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Strawberry cultivation for the farmers of Odisha and Chattishgarh

pic.#1 Strawberry cultivation using black polythene mulching.

Strawberry (Fragaria annanasa Dutch) is an important temperate as well as sub-tropical fruit crop and can be commercially grown in states like Odisha and Chhattisgarh with subtropical climatic condition. The fresh ripe fruits of strawberry with 98% edible portion are rich source of Vitamin C and iron making it a very nutritious fruit. Apart from fresh consumption, these fruits can also be processed into various value-added products like canned strawberry, jam, jelly, ice-cream, wine and other soft drinks. Due to its increasing demand in urban India, its potential area of cultivation is on a hike in plains and southern hills of India. In India it is mostly grown in Haryana, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Bihar. As per NHB data 2016-17, Haryana is having highest area and production of strawberry cultivation in India followed by Mizoram and Meghalaya. But Odisha and Chhattisgarh are the states having great potential for growing such an export oriented and high value fruit crop provided by proper scientific package and practices which are given below. All parts of these two states mostly hilly areas of Odisha (Kandhamal, Koraput, Eastern ghats and other hills) and Chhattisgarh (Ambikapur, Bastar) are very much suitable for cultivation of strawberry.

PACKAGE AND PRACTICES

Climate and Soil:

A temperate to sub-tropical climate is suitable for strawberry cultivation, requiring a temperature range of 15-25oC for better growth of the plants. Although strawberry grows well under temperate climate but some cultivars are also suitable for growing under sub-tropical climate. Daylight period of 12 hr or less and moderate temperature are important for flower-bud formation. Sandy loam soil with a pH range of 5.7-6.5 is suitable for this cultivation.

Suitable varieties:

Winter Down and Cheema Rosa is the most suitable cultivar of strawberry under the agroclimatic conditions of Odisha and Chattisgarh where as other varieties such as Fortuna, Florida Beauty, Festival, , Sweet Charlie, Sweet Sensation, R-1, R-2, Nabila are some of the suitable varieties can be grown in Odisha and Chhattisgarh under both open field as well as protected cultivation.

Planting material:

Strawberry is commercially propagated by runner plants. For large scale cultivation tissue culture plants can be used. Planting material requirement of strawberry is 20-25 thousands per acre.

Land preparation and Planting:

Soil is ploughed repeatedly during summer to make soil friable followed by removal of weeds and stubbles. Soil fumigation with a mixture of methyl bromide and chloropicrin helps to increase root system, reduce fertilizer requirement and control the weeds. In the climate of Odisha and Chhattisgarh, its commercial cultivation is done in the month of September to March in the open field condition, whereas inside the protected structure it can be grown round the year except from April to July. Within this period, crop can be harvested 5-6 times.

A spacing of 30 cm x 60 cm or 30 cm x 30 cm with a population of 20,000 to 22,000 plants per acre can be adopted. Planting can be done in two rows or three rows on a 1 m wide, 30-35cm raised bed with 90-120 cm spacing between beds. The raised beds are fitted with drip lines for irrigation and covered with polythene or straw mulch. Mulching is very much essential as it conserves the soil moisture, prevents any weed growth ultimately reducing labour cost for weeding and prevents the fruits from touching the ground and getting damaged.

Irrigation and Fertiliser dose:

Strawberry being a shallow-rooted plant requires more frequent but less amount of water in irrigation.  Excessive irrigation can lead to growth of leaves and stolon at the expense of fruits & flowers and also increases the incidence of Botrytis rot.

A fertilizer dose of 25-50 tonnes farmyard manure, 75-100 kg N, 40-120 kg P2O5 and 40-80 kg K2O per ha can be applied according to soil type and variety planted.

