Scientists of the ICAR-Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums, Namkum Ranchi organised a field day for the promotion of lac Integrated Farming system in the village Bajnathtata, Block Angara, Ranchi on Monday. The programme was attended by different farmers and farm women, besides some local NGOs. Dr Sheeraz Saleem Bhat, (Scientist, Agroforestry) and Convener of the programme, welcomed the farmers and the guests and briefed about the essence of the program towards promotion and adoption of lac based integrated farming.
During the programme, Dr S Ghosal, (Principal Scientist and Head), explained the raising of lac host plantations and plantation management. He also explained the lac cultivation practices on semialata, a bushy host. Dr VD lohot (Scientist) explained package of practices of lac cultivation on kusum and palas, while as Dr J Ghosh (Senior Scientist) highlighted scientific lac cultivation on ber and pigeon pea during the programme.
Role of lac host based Integrated Farming was elaborated by the programme convener. He thoroughly explained how integrated farming is an efficient sustainable resource management for maximum productivity from the cropping system, with multiple components like trees, crops and livestock arranged spatially and temporarily over the same unit of land for the best utilization of the growing space. Adoption of Semialata based integrated cropping system with mixed cropping, crop rotation and inter-cropping for the least competition for water, nutrition and space and adopting sustainable eco-friendly practices was stressed during the programme.
The audience was explained how integrated farming acts as insurance against total crop failure and acts as a potent tool to combat the vulnerability from climate change. During the discussion, some misconceptions of the farmers regarding lac cultivation were cleared and the adoption of lac integrated farming system for sustainable livelihood was stressed upon.
The farmers were also provided leaflets, pamphlets on lac integrated farming system and lac cultivation of different hosts. Visit was also made to the fields of farmers who came forward today for the adoption of the technology.