The improved agronomic practice of broad bed furrow system cultivation with drip and fertigation techniques has paved the way for higher yield of horticulture crops.
Following the exposure to broad bed furrow system of cultivation at a farm school in Kuthiraikulam village of Ottapidaram block, farmers have are now confident of an improved yield. This agronomic method is the base for using drip irrigation in horticulture, according to Deputy Director of Horticulture, R. Avudayappan
At this village, l horticulture crops such as tomato, bhendi, brinjal, elephant yam and sirukilangu (Chinese potato) are raised. Farmers practised either flood irrigation or furrow system of irrigation. These old irrigation techniques not only resulted in using generous amount of water, but also increased the weed population and ultimately reduced the yield of horticulture crops, officials said. To sensitise farmers to switch over from non-beneficial farming methods, horticulture officials adopted this village and initiated several measures to educate them in the new technique, through which an increase of 20 to 30 per cent yield was ensured, Mr. Avudayappan told The Hindu here on Tuesday.
Assistant Director of Horticulture, Ottapidaram, C. Palanivelayutham spoke.