Flowering and Fruiting:

Flowering occurs at 40-60 days after planting. Gibberellic acid (GA) @ 30-50 mgL-1 is sprayed 4 days after flowering along with Malic hydrazide@ 0.01-0.03% during flowering for better fruit growth and increase in yield by 31-41%. Morphactin@ 50 mgL-1 increases the fruit size. Fruiting comes after 60-70 days of planting and takes about 20-22 days for physiological maturity. Albinism (lack of fruit colour during ripening) is a physiological disorder in strawberry where fruits remain irregularly pink or even totally white and sometimes swollen, less firm having acid taste. This is very rare in this climatic condition.

Harvesting and Yield:

Strawberries are generally harvested at a stage of >75% skin colour change (for distant market) and 90% colour change (for local market) from apex to the base of the fruit. Picking is done along with the stalk 1-2 inches from the calyx and collected in small trays or baskets usually in the early morning hours on every second or third day. Fruits should be kept in a shady place to avoid damage due to excessive heat in the open field and pre-cooled at 4oC within 2 hr of harvesting. After pre-cooling they can be shipped in refrigerated vans for storage or to distant market. Fresh fruits can be stored in cold storage at 0-2oC and up to 7 days. 90-95% optimum humidity is maintained to prevent water loss and avoid shrivelling. Don’t wash the berries until just before eating or preserving. Average fruit yield is 700-1000 g per plant.

Marketing:

The fruits can be sold in local as well as national and international market in a profitable price. Fruits are washed properly and graded as per their weight, size and colour. For long distance markets fruits are packed in small plastic packets of 200-300g capacity. These fruits generally fetch a market price of Rs. 150-200 per kg in Indian markets.

We offer support in providing planting materials and marketing of the produce except any logistic supports. This is prepared after thorough analysis of research data from different research scholars of India.

References:

  1. https://www.abhinavakrishi.com/blog/2020/04/04/strawberry-farming-in-western-odisha-a-highly-remunerative-crop-for-small-and-marginal-farmers/
  2. http://nhb.gov.in/report_files/strawberry/STRAWBERRY.htm
  3. Harris L J and Mitcham E. 2007. Strawberries: Safe Methods to Store, Preserve and Enjoy, University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu

Sonalisa Behera

M.Sc. in Fruit Science

Contact:

Mail Id- contact@abhinavakrishi.com

Contact No-8457887721

Website-www.abhinavakrishi.com

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Greetings from Team ICAATAS 2024

Join us for the

“7th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ADVANCES IN AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY AND ALLIED SCIENCES (ICAATAS 2024)”

Registration link: https://forms.gle/YC5Ke73hJqnDwuFr9

Organized by-

Society of Agriculture Research and Social Development (New Delhi) and Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

Venue & Co-Organizing Partner:

The Neotia University (ICAR Accredited), West Bengal
Mode: Hybrid (Online/Offline)

Dates: September 15 – September 16, 2024

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CONFERENCE:

  1. Publish your full-length paper in Scopus/WOS Q1, Q3 (Free of charge)
  2. Publish your manuscript in NAAS-rated journals
  3. Over 10 ICAR organizations participating
  4. Expert lectures by invited international speakers
  5. Awards for the best 3 presenters in each session (Oral/Poster)
  6. Over 70 categories of individual awards
  7. On-Spot Debate Competition
  8. Brainstorming Sessions
  9. Agriculture Quiz Session
  10. Chance of meeting scientists from the USA, South Korea, China, Russia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, & England in online platform or offline venue
Paper or book chapter link : https://forms.gle/JkaPmZV3VYiPtfGb6

Have a look at our patrons Key Note Speakers and Lead Speakers

Award Nomination Link: https://forms.gle/J8Z2tNyJuPLYNp1s8

Major Themes of ICAATAS 2024

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Poster Presentations and Oral Presentations

Abstract submission link: https://forms.gle/Y3iSD2KM4xsw5sdv8

Our Partners

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Welcome to the City of Joy, Kolkata

We the team members of ICAATAS waiting for your active participation in our

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Two Days National Level Training Program on “Advanced Cultivation of Sub-Tropical Fruits” organized sucessfully by Abhinavakrishi, Sambalpur

Two days training programme from 4th to 5th March, 2024 on “Advanced cultivation for sub- Tropical Fruits” has been organised by Abhinavakrishi Research Organization, Sambalpur, Odisha in collaboration with the Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence – Centre for Subtropical Fruits, Ladwa, Kurukshetra, Haryana.

