| S.No | Title of ITK | Details of ITK and rationale | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argada (seed drill) | It is made with Babool, sagwan and bamboo, weigh about 60 lbs, operated by 2 bullocks and 4 persons for sowing of cotton. It is hitched to the yoke by means of a rope and covers 3 acres/day. The depth of cotton seed can be sown is 3 to 3.25 inches with the row spacing of rows of 24 inches (Nagpur, Maharashtra). | ICAR (1960) |
| 2 | Attracting worms out of wound | Sometimes worms are found in wounds of the animals. Blood and pus comes out of the wound. Irritation may also occur. It is quite painful to the animal. Application of sugar crystals helps, makes worms come out. Worms are then removed and the wound is cleaned. Bark of baval (Acacia nilotica) is cut into pieces and boiled in water. The decoction is allowed to cool and then poured on the wound. A spun of cotton lint dipped in castor (Ricinus communis) seed oil is put on the wound. The treatment is repeated for 5-7 days for complete healing of the wound. Tannin present in the bark of baval probably helps in healing the wounds. Castor oil has emolient, antiseptic and soothing properties and helps in effective healing (Banaskantha, Gujarat). | Chauhan (1996) |
| 3 | Calotropis for control of caterpillars in cotton | Caterpillar infestation can severely damage a cotton crop. Reportedly the latex of Akda (Calotropis gigantia, when diluted with 15 parts water and sprayed on the crop, effectively controls the pest within three days. The new growth after treatment is also free from infestation (Bhavnagar, Gujarat) | Jani (1992) |
| 4 | Charotahal for land preparation | The plough is made up of Babool, teak and mild steel. The handle body and shoe are in separate pieces. The shoe which is made up of steel is fixed by a means of wedge. It is tied to the yoke and beam by means of a rope of loop and is kept tied by means of wooden or iron pegs fixed to the beam. It can be operated with one pair of bullocks and one man in monsoon season in pearlimillet, cotton and tobacco crops with a work rate of 1 acre/day. All the farmers in Kaira district of Maharastra use this implement which can be repaired locally and has the service life of 10 years (Kaira, Maharashtra). | ICAR (1960) |
| 5 | Collection and usage of farm yard manure | Farmers in this region primarily keep their animals to meet the need of manure. It is collected from cow sheds either inside or outside the house. The dung is put outside the house in a heap in lower areas, whereas in upper areas it is directly put in heaps in the fields and covered with a thin layer of soil to avoid its dispersion by wind. Farmyard manure is transported to the fields in Kilta (bamboo container) by people’s participation and also by horses. On an average 125-250 q/acre of manure is used by the farmers throughout the region. Cowdung is preferred mostly fro farmyard manure compared to goat and sheep manure because the latter in large quantities leads to burning of crops due to the toxic effects of high levels of N (3%), P (1%) and K (2%) (Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh). | Verma (1998) |
| 6 | Control of aphids | A little quantity of castor oil is added during irrigation in the water channel for reducing aphid population (Ahemdabad, Gujarat) | Patel (1991c) |
| 7 | Control of aphids by Calotropis soaked in water | Leaves of Calotropis plant are immersed in water channel during irrigation to minimize aphid infestation (Banaskantha, Gujarat) | Thakor (1991) |
| 8 | Control of aphids by using neem extract | The extracts of neem seeds/leaves possess insecticidal properties, which is sprayed on the aphid-infested crops. Thus the aphids are controlled effectively. This technique is cheaper than the chemical application | Shri. Hari Prasad Vashishth Assistant Agric. Inspector Joshimath Chamoli (Uttaranchal) |
| 9 | Control of aphids in Lucerne by Calotropis soaked water | Farmers place freshly cut branches of Akada (Calotripis gigantea) in irrigation channels to control aphid infestation in Lucerne (Medicago sativa). Akada with white and violet flowers is commonly found in uncultivated lands and it’s latex irritates skin (Junagadh, Gujarat) | Alabhai (1992) |
| 10 | Control of aphids in Lucerne by dusting ash | It is collected from either house Chulah or by burning cowdung cakes (Mehsana, Gujarat) | Bavabhai (1992 b) |
| 11 | Control of aphids in mustard by neem twigs in Folidol | Farmers prepare ash from leaves and small twigs of neem and incorporate it in Folidol (a chemical pesticide) powder. The mixture is dusted on mustard to minimize infestation (Banaskantha, Gujarat) | Desai (1991 b) |
| 12 | Control of aphids in pulses by tobacco decoction | Application of tobacco decoction mixed with soap emulsion is done to control aphids in pulse crops (Many parts of the country) | |
| 13 | Control of bollworm in cotton by extract of mahua and tamarind | Certain pests like spotted bollworm and pink bollworm attack the cotton plant frequently. In order to control the infestation, a 500 ml stock solution is made with an equal amount of mahua (Madhuca indica) and tamarind (Tamarindus indica) bark. This solution is filled into a pump (with a capacity of 15 litre) and sprayed on the infested crop. If the attack is severe then the same solution is sprayed once again after a week. If used more than twice then there are chances of the roots getting burnt. This practice has been used for over 30 years. However, this needs to be used judiciously (Banaskantha, Gujarat). | Kodarvi (1999) |
| 14 | Control of cotton boll worms and pod borer of chickpea and pigeonpea by neem seed extract | Neem seed extract solution (5%) is prepared and sprayed to control cotton boll-worm and pod borer of pigeonpea and chickpea (Yavatmal, Maharashtra). | Bhople and Lakbdibe (1998) |
| 15 | Control of cotton pests by using jaggery | In cotton, small farmers of Pachora and Bhadagaon thesils of Jagaon district and Shevgaon and Newasa telsils of Ahmednagar district in Maharaastra use jaggery to control pests. Small jagggery particles are put at the bottom of a cotton plant. It helps increase the population of ants, which eat aphids, bollworms etc. Normally a numbers of sprayings are required to control cotton pests by using insecticides. Due to use of jaggery particles, the pests are controlled, which requires no technical skill and the cost involved is also quite little. | Director of Extension Education Mahatma Pule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar (Maharastra) 413 722 |
| 16 | Control of cutworm in cotton | Citrullus grandiflora (periya kumuttikai), Cissus quadragularis (perandi kodi), Tecoma stans (yellow arali seeds) and Azadirachta indica (neem leaves/seeds) are ground and pasties prepared. The paste is allowed to ferment as such for 10 days. Paste from Sesbania grandiflora is made separately and fermented. After 10 days, the fermented pastes are filtered though a thin cloth, diluted with required quantity of water and sprayed over the foliage. This controls the cutworms in cotton very efficiently with no side effect. | Shri S. Pidhai Muniandi Koil Street J ayanangalam Periyakulam Theni (Tamil Nadu) |
