FARMER PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH FOR DESIGN AND DELIVERY OF SITUATION SPECIFIC POTATO PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY IN MEGHALYA

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1 Potato J. 35 (1-2): 78-84, 2008 FARMER PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH FOR DESIGN AND DELIVERY OF SITUATION SPECIFIC POTATO PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY IN MEGHALYA Shantanu Kumar, Uma Sah*, C. Deka, L.K. Baishya 1, N.K. Pandey, P.H. Singh and S.K. Pandey 2 ABSTRACT: Farmer Participatory Research (FPR) approach was utilized to understand the prevailing potato production system, technological gap in adoption of improved potato production technologies and analysis of problems causing low yield of potato in Meghalya state of India. Three important interventions, namely, refinement of farmers traditional method of potato planting, assessment of TPS technology and late blight management in low land production situation were implemented in on-farm trials on 30, 50 and 20 farmers fields, respectively during and The study revealed that the refined method of potato planting was comparable with the recommended method in terms of yield and economics. TPS technology was found a potential alternative to mitigate the problem on non-availability of quality seed. Under lowland production, management of late blight could be done effectively by one prophylactic spray of mancozeb and one spray of metalaxyl. INTRODUCTION About 10 percent of the potato area in India lies in the north-east. The area under potato in this region as a percentage of the net cropped area is about four times the national average. Meghalaya is the second largest state in this region as far as area under potato cultivation (about thousand hectare) and yield (9.0 t/ha) is concerned. Although the yield is quite low, the per capita availability of potato in the state is higher than the national average. The main reason for the low potato yield in the state is inadequate availability of important inputs like fertilizers, plant protection chemicals and healthy seed, poor management practices, and prevalence of serious diseases like late blight and brown rot, and pest like potato tuber moth and white grubs. The conventional approach of technology design and dissemination failed to address the needs, priorities and preferences of the small and marginal farmers who operate in a complex, diverse and risk prone production situation prevailing in the hilly states. It happened because technology developed on research stations had poor goodness-of-fit with actual farm condition. The technology was developed without farmer participation and understanding their needs. Therefore, identification and use of farming situation specific interventions shall have greater implications in enhancing system s productivity (5). By responding closely to farmers concerns and conditions, researchers can develop technologies that are adopted more widely and respond to important social issues such as equity and sustainability (3). Studies conducted on Farmer Participatory Research (FPR) approach with particular reference to potato revealed that farmers appeared to be convinced about the advantages of recommended varieties and Present Address: Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur , Uttar Pradesh, India. 1 Central Potato Research Station, Shillong Meghalaya, India. 2 Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla , Himachal Predesh, India. s_kumar710@yahoo.co.in

2 Farmer participatory research in Meghalya these sustained even without distribution of seeds (4). Bardhan Roy et al. (1) reported that researchers could gain a better insight into farmers perceived advantages and disadvantages of growing TPS. Chilver's (3) work on TPS aspects in Indonesia, Egypt and India reiterated that effective involvement of the farmers in research process could make the researchers more productive. The present study was conducted with farmers participatory perspectives with the following objectives: i) To comprehend the prevailing potato production situation in farmers participatory mode, ii) To identify and prioritize the most important problems in potato cultivation as perceived by the farmers, and iii) To assess and refine the farming situation specific interventions by integrating the recommended potato production technologies with the traditional practices METHODOLGY The study was conducted with a group of 60 farmers located in a cluster of four villages in the potato growing circles, namely, Mylliem and Mokdok in Meghalaya. Participatory appraisal techniques like informal group discussion, guided field walk and problem analysis were conducted. Prevailing potato production situation was ascertained by way of participatory mapping, matrix ranking, etc. Technology gaps as well as constraints in adoption of scientific potato cultivation were also ascertained. Based on the analysis, potential interventions were identified and implemented on-farm under farmers management system with researchers monitoring and guidance. Three interventions, namely, refinement of farmers traditional method of potato planting, assessment of TPS technology and management of late blight in lowland production situation were implemented on 30, 50 and 20 farmers fields, respectively during and Data were collected on technical, economic and socio-psychological parameters of the interventions. The technical indicators included the aspects like yield and yield related attributes, economic parameters included cost of intervention, net return and cost-benefits (C:B) ratio; and socio-psychological parameter included farmers perception of the assessed and refined technology. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Participatory comprehension of the prevailing potato production situation General scenario of potato cultivation in the state: Farmers, who participated in the discussion, revealed that potato is one of the most important crops grown in the state as it occupies a major area (about 6% of the total cultivable area) and the crops. Hence, it significantly contributes to the rural economy prevailing in Meghalaya hills. In addition, potato forms an integral part of the dietary habits of people of the state. The per capita availability of the potato in the project village is about 60 kg per annum, which is comparable to many of the developed countries. The average potato yield in the villages studied was 9.5 t/ha, which is far below the national average of 18 t/ha. Potato crops are grown in two seasons. The summer season is the main (80-85%) potato growing season that prevails from February to June July. Autumn season starts in July - August and ends in November - December. Existing system of potato cultivation in the sampled villages: Farmers were following a combination of traditional as well as improved method of potato cultivation. As high as 70 percent of the farmers planted their own home-grown seed. Similarly, almost all 79