Day one of the programme focused on Advanced production technology and understanding the specific requirements of several sub-tropical fruit species such as Pomegranate, Mango, Guava, Sapota and Litchi. Apart from that the first day of the program focused on training and pruning practices that help maintain the balance between vegetative and reproductive growth, ensuring healthy fruit production. Discussions were carried out on several methods to facilitate the adaptation of low-chilling temperate fruit varieties of pear, peach, plum, and apple in sub-tropical areas & tropical highlands of India.

The second day of training commenced with a visit to the food processing unit of Mr. Dharambir Kamboj Ji at Damla, Yamunanagar, Haryana. His innovation of “Multi-Purpose Food Processing Machine” not only expands the scope for fruit processing but also advocates for possibilities of employment generation and reduced food waste. Through his Multipurpose Food processing machine, which operates on principles encompassing cutting, mixing, pulping, juicing and distillation, he has paved the way for the comprehensive utilization of fruits, vegetables and flowers. The same apparatus can be employed for extracting essential oils from aromatic and medicinal plants. Producing pulped juice and preparing juice that is ready for immediate consumption. Afterwards, farmers actively participated in practical sessions focusing on different grafting and budding techniques, that are essential for producing robust seedlings ready for transplantation, specifically tailored for subtropical fruits at CSTF, Ladwa.

With the collaborative efforts of both organizations, farmers gained valuable insights into improving fruit production in sub-tropical as well as tropical fruit species cultivation and nursery management. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to address the specific challenges of fruit cultivation in tropical and subtropical climates of India. Participants engaged in discussions regarding potential collaborations between CSTF, Ladwa, and Abhinavakrishi, Sambalpur.

The goal is to leverage each other’s expertise for the adaptation of low-chill temperate fruit varieties in the Eastern Ghats hills of Odisha. This partnership has the potential to significantly impact fruit production addressing our sole vision towards achieving excellence in innovative farming practices for the improvement of small and marginal farmers of India.

Jai Bharat Jai Kisan (www.abhinavakrishi.com)

Abhinavakrishi Research Organization Sambalpur Odisha

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6th Plant Science Researchers Meet (PSRM) 2024 -National Conference on Current Trends in Agriculture, Applied and Life Sciences

The PLANTICA – Association of Plant Science Researchers (APSR) is thrilled to announce the 6th Plant Science Researchers Meet (PSRM)-2024- National Conference on Current Trends in Agriculture, Applied, and Life Sciences. This prestigious event is co-organized by Geeta University, Panipat, Haryana, in collaboration with Shri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani, Uttarakhand.

Event Details:

Date:  March 11 – 12, 2024

Venue: Geeta University, Panipat, Haryana

This conference aims to bring together leading scientists, researchers, academicians, and industry experts from around the globe to discuss and share the latest advancements in Plant Science and the interdisciplinary fields of Agriculture, Applied, and Life Sciences.

Highlights of the Event:

1. Keynote Speakers: Renowned experts will deliver keynote addresses, providing insights into cutting-edge research and developments in the field.

2. Scientific Sessions: The conference will feature parallel scientific sessions covering a wide range of topics, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the latest trends and breakthroughs.

3. Oral and Poster Presentations: Researchers and students are invited to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations, offering an excellent platform to showcase their work and engage in discussions.

4. Awards: Recognizing excellence in research, awards will be presented for outstanding contributions in various categories.

Call for Abstract Submission and Award Nominations:

Researchers and scholars are invited to submit their abstracts for oral and poster presentations. Additionally, nominations for awards are welcome. The deadline for abstract submission and award nominations is 05 March 2024.

