Diversification of exiting farming systems

Climatic Vulnerability

Dibrugarh district of Assam receives about 2000 mm rainfall annually.  This district is vulnerable to floods, flash-floods and water stagnation for longer period in crop fields. Terminal drought also occurs sometimes. During 2011-12, the village received a precipitation of 1789 mm and was badly affected by flash-floods in an area of 40 ha.

Interventions

Paddy community nursery:

Though the flash-flood was of moderate, prolonged stagnation of water delayed the transplanting of rice. Hence, community nursery was raised with rice variety ‘Gitesh’ (suitable for transplanting old seedlings up to 60 days) in the flood affected areas. A mass varietal replacement programme on rice was also taken up to introduce quality seed material. 

Diversification of exiting farming systems for higher income and employment: 

A young farmer, of thirty years age, Rajib Buragohain from Phutahola village is highly motivated and involved in farming activities to earn livelihood for his family but the income generated from the farm was not sufficient to meet the family needs. Due to high degree of variations in weather during the recent years, he was unable to raise crops successfully and sometimes failed to recover the cost of cultivation.

He was advised to take up fodder production as a measure to diversify his farming system.   Fodder saplings of perennial grasses such as guinea, hybrid napier, para grass and setaria were provided for planting. Technology on fodder cultivation was given to him along with few other villagers in a training programme. After 3-4 months of planting, the crop was ready for first harvest. Apart from feeding his own livestock, he started selling fodder saplings to other farmers which fetched him

additional income in quick succession. His success inspired other villagers to go for fodder production. Now, three more farmers have come forward for fodder cultivation. Round the year fodder production is expected from this fodder bank and this will certainly meet the fodder crisis during dry spells of the year.

Looking at his work and dedication in fodder cultivation, he was assisted to procure a crossbred Jersey cow along with a 4 month-old calf on cost sharing basis. The animals were fed with concentrates, from the income generated in fodder cultivation, as well as green grasses from his farm. He is now following yearly vaccination for FMD and HS+BQ and supplementation of mineral mixtures and fertility inducers as per requirement. The cow is yielding about 10 l milk /day and he is earning additional income through sale of milk in the village.

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