3 Shantanu Kumar et al. of them did not replace seed primarily because they were not aware of the benefits of seed replacement. At the same time, quality seed was not available. Use of whole seed for planting was the predominant practice. However, a considerable proportion (20%) of them cut the large size tuber vertically and used them as the seed tuber. None of the respondents treated the cut tubers in order to prevent disease spread. The seed rates followed by the farmers ranged from 35 to 60 q/ha depending on seed size and planting distance. Also, FYM (mainly cow dung) applied varied from 250 to 350 q/ha in upland, whereas in low land, this was as high as 500 q/ha. Use of chemical fertilizers, mostly in the form of urea and single superphosphate, was done to a considerable extent. Very few (5%) farmers were applying potash. Major diseases of potato were late blight and bacterial wilt (brown rot). Farmers were using mancozeb for late blight control but less in the main cropping season (1-2 sprays) and more in autumn season (4-5 sprays). The major insect pests damaging the potato crop were white grub, cutworm and potato tuber moth (PTM) in the given order. None of the farmers adopted any control measure for these and bacterial wilt. The tubers were stored usually keeping the produce: (a) on the floor inside the enclosed indigenous hut, (b) in gunny bags, (c) under the ground, and (d) in bamboo baskets. Gaps in the adoption of recommended technologies: There was complete (100%) technological gap in the adoption of major practices like replacement of seed every 3-4 years, treatment of seed after harvesting seeding rate, and planting method. Technology gap was also found in the management of bacterial wilt and insect pests. However, with respect to the practices like balanced use of chemical fertilizer, management of late blight and storage of harvested produce, the gap was percent. The gap in the adoption of improved potato cultivars was 25 percent. Regarding FYM application, and sorting and grading of tubers, the gap was almost nil. The farmers groups revealed that recommended technologies were relatively difficult and complex to implement (i.e., preparation of land across the slope) and also the technologies perceived were not compatible to their existing biophysical situations (i.e., recommended ridge and furrow method of potato planting). Therefore, onfarm verification trials could be the appropriate educational tools for such category of farmers. Problem identification and intervention prioritization Problem-cause analysis revealed that low yield of potato was the major constraint in sustaining the potato cultivation in the state. Low yield was due to inadequate availability and high price of quality seed potatoes. In addition, lack of training/know how for scientific methods of planting and disease and insect pest management were the reasons for non-adoption of potato production technologies. The non-availability of market information led to selling of the produce at relatively low prices. Late blight and bacterial wilt were others two important problems identified by the farmers. This exercise helped to identify and prioritize the potential areas of educational needs (Table 1). The farmers agreed that their traditional method of potato planting ought to be improved on priority. The second priority was that true potato seed technology should be evaluated for its suitability. Management of late blight in low land production emerged as the third priority. 80