| 17 | Control of disease in cotton by butter milk | When red spots appear on cotton leaves (in July or August), farmers dilute buttermilk with water and sprinkle it on the crop. When the application is made during the early stages of the disease, control comes within a week. This practice can also be used as a preventive measure (Bhavnagar, Gujarat) | Pandya (1993) |
| 18 | Control of green worm (Heliothis spp) in cotton by dhatura | Of all the pests occurring in the cotton crop, greenworm (Heliothis spp.) is one of the most harmful pests. Leaves and stem of Dhatura (Datura metel) are used to control green worm. About 250 to 300 g of Dhatura’ leaves along with stem are dipped in 1 litre of lukewarm water. After cooling down, 250 to 300 grams of the solution is mixed with 15 litres of water and sprayed on the crop. Pests perish within a period of six to seven hours. Spraying the mixture when the crop is of one-month-old yields better results (Amreli, Gujarat). | Kaachhadiya (1998) |
| 19 | Control of insect pest of cotton crop by decoction of agave | Certain larvae attack the cotton during monsoon when crop is around 30 to 40 days old. To prevent it, local farmers use a decoction of a plant locally known as Ketaki (Agave americana). The leaves are crushed, boiled in water and the decoction is filtered. Approximately 200 ml filtrate is added in 15 litres water and sprayed over the crop. About five pumps of spray are needed for one bigha (0.16 ha) of land each time (Bhavnagar, Gujarat). | Vaghoshi (1994) |
| 20 | Control of insects in cotton and pigeonpea by use of extract of Ayani and Anuchhadi | Growing primordials of ayani (Clerodendrum multiflorum) and Anuchhadi (a local name of plant) are collected and boiled in water. The boiled suspension is filtered through cotton cloth. Approximately 200 ml of this extract is mixed with 15 litres of water and the solution is sprinkled over cotton and pigeonpea to control insect pests. This practice is in use since time immemorial (Karshad). | Pashliya (1992) |
| 21 | Control of insects in cotton by kerosene | Farmers spray kerosene oil on the cotton crop at night to control larvae (locally known as Lashkari). Farmers believe that this pest remains in the soil, cracks during the day and attacks the crop at night. It attacks crops like cotton and Lucerne in a cluster like an army brigade. This might have been the reason for giving it the name Lashkari. Some farmers mix kerosene in the irrigation water. They make a hole in the bottom of a tin of kerosene and hang it on the top of a water channel in such a fashion that the tin drops kerosene slowly at regular speed and uniform suspension goes to plot regularly. They believe that this is more effective than spraying because it kills all the larvae hidden in the soil cracks. Farmers realize that this practice also kills some of the beneficial organisms living in the soil. The practice is in use for more than 50 years and a large number of farmers are still using it (Surendranagar, Gujarat) | Rana (1992) |
| 22 | Control of pest complex in cotton | Helicoverpa, spotted bollworm and aphid are generally found in cotton. Aphids are also common in brinjal, chilli and Lucerne in Amreli district of Saurashtra. A mixture was prepared from dried tobacco leaves (250 g) hirakasi (300 g) and citric acid by boiling in 1-2 litres of water and filtered. Approximately 250 ml of the decoction was mixed in 15 litres (one pump full) water and sprayed over crop. Depending upon the growth and density of the crop, total quantity required varied; however three to four pumps were enough for cotton crop. After a week decoction was sprayed again. It could control pest complex in cotton and the growth of the plants also boosted (Amreli, Gujarat) | Kalyanbhai (1995) |
| 23 | Control of pests in Cotton | (i) Mechanical control measures include cotton seed treatement with cow dung resulted in delineating of the seed (fibre free seed), followed by identification and removal of pink bollworm infested seeds and hand collection, destruction of larvae and infested plant parts leads to reduction in insect pest population. (ii) Cultural control measures includes field sanitations -clean cultivation during the entire cropping seasons which results in the reduction of insect fauna and weed flora in the field and intercropping or mixed cropping of cotton with sorghum/ maize/ greengram/ blackgram for augumen-tation and conservation of natural enemies of major insect pests. (iii) Application of botanical pesticides include aqueous decoction of neem leaf (Azadirachta indica) or neem seed kernel or tobacco leaf (Tobaccum solanum) or alcoholic extracts of neem seed kernel against pest complex of cotton. (iv) Alternatively for pest management, application of ash water in which leather is soaked by cobbler against sucking pest or fermented butter milk or mixture of fermented farm animal urine + distillates of neem seed kernel or application of kerosene oil is practiced against insect pest complex of cotton (West Nimar, Madhya Pradesh). | Paliwal et al. (2002) |
| 24 | Control of pests in cotton | Non-pesticidal management technologies include deep ploughing in summer, use of bonfires/light traps, nipping of the terminal buds to destroy eggs and larvae of spotted bollworm, selecting tolerant varieties for sucking pest complex, spraying of tobacco decoction, spraying of 5% neem seed kernel suspension, chilli garlic spray and spraying of cattle dung and urine, bird perches, collection sand destruction of affected bolls. The farmers who practices this traditional knowledge gained more income as compared to the farmers who treated with pesticides (non NPM) in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh. The farmers cultivating cotton in Warangal district with high pesticide load are prone to risk of negative returns as compared to the traditional practices. Farmers in Jalgaon/Jalna spent more money for pesticides which enhanced cost of production while traditional NPM technologies reduced the cost of production by 25% (Warangal and Zaheerabad, Andhra Pradesh; Jalna and Bawalaeshwar, Maharashtra) | Chary et al. (2000) |
| 25 | Control of pests in cotton | Non-pesticidal management technologies include deep ploughing in summer, use of bonfires/light traps, nipping of the terminal buds to destroy eggs and larvae of spotted bollworm, selecting tolerant varieties for sucking pest complex, spraying of tobacco decoction, spraying of 5% neem seed kernel suspension, chilli garlic spray and spraying of cattle dung and urine, bird perches, collection and destruction of affected bolls. The farmers who practices this traditional knowedge gained more income as compared to the farmers who treated with pesticides (non NPM) in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh. The farmers cultivating cotton in Warangal district with high pesticide load are prone to risk of negative returns as compared to the traditional practices. Farmers in Jalgaon/Jalna spent more money for pesticides which enhanced the cost of production while traditional NPM technologies reduced the cost of production by 25% (Warangal and Zaheerabad, Andhra Pradesh; Jalna and Bawalaeshwar, Maharashtra). | Chary et al. (2000-2000) |
