Training cum demonstration on organic nursery raising for cole crops (vegetables) in low cost polyhouse

The farmers of Meghalaya experiences different types of climate ranging from tropical climate in the areas bordering Assam to the temperate climate adjoining the East Khasi Hills.The farmers of Mynsain villageadopted under the Network Project on Organic Farming (NPOF) of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiamproduces good amount of cucumber, capsicum and tomatoes during main season, but due to excess production and low storage facilities,price falls drastically. On the other hand, weather extremes including high intensity rainfall and hailstorm inflict maximum losses to the cucumber and tomato production during off-season. Rising seedlings of vegetables like tomato, capsicum, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, chili, brinjal etc. for off season vegetable cultivation plays an important role for getting good crops and remunerable market price. Therefore, low-cost polyhouse technology was introduced in Mynsain villages for promoting off-season production of vegetables by conducting atraining cum demonstration on organic nursery raising for cole crops (vegetables) in low cost polyhouse on the 24th July, 2018 in which 25 farmers attended the programme.

Dr. Jayanta Layek (Scientist, Agronomy) and PI, NPOF Project explained that production of off-season vegetable nurseries under protected structure can become a profitable business. Seedlings can be raised in raised beds, trays and polybags which can help in proper germination, provided independent area for each seed to germinate, reduce the mortality rate, maintained uniform and healthy growth of seedlings, easy in handling,storing and transportation. He said that the main purpose of raising nursery plants in protected structure is to increase the germination percentage and production of healthy seedlings in off seasonto raise early crop for higher profit. Dr.UtpalDey explained the farmers the construction of low cost polyhouses. Low-cost polyhouse can be constructed using locally available bamboo and metallic wire for developing the frame. UV stabilized film of 200ยต (800 gauge) can be used for covering the roof and 75% shade net on the side walls. The estimated cost of construction of a polyhouse (7x7 m2 size) can vary between Rs. 9900 to 12000. Ms.DaphibanriLyngdoh emphasized that proper drainage channels must be developed around the polyhouse to avoid water stagnation. Raised beds of 1.0 m length and 30 cm height and of convenient length can be prepared inside the polyhouse by thoroughly mixing soil: FYM in 2:1 ratio. The seeds of vegetables should be placed 2-3 cm deep in the soil at proper distance and should be covered with same 2:1 soil and FYM mixture. Moisture in the bed should be maintained properly by applying water through rose can in every 2-3 days interval. Generally in polyhouse, the seedling are being ready in 20-30 days for transplantingdue to relatively higher temperature than outside open areas. Proper care should be taken at the time of uprooting the seedlings so that some soil should remain attached along the roots. The seedlings should be transplanted in main fields in the afternoon time and frequent watering is needed in the initial days.