4 Farmer participatory research in Meghalya Table 1. Identification and prioritization of interventions in scientific potato cultivation. Priority rank I II III IV V VI VII VIII Name of intervention Comparison of recommended method vs farmers method of planting Mitigating the problem of quality seed through TPS Late blight management in low land Use of correct seed rate Application of SBP for protection against bacterial wilt Balanced use of chemical fertilizers Evaluation of low cost storage structure Seed treatment for protection against bacterial wilt Conducting On-Farm Trials (OFTs) and their Evaluation Assessment and Refinement of Traditional Potato Planting Method: The three treatments were: T1: Farmers Method (Raised bed: Length (L) = 5 m, Width (W) = 1.20 m; Plant to Plant spacing = 20 cm; Row to Row (R-R) spacing = 40 cm and seed rate = 50 q/ ha (1,25,000 plants); T2: Refined method (Raised bed: L = 5 m, W = 1.20 m; P-P = 20 cm; R-R = 60 cm and seed rate = q/ha (83,300 plants) and T3: Recommended method (Plot size: L = 3 m, W = 3.6 m; P-P = 20 cm and R-R = 60 cm and seed rate = q/ha (83,300 plants). Seven replicates of each treatment were planted in RBD on 30 farmers fields to find the comparative performance of each method. The findings showed that the average germination percentage was significantly higher in the refined (95%) as well as the scientific method (99%) as compared to the traditional method (76%). Further, the average plant height was higher in the traditional method. No difference was observed for average number of branches and average numbers of the physiologically active compounded leaves, in the three methods. Number of tubers per plant and tuber yield was found significantly (P< 0.05 level) higher in the refined method (Table 2) compared to traditional method. The findings in the Table 3 showed that the C:B ratio favoured the scientific method (1:1.8) and refined method (1:1.7) as compared to the traditional method (1:1.4). Table 2. Multiplication rate (by number and weight) in different methods of potato planting in on-farm trials. Treatments Number of tubers/plant Weight of tubers (kg/plant) Mean Mean Farmer s method Refined method Recommended method CD (P < 0.05) 1.94 NS Farmers perception on the refined method of potato planting : Farmers felt that lesser quantity of seed was required in the refined method. Similarly, it was also felt that more inter row spacings in the refined method facilitated the intercultural operation, top dressing, etc. Table 3. Economics of different planting methods in on-farm trials. Treatments Cost of Marketable Gross income Net profit Cost : Benefit production (Rs/ha) yield (t/ha) (Rs/ha) (Rs/ha) ratio Mean Mean Mean Mean Mean Farmer s :1.4 1:1.4 1:1.4 method Refined :1.4 1:1.9 1:1.7 method Scientific :1.8 1:1.9 1:1.8 method CD (P < 0.05) 81

5 Shantanu Kumar et al. The refined method was perceived compatible with existing land structure as no major alteration was required. The recommended scientific method of potato planting could not be adopted as such because of the existing nur-bun method of potato planting, which is the best considering the slopy land and heavy rainfall in the area. The integration of scientific and traditional methods provided an option for sustaining potato productivity. Better return in the refined method was a favourable consideration for the farmers. Assessing the potential of TPS technology for mitigating the problem of quality seed availability : Fifty OFTs on true potato seed (TPS) technology were conducted. TPS hybrids 92-PT-27 and TPS C-3 were utilized in these trials. Farmers were given on-farm exposure about nursery management, seedling transplanting, top-dressing and earthing up, fertilizer management and utilization of seedling tuberlets (produce). The findings (Table 4) revealed that the yield of tuberlets varied from 35 q/ha (range 30 to 40 q/ha) to 59 q/ha (range q/ha) for TPS C-3 and 92-PT-27, respectively for the Table 4. Comparison of selected TPS hybrids at farmers fields. Parameter Performance of TPS progeny TPS C-3 92-PT-27 Seed germination (%) Transplants mortality (%) Incidence of late blight in seedlings crop** 3 8 Average yield (q/ha) Summer crop 35 (30-40) 59 (42-48) Autumn crop 90 ( ) 130 ( ) Tuber rottage in field (%) Tuber rottage in store (%) Nil Nil Subsequent crop yield from autumn tuberlets (q/ha) (Control*=146) (Control*=146) Figures in parentheses indicate range, *Kufri Jyoti was used as control **Recorded on 1-9 scale where 1 is susceptible and 9 is highly resistant summer planted TPS seedling crop. For autumn planted TPS crop, higher yields of 130 q/ha for 92-PT-27 and 90 q/ha for TPS C-3 were obtained. Tuber rottage in field ranged from 2-5 percent and rottage was nil in the country store. Farmers preferred 92-PT-27 due to its oval shape and yellow flesh. TPS C-3 tuber have white flesh and round shape. The farmers also raised the summer crop from the seedling tuberlets. The yield obtained in this crop ( q/ha) was comparable to that of the check potato cultivar K. Jyoti: (146 q/ha). The net profit from seedling tuber crop was Rs. 51, and Rs. 12,320 in autumn and summer seasons, respectively. Hence, the return to investment ratio was 1:4.2 in the autumn season as compared to 1:1.77 in the summer season. The seedling tubers produced in autumn, could be utilized as quality planting material in the subsequent summer season as the seed was in right physiological stage at planting time. Farmers perception (Table 5) recorded that TPS crop was cheaper to raise and economical. A mutually agreed workable strategy for the large scale adoption of TPS technology was standardized. This included production of tuberlets in the autumn season and utilization of the same as the disease-free quality planting material in the subsequent summer/main crop season. If the above cycle is sustained, farmers may become selfsufficient in quality seed availability. The constraints in large-scale adoption of TPS technology, as perceived by the farmers were : delicate nature of seedlings, intensive care required at seedling stage, more demand on labour at transplanting, and the irregular tuber shape. Constraints of lesser importance were incidence of late blight at nursery stage, and variation in tuber shape in the second generation. 82