| 26 | Control of pests in Cotton of pests in Cotton | (i) Mechanical control measures include cotton seed treatment with cow dung resulted in delineating of the seed (fibre free seed), followed by identification and removal of pink boll worm infested seeds and hand collection, destruction of larvae and infested plant parts leads to reduction in insect pest population. (ii) Cultural control measures includes field sanitations – clean cultivation during the entire cropping seasons which results in the reduction of insect fauna and weed flora in the filed and intercropping or mixed cropping of cotton with sorghum/maize/greengram/blackgram for augumentation and conservation of natural enemies of major insect pests. (iii) Application of botanical pesticides include aqueous decoction of neem leaf (Azadirachta indica) or neem seed kernel or tobacco leaf (Tobaccum solanum) or alcoholic extracts of neem seed kernel against pest complex of cotton. (iv) Alternatively for pest management, application of ash water in which leather is soaked by cobbler against sucking pest or fermented butter milk or mixture of fermented farm animal urine + distillates of neem seed kernel or application of kerosene oil is practiced against insect pest complex of cotton (West Nimar, Madhya Pradesh). | Paliwal et al. (2002) |
| 27 | Control of Talkidi insect in cotton by onion soaked water | Talkidi a soil pest, attacks fully grown cotton plant. Affected plant withers in a short time. To control talkidi, farmers take 20-25 kg onions in a jute bag, crush them using a wooden mallet, and this bag is kept in water channels during irrigation (Bhavnagar, Gujarat) | Thyammal (1994) |
| 28 | Control of white fly in cotton | White fly (Bemisia tabaci) is usually found on the dorsal surface of the leaves. The nymps are small and flat with visible beaks that suck the plant sap. To get rid of these flies, papers pasted with castor oil/grease are hung at five or six places in the cotton field. Then air is blown using a sprayer over the crop. The disturbed adult flies (white fly) come out of the plant and stick to the oily paper. By this method 90% of white fly can be successfully reduced (Pondicherry). | Balalsubramanian (2000–2001) |
| 29 | Control of white fly in cotton by extracts of Gandhati leaves | Three kg. of gandhati leaves are boiled in 20 litres of water for 3–4 hours or till the decoction has reduced to 5 litres. About 75–80 ml. filtrate is poured in to 15 litres water.When sprayed on the cotton crop it helps to control white fly. The decoction acts as an anti-feedant (Northern Gujarat). | Patel (2001e) |
| 30 | Control of white fly in cotton by jaggery solution | Some farmers use gur (jaggery) solution to control white fly. One kg is dissolved in 10-12 litres of water and filtered through a thick cotton cloth. Approximately 5-6 litres solution is sprinkled in one acre with the help of sprayer pump gently on the foliage. The tiny insects of white fly stuck on the leaf surface due to stickiness of the solution. All the stuck eggs of white fly are killed on the leaf surface which increases the possibility of occurrence of Madhiya disease. Hence they prefer to use this practice once only. This practice can achieve 4-50 percent control of whitefly. This technique is used in the months of November-December (Bharuch, Gujarat). | Ahmedabadi (1992) |
| 31 | Control of white fly in cotton by kerosene and detergent | Mixture of kerosene oil and detergent powder (Nirma) is sprayed on the crop for minimizing the white fly infestation. This result in 50% control of white fly (Rajkot, Gujarat). | Khanpara (1991) |
| 32 | Control of white fly in cotton by tobacco | Some farmers add tobacco powder/just @ 30 g per 15 litres with insecticide solution mainly with the idea of controlling the attack of whitefly (Gujarat) | Mane (1991) |
| 33 | Control of whitefly in cotton | Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is usually found on the dorsal surface of the leaves. The nymphs are small and flat with visible beaks that suck the plant sap. To get rid of these flies, papers pasted with castor oil/grease are hung at five or six places in the cotton field. Then air is blown using a sprayer over the crop. The disturbed adult flies (white fly) come out of the plant and stick to the oily paper. By this method 90% of white fly can be successfully reduced (Pondicherry) | Balasubramani an (2000-2001) |
| 34 | Cotton shells for control of Cyprus rotandus | Cyperus rotundus is a noxious weed. It grows in patches in black and sandy loam soils. It is localy called as ‘chhaya’ in Saurashtra and ‘chidho’ in middle Gujarat. It grows in patches in the field. Its roots go deep into the soil. Roots bear a gall like structure called ‘nut sedge’. It is very difficult to remove this weed by interculturing. It regenerates when it is cut at the stem above the ground. Some farmers of Rajkot district use empty shells of cotton ball to control it. After removal of lint cotton from balls nutshells become waste. These nutshells are broadcast in the field where patches of ‘chidho’ are found. It is layered up to 3 inch thickness in these patches 1 month before rainy season begins. The field is then cultivated by plough to incorporate it well into the soil. Farmers believe that when it rains, the water infiltrates through shells. This burns or kills the root/sedge of the weed. By this practice, the field remains weed free for about 2-3 years (Rajkot, Gujarat). | Gami (1996) |
| 35 | Cotton stalk as cattle feed | Rainfed cotton is grown in some parts of Saurashtra. Normally cotton stalks are used as fuel. But it is also used as cattle feed. An inexpensive and high quality feed can be prepared by mixing molasses and salt with pieces of cotton stalk. It has good scope of being utilized as stress feed during drought years in Saurashtra region (Amreli, Gujarat). | Masani (1996) |
| 36 | Direct seeding of cotton | Cotton is sown through dibbling by hand without any ploughing after harvest of crops such as fingermillet, pearlmillet with one time irrigation. About 80-100 farmers of Medur village in Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu are adopting this practice for the last 10-20 years. | Shri M. C. Murugesan Kuranoor Thottam, Medur Coimbatore 641 113 |
