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A
pilot project on rainfed winter cropping was implemented from October
2001 to June 2002 in 4 eastern Terai districts for searching the suitable
technology options to intensify the rice-fallows. Chickpea, field pea
and buckwheat were chosen as potential crops for the project entry process.
Varietal comparisons and seed priming trials were carried out on chickpea
and field pea. The varieties tested were KPG 59, BG 372 and Awarodhi in
chickpea and Arkel, Ajad and E6 in field pea. Buckwheat was simply introduced
in the system with a single landrace from Nawalparasi. In general, the
performance of all three crops was mediocre due primarily to late planting.
There was no significant difference in yields among the varieties of both
chickpea and field pea. The effect of seed priming was also inconclusive
in both crops. However, crop yields varied across locations depending
upon the fertility status of the soil. Amidst the bizarre results of the
trials, farmers seemed to be very much enthusiastic in trying out the
new options. More than half of the participants saved the seeds of introduced
varieties for expanding the area under winter cultivation in the following
season. Thus, the project intervention appeared to be supportive to the
farmers in their strife to intensify the rice fallows to meet household
food requirement and to increase income. This paper highlights on the
project modality and the results of the trials conducted in the winter
2001-2002. Some lessons learned in the process are also presented. |
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