Accelerating Vegetable Productivity Improvement (AVPI)

Transcription

1 Accelerating Vegetable Productivity Improvement (AVPI) MONTHLY REPORT SEPTEMBER 2018 This report by IFDC was made possible through funding support from the Walmart Foundation. INTERNATIONAL FERTILIZER DEVELOPMENT CENTER PO BOX 2040 MUSCLE SHOALS, AL USA

2 Table of Contents Highlights... 1 Introduction... 1 Results... 1 Technical Activities... 2 Technology Transfer... 2 Piloting Polynet Houses with Trickle Irrigation... 4 Improving Farmer Access to Market Information... 5 Reporting... 8 Tables Table 1. Activities Conducted for Winter Vegetable Season Through September Table 2. Newspaper and Television Reports, News, and Publicity, September AVPI Monthly Report September 2018 i

3 Acronyms and Abbreviations AVPI BMO DAE FDP FTF GAP IFDC mt NGO NPK SWOT Accelerating Vegetable Productivity Improvement Briquetting Machine Owner Department of Agricultural Extension Fertilizer Deep Placement Feed the Future Good Agricultural Practice International Fertilizer Development Center metric ton Non-Governmental Organization Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats AVPI Monthly Report September 2018 ii

4 Accelerating Vegetable Productivity Improvement (AVPI) Monthly Report September 2018 Highlights Introduction The Accelerating Vegetable Productivity Improvement (AVPI) project is the second partnership between the Walmart Foundation and the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) to improve the livelihoods of low-income female vegetable and fruit farmers in Bangladesh. The project targets the horticulture subsector (vegetables and fruits), which is particularly relevant to women farmers. The project is expected to reach an estimated about 38,000 beneficiaries. 1 This report contains a monthly update covering project activities in September Results Area Coverage under Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), including Fertilizer Deep Placement (FDP) Technology, in Winter : Winter season vegetable cultivation began in August. Application of GAPs, including FDP, by women horticulture farmers in winter started in the middle of August at AVPI project locations. As per AVPI weekly reports, a total of 830 hectares (ha) of vegetables and fruit have been brought under FDP technology during the winter season of until the reporting period. FDP Briquette Production: Information is being collected on Guti (briquette) fertilizer production from 233 AVPI villages. In September 2018, a total of metric tons (mt) of Guti urea and mt of NPK briquettes were produced. The overall production of Guti fertilizers in AVPI villages during the winter vegetable and fruit season was mt ( mt Guti urea and mt NPK briquette) as of the reporting month. 1 AVPI conducted a census during winter to determine the current agriculture status of all 28,360 women farmers who were trained during the IFDC-Walmart activity period in the Feed the Future (FTF) zone. A total of 21,892 farmers were found active in winter AVPI will train another 16,000 women horticulture farmers in 400 batches throughout the life of the project. Therefore, the number of expected beneficiaries will be 21, ,000 = 37,892. AVPI Monthly Report September

5 Technical Activities Winter Season : AVPI began its winter season activities in August as per the approved work plan. The activities include: women horticulture farmers training on GAPs (including FDP) and polynet houses with trickle irrigation; motivational meetings with previously trained women horticulture farmers; motivational workshops and operational training of fertilizer briquetting machine owners (BMOs); farmers orientation training for demonstration establishment; establishment of demonstration plots to show the results of improved technologies compared to farmers practices; vegetable marketing seminars to improve the knowledge of women horticulture farmers on product quality and marketing-related issues; and agro-input retailers training to educate them on polynet houses and trickle irrigation systems. AVPI completed the following activities for the winter season during September Technology Transfer Farmers Training on GAPs and FDP: In September, 50 batches of AVPI training programs for winter season vegetables and fruits were organized with the participation of 2,000 women farmers. The training program lasted for two days, with four hours each day. Day 1 focused on the theoretical aspects of vegetable and fruit production, while Day 2 focused on practical demonstrations of FDP and GAPs application. Training topics include: (1) human nutrition from vegetables and fruits; (2) soil fertility, balanced fertilizer use, and benefits of FDP technology; (3) fertilizer briquette rates and application methods for selected vegetable and fruit crops; (4) integrated pest management (IPM) practices; (5) land preparation, plant spacing, and planting/harvesting times for selected fruit and vegetable crops; (6) quality seed and variety selection for selected crops; (7) gender issues related to the marketing of vegetables and fruits; (8) practical demonstration of FDP application; and (9) trainee feedback/question-and-answer session. Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) officials also participated in these training programs. So far, 91 (70 percent) of 130 targeted training programs for winter have been completed. AVPI practical training on GAPs and FDP application for women horticulture farmers AVPI Monthly Report September

