Indore based ICAR-Indian Soybean Research organizes “Online Farmers Training Programme on Improved Soybean Production Technology for Gujarat State” on August 12, 2021 in association with Tribal Research and Training Centre, Deogadh Baria (Gujarat) as a part of celebrations under the "Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav” commemorate 75 years of the country's independence.
A total of 77 progressive farmers from Dahod, Panchmahal, Vadodara and Amreli districts of Gujarat State participated in this training programme. During its inaugural session, Nita Khandekar, Director of the ICAR-IISR briefed about increasing trend in the area of ??soybean experienced during the recent years in the state of Gujarat. Keeping in mind the technological needs of the Gujarat farmers, the institute has decided to organize a training programme which will facilitate flow of information among the farming community regarding latest recommended varieties and package of practices for production and protection of crop from biotic and abiotic factors.
On this occasion, Girishbhai Patel, Head of Tribal Research and Training Centre, Deogadh Baria (Gujarat) informed that the area of soybean crop which earlier was concentrated in the tribal dominated Dahod area adjoining Madhya Pradesh is now gradually increasing in other districts. He also informed that breeder seed production program of NRC 37, a popular variety of soybean, is also being taken up in Gujarat.
A total of 5 technical sessions were organized in this online training program in which scientists of ICAR-IISR made presentations and discussed various issues related to soybean production. During the first technical session, SD Billore, Principal Scientist (Agronomy) informed about new planting methods like BBF and Ridge and Farrow method in the context of changing climatic scenario. According to him, these methods have a dual benefit of moisture conservation as well as draining out excess water to avoid waterlogging. He further said that in the event of drought, one should irrigate the crop before initiation of soil cracks as per the availability and those who do not have water, can follow intercultural operations like hoeing, mulching or spraying with recommended anti-transpirants like potassium nitrate (1%) or magnesium carbonate or glycerol (5%).