120 D)
    ChekurmanisBellary Onion (140-150 D)
    ChickpeaBhendi
    CocciniaBitter Gourd (140-180 D)
    SoybeanBottle Gourd (135 D)
    Brinjal (135-180 D)
    Broadbeans (10-12 M)
    Butter Bean (80-85 D)
    Cabbage (120-150 D)
    Capsicum (150-160 D)
    Carrot (100-120 D)
    Cauliflower
    Celery (4-5 M)
    Chillies
    Chinese Cabbage (4 M)
    Chinese Potato (4-5 M)
    Chow chow
    Cluster Beans (90 D)
    Colocasia (6-8 M)
    Cucumber (80-90 D)
    Dioscorea (9-10 M)
    Elephant Foot Yam (8-9 M)
    French Bean (90-110 D)
    Gherkin (90 D)
    Knol-khol (75 D)
    Lablab (70-75 D)
    Lettuce (2 M)
    Mint (4 Y)
    Musk Melon (120 D)
    Palak (3 M)
    Paprika
    Peas (75 D)
    Potato (120 D)
    Pumpkin (140 D)
    Radish (45-60 D)
    Ribbed Gourd (125 D)
    Small Onion (70-90 D)
    Snake Gourd (135-145 D)
    Sweet Potato (110-120 D)
    Tapioca (9-11 M)
    Tinda (90 D)
    Tomato (135-140 D)
    Turnip (75-90 D)
    Vegetable Cowpea (75-90 D)
    Watermelon (120 D)
    Winged Bean (10-12 M)

    Saturday 2 August 2014

    Choosing the Crops (Groupwise) based on Water Needs

    As part of our Agriculture for Everybody blog series, we are going to see how to select the Crops (Groupwise) based on Water Needs.


    The Data provided below will help the farmers choose the crops based on the water availability.  The data has been grouped together for easy understanding.




    Cereals


    High Water Requiring
    Medium Water Requiring
    Low Water Requiring

    Rice (1100-1250 mm)

    Wheat (450-650 mm)


    Fibre Crops

    High Water Requiring
    Medium Water Requiring
    Low Water Requiring
    JuteCotton (550-600 mm)Agave



    Flower Crops

    High Water Requiring
    Medium Water Requiring
    Low Water Requiring

    Anthurium

    Carnation

    China Aster

    Chrysanthemum

    Crossandra

    Cut Chrysanthemum

    Cut Rose

    Dendrobium Orchid

    Gerbera

    Gladious

    Golden Rod

    Jathimalli (Pitchi)

    Lilium

    Malligai

    Marigold

    Maruvu

    Mullai

    Nerium

    Rose

    Tuberose


    Forage Crops


    High Water Requiring
    Medium Water Requiring
    Low Water Requiring


    Cumbu Napier


    Deenanath Grass


    Fodder Cholam


    Fodder Cowpea


    Fodder Cumbu


    Fodder Maize


    Guinea Grass


    Kolukattai Pullu


    Kudirai Masal (800-1600 mm)


    Muyal Masal


    Soundal


    Veli Masal





    Fruit Crops

    High Water Requiring
    Medium Water Requiring
    Low Water Requiring
    Banana (1200-2200 mm)Acidlime (900-1200 mm)Amla
    Grapes (500-1200 mm)AppleAnnona
    PapayaAvocadoApricot
    Bread FruitBer
    DurianBilimbi
    Egg FruitCarambola
    FigJamun
    Guava (22-30 ltr/plant/day)Karonda
    JackLemon
    KiwiLoquat
    LitchiMulberry
    Mandarin OrangePhalsa
    Mango (30-40 ltr/plant/day)Pineapple (700-1000 mm)
    MangosteenPomegranate
    Passion FruitRambutan
    PeachWest Indian Cherry
    Pear
    Persimmon
    Plum
    Sapota
    Strawberry
    Sweet Orange


    Medicinal Crops
    High Water Requiring
    Medium Water Requiring
    Low Water Requiring
    Aswagandha
    Gloriosa
    Phylanthus
    Senna
    Stevia
    Periwinkle
    Pyrethrum
    Digitalis
    Medicinal Dioscorea
    Medicinal Solanum
    Aloevera
    Medicinal Coleus
    Tippili


    Millets






    High Water Requiring
    Medium Water Requiring
    Low Water Requiring

    Maize (500-600 mm)Cumbu


    Kudiraivali


    Panivaragu


    Ragi (350 mm)


    Samai


    Sorghum (350-500 mm)


    Tenai


    Varagu





    Oil Seeds



    High Water Requiring
    Medium Water Requiring
    Low Water Requiring

    Sunflower (600-1000 mm)Castor (500 mm)


    Gingelly (350-400 mm)


    Groundnut (500-550 mm)


    Niger


    Safflower




    Plantation Crops

    High Water Requiring
    Medium Water Requiring
    Low Water Requiring
    ArecanutCoffeeCashewnut
    BetelvineRubberPalmyrah
    CocoaTea
    Coconut (80-100 ltr/plant/day)

    Oilpalm


    Pulses



    High Water Requiring
    Medium Water Requiring
    Low Water Requiring


    Bengalgram (350 mm)


    Blackgram (350 mm)


    Cowpea (350 mm)


    Field lablab (350 mm)


    Garden lablab (350 mm)


    Greengram (350 mm)


    Horsegram (350 mm)


    Redgram (350 mm)


    Soybean (350 mm)


    Swordbean (350 mm)



    Spices



    High Water Requiring
    Medium Water Requiring
    Low Water Requiring

    Allspice

    Cardamom

    Cinnamon

    Clove

    Coriander

    Fennel

    Fenugreek

    Garlic

    Ginger

    Mustard

    Nutmeg

    Paprika

    Pepper (600-900 mm)

    Tamarind

    Turmeric

    Vanilla




    Sugar Crops


    High Water Requiring
    Medium Water Requiring
    Low Water Requiring
    Sugarbeet (550-750 mm)

    Sugarcane (1800-2200 mm)

    Sweet Sorghum



    Vegetables

    High Water Requiring
    Medium Water Requiring
    Low Water Requiring
    Amaranth
    Annual Moringa
    Ash Gourd
    Asparagus
    Babycorn
    Basella
    Beetroot
    Bellary Onion (350-550 mm)
    Bhendi
    Bitter Gourd
    Bottle Gourd
    Brinjal
    Broadbeans (300-500 mm)
    Brussels Sprout
    Butter Bean
    Cabbage (380-500 mm)
    Capsicum
    Carrot
    Cauliflower
    Celery
    Ceylon Spinach
    Chakravathi Keerai
    Chekurmanis
    Chickpea
    Chillies (500 mm)
    Chinese Cabbage
    Chinese Potato (500-700 mm)
    Chow chow
    Cluster Beans (300-500 mm)
    Coccinia
    Colocasia
    Cucumber
    Curry Leaf
    Dioscorea
    Elephant Foot Yam
    French Bean
    Gherkin
    Knol-khol
    Lablab
    Lettuce
    Mint
    Musk Melon
    Palak
    Paprika
    Peas (350-500 mm)
    Potato (500-700 mm)
    Pumpkin
    Radish
    Rhubarb
    Ribbed Gourd
    Small Onion (350-550 mm)
    Snake Gourd
    Soybean
    Sweet Potato
    Tapioca
    Tinda
    Tomato (600-800 mm)
    Turnip
    Vegetable Cowpea
    Watermelon
    Winged Bean