agriculture tips

In our Agriculture for Everybody  blog series, we are going to see how to choose the Right Number of Crops. We have discussed previously about Choosing the Right Crop Choosing the Right Variety within a Crop In continuing with the similar topics, we are going to discuss about the Right Number of Crops. Generally, it is advised to go for 20 to 40 range of Crops for diversification.  How is this number arrived at? If we need to maintain the diversity as well as minimize the risk, it is better to allocate only 2.5% to 5% of the total land available for farming (excluding land for Fences, Livestock etc). In this case, some of the crops may get more money for the same land allocated, while some others may get less money and hence it will average it out by itself and also there will be a continuous flow of cash in our hands. (Will be discussed further in future topics) While the % or the range may be easily valid for long duration crops like Plants, when i...

In our Agriculture for Everybody  blog series, we are going to see Herbal Tea. Required Ingredients S.No. Ingredient Name Qty in Litres/Kgs 1 Fresh Cow Dung 5 Kgs 3 Jaggery 250 Grams 2 Medicinal Plants Required Qty 4 Big Stone or Brick 1 Number 5 Water 3/4 of Drum size Note: Any Medicinal Plants like Neem, Nochi, Custard Apple leaves. Method of Preparation Have a Water Drum filled with 3/4 of water. Place all the above mentioned items (1 to 4) inside a jute sack, tie the mouth of the sack tightly with a rope and immerse it inside the water. Shake the sack, holding the free end of the rope two times everyday in such a way that the contents inside the sack mix well with the water (similar to the tea bags immersed in milk). Note: Water Drum can be made of Iron, Plastic or Cement Tank. The manure will be ready after 1 week. Method of Storage The manure should be kept in the shade and covered with a wire mesh or plastic mosquito net to prevent housefl...

In our Agriculture for Everybody  blog series,  we are going to see Amudha Karaisal.  This is known as Amruthpani in Hindi. Required Ingredients S.No. Ingredient Name Qty in Litres/Kgs 1 Fresh Cow Dung 1 Kg 2 Cow's Urine 1 Litres 3 Jaggery 25 Grams 4 Water 10 Litres 5 Ipomoea Cornea 1 Kg Note: Ipomoea Cornea is known as Neiveli Kattamanakku in Tamil and is an Optional Ingredient. Method of Preparation Mix all of them and stir well (3 times a day). The manure should be kept in the shade and covered with a wire mesh or plastic mosquito net to prevent houseflies from laying eggs and the formation of maggots (worms) in the solution. Method of Storage Not Applicable as the manure can be used after 24 hours itself. How long can we store the Manure? Not Applicable as the manure can be used after 24 hours itself. How to use the Manure? Spray System - The manure can be applied as a foliar spray. Flow System - The solution of manure can be mixed with irrigation water, either thr...

As part of our Agriculture for Everybody  blog series, we are going to see how to select the Crops (Groupwise) based on Water Needs. The Data provided below will help the farmers choose the crops based on the water availability.  The data has been grouped together for easy understanding. Cereals High Water Requiring Medium Water Requiring Low Water Requiring Rice  (1100-1250 mm) Wheat  (450-650 mm) Fibre Crops High Water Requiring Medium Water Requiring Low Water Requiring Jute Cotton  (550-600 mm) Agave Flower Crops High Water Requiring Medium Water Requiring Low Water Requiring Anthurium Carnation China Aster Chrysanthemum Crossandra Cut Chrysanthemum Cut Rose Dendrobium Orchid Gerbera Gladious Golden Rod Jathimalli (Pitchi) Lilium Malligai Marigold Maruvu Mullai Nerium Rose Tuberose Forage Crops High Water Requiring Medium Water Requiring Low Water Requiring Cumbu Napier Deenanath Grass Fodder Cholam Fodder Cowpea Fodder Cumbu Fodder Maize Guinea...

In our Agriculture for Everybody  blog series, we are going to see how the proverb (in action) is useful to a farmer. The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) uses the proverb in its fullest form. There are few things that we can do to ensure that our friends (like Snakes, Owls, Bats, Chameleons etc) are able to live in the farm. Conducive Environment - By providing shelter and proper nesting facilities, we can create a conducive environment for them to survive and reproduce. Provide Helpers - Helpers here means providing "T" perches for birds, sticks for Spiders to spin their webs etc enable them to help us better. Do Nothing - When we come across our friends in our farm, if we do not threaten them in any way or kill them and just leave them to mind own their business will help us to prosper and reap rich benefits in the long run. Snakes help us by controlling the rodents (rats) in the farm.  This act will help us in the initial stages of the crop as well as in the a...

I have been getting many requests for information related to availability of things which a farmer requires from other (core) farmers for developing and furthering their farming activities. Basically the information is not easily available for a farmer (both new and existing).  In order to address the gap and make the information easily available, this page has been specifically created and will act as a handshake between different types of farmers. If you are a farmer who are in the business of creating & selling core things like Livestock Breeders, Poultry Breeders, Fingerlings etc then you can register your information for FREE . Nurseries will not be registered here and will be forwarded to http://www.flowersofindia.net/misc/nurseries.html  so as to avoid duplication of work. Only those from India can register. All the other information need to be very specific as they are limited in nature and hence can be easily made available. If you want to register your...

In our Agriculture for Everybody  blog series,  we will see the various crops that fix Nitrogen in the soil.  This will enable us to plan well and get the maximum benefit. Identifying Excessive or Deficient Nitrogen Too Little Nitrogen results in plant burning, which causes them to shrivel and die Too Much Nitrogen results in Leaf edges becoming yellow or brown and wilt List of Nitrogen Fixers Acacia Arabica (????????) Albizia lebbeck (???? ????) Alfalfa (?????? ?????) Alsike clover / true clover Bambara groundnut Beech Tree(???????) Berseem clover Birdsfoot trefoil Blue-green alga Bread Beans Broad bean (??????????) Chicken Pea (??????????) Clitoria ternatia (????? ??????? ????) Clover (??????????) Common bean Cowpea Crimson clover False Rudraksh Fenugreek (????????) Field peas French Beans Gliricidia sepium (???? ??????) Green Gram Groundnut (????) Hairy vetch Hyacinth Beans (??????????/ ??????) Leucaena leucocephala (???????? /???????? ) Indian Coral Tree (?????? ...

In our Agriculture for Everybody  blog series,  we will be the seeing the basics of Fish Farming related to the Carp Varieties. The entire blog will be presented in a Question & Answer format.  While it will be beneficial for the first time user to read the entire blog, the frequent users of this blog can just focus on their specific needs. The following assumptions have been made and hence those will not be discussed here:- The soil has been tested for water holding capability The pH has been stabilised between 7.5 and 8.5 range The pond have been excavated The water is available throughout the year or at least for 6 months period What is the minimum area required for fish farming? Even a Cent ( 435.6 Sq Ft ) can be utilized for fish farming.  But, the more the better, as fishes tend grow well in large areas What should be the shape of the pond? Even though any shape is okay, a rectangular shape is preferred for easy harvesting What should be the direction of th...

In our Agriculture for Everybody  blog series,  we will discuss the specifics of Water Storage Methods.  Generally, the water storage methods can be classified into two groups and they are as follows. Underground Water Storage Over ground Water Storage We can opt to utilize one or the other of the methods or a combination of both. Underground Water Storage The water is stored below the surface and can be retrieved at a later point of time by using the available options. Advantages Evaporation is very minimal as the water is stored below the ground Contamination possibility is very less No need to allocate any land for this purpose Disadvantages Water can only be retrieved by using bore well and other means Water availability is not guaranteed as other farmers can also exploit the underground water Over ground Water Storage The water is stored above the surface and can be utilized directly for many purposes and that too whenever we require them.  Examples of this...

In our Agriculture for Everybody  blog series, we will see the different types of Water Harvesting Methods from a farmland point of view.  We will highlight each one of them and anybody wishes to implement them can look for more detailed information elsewhere. Trenches Trenches need to be created against the flow of the water to get maximum benefit Trenches are best suited water harvesting method where plants or trees are the main crops.  For eg, Coconut Tree Plantations, Mango Tree Plantations etc Trenches can be created in between the rows of the Trees Swales = Continuous Contour Trenches Swales need to be created against the flow of the water to get maximum benefit Swales generally are bigger in size (in terms of width, depth & length) compared to trenches Swales are best suited water harvesting method where plants or trees are the main crops.  For eg, Coconut Tree Plantations, Mango Tree Plantations etc Bunds Bunds are created around the b...

The Data & Analysis page will be the main page for anything related to the data and any analysis based on the data.  The Raw Data will be available to everybody and they can create their own analysis as well. Data Parameters For Crops - A Data Oriented Complete Guide - WorkInProgress Fruit Crops - A Data Oriented Complete Guide - WorkInProgress Vegetables Crops - A Data Oriented Complete Guide -WorkInProgress Greens (???????) - A Data Oriented Complete Guide - WorkInProgress Flowers Crops - A Data Oriented Complete Guide - WorkInProgress Timber Crops - A Data Oriented Complete Guide - WorkInProgress Misc Crops - A Data Oriented Complete Guide - WorkInProgress   Analysis Categories or Types of Vegetables Understanding Crops (Groupwise) Propagation Methods Traditional or Open Pollinated or Heirloom (Vegetable) Seeds of India Traditional or Open Pollinated or Heirloom (Rice) Seeds of India