| 37 | Dropping of placenta | Empty cotton shells and roots of the cotton plant are boiled in water. The decoction is filtered through a cotton cloth and given to the animal if it has not dropped the placenta within 7-8 hrs after calving. To prepare one litre of decoction, approximately 400 g each of empty pods shell and roots are boiled in 2-3 litres of water. Approximately half a litre of decoction is given to the animal 2 or 3 times at intervals of half an hour or so. This treatment starts having its effect within an hour. Few people use this treatment; it was quite popular 30-35 years ago. One limitation is that cotton shells and roots are available only during a limited period in the year (Banaskantha, Gujarat). | Darbar (1993) |
| 38 | Dry sowing of cotton, pigeonpea and rice | For getting advantage of early seeding in Kharif season, farmers resort to dry seeding of cotton (local variety), pigeonpea and rice. Seeding is generally done 10-12 days before the anticipated date of onset of monsoon. In this practice, dry seeded crops give the advantage of 8-10 days earlier sowing than normal. When sufficient rains are received, the dry seeded grains start germinating. In dry seeding, however, there is a risk of re-sowing in the event of receipt of inadequate rainfall. Otherwise it gives 10% more yield. Dry seeding of cotton and pigeonpea is in practice in Dhule, Nandurbar and Jalgaon districts of Maharashtra. Dry seeded rice is taken in Taloda and Akkalkuwa tehsils of Nandurbar district in Maharashtra. | Director of Extension Education, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar (Maharashtra) 413 722 |
| 39 | Dusting of ash, spraying of cow urine and kerosene + soap mixture for control of aphids, jassids and whitefly on vegetable crops and cotton | The tribal farmers of Nandurbar and Ahmednagar districts of Maharashtra treat the seeds of vegetable crops by dusting ash and spraying of cow urine. It is very rarely applied on chilli, brinjal and cucumber to control aphids and jassids. Some farmers spray cow urine in cotton for control of aphids and jassids. In tribal areas some farmers also spray kerosene + soap on cotton crop to control whitefly attack. This is an economic practice and the cost involved is much less as compared to chemical insecticides. Key words: ash, cow urine, kerosene + soap mixture. | Director of Extension Education Mahatma Pule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar (Maharastra) 413 722 |
| 40 | Eco friendly cropping systems | The various traditional crop combinations to reduce the pest and disease in different parts of the country are as follows Maize-mary gold: Reduce nematode populations Tomato-crotolara: tomato yield increased Rice-garlic-corn-tomato:Reduce nematode population Groundnut-mustard: reduce nematode population Rice-tobacco-rice: control of root Knot population Sunflower + cotton: reduce the leaf hopper damage orghum + cowpea (1:1): control stem borer of sorghum Wheat + chickpea (1:1): reduces the pod borer attack Castor+ cowpea (1:1): reduces the aphid damage | Dr. Subba Reddy Dr. H.P. Singh, CRIDA Santhoshnagar Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) 500 059 |
| 41 | Ecofriendly cropping systems | The rainfed farmers in Southern states are traditionally growing various crop combinations to reduce the pest and disease incidence. The groundnut–mustard cropping system, groundnut- wheat-mungbean, rice-garlic-maize-tomato, maize-marigold and tomato + marigold are grown to reduce the nematode population. Rice–tobacco, rice + tomato, cotton–groundnut and cotton– soybean + sorghum to reduce the root rot diseases. The sunflower + cotton is grown to reduce the leaf sheath and hopper damage; castor + cowpea in 1:1 to reduce the aphid damage. Sorghum + cowepea in 1:1 to control stem borer of sorghum, wheat + chickpea to reduce the podborer attack, castor + cowpea in 1:1 for minimizing the incidence of aphids and castor as a trap crop in cotton to reduce the cut worm larvae. Maize+marigold to reduce the nematode population and cotton –groundnut, cotton-soyabean + sorghum to reduce root rot diseases (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu). | Subba Reddy and Singh (2001) |
| 42 | Enhancing germination of cotton seeds with castor as companion crop | It is generally observed that germination of cotton seeds is poor in saline and heavy black soil. If it rains, after the sowing, the top layer of the soil forms a hard crust which comes in the way of germination. Farmers believe that the seeds do germinate in the soil but fail to emerge through the hardened soil. To overcome this problem, farmers sow one castor seed/hill, while dibbling cotton seeds. Castor germinates more or less simultaneously with cotton. The castor seedlings break through the hard soil crust and make way for the cotton seedlings to sprout. A few days after germination, the castor seedlings are weeded out manually. At the very early stages of growth, the castor seedlings do not affect the growth of the cotton plants (Bhavnagar, Gujarat). | Kanani (1995) |
| 43 | Establishment of crop stand under rainfed conditions by early seeding, dry seeding and transplanting | Early sowing is crucial requirement for majority of rainfed crops during rainy season (kharif). Farmers tend to sow much area with first soaking showers. Farmers practice broadcasting seeds of paddy, finger millet in uplands of Orissa. Dry seeding of rainy season (kharif) sorghum in black soils of Malwa plateau is done in Madhya Pradesh. Transplanting of cotton seedlings (with spot irrigation) about 7 to10 days before monsoon rains is done in Vidharba region. | Subba Reddy and Singh (2001) |
| 44 | Feeding of cotton bolls to increase fat content of milk | Feeding fresh primordial and immature cotton bolls to dairy cattle reportedly increases butterfat content (Dudhrej, Vadhvan). | Gandabhai (1993) |
| 45 | Flower of Madhuca indica and cotton bollas feed in distress condition | During summer when green fodder is scarce the fried flowers of Madhuca indica , about 2 kg are fed. Only a few farmers in this region are using this practice. Feeding animals with cottonseed cake is a much more common practice. Farmers believe that feeding cottonboll soaked in water makes separation of butterfat from the animals milk easier. Cottonseed cake has high protein but is unsuitable for young calves because it contains a toxic element. Gossypol. As Madhuca flowers are rich in sugar, they are used even in making country-wine. It is interesting to note that Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, recommends feeding buffalo with madhuca seed (dhodi) cake. This is prepared by soaking the cake in water for 2 hr and then mixing it with an equal weight of wheat straw or wheat bran, salt and jaggery (Vejpura, Savli). | Parmar (1993) |
| 46 | Fungal disease control in chillies, cotton and lemon | Fungal disease control in chillies, cotton and lemon fruits in controlled by spraying a mixture, locally prepared called Panchagavya. The mixture is prepared by mixing 5 parts milk, 2 parts curd, ^ part ghee, 2 parts cow urine, ^ part cowdung and 10 parts water. The mixture is kept for 7 days before it is sprayed in field where fungal disease is predominant. Spray of the mixture also controls leaf shedding and enhances flower setting. Ten farmers of Periakovilankulam village follow this practice for the last three years. | Shri. S. Murugesan Periakovilankul am Sankarankovil, Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu) 627 953 |
| 47 | Growing of Sorghum plants in scattered manner in cotton field | In rainfed cotton, sorghum plants are sown in scattered manner, which provide avenue for birds to perch and eat larvae of pests on cotton. This is one of the method controlling cotton bollworm. The idea is that the sorghum plants attract the birds to eat grains and when they come for eating grains, they also pick the larvae on the cotton crop. This is a practice, which has been in use of the villagers of chande of Dhule district in Maharashtra for 20-30 years and 20-30 farmers are using the practice. | Shri. P.S. Patil Training Organiser Krishi Vijayan Kendra, Dhule (Maharashtra) 424 004 |
| 48 | Herbal Pesticide formulation for cotton | Herbal Pesticide formulation has been developed by Shri Nagarajan to control pests in cotton. 500g neem seeds, 1000g tobacco, 100g Acorus calamus, 250g Asofoetida and 50g Sapindus emarginata seeds are ground and the extract is sprayed for one acre cotton to control pests. | Shri. K. Nagarajan S/o Kethaian Gouda Koralampatti, Konur Dindigul (Tamil Nadu) |
| 49 | Increasing cattle milk production | Cattle owners use different techniques for increasing milk production. A mixture of cotton ball, dried beans of desi baval (Acacia nilotica) and kernels of pearl millet is prepared. All these ingredients are boiled in water and the animal is fed with the boiled mixture of milking.The inner kernel from mango stone may also be added to the cattle feed to increase milk production (Rajkot, Gujarat). | Khoont (1997) |
| 50 | Increasing yield of cotton by application of salt mixed with manure | 20 to 25 kg of common salt is mixed with about 10 cart loads of natural manure and is applied in farm during Jyeshtha-Vaishakh (May). It would be more effective if the mixture is applied uniformly in all the furrows. 10 maunds of cotton/bigha is received (1/3 of acre). It is believed that the manure increases the crop’s resistance to pests (Surendranagar, Gujarat). | Sanghani (1998) |
| 51 | Insect control in cotton by tobacco and neem extract | Farmers in this region use boiled suspension of tobacco (leaf or seed) and neem seeds and leaves to control insects in cotton (Mehsana, Gujarat). | Patel (1991 g) |
| 52 | Insect control measures in cotton | Concentrated solution of sugar (500 g in a litre of water) is prepared and allowed to ferment. Fermented solution is placed in open dishes at different locations between the rows of cotton. One or two drops of edible oil are added to the dish. The users say that adult insects (which can fly) are attracted towards this solution. The idea behind this practice is to kill the adult population and ultimately reduce the reproduction (Bharuch, Gujarat). | Sindha (1992) |
| 53 | Lemon juice for aphid control in cotton | Aphid is locally called Molo in Surendranagar, Gujarat. Farmers say that it is generally not found during the monsoon. Aphids appear on four month old cotton crop and attach themselves normally to the undersides of the leaves of the plant and suck the sap. A black sticky substance is also found on the aphid infested leaves and this particular condition is known as galo (meaning sweet). Generally, yellow and green aphids are seen in cotton. If unattended, the condition persists till the end of the cotton season. It is believed that if an indigenous variety of cotton is grown as rainfed crop, aphid infestation does not accur. Juice of lemon is used to control aphids. Approximately 100 to 200 ml of lemon juice is mixed with 15 litres of water and sprayed it over the crop. The treatment is repeated after intervals of a week. thrice for successful control of the pest. About 18-20 pumps (15 litres capacity) are sprayed in one hectare (Surendranagar, Gujarat). | Dholakia (1994) |
| 54 | Minimizing the effect of frost in cotton by fumigation and irrigation | Farmers practice fumigation and irrigation in the fields of cotton when they anticipate frost. Fumigation is done by cowdung cake, used engine oil or waste grass. They have been practicing this for the last 20 years. Some farmers make tall hedges around the field to protect the crop from frost (Mehsana, Gujarat) | Dayabhai (1992) |
| 55 | Natkal kurgi (seed drill) | It is manufactuered by local artisans with Shisham, Babool,Sal and teak and weighs about 50-80 lbs. The beam of the implement is tied to the yoke of bullocks by means of rope. The seed rate of various crops is adjusted by the skill of the operator. It is used for line sowing of mixed crops of cereals, oilseeds and legumes. This drill is also used for sowing of cotton by blocking the middle coulter. It covers 3-5 acres per day and has the service life of 5-10 years. Almost all the farmers in this region use this drill for line sowing of mixed crops (Puna, Kolhapur and Dhulia, Maharashtra; Ahmedabad, Baroda, Gujarat). | ICAR (1960) |
| 56 | Nutgrass management with cotton petals | Cotton petals when spread to a thickness of 2 to 3 inches one month before the onset of rain controls nutgrass for 3 years because alkaloid in cotton petals aids destruction of nutgrass bulbs (Karnataka). | Anonymous (1999c) |
| 57 | Nutrient management practices of Andhra Pradesh | Andhra Pradesh is endowed with vast potential of organic resources. The estimate of annual production of cattle dung in Andhra Pradesh is to an extent of 806 lakh tonnes. Farmyard manure (FYM) is the most readily available and traditional organic manure. It is usually applied to vegetables, commercial crops, etc. in good amounts. Penning is a common practice that ensures the use of sheep and goat droppings in the fields. The poultry litter generated in the state is estimated to be 13.70 lakh tonnes which is usually applied to commercial crops directly. Dhaincha pillipesara, sunnhemp, cowpea etc. are commonly used as green manuring crops in rice and sugarcane fields. Some green manure trees like Gliricidia, pongamia and leguminous shrubs etc. are grown on field bunds and wastelands and their vegetative parts are utilized for green leaf manuring in rice fields. Weeds like ipomoea, lantana, waterhyacinth are also utilised for green leaf manuring in some areas. Oilcakes obtained as by-products are used mostly as cattle feed and partly as manure. Non-editable cakes of neem, karanj, mahua, castor are used as organic manures in upland crops, whereas, the edible cake like groundnut-cake is applied especially to vegetable crops. Groundnut hulls obtained during the shelling of groundnut pods are applied to paddy fields to improve soil structure. Tamarind fruit residues are also applied to paddy fields. The stalks of cotton, castor and chillies are generally used for fuel purpose or burnt in the field. Ash collected form households is applied selectively to crops like onion, tobacco and chillies. Tank silt which consists of a large proportion of finer soil particles (silt and clay) and organic matter carried by run-off water from the surrounding land to the tanks during heavy rains is applied to upland soils. Mixing of clay in sandy soils to improve physical condition of the soil and transporting soil to cultivated fields from waste-land areas is a common practice to restore soil fertility (Andhra Pradesh). | Subba Rao et al. (2001) |