6 Farmer participatory research in Meghalya Table 5. Farmers perception of TPS technology. Parameter Option Rank Percentage Labour requirement 1. Management of nursery Very high III 12.5 More than normal I 65.0 Usual II During transplanting Very high II 15.0 More than normal I Usual III 27.5 Mortality 3. Seedling mortality More III 27.5 Usual I 42.5 Less II Transplants/crop mortality More II 42.5 Usual I 47.5 Less III Disease incidence and spread (mainly More III 07.5 late blight) Usual II 32.5 Less I Insect pest infestation More III 10.0 Usual I Less II Care of the crop required More I 45.0 Usual II 37.5 Less III Cost of cultivation Cheaper I 60.0 Moderate II 22.5 Costly III Overall rating of TPS crop Superior I 52.5 No Difference II 30.0 Inferior III 17.5 OFT to refine farmers practice for late blight management in low land: In lowland areas of Meghalaya, potato is grown as a component of potato paddy cropping system during February-May/June in about 4-5 thousand hectares. Cultivar Kufri Jyoti, is popular in this system. The crop suffers from late blight disease and dies prematurely. To find whether the application of fungicides to control the disease and prolonging life of the crop will improve net returns to the farmers and the cost benefit ratio from the crop, on-farm trials were conducted during on 20 farmers field. The assessment was made with respect to two methods of plantings, viz., farmers (Bun) method and scientific method. Two treatments, namely, sprayed (one prophylactic spray of mancozeb and one spray of metalaxy) and the control (no spray) were used. The results (Table 6) showed that with fungicides spray the crop life was prolonged by 15 days. The tuber yield also increased by 47 percent in farmers method and 32 percent in scientific method. The cost of production in farmers method increased by 7 percent, and the returns by 47.4 percent (Table 7). Similar trend was observed for scientific method of planting. The cost:benefit ratio in crop raised by traditional method improved from 1:1.8 in unsprayed plots to 1:2.6 in sprayed plots. 83

7 Shantanu Kumar et al. Table 6. Late blight management in low land potato cultivation. Treatments Seed rate Crop duration Yield Marketable yield Yield (q/ha) (days) (q/ha) (q/ha) advantage (%) Farmers method (control) Farmers method (sprayed) Scientific method (control) Scientific method (sprayed) Table 7. Economics of fungicidal spray for late blight management in low land potato cultivation. Treatments Seed rate Cost of production Gross income C:BRatio Cost increase Income (q/ha) (Rs/ha) (Rs/ha) (%) increase(%) Farmers method (control) : Farmers method (sprayed) : Scientific method (control) : Scientific method (sprayed) : IMPLICATIONS It could be concluded that FPR must integrate the traditional practices and improved technology without disturbing the production situation. More over, the on-farm research problems must be identified based on the consensus and priority, and farmers perception is important at initial (situation comprehension and planning) as well as final (evaluation) stage. Farmers traditional method of potato planting should be refined by integrating scientific method. TPS is recognized as the potential alternative to mitigate the problem of non-availability of quality seed potato. LITERATURE CITED 1. Bardhan Roy, S.K., A.K. Chakravorty and A.K. Roy Farmer s participatory on-farm trials with TPS seedling tubers in the rice based cropping system of West Bengal. In Proceedings: Inter-Regional Workshop. on Production and utilization of true potato seed in Asia, 21 p. 30 January, 1995, Modipuram, India, (M.D. Upadhyay, P.C. Gaur, and S.G. ILangantileke, Eds.) pp Centro Internacional de la Papa, CIP and Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, India. 2. Chilver, A Innovation Paths in Developing Country Agriculture: True Potato Seed in India, Egypt and Indonesia. University of East Anglia: Norwitch, UK. 289 p. 3. Das, P.K. and R.W. Willey A farmer participatory approach to the development of improved sustainable technologies for the resource poor rainfed areas of the eastern plateau of India. In: Extension Strategies for Rainfed Agriculture. Indian Society of Extension Education, New Delhi, India. pp Prain, G.D., H. Fano and C. Fonseca Involving farmers in crop variety evaluation and selection. Local knowledge, global science and plant genetic resources: Towards a partnership. In : Proceedings. International Workshop on User Participation in Plant Genetic Resources Research and Development. 4-8 May (G.D. Prain and C.P. Bagalanon Eds.), pp Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines 5. Mukherjee, N Participatory Learning and Action. Concept Publishing Company, New Delhi, India. pp MS Received: