KIRAN Empowering Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation in North East

Monitoring of Cole Crop components under Farmers’ FIRST Project.

Project title:

Livelihood Improvement of Hill Farmers through Sustainable Farming Systems in North Eastern Hill Region- Farmers’ Farm, Innovations, Resources, Science and Technology (FIRST) Programme

Key objective of field visit

To assess the field progress results of Cole crops in Marngar area, Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya

Villages visited

1) Mawtnum
2) Umtham
3) Sarikhusi
4) Nalapara
5) Purangang
6) Borgang
7) Nongagang

Monitor(s):

Dr. H. Rymbai (Scientist- Horticulture)
Dr. R. Laha (Principal Scientist & PI of Farmers’ FIRST Project
Ms. Astha Barman (Senior Research Fellow)
Ms. IbanyllaSwer (Field Assistant)
Ms. Lapynbiang Khongrymmai (Field Assistant)

Monitoring visit date

22.01.2019, 07.02.2019 & 23.02.2019

Cole crops cultivation is one of the major components under Farmers’ FIRST Project. A technology on cultivation of these vegetables such as nursery management, line sowing, spacing, transplanting, mulching and maturity indices were demonstrated. In addition, seeds were distributed for adoption of demonstrated technology. A field visit and observation was taken from time to time for supervision of farmers’ activities as demonstrated. Monitoring was conducted to assess the progress of cole crops cultivation the project.

Observations:

1) Stage of crops

S.No.

Stage(s)

Villages

1

Nursery stage &

Mawtnum

2

Vegetative

Umtham, Nalapara

3

Head formation & Maturity

Umtham, Purangang, Sarikhusi, Nongagang, Borgang, Nalapara

S. No.

Technologies demonstrated

Observations

1

Line sowing

Seed was sown in line at 5 cm distance between rows as demonstrated.

2

Protection of seedling

Seedlings were protected using banana pseudostem. The banana pseudostem was cut into 30 cm length and split into halves. Each layer was erected immediately after transplanting at an inclined (∟450) to protect from evening sunshine (Fig 1).

3

Spacing

Crops were transplanted at spacing of 40 cm x 40 cm in raised bed (Fig 2)

4

Irrigation

Broccoli needs sufficient moisture in the soil for uniform and continuous growth of plants. Therefore, frequent irrigation at 10–15 days is given depending upon weather conditions. The dry conditions adversely affect the quality and yield of shoots by being more fibrous. On 5the other hand waterlogging condition depresses plant growth. Generally furrow system of irrigation is practiced (Fig 3).

5

Mulching

A 4-5 cm thickness of mulching was adopted by farmers for moisture conservation. Mulching materials used are paddy straw and dry grasses (Fig 4).

6

Maturity indices

Heads are harvested when green, compact bud clusters and 12-15 cm diameter (Fig 5).

7

Harvesting

Harvested with a sharp knife along with 10-15 cm stems (Fig 6).

Photographs of field monitoring

Protection of seedling during transplanting Planting at spacing of 40 cm x 40 cm in raised bed

Bamboo irrigation system for Broccoli cultivation Mulching of Broccoli beds

Correct maturity indices of broccoli Harvesting of broccoli with 10-15 cm stems

Project title:	Livelihood Improvement of Hill Farmers through Sustainable Farming Systems in North Eastern Hill Region- Farmers’ Farm, Innovations, Resources, Science and Technology (FIRST) Programme
Key objective of field visit	To assess the field progress results of Cole crops in Marngar area, Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya
Villages visited	1) Mawtnum 2) Umtham 3) Sarikhusi 4) Nalapara 5) Purangang 6) Borgang 7) Nongagang
Monitor(s):	Dr. H. Rymbai (Scientist- Horticulture) Dr. R. Laha (Principal Scientist & PI of Farmers’ FIRST Project Ms. Astha Barman (Senior Research Fellow) Ms. IbanyllaSwer (Field Assistant) Ms. Lapynbiang Khongrymmai (Field Assistant)
Monitoring visit date	22.01.2019, 07.02.2019 & 23.02.2019

S.No.	Stage(s)	Villages
1	Nursery stage &	Mawtnum
2	Vegetative	Umtham, Nalapara
3	Head formation & Maturity	Umtham, Purangang, Sarikhusi, Nongagang, Borgang, Nalapara

S. No.	Technologies demonstrated	Observations
1	Line sowing	Seed was sown in line at 5 cm distance between rows as demonstrated.
2	Protection of seedling	Seedlings were protected using banana pseudostem. The banana pseudostem was cut into 30 cm length and split into halves. Each layer was erected immediately after transplanting at an inclined (∟450) to protect from evening sunshine (Fig 1).
3	Spacing	Crops were transplanted at spacing of 40 cm x 40 cm in raised bed (Fig 2)
4	Irrigation	Broccoli needs sufficient moisture in the soil for uniform and continuous growth of plants. Therefore, frequent irrigation at 10–15 days is given depending upon weather conditions. The dry conditions adversely affect the quality and yield of shoots by being more fibrous. On 5the other hand waterlogging condition depresses plant growth. Generally furrow system of irrigation is practiced (Fig 3).
5	Mulching	A 4-5 cm thickness of mulching was adopted by farmers for moisture conservation. Mulching materials used are paddy straw and dry grasses (Fig 4).
6	Maturity indices	Heads are harvested when green, compact bud clusters and 12-15 cm diameter (Fig 5).
7	Harvesting	Harvested with a sharp knife along with 10-15 cm stems (Fig 6).


Protection of seedling during transplanting	Planting at spacing of 40 cm x 40 cm in raised bed

Bamboo irrigation system for Broccoli cultivation	Mulching of Broccoli beds

Correct maturity indices of broccoli	Harvesting of broccoli with 10-15 cm stems