| 58 | Nutrient management practices of Haryana | The average fertilizer consumption in Haryana is about 136 kg nutrients (N+P2O5+K2O)/ha. About 9.73 million tonnes of animal dung is produced annually from the available livestock of the state. Among the various organic manures, cattle dung is one of the major sources. Some of the indigenous nutrient management practices followed by the farmers are: application of farmyard manure, slurry from gobar gas plant, incorporation of crop residues like cotton stocks, use of industrial and urban wastes, green manuring etc. The other indigenous practice of nutrient management being followed by the farmers of western part of Haryana is the maintenance of Jandi tree in the field (Haryana). | Gupta (2001) |
| 59 | Pathal for crushing clods | The implement is made up of Babool wood for body and forged iron for rings. It weights about 130 lbs and operated by two pairs of bullocks and two person. One pair of bullock is yoke to each of the two rings fitted to the clod crusher. Two person stand on the implement to add more weight to it and control bullocks. It covers 2-3 acres/day by crushing the clods and planking the fields. It is popular in cotton tracts (Nagpur, Maharashtra). | ICAR (1960) |
| 60 | Pest and nutrient management in crops by use of cow urine and dung | Cow urine and dung are collected, mixed with water and fermented for few days. After fermentation, the content is sieved and the extract is sprayed to control sucking pests and leaf cutters. Cow urine acts as germicide and cow dung provides nutrients to the crops. This practice is followed by 5% families for the last 25 years. | Shri Sreekanth Ramu Shirahatti, Harogeri Raibag, Belgaum (Karnataka) 591 220 |
| 61 | Pests and diseases control of cotton and Barleria spp | Leaves of agave, Vettikottai (Strycchnos nuxvomica), neem, and cakes of Pongamia (Pongamia Pinnata) and neem are pulverized together and soaked in cattle urine. The resultant solution is diluted in water in 1:8 and sprayed against pests and diseases of cotton and Kanakambaram (Barleria spp), an ornamental flowering crop (Sirakkapatti) | Thyammal (1994) |
| 62 | Prevention of shedding of boll of cotton by use of castor oil | Flowers and young bolls are often shed in cotton crop due to high temperature. To minimize this problem, farmers pour castor oil (approximately 50 ml) near the stem in the soil believing that it would cool the soil (Bharuch, Gujarat) | Karamiya (1992) |
| 63 | Prunning for higher boll formation in cotton | Cotton plants grow tall in the highly fertilized field with good rainfall. Farmers cut the top branch of the plant which checks the erect growth of the plant. It is believed that such practice imparts good flowering and retards vegetative growth (Surendranagar, Gujarat). | Patel (1991 f) |
| 64 | Raising border crop in cotton/groun dnut | Around 100 plants of castor per acre are grown on the field bunds in the Spodoptera-affected field crops, because of its broad leaves. Spodoptera lays eggs on castor rather than on field crop leaves and skeletenize the leaves. These leaves are removed from the field. | Shri. K. Lakshmanna Ph.D. Scholar, PG Hostel College of Agriculture ANGRAU, Raj endranagar Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) 500 030 |
| 65 | Raising of sorghum as mixed crop in cotton as bird percher | In Jalgaon, Nadurbar, Dhule and Ahmednagar districts of Maharashtra, the farmers raise sorghum as a mixed crop scattered in cotton fields. The grain of sorghum attracts the birds and served as a perch for the birds to reach the insects of cotton plants. | Director of Extension Education, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar (Maharashtra) 413 722 |
| 66 | Ratoon crop of okra | Cotton, a major crop in the Vadodara and Surat districts in Gujarat, is being replaced by vegetables owing to the high incidence of infestations by various insects pests and diseases in cotton over the last few years. Some farmers took to cultivating vegetables because transportation facilities to surrounding urban markets are very good. Okra is an all season crop but farmers prefer to grow it in the premonsoon (May) and prewinter (September) periods. Most okra growing farmers sow the crop more or less at the same time which leads to a market glut and causes the price to fall sharply. Okra, cannot be stored to be sold later when better prices can be had. The problem also bothered the growers and they were constantly on the lookout for a way to regulate the harvest of okra. One day when bullocks were tied to posts on the buns of the okra field, they chewed away some okra plants leaving behind the stubble-like stems, about one foot tall. Much to surprise soon each stubble sprouted six to seven lateral branches. After a few days these branches bore fruits and that too far more profusely than the branches of normal plants. Taking the clue from this chance finding, Shashikantbhai began to prune his okra plants when market prices fell (Vadodara, Gujarat). | Patel (1995g) |
| 67 | Ratooning of Kharif cotton | In Nandurbar, Dhule and Jalgaon districts of Maharashtra, farmers are taking ratoon crop of cotton. The farmers who are having irrigation facilities are following this practice. Ratooning is done after 3-4 pickings of cotton and the crop is supplemented with chemical fertilizers and 2-3 irrigations till February-March. The farmers get additional yield of about 10- 15q/ha, in addition to previous harvest. | Director of Extension Education, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar (Maharashtra) 413 722 |
| 68 | Ratooning of Kharif cotton | Some farmers in pimpri village of Dhule Districts in Maharashtra have started taking ratoon crop of Kharif cotton. The farmers having irrigation facilities take the ratoon. It is taken after 3-4 pickings are done. The crop is provided with chemical fertilizers 2-3 irrigations are given till February – March. This practice is followed to obtain additional returns from the same crop. An additional 10-15 q/ha is obtained from the same crop if it is properly managed. The practice has been in use for 8-10 years. About 10-15 farmers are practicing this technology. | Prof. P. S. Patil Training Organiser Krishi Vijayan Kendra, Dhule (Maharatra) 424 004 |
| 69 | Ratooning of rainfed cotton raised on deep black soil | In Shevgaon and Pathardi tehsils of Ahmednagar district, farmers take cotton during monsoon/rainy season, which is harvested upto end of November/December. But during the last 5-6 years it has been observed that rains are received during November/December. During this time new growth of leaves, branch, bolls etc. is observed from stubbles of cotton plants. In this crop only weeding operation is done The flush of flowers get matured within 2 months and farmers obtain 4-6q/ha of cotton yield. | Director of Extension Education, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar |
| 70 | Risk distribution farming under rainfed conditions | In order to minimize risk, the farmers of Haryana, give equal importance for growing mustard and chickpea during rabi season. The frost in December- January may damage mustard but not chickpea. On the otherhand the incidence of terminal drought may heavily reduce the yield of long duration crop of chickpea without having much effect on mustard. In Vidharba region of Maharashtra, the farmers distribute the cultivated area under greengram, sorghum and cotton to distribute the risk among various crops. Heavy rainfall incidence during July and August may completely destroy the greengram without much effect on sorghum. The terminal drought years may badly affect on the productivity of cotton but farmers can get assured yeilds of greengram or sorghum (Haryana; Vidharba, Maharashtra). | Subba Reddy and Singh (2001) |
| 71 | Seed soaking in water/kerosene oil for better germination of cotton | Cotton seeds are soaked in water a night before the sowing. The soaked seeds are treated by the soil which is collected from the termite burrow. Some farmers of the arid Banaskantha immerse the seeds in kerosene oil for better germination (Surendranagar, Gujarat). | Anonymous (1991g) |
| 72 | Spraying of mixture of garlic extract and monocrotoph os to control bollworm in cotton | Farmers of Sindhkheda and shirpur tehsils of Dhule district and Kopargaon tehsil in Ahmednagar district are using this practice. Garlic bulbs are crushed and soaked in water to draw extract. This extract is added to monocrotophos and it is sprayed on cotton to control cotton bollworm. | Director of Extension Education Mahatma Pule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar (Maharastra) 413 722 |
| 73 | Storage of food grains in bins made of bamboo and cotton sticks | Marginal farmers of Nandurbar, Dhule, Ahmednagar and Jalgaon Districts of Maharashtra. Store food grains in bins for a longtime in good condition without any incidence of storage pests. After sun drying of the grains, it is stored in bins made of bamboo and cotton sticks and covered with mud and cowdung slurry so as to make the bin airtight. In some areas neem leaves are also mixed with the grains while string. | Director of Extension Education Mahatma Pule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar (Maharastra) 413 722 |
| 74 | Sugar solution for control of insects in cotton | Concentrated solution of sugar (500g in a litre of water) is prepared and allowed to ferment. Fermented solution is placed in open dishes at different locations between the rows of cotton. One or two drop of edible oil is added to the dish. Practitioners say that adult insects (which can fly) are attracted towards this solution and stick on the surface or sink in the solution. The idea behind this practice is to kill the adult population and ultimately reduce the reproduction (Saraj). | Sindha (1992) |
| 75 | Summer pearl millet after cotton, a new cropping system | Since last 4-5 years, some farmers of Dhule, Nandurbar, Jalgaon and Ahemednagar district of Maharashtra have started cultivation of pearlmillet in summer after Kharif cotton. The area under Kharif cotton is increasing day be day, thereby reducing the area under food crops. The farmers themselves have felt the shortage food grains for their family and fodder for their cattle. To overcome this problem, farmers have started taking summer pearlmillet after Kharif cotton and they are getting goodquality grains and fodder as compared to the Kharif crop. Moreover, yields are also more. Sowing is done in January by using double the seed rate than used in Kharif. All other packages of practices are the same as that for Kharif. Only 5-6 irrigations are required. No pests and diseases have been noticed so far. | Director of Extension Education, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar (Maharashtra) 413 722 |
| 76 | Traditional agroforestry systems | The farmers in low rainfall areas practice traditional agroforestry systems involving Prosopis cineraria (as a perennial crop), and pearl millet and clusterbean as annual crops in drier parts of Rajasthan. And Butea monsperma as a perennial crop is a common practice in southern parts of India. Growing of palmyra trees in combination with sorghum/pearl millet/cotton/groundnut/pulses in practiced in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Growing of sunflower/pulses with kappas tree, that gives high quality fibre, and custard apple with cereals and pulses is common in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Acacia nilotica (kikker) + Butea monosperma (dak) is widely grown in Kandi area of North West region (Andhra Pradesh,Karnataka, Rajasthan and TamilNadu). | Subba Reddy and Singh (2001) |
| 77 | Treatment of fever/ loosened teeth and pneumonia | The farmers give smoke of rice husk, cotton sack, black til or barley for the treatment of fever/loosened teeth and pneumonia (Kumaun hills, Uttar Pradesh). | Chander and Mukherjee (1994) |
| 78 | Triangular harrow for breaking soil clods | This implement is made up of steel, shisham wood and it has weight of 105 lbs. It is operated by two bullocks and one man by hitching yoke to the harrow along with tail. The work rate of this implement is 6 acres/day. It is used for seedbed preparation, breaking soil crust in wheat, maize and cotton and also for weeding and hoeing in wheat (All the districts, Punjab). | ICAR (1960) |
| 79 | Two pore hal | This implement is made of Shisham and salwood for beam and handle and iron sheet for seed tube, HC steel for tynes. The weight of the tool is 46 lbs. Operated by 2 bullocks and 1 man for line sowing of maize, wheat and cotton with a depth of 4 inches.The implement is hitched with a beam with a yoke. The plough man controls the implement and bullocks. The work rate of this drill is 2 acres/day. The distance between two rows can be kept 8 inches (Ludhiana, Ferozpur, Punjab). | ICAR (1960) |
| 80 | Two tyne drill for sowing rainfed crops | It is made up of Babool/teak/bamboo and mild steel and fabricated by local artisans. The beam is tied to the yoke with the ropes and the depth of sowing can be adjusted by adjusting the hitching distance. The work rate of the implement is 2 to 4 acres/day. It can sow to a depth of 2 to 5 inches. This drill is specially used for sowing of cotton. The weight of the implement is 40 to 70 lbs. Almost all the farming community are using this implement for sowing of rainfed crops. (Dharwad, Karnataka; Ahmedabad, Est Khandesh, Sabarkantha (Gujarat) and Parbhani Maharashtra). | ICAR (1960) |