For detailed guidelines, submission instructions, and registration details please visit the conference website: www.pgrindias.in

We look forward to your participation in the 6th Plant Science Researchers Meet (PSRM)-2024 – National Conference on Current Trends in Agriculture, Applied, and Life Sciences.

PLANTICA – Association of Plant Science Researchers (APSR), Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Geeta University, Panipat, Haryana

Sri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University, Rishikesh

Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani

Registration Link : https://pgrindias.in/6th-psrm-2023-24/

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Upcoming Conferences

Dear Sir/Madam,

Greetings from the committee of ICAATAS 2023 IN HYBRID MODE (ONLINE/OFFLINE)!

VENUE- (LOYOLA ACADEMY, Secunderabad, Telangana)

Registration link- (https://lnkd.in/dYZCbGJA)

Awards Nomination link- (https://lnkd.in/dV53vJ2p)

We take great pleasure in inviting you all to the “6th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ADVANCES IN AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY AND ALLIED SCIENCES (ICAATAS 2023) on June 19-21, 2023 (IN HYBRID MODE)” being organized by the Society of Agriculture Research & LOYOLA  ACADEMY, SECUNDERABAD, TELANGANA), Sponsored by OIL INDIA & Scientific Partnered by “SolResLab”. We hope that you will grace the conference with your presence, which will provide you with an opportunity to meet with National- International resource persons, colleagues, and friends working in the area of Agriculture and Allied Sciences.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at contacticaatas@gmail.com

Contact Details- 7005652842/ 9863977658

We sincerely also request you to kindly circulate the information among relevant faculty, students, and industrial resource persons of your department.

We look forward to seeing you as a participant at ICAATAS 2023!

PUBLICATION PARTNERS

Akinik Publication-An International Journal with NAAS RATING 5.23

International Journal of Entomology Research- Web of Science indexed

Plant Science Today, Scopus Indexed Journal (Q3)

Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology, Scopus & Web of Science Indexed (Q3, Special Issue)

International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, NAAS RATING- 4.98 ( Only Selected Papers )

International Journal of Statistics and Applied Mathematics, NAAS RATING- 5.12 ( Only Selected Papers )

International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry, NAAS RATING- 4.62 ( Only Selected Papers )

Sponsored Partners:

Oil India

SolResLab- Solutions for Research Laboratories

Knowledge Partners:

IIMR-Indian Institute of millets research

TS AG HUB

IIRR- Indian Institute of Rice Research

Telangana Mahila Vishwavidhyalaya, Telangana

IIOR- Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad

TNU-The Neotia University, West Bengal

Parul University, Gujrat

College of Agriculture, Tripura

Asian PGPR Society

Plant Protection Association of India, Hyderabad

Centurion University

Society for Advancement of Rice Research

Abhinava Krishi Research Organization, Sambalpur, Odisha

Media Partner/Corporate Partner:

Vigyan Varta, An International

E-Magazine for Science Enthusiasts

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The Bonsai Haat

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Dry Kharif in Odisha (2021): A farmer’s perspective

Pic.1#Picture from a rice field in Jajpur (Odisha) depicting shortage of rainfall during the kharif (2021)

The snag of the water crisis, commonly called as drought, is not an uncommon issue in the state of Odisha. Historically, the Na Anka Durbhikhya’ had already proved the prolificacy of drought and its consequences in the state. Apart from the five districts such as Bolangir, Bargarh, Phulbani, Nuapada and Kalahandi which are marked as the drought-prone areas, the coastal Odisha had also been suffered, although not frequently as the formers but severely in the current year.

