Situation analysis: Farming plays very important role in economic development of nation, region, district, farers etc. Produce (product) has to be marketed effectively in order to make profitable enterprises. Being the fifth largest district of India, Barmer faces harsh climatological conditions when is considered to agricultural production. There are aeoline and loamy fine to coarse and calcareous soils in this region. Rainfall in the zone ranges from 200 mm in the west to about 370 mm in the East and occurrence of drought is not unusual feature. Traditionally in this area main horticultural crops are Ber, Date Palm and Pomegranate grown widely due to high suitability as per their climatic requirement.
Technology: Ficus carica, is one of the ancient fruits known to mankind which also finds its mention in the Bible. Highest Fig production is mainly marked by Middle East countries, India ranks 12 in fig production. In India, fig is considered to be a minor fruit crop and the commercial cultivation of common (edible) fig is mostly confined to Western Parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow & Saharanpur) Karnataka (Bellary, Chitradurga & Srirangapatna) and Tamilnadu (Coimbatore).
Being a sub-tropical and deciduous fruit, Fig cultivation could be preferred Arid and Semi-Arid environment, high summer temperature, plenty of sunshine and moderate temperature and moderate water. Fig can survive temperature as high 45oC. Climatic conditions of Barmer region is highly suitable for the fig cultivation. With the aim of doubling farmer’s income, the emphasis has been given to farming practices that are more oriented towards generating more income with lowest cost.
Input: Starting from its establishment in the year 2012 Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gudamalani is working for the upliftment of the livelihood status of the farming community of Barmer region. KVK inculcate knowledge & skill through conducting training and emphasis is given on the crops or practices which are most suitable for the region. Time to time surveys are conducted by KVK to explore scope for introduction of new crops and allied activities in this region
In the year 2019-20 KVK Barmer center witnessed the fig cultivation in 5.00-hectare area and now it has remarkably reached to 200.00-hectare area. The main variety is “Dyna” which is planted with plant spacing 4x4 mt. For protection of plants from water stress, drip irrigation systems have been installed in the area under cultivation. At present the blocks having Fig cultivation are Chauhatan, Sindri, Shivana, Gudamalani, Barmer and Sheo. The plants start yielding in 3rd year and each plant gives 15-20 kg raw material (Fruits).
Initially the planting material was arranged with the help of KVK itself and after the continuation the existing growers made the required material available from the newly farmers adopting the technology.
Outcomes: The obtained raw material is sold at the rate of Rs. 60 to 100 per kg. That’s why a single tree gives 1500-200 rupees. Per hectare income earned by growers is 5-6 lakhs which is quite high when compared to existing farming situation. Fig cultivation is remarkably uplifting the socio-economic condition of the farmers and it is also providing the quality nutrition to the farming family.
Benefit: Very huge demand of the produce and availability of nearby markets make it a deal of profit for the fig growers. The product is of high demand at local as well as at industries pertaining to its high nutritive value.
Spread: Initially the fig cultivation was started at 5 ha area and now a large number of farmers have come forward for the fig cultivation seeing the large gain earned by the fig growers. KVK is continuously conducting training & demonstration programs to encourage the farmers by demonstrating them the outcomes of the cultivation. Not only the farmers of all the blocks of the district but also the farming community of nearby districts is also going for fig cultivation.
(Source: ICAR - Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Jodhpur)
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