| 81 | Use of cowdung and mud slurry for seed treatment of desi cotton | The cowdung is mixed with mud in equal proportion to prepare a slurry. The slurry is spread over the seed and rubbed for uniform application, then dried under shed. Then treatment is given day before sowing. The method helps in sowing operation and improves germination and yield. Keywords: cowdung and mud slurry | Prof. P. S. Patil Training Organiser Krishi Vijayan Kendra, Dhule (Maharatra) 424 004 |
| 82 | Use of cowdung and mud slurry for seed treatment of desi cotton | Due to fuzzyness, it is difficult to sow cotton seed as such. To cope up with the problem, farmers of Dhule, Nandurbar, Jalgaon and Ahmednagar districts of Maharashtra, treat the cotton seed with cowdung and mud slurry. It facilitates easy sowing of cotton seeds. According to seed quantity, cowdung is mixed with soil in proper proportion to prepare s slurry to spread over the seed. The seeds are rubbed to apply slurry uniformly. It is then dried under shade. After drying, the seeds are sown, This treatment is given a day before sowing. It also helps in good germination thereby giving 10% more yield. | Director of Extension Education Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar (Maharashtra) 413 722 |
| 83 | Use of fermented pearlmillet flour in water to control Helicoverpa | Tribal farmers of Nandurabar district of Maharashtra use fermented pearlmillet flour to control Helicoverpa in cotton. About 10Kg pearlmillet flour is mixed with 200 litres water in plastic drum and it is kept for fermentation under the heap of compost for 8 days. After 8 days the solution is sprayed on cotton to check infestation of Helicoverpa. | Director of Extension Education, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar (Maharashtra) 413 722 |
| 84 | Use of garlic and chilli extract to control pests in cotton | An extract is prepared using 500g garlic and red chillies. The extract is added to 100 litres water, mixed with 200g soap and sprayed on cotton to control sucking as well as other pests. This practice is in vogue in Dhule and Ahmednagar districts of Maharastra. | Director of Extension Education Mahatma Pule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar (Maharastra) 413 722 |
| 85 | Use of magha rain water as growth promoter | Farmers store rain water received during the magha in the monsoon for future use. They believe that it works as growth promoter on the standing crop. According to them, the stored water does not get spoiled (Rajkot, Gujarat) | Kapadia (1997b) |
| 86 | Use of neem seed powder to control bollworm and sucking pests of cotton, chilli and onion. | About 5kg neem seed is well dried in sun, ground to powder form and soaked in 10 litres water for overnight. It is then added in 90 litres water and 500 g soap is added as sticker. This solution is sprayed on cotton, chilli and onion to control pests. Farmers of Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon and Ahmednagar districts of Maharastra are using this practice. | Director of Extension Education Mahatma Pule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar (Maharastra) 413 722 |
| 87 | Use of okra (Ablemoschu s esculentus) as a sacrifice crop for pest control in cotton. | Farmers grow 2-3 lines of okra plant surrounding the cotton field. Cotton is more susceptible to insect pests like spotted bollworms (Earias vitella), worm (Platyedra gossypiella), Jassid Amarasca biguttula) etc. Farmers believe that pests prefer okra plant as compared to cotton plant and attack them first. Pest is controlled by simply eradicating/destroying the okra plants attacked by insect and pests (Surendranagar, Gujarat). | Patel (1991 g) |
| 88 | Use of okra (Ablemoschus esculentus) as as acrifice crop for pest control in cotton | Farmers grow 2–3 lines of okra plant surrounding the cotton field. Cotton is more susceptible to insect pests like spotted boll worms (Earias vitella), Spodoptera litura, Heliothis armigera, pink ball worm (Platyedra gossypiella), jassid (Amarasca biguttula) etc. Farmers believe that pests prefer okra plant as compared to cotton plant and attack them first. Pest is controlled by simply eradicating/destroying the okra plants attacked by insect and pests (Surendranagar, Gujarat). | Patel (1991g) |
| 89 | Use of tobacco decoction to control cotton bollworm | Tobacco is soaked in water overnight. The extracted decoction is used for spraying to control bollworm in cotton. This practice is being followed in Dhule and Ahmednagar districts of Maharastra. | Director of Extension Education Mahatma Pule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar (Maharastra) 413 722 |
| 90 | Use of tobacco decoction to control the larvae of Heliothis armigera in soybean crop | Farmers of Azamgarh collect 1.5-2.0 kg green leaves of tobacco and boil in 5-6 litres of water till the solution becomes dark brown. Then it is filtered and kept for 6-7 hours for cooling. 4-5 litre decotion is mixed with 70-80 litres of water. The solution is sprayed over the affected crop. The practice is repeated at 5-6 days interval. This controls Heliothis armigera in soybean Keywords: tobacco decoction, spray, Heliothis armigera, soybean | Shri Ranjay Kumar singh Ph. D Scholar (Agri. Extn.) C/o Dr. C. B. Singh, Dean College of Agriculture C2Krishi Nagar Colony Adhartal, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) 482 004 |
| 91 | Use of tobacco extract to control insect pests in pigeonpea | Dried leaves of tobacco are boiled in water (500g in 5–7 litres) till only half the volume is left. Approximately 15– 25 g of ‘Morthuthu’ (CuSO4 2H20) is mixed in filtered decoction and used as insecticide. About 30–50 ml of the content is mixed in 12–15 litres of water and sprayed on the pigeonpea. It was used extensively on cotton 8–10- years back but now-a-days cultivation of cotton is reduced remarkably so the use of this treatment has also reduced. Most of the farmers are using Naffatiya leaves extract in pigeonpea. Sometimes residue of tobacco (stem, small and fallen leaves) left in the field after harvesting are used. Residues are boiled in water. Filtered suspension is sprayed directly without any adulteration with water on the crop. This practice is in use for a very long time in this area and requires a lot of labour to prepare it. This extract is also used on seedlings of coconut and okra by some other farmers (Tuna). | Sangrol (1992) |
| 92 | White fly control in cotton by seed extract of Nerium | Arali (Nerium oleander) seeds are pulverized, soaked in water overnight and filtered. This filtrate is diluted in water and sprayed on cotton fields. This practice provides 70% control (Thiruvadagam). | Murugesan (1994) |
| 93 | Winnowing of millets and pulses by using broomsticks (Vallippumar) | Piles of grains are winnowed with the aid of a Vallippumar, a kind of broomstick made up of coconut leaves. Other types, made of plants like cotton stalk, redgram stems and Manjanathi, are also used to heap the threshed produce (Tamil Nadu). | Parvathi et al. (2000) |
Sources : Inventory of Indigenous Technical Knowledge in Agriculture Document 1/2/3 by Mission Unit, Division of Agricultural Extension, Indian Council for Agricultural Research, New Delhi 110 012