Pic.2# Cracking of soil due to deficient rainfall during kharif in a rice field

In the mid-2021, the northern, central and coastal northeastern Odisha comprising the districts of Jajpur, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Bhadrak etc. have also experienced a huge water crisis. In the state of Odisha, 26 districts barring Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Koraput and Malkangiri have recorded deficient rainfall of 20% or above. Jajpur was the worst affected with 54% less rainfall. It is observed in the blocks of Jajpur and Bhadrak district that after a long standby, the paddy fields are being less transplanted by lift irrigation by using private pump sets which is undoubtedly unaffordable for the long run. Consequently, the paddy fields were severely affected.

As the periodicity of drought in Odisha is usually once in five years and is mostly confined to the drought-prone areas of the state and the northeastern coastal plain experiences plenty of annual precipitation which is sufficient for the crops like paddy, then the question arises, should this temporary irregularity in rainfall be a relevant reason for the reduction of paddy yield and should the same be considered as a parameter for affecting the annual income of a marginal farmer or disturbing the state agricultural GDP . The prevailing rainfall is usually observed during mid-June and persists up to the end of August. However, in this year (2021), the climate alternation has brought minimal precipitation during the monsoon. Simultaneously the dry spell period has dominated over the monsoon months.

Usually, in the drought condition, a farmer completely relies upon the accountability of rain falling in his field, whereas the primary cause is hidden behind the faulty cropping system and intercultural practices. One would suggest a lot more solutions to the prevailing issues where most of them are not feasible in the current scenario of the state.

Firstly, crop rotation is a safe alternative to beat the dry spell period by the use of alternative crops like legumes or millets. However, this option is preferably considerable for farmers those who don’t rely upon rice completely as their livelihood. In the northeast coastal Odisha, there is uncertainty in drought prevalence where a farmer couldn’t plan a resistant variety of paddy against it. Most often, the problem is observed after a standing nursery bed is raised. This leaves no option to modify the variety in between the cropping season.   

Secondly, drought breakers such as mulching and greenhouse cultivation for paddy is restricted to western countries only as there is large scale cultivation of paddy in India which wouldn’t give space to such intensive methods and is not affordable to the farmers as well.

However, the average moisture level in the paddy field can be maintained by the use of safe alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This might sound weird to the commercial ears, but factually, the constant deposition of chemical inputs over the land for a longer period results in forming a hardpan and depletes the moisture level of the soil. Minimum use of chemical inputs or replacing the same with organic manure containing humus as the major constituent which effectively restores moisture (70-80%) in the soil for years. The frequency of drought occurrence is also reduced by adopting the Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) with minimum use of inputs in the field.

There are other productive options to counter the drought prevalence such as making water reservoirs near the agricultural fields for rain water harvest and utilizing during the dry spell. An acre of paddy field may consist of about four to six small fields in general, which can be effectively irrigated by a reservoir of dimensions (25x15x10) feet. The reservoirs must be covered by concrete lids to check evaporation.

Moreover, plantation of avenue trees in a radius of about 200 meters around the rice field and along the bunds as well was found to minimize evaporation loss. These trees take about three to five years for full canopy development. When we think about our traditional methods of rice cultivation, broadcasting seed during summer (Bihida dhana chasa)  can be carried out during the expected drought year in the rainfed districts of Odisha to save our standing crop from loss due to irregular or deficient rainfall.

Lastly, the Government should equally emphasize creating lift irrigation projects on a wider scale, both in rural as well as urban agricultural sectors. Various irrigation projects have been officially planned but unfortunately, most of them are limited to the files only. Utilization of the two perennial rivers of the coastal plain, the Brahmani and the Baitarani should be made by encouraging dams and reservoirs. The Rengali project that has come into action in the districts helps foresee a better agricultural structure of the belt. Eventually, the seasonal MSP (Minimum Support Price) of paddy should be raised during the period of disaster to stabilize the state economy and be a safe alternative for the paddy farmers.

Author Details:

Bimal Dash

Block Project Coordinator (Odisha Millet Mission)

Joda, Keonjhar

Mail-bimaldash.ar@gmail.com

mob:9776994620