The “much-hyped” Zeba technology evidently did not improve soil moisture conditions in demo fields in drought-hit districts of Kurnool, Anantapur, Chittoor and Prakasam.
As the results were “not on expected lines,” the Agriculture Department has suggested to the State government that the technology is not suitable for short duration crops.
The State government supplied Zeba, a product which helps in providing moisture to the crops, to the farmers to test its usefulness. Zeba demonstrations were organised under different schemes such as Chandranna Rythu Khsetralu (CRKs) and the National Food Security Mission.
Limited impact
As much as 601.48 quintals of Zeba granules were used in an extent of 4,130 hectares wherein blackgram, greengram and groundnut were cultivated. For instance, Zeba was used in Kurnool district during rabi in an extent of 1,110 hectares under the CRK scheme.
And under NFSM, another 208 hectares was brought under the new technology in Kadapa district.
But, the Agriculture Separtment officials found that the Zeba is not helping in improving soil moisture conditions as claimed by UPL the firm which supplied the product.
The officials found that there was no impact of Zeba on short duration crops such as blackgram and greengram.
And, in the case of groundnut, the impact could be observed during initial vegetative stages (30 days after application). But, due to prolonged dry spells, the impact of Zeba was less in the later stages of the crop, sources say.
When contacted, Agriculture Commissioner D. Muralidhar Reddy said, “We need sustainable effect if the product is used. But, that was not the case. The issue has been taken to the notice of Chief Minister.”
Quoting UPL, Agriculture Department officials say that the product would act as super-absorbent and provide moisture continuously to the crops. Zeba consists of granules that are made out of corn-starch.
The granules are placed under a layer of soil. When watering is done, the granules act as a sponge and absorb water 400 times their original weight by forming hydrogels.
The water will be released periodically whenever there is stress, thus providing moisture for long duration, they explain.