6 Motivational Meeting with Walmart/IFDC-Trained Beneficiaries: In September, 40 batches of motivational meetings were organized with 2,000 beneficiaries who were trained previously under Walmart- IFDC activities. The purpose of the meetings was to identify the beneficiaries plans regarding GAPs and FDP application in horticulture crop production and motivate them to continue GAPs and FDP practices. So far, 80 (80 percent) of 100 targeted motivational meetings for winter have been completed. Establishment of FDP Demonstration: Technology results demonstration is one of the most important AVPI activities. AVPI demonstrates the results of FDP technology in selected vegetables. The demonstration plots consist of two plots, each measuring 200 square meters one using FDP and the other broadcasting conventional urea, keeping all other inputs such as seed and fertilizers and all other management practices the same. A total of 15 targeted vegetable demonstrations plots (100%), which included seven on cabbage and eight on cauliflower, for winter have been completed. Field Data Entry and Analysis: AVPI completed data entry, checking and verification of the following surveys and crop cuts. The analyses are in process, and the results will be presented in the AVPI second annual report, which is due in November FDP Demonstration Plot Crop Cuts on Vegetables, Summer 2018: Data from 20 demonstration plots were recorded. The crop cuts included bitter gourd, cucumber, eggplant, and taro. Five replications were made for each crop to measure the comparison of crop yield between FDP and broadcast urea application. Farmers Field Crop Cuts on Vegetables, Summer 2018: Data from 30 farmers field crop cuts were recorded. The crop cuts included bitter gourd, cucumber, eggplant, pointed gourd, teasel gourd, and taro. Five replications were made for each crop to calculate the gross margin by crops for FDP and broadcast urea application. Trained Sample Household Survey for Summer 2018: A total of 3,272 randomly selected trained households were surveyed. The sample represents 10% of the total AVPI-trained beneficiaries. The survey was taken to assess the degree to which AVPI beneficiaries used GAPs and FDP technology in horticultural crops during summer AVPI Monthly Report September

7 Cluster Village Monitoring Survey Summer 2018: Data were taken from 233 AVPI cluster villages through interviews with key informants on GAPs and FDP application in horticulture crop production. Piloting Polynet Houses with Trickle Irrigation Establishment of Demonstration Plots under Polynet Houses with Trickle Irrigation: In September, five demonstration plots on eggplant production were established under polynet houses with trickle irrigation using FDP and broadcast urea and also farmers practice without polynet houses and trickle irrigation to show the results of crop production between these technologies and farmers practice. Therefore, all 10 targeted demonstrations (five on seedling raising and five on crop production) for winter have been completed. Field Days on Seedling Raising under Polynet Houses: In September, AVPI organized five field day programs on the use of polynet houses for raising eggplant seedlings. A total of 200 farmers (female-157 and male-43) participated in these five events. The seedlings grown under polynet houses were uniform with high vigor, good size, shape and color, and maximum root formation, and were strong compared to farmers practices without polynet houses. No insecticides were used on polynet seedlings, whereas on three occasions insecticides were sprayed on seedlings without polynet. The market value of polynet seedlings is about 25 percent higher compared to without polynet seedlings. AVPI Monthly Report September

8 Agro-Input Retailer Training: In September, AVPI organized two batches of agro-input retailer training programs as targeted for winter A total of 24 agro-input retailers and five BMOs attended the training program. The program included theoretical discussion and presentation on the benefits and use of polynet, trickle irrigation, and fertilizer deep placement technologies, followed by practical demonstrations of these technologies in fields. By introducing these technologies, AVPI expects that the attendee retailers and BMOs will ensure that the materials of these technologies are provided as needed by the farmers. AVPI also provided the contact information of the manufacturer of these materials to the participants. AVPI practical training for agro-input retailers and BMOs on setting-up trickle irrigation systems under polynet house Improving Farmer Access to Market Information Group work on SWOT analysis by participants Vegetable and Fruit Marketing Seminar: In September, AVPI organized one vegetable marketing seminar in Pirojpur district to improve the women farmers market knowledge and their access to market information. In this seminar, the findings of the three studies conducted by AVPI were presented and discussed in detail with the participants. AVPI women vegetable and fruit farmers, who are playing a leadership role in their communities, along with market actors (faria/bepari/aratdar/paiker/retailers), DAE officials, the district marketing officer, nongovernmental organization (NGO) officials, and media representatives attended the seminar. In the seminar, a SWOT analysis was conducted by the participants. This allowed for each participant to become aware and learn about the opportunities and threats they are facing in the production and marketing of their products in the markets. The female farmers and market actors were divided in four mixed groups for a group SWOT exercise, followed by a presentation from each group. So far, one of the two targeted vegetable and fruit marketing seminars for winter has been completed. AVPI Monthly Report September