In our Agriculture for Everybody  blog series, we are going to see how to select the Crops based on Water Needs. The Data provided below will help the farmers choose the crops based on the water availability. High Water Requiring Medium Water Requiring Low Water Requiring 1.Arecanut 1.Acidlime 1.Agave 2.Banana 2.Allspice 2.Amla 3.Betelvine 3.Amaranth 3.Annona 4.Cocoa 4.Annual Moringa 4.Apricot 5.Coconut 5.Apple 5.Bengalgram 6.Grapes 6.Ash Gourd 6.Ber 7.Jute 7.Asparagus 7.Bilimbi 8.Oilpalm 8.Aster 8.Blackgram 9.Papaya 9.Avocado 9.Carambola 10.Rice 10.Babycorn 10.Cashewnut 11.Sugarbeet 11.Basella 11.Castor 12.Sugarcane 12.Beetroot 12.Cowpea 13.Sweet Sorghum 13.Bellary Onion 13.Cumbu Napier 14.Bhendi 14.Cumbu 15.Bitter Gourd 15.Fodder Cholam 16.Bottle Gourd 16.Fodder Cowpea 17.Bread Fruit 17.Fodder Cumbu 18.Bread Fruit 18.Fodder Maize 19.Brinjal 19.Garden lablab 20.Broadbeans 20.Gingelly 21.Brussels Sprout 21.Greengram 22.Butter Bean 22.Groundnut 23.Cabbage 23.Guinea Grass 24.Car...

The Home Page will serve as the main page for Plants & General Discussion, the Allied Activities Page will serve as the main page for others. As usual, this page has been created keeping in view the focus of the author which is Tamilnadu, India.  Only those allied activities which are being carried out in TN will be listed here and discussed as well. To start with, I am listing the Allied Activities that are being carried out in TN and are known to me. Livestock Cow Farming Comparison of Indigenous or Traditional or Desi Cows Milk Yield Buffalo Farming Data of Indigenous Buffaloes of India for Decision Making Goat Farming An Introduction to Goat Farming Data of Indigenous Goats of India for Decision Making Sheep Farming Data of Indigenous Sheeps of India for Decision Making Pig Farming Data of Indigenous Pigs of India for Decision Making Rabbit Farming Poultry Country Chicken Farming An Introduction to Country Chicken Farming Data of Indigenous Chickens of India for Decisi...

In our Agriculture for Everybody  blog series, we will see the pictorial representation of the Fence Design.  The detailed discussion about the Fences have already been covered previously in our blogs. From the picture, you can notice that there are 3 layers of Fences available.  The Fences will consist of 2 Ft Wide & 1.5 Ft Depth.  The Open Spaces will consist of 3 Ft Wide.  Either we can plant ourselves in the Open Spaces or we will allow nature to take care of itself. It is not necessary to have all the 3 layers of the Fences.  Depending on the requirement, you can go for single layer or multiple layers of the Fences.

In our Agriculture for Everybody  blog series, we are going to see the Design One (Ver 4.0). We have already analysed why Roads are very important in the Farm Design in one of our previous blogs. In this blog, we are going to see the actual design in action and how we are going to utilize even the space allocated to roads to our advantage. Note: The maximum width of the road vehicle in India is not more than 10 ft and hence we will keep this in mind while allocating the space for roads. At the minimum, we have to allocate 15 ft or more for roads in our farm.  This is only required for the main roads as well as the entire border roads in our farm and may not be applicable for the roads in the interior of the farm.  This space is required so that the vehicle does not get into the crop areas of the farm and hence prevent the damage to the crops in the farm. If you want the bigger vehicle to travel to the inner parts of the farm also, then 15 ft is required for all the r...

I am trying to provide the very important Links which will be useful for the farmers.  I have so far identified the following links that will be of immense help to the farming community as they do not have to re-invent the wheel. Note: As usual, please let me know the important links you have come across related to Farming/Agriculture. Crop Production Techniques Crop Production Techniques of Horticultural Crops (for Tamilnadu from TNAU) (2013 Ver) - http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/pdf/2013/cpg_horti_2013.pdf  (2.5 MB Size) Crop Production Guide for Agriculture (for Tamilnadu from TNAU) (2012 Ver) -  http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/pdf/2013/CPG%202012.pdf  (2.86 MB Size) Tools Drip Irrigation http://iaiindia.org/memberlist.html  - Association of all Drip, Sprinkler and other pressurized irrigation system manufacturers in India General   http://www.ide-india.org/  - Tools for Small Land Holders Facebook Dr. G. Nammalvar - https...

In our Agriculture for Everybody  blog series, we will be covering an important design aspect by which rain water is harvested as part of the design. Water as a resource is becoming scarce and every farmer needs to ensure that water is saved for future use. We can easily incorporate Rain Water Harvesting in this design without much difficulty. Each of the Trees Space can be utilized for this purpose.  We need to dig  trenches of size 2 Ft Width and 1.5 Ft Depth and the Length is the entire length of the Trees Space.  This method of farming is called Trench Farming.  Please note that the Trees are grown in these trenches only. The advantage of this method of Rain Water Harvesting is that we do not have to sacrifice/allocate land for the purpose of Rain Water Harvesting separately. It helps reduce soil erosion due to rains/water run-off. Improves the ground water levels. During the non rainy season, we can use the trenches for putting the bro...