Toria Crop: Know how the cultivation of Toria as a second crop proved beneficial for the farmers of Lahaul Valley
The yield potential of Bhavani variety of Toria crop is high
It is not easy for the farmers to cultivate in the Lahaul and Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh, as there is more snowfall and irrigation, resources are limited. The time from mid-April to mid-October is considered suitable for cultivation here. Due to this tribal farmers are able to grow only one crop. He cultivates green peas and in some areas farmers grow a local variety of mustard, which has a very low yield potential, in a short period of time after harvesting peas.
In 2011-12, Krishi Vigyan Kendra tested and demonstrated different early maturing varieties of mustard to solve the problems of the farmers. Along with this, Krishi Vigyan Kendra also conducted front line demonstrations for the spread of tamarind cultivation and its result was positive.
Successful cultivation of rapeseed
After standardisation of cultivation of rapeseed crop, Krishi Vigyan Kendra conducted 231 Frontline Demonstration (FLD) for its spread in Lahaul and Spiti Valley. Trained farmers on the cultivation of rapeseed. In the training, they were given information about various aspects like weed management, integrated nutrient and disease management in Toria.
Selection of improved variety of Toria
The results of the frontline demonstrations made it clear that successful cultivation of rapeseed can be done in the area. The average increase in its yield can range from 28 to 71 percent. Toria cultivation of Bhavani variety, the income of the farmers of Lahaul Valley increased by Rs 40,000 per hectare. In parts of AES-I in Pattan valley, Toria crop grew twice as fast and Bhavani variety of Toria has now become very popular among the tribal farmers of the valley, that is why it is being cultivated in an area of more than 80 hectares.
More yield in less time
Lahaul and Spiti are hilly districts of Himachal Pradesh and the climate is not very suitable for farming. The rainfall here is mostly during the winter season and cultivation is possible throughout the year only with proper irrigation system. Generally the main source of irrigation here is snow melt water. Therefore, for the farmers here, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra did research on the varieties of mustard first after harvesting peas and then as a high-yielding crop in a short time and then studied on rapeseed. For these farmers, cultivation of rapeseed is proving to be more beneficial than mustard.
Improved variety selection increased crop productivity
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, during 2012-13 to 2016-17, conducted 231 frontline demonstrations in 56 villages in the valley and gave complete information to the farmers about the cultivation of rapeseed. The local variety of Toria gives 5.6-7.8 quintals per hectare, while the Bhavani variety of Toria gives 9.2-10.0 quintals per hectare.
The Bhavani variety is high yielding in short duration, which greatly benefited the tribal farmers of the valley. He was able to get additional income of Rs 40,000 per hectare.
The district was divided into three agro-ecological states (AES-1 to AES-3). Following the suggestions of KVK, the farmers were advised to grow high yielding Bhavani variety of Toria in the second week of July after harvesting the pea crop to get additional income in parts of AES-1. As a result, the farmers of Lahaul Valley started cultivating this variety of rapeseed after harvesting peas, which increased their income.
Contact us: If farmers want to share information or experiences related to farming with us, then they can do this by calling us on the phone number 9599273766 or by writing an email to kisanofindia.mail@gmail.com or by sending your recording. Through Kisan of India, we will convey your message to the people, because we believe that if the farmers are advanced then the country is happy.
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