9 Table 1 provides information on the activities accomplished as of September 2018 against targets for the winter vegetable season. Table 1. Activities Conducted for Winter Vegetable Season Through September 2018 AVPI Progress Through September 2018 Activities Unit Target Actual % Remarks Objective 1: Fertilizer Deep Placement (FDP)/Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Farmer training Batch % Farmer orientation for demo establishment Batch % Motivational meeting with trained farmers Number % Motivational workshop and operational training of BMOs Number % Field demonstration Number % Crop cuts from Demo plots Number 15 Farmers field Number 20 Field days Number 5 Design and develop technical leaflets, flyers, posters, signboards, flags, promotional bags, and caps * * Continuing activity Objective 2: Piloting Polynet Houses with Trickle Irrigation Farmer orientation for demo establishment Batch % Field demonstration (seedling raising-5 + crop production- Number 5) % Farmer training Batch % Field days Number % Provide direct technical assistance to farmers in introducing * * Continuing activity polynet houses with trickle irrigation and FDP technology Agro-input retailer training Number % Objective 3: Improving Farmer Market Knowledge/Access to Market Information Vegetable marketing seminar Number % Media Campaign: The media campaign for AVPI activities during September 2018 is shown in Table 2, covering daily national newspapers, local print media, electronic media, and online news. In the media campaign, Walmart Foundation, as the donor, is always emphasized in relation to AVPI activities. Some news reports about AVPI activities in August are also included in the following table due to the late receipt of the newspapers from fields. AVPI Monthly Report September

10 Table 2. Newspaper and Television Reports, News, and Publicity, September 2018 Sl. No. News Heading Media Date/Time Remark A. Electronic Media B. Print Media (i) National Newspaper 1. Farmers training program at Jhikargachha The Daily Jaijaidin 02-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented 2. Field Day on Polynet Houses at The Daily Kalerkantho 03-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented 3. Vegetable and fruits marketing seminar at The Daily Ittefaq 19-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Pirojpur 4. Vegetable and fruits marketing seminar at The Daily Manab 19-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Pirojpur Kantha 5. Vegetable and fruits marketing seminar at The Daily Vorer 19-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Pirojpur Darpon 6. Vegetable and fruits marketing seminar at The Daily Vorerpata 19-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Pirojpur (ii) Local Newspaper 1. Field Day on Polynet Houses at The Daily 27-Aug-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Notunkhobor 2. Field Day on Polynet Houses at The Daily Akash 28-Aug-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Khabar 3. Field Day on Polynet Houses at The Daily Sokaler 28-Aug-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Khojkobor 4. Field Day on Polynet Houses at The Daily Pashchimanchal 28-Aug-18 Hard Copy of News Documented 5. Organized BMO workshop at Chuadanga The Daily Akash 30-Aug-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Khabar 6. Farmers training program at Jhikargachha The Daily Protidiner 30-Aug-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Katha 7. Organized BMO workshop at Jessore The Daily Spandan 31-Aug-18 Hard Copy of News Documented 8. Field Day on Polynet Houses at The Daily Spandan 03-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented 9. Farmers training program at Baliakandi The Daily Diner 13-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Khobor 10. Farmers training program at Baliakandi The Daily Matrikantha 13-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented 11. Farmers training program at Baliakandi The Dainik Kushtia 13-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented 12. Farmers training program at Baliakandi The Daily Matrikantha 14-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented 13. Field Day on Polynet Houses at The Daily Sokaler 14-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Khojkobor 14. Field Day on Polynet Houses at The Daily 14-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Pashchimanchal 15. Field Day on Polynet Houses at The Daily 14-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Pashchimanchal 16. Farmers training program at Baliakandi The Dainik Kushtia 15-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented 17. Farmers training program at Bhola Sadar The Daily Banglar Kantha 17-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented AVPI Monthly Report September

11 Sl. No. News Heading Media Date/Time Remark 18. Field Day on Polynet Houses at The Daily Akash 17-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Khabar 19. Field Day on Polynet Houses at The Daily Sokaler 17-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Khojkobor 20. Field Day on Polynet Houses at The Daily Paschimanchal 17-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented 21. Farmers training program at Burhanuddin The Daily Banglar 20-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Kantha 22. Farmers training program at Rajbari Sadar The Daily Matrikantha 20-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented 23. Field Day on Polynet Houses at The Dainik Kalyan 21-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Jhikargachha 24. Field Day on Polynet Houses at The Daily Samajer 21-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Jhikargachha Katha 25. Field Day on Polynet Houses at The Dainik Noapara 21-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Jhikargachha 26. Farmers training program at Baliakandi The Daily 25-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Ganasonghoti 27. Agro input retailer training program at The Daily Sokaler 26-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Khojkobor 28. Agro input retailer training program at The Daily 26-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Pashchimanchal 29. Agro input retailer training program at The Daily Akash Khabar 26-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented 30. Farmers training program at Rajbari Sadar The Daily Diner 26-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Khobor 31. Farmers training program at Rajbari Sadar The Daily Matrikantha 26-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented 32. Farmers training program at Rajbari Sadar The Dainik Kushtia 26-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented 33. Field Day on Polynet Houses at Jessore The Daily Spandan 28-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented Sadar (iii) Online News Reporting The AVPI Monthly Report of August 2018 was submitted to the Walmart Foundation. AVPI Monthly Report September