Enhancing Food and Nutritional Security and Improved Livelihood through Intensification of Rice fallow System withPulse Crop in South Asia is a mega project operating in Bangladesh, India and Nepal jointly funded by IFAD ( The International Fund for Agricultural Development) and ICARDA ( International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas). Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya is one of the implementing agencies in India to take care of the state of West Bengal.
Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya has successfully completed its fourth term. Currently it has focused the marginalized areas of the state ,particularly western part, Paschimanchal; and Sudarban areas revealing much opportunity for pulse extension. Prof. Rajibnath- the Principal Investigator has relentlessly been organizing and co-coordinating various institutions to implement the mandates of the pan-project in West Bengal. A series of seminars, interactive sessions , group discussions at various levels are being held at different regions under his stewardship to promote pulses in the niche areas. Today, a daylong brainstorming session was held at Lake Hall,Kalyani across stakeholders representing Diamondharbour block and Sundarban areas. More than 60 farmers were sponsored by the ATMA project. Other stakeholders were sent by JYDC organization of Sundarbans. A team of young scientists of BCKV actively shared in the programme.
Today's program was chaired by me. Prof. Srikumar Pal, Director of Research and Prof. Srikanta Das, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture glorified the session as Chie-Guest and Distinguished Guest respectively.
In the beginning Prof.Rajib Nath welcomed the delegates on behalf of the project as well as Viswavidyalaya. Prof. Nath briefed the house about the mission of the project, its experience during the last four years and the future plans in the ensuing season. Repeatedly he emphasized for incorporating pulses in Farming Systems for food security and livelihood options.
Prof. Srikumar Pal,Director of Research followed Prof Rajibnath. In his impressive
deliberation importance of pulses in the country was echoed.
According to him growing pulses driven by low cost -technology is
necessitated to reduce the burden of imports on the one hand and on the
other to alleviate the negative impacts of chemical and cereal based farming practices. He also stressed for seed-conservation at household level .
Prof.Srikanta Das asked the delegates to share their their pulse-experience and interact with the scientists to locate the points of intervention. Further, he opined that a few additions and alternations in the present system of pulse-farming will improve yield status greatly.
Prof. Kajal Sengupta, Head of the Agronomy Department discussed at length on the possibilities of increasing yield using Rhizobiums. In his deliberation he pointed out the necessity of seed-treatment, time of sowing, depth of seeding, and row-cultivation.
Prof. Raghunath Sadhukhan mentioned the varieties of pulses appropriate in the southern bengal and Sundarban areas. He advocated for keeping the local Mung-race instead other varieties as it is a proven mung-cultivar in the saline prone area.
Dr.Tapas Biswas the soil scientist urged for growing pulses in organic mode using rhizobiums, PSB. According to Biswas sowing Dhanicha prior to pulses will add fertility in the soil and reduce the cost of cultivation.
Dr.Kalyan Jana discussed on pyra cropping and asked the participants to re module present practices of cutting down paddy straw at the most ground level. He advised to keep at least 10 cm of paddy straw at bottom while harvesting.
Dr Jana was followed by Dr.Amitava Banerjee. He precribed remedies of pulse pests in an interactive way. He warned the farmers for indiscriminate use of chemicals. According to him they should use NPK in the proportion of 1:2:2 in case pulses.
Prof. Bikash Patra in his deliberation emphasized on integrated farming systems. He advocated for crop rotation with at least one pulse in the baskets. He also reechoed organic based farming as far as possible.
Dr. Amitava Biswas discussed on various issues relating to extension program. According to him there is a need for communication and coordination among the the rural institutions and farming community.
Again, Prof, Rajib Nath took part in deliberation. He informed the house about the forthcoming action plans of the project,
Prof, Arabinda Mitra summarized the proceedings and gave vote of thanks.
The whole program was icely conducted by Dr. Biswajit Bhattacharyya.
