Horticulture intervention for improving productivity and profitability of small and marginal farmers

Abstract

India, due to its diverse climate conditions, wide range of soil, and cultivable area, etc., provides an opportunity for the profitable cultivation of horticultural crops. The main contribution of the horticulture sector to the Indian economy is the earnings through domestic and export of horticultural produce. The total production and productivity has increased by nearly 2.8 times and 1.5 times respectively. Despite of significant growth of horticulture, there is a huge gap between present production and availability. This paper is focuses on assessing horticultural technologies for improving farm productivity and income. Horticultural technologies were developed and adopted by growers for improving their profitability. Recent data suggested that soil organic carbon had variance level of 0.02 to 0.04 whereas dehydrogenase activity of 0.02 to 1.07. In contrast, greater variance in fluorescine diacetate activity and potassium contents was noted. Maximum variance of P, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe and pH was recorded as 40.64, 0.01, 0.32, 10.25, 6.94 and 0.31 across 189 soil samples from nine mango growing villages. Such conditions suggest adopting organic and integrated nutrient management practices. The Economics of vegetable and flower production was estimated and it was noticedthat 2.04:1 to 3.2:1 were the benefit: cost ratios, respectively.Considerable co-benefits in flower cultivation were also noted. Diffusion programs for farmers were organized to penetrate the advanced technology for the betterment of growers. Students were also trained in newly developed protocols and hands-on trainings were imparted. All these technologies ensured resource conservation.

Effect of Bio-stimulants on Growth, Yield, Quality and Biotic Resistance in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

“…Regular consumption of recommended amount of vegetables leads to better health while, insufficient intake causes several mineral deficiency symptoms [2]. Apart from nutritional benefits, the production ofvegetables plays an important role in economy of small and marginal farmers [3].…”