Suruliyar

1. Introduction

1.1. About the Centre

Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam is a premier institute for horticultural education and research under the umbrella of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. The institute was established as a Fruit Research Station in 1957 at Periyakulam, Theni District. In the year 1971, this station was upgraded as Horticultural Research Station, which marked the expansion of the research mandate to all major horticultural crops. Further, in 1990, this centre was elevated as Horticultural College and Research Institute, a full – fledged teaching and research institute for Horticulture.

The Horticultural College and Research Institute (HC&RI), a constituent college of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, is located at Periyakulam, in the National High Way (45 B) in Tamil Nadu. The famous Upper Pulney hill ranges featuring nearby offers natural beauty and scenic frontage to this unique institute. Geographically, the college campus is situated at 10ºN latitude with an elevation of 300 m MSL. The edapho climatic conditions are quite congenial for the cultivation of an array of horticultural crops. This institute provides both teaching and research opportunities and technology transfer of high order in an exceptionally pleasant environment. Over 90.15 hectares of college farm lands cater to the needs of teaching, research, training, seed production and plant propagation activities. This centre released 55 varieties in different crops viz. Mango, Sapota, Acid lime, Manila Tamarind, Tomato, Moringa, Bitter gourd, Snake gourd, Vegetable Cowpea and Davana.

About the Sub basin

Suruliyar originate on the western slopes of Megamalai hills and flows Southwest to Northeast direction and the sub basin has an area of about 640.10Sq.Km. Varattar and Vairavanar are the tributaries to Suriliyar. About 217.95 Sq.Km is coming under Western Ghatmountaneous region and about 422.15 Sq.Km of the area is occupied by plains. The Basin is situated between 09’15’00” to 10’20’00” North latitude and 77’10’00’’ to 79’15’00” East Longitude. Periyar water let out through Vairavanar after power generation and irrigation, part of the basin area which forms the fertile zone in this sub basin

• Total Ayacut area (ha) : 3842.82
• Fully irrigated area (ha) : 3266.40
• Partially irrigated area (ha) : 384.28
• Gap (ha) : 92.14

The Sub basin is divided in to 3 clusters viz Uthamapuram, Uthamapalyam and Veerapandi. 20 tanks and 7 channels are proposed out of which 7 tanks and 3 channels in Uthamapuram cluster (Cumbum block), 6 tanks and 3 channels in Uthamapalayam cluster (Uthamapalayam block), 7 tanks and 1 channel in Veerapandi cluster (Theni block).

The average rain fall of the district is 829.8 mm. The important crops grown in the district are paddy, maize, pulses, sorghum, ground nut, sugarcane and Horticulture crops like Mango, Banana, Grapes, Sapota, Tamarind, Acidlime, Tomato, Brinjal, Bhendi, Moringa, Cucurbits and Onion.

1.2. Total registered ayacut area of the sub basin

(A) Tank ayacut

Sub Basin Map

Sub Basin Map

C. Villages covered in the sub basin

1.3. Climate and Rainfall

The climate is mainly tropical in nature with the temperature ranging from 26 to 39°C and relative humidity ranging from 64 to 96 per cent.

1.4. Soil type

Red loam soil is the predominant soil type in the sub basin followed by red sandy soil. The other types of soils are red loamy and black soil with pH-ranging from 6 to 8. The predominant soil orders found in the sub basinare Somayanur, Palaviduthi and Vayalogam.

1.5. Season wise crop scenario in the sub basin

1.6. Existing scenario of irrigation practices

The available water is being utilized through Flood irrigation. The water use efficiency is less compared improved methods of irrigation. Based on the availability of water the selection of crop can be made. Micro irrigation practicesare getting popularized among the farmers

2. Infrastructure available in the sub basin

• Local markets and Uzhavarsandi’s are facilitating farmers for potential market.
• Banks are available for easy transactions.
• Availability of inputs by AEC’s, Private dealers and PACBS
• Banana and Vegetable cold storage facilities owned by private parties are available in Chinnamanur, Cumbum and Gudalur. One winery is functioning in Uthamapalyam block.

2.1. Objectives

• To increase the income of the farmers per drop of irrigation water per unit of land.
• Popularizing the innovative and eco friendly technologies of TNAU in crops for better returns
• Facilitating production of market driven crops through diversification
• Sustaining soil health by promotion of INM/IPM
• To educate ayacut farmers on effective water utilization and to increase the area under irrigated crop.

2.2. Implementation strategy

• Diversification of low profit high water crops to high profit, low water crops, especially to commercial crops.
• Gap area coverage with irrigated crop especially commercial crops
• Transfer of latest production technologies to increase the productivity
• Exposure visits
• Frequent review and documentation

3. Existing cropping pattern in the sub basin.

• 1. Paddy-Maize-Pulse
• 2. Paddy-Maize-Vegetables
• 3. Paddy, Banana- Vegetables
• 4. Sugarcane-Banana
• 5. Banana-Vegetables.

Existing horticulture crop scenario in the sub basin is Mango, Banana, Sapota, Pomegranate, Tamarind, Tomato, Bhendi, Moringa, Cucurbits and Onion.

3.1 Area, production and productivity of crops in the sub basin

3.2. Land use pattern in the sub basin

3.3. Constraints, Challenges and Counter Measures

4. Field Interventions

• Productivity enhancement in rice
• Production of vegetable crops under precision farming by adopting IPM concept
• Introduction high density planting with drip fertigation in Pomegranate

4.1. Productivity enhancement in rice

Scientific management technique of allocating irrigation water based on soil and climatic condition to achieve maximum crop production per unit of water applied over a unit area in unit time is very much essential under present condition. System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is one among the scientific management tool. Under conventional system of rice cultivation the rice yield will be low due to poor water and weed management, poor aeration affects the root activity and tiller production and poor water management increases the water requirement. Efficient water management reduces the irrigation water requirement.

Details of unit cost for Green Manure

Details of unit cost for Rice

4.2 Production of vegetable crops under precision farming by adopting IPM concept

Precision farming is an approach where inputs, including water and fertilizers, are applied in precise amounts to maximize yields by reducing water use, residues in soil and water, and chemical sprays, and substantially increase average yields compared to traditional cultivation techniques. Precision farming provides a new solution to balance productivity with environmental concerns. Based on advanced information technology, it includes describing and modeling variation in soils and plant species and integrating agricultural practices to meet site specific requirements.

Details of unit cost for vegetables:

4.3 Introduction of high density planting with drip fertigation in pomegranate

High density planting is the planting of more number of plants per unit area than optimum through manipulation of tree size. It is one of the improved production technologies to achieve the objective of enhanced productivity of fruit crops. HDP aims at maintaining a balance between vegetative and reproductive load without impairing the plant health.

HDP induces precocity, increases yield and improves quality of fruit. Reduces labour cost resulting in low cost of production. Enables the mechanization of fruit crop production.Facilitates more efficient use of fertilizers, water, light, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides.

Details of unit cost for Precision Farming in Pomegranate under High Density Planting (HDP - 5m × 5m)

4.4. Formation of Pulse commodity groups and federated to FPO (Seed to sales) and later linking with the Marketing Dept.

4.5. Promotion of Pesticide Free vegetables in sub-basins through climate resilience activity in model Bio Villages known as Pesticide Free Village.

5. Capacity Building & Information, Education & Communication

5.1. Capacity building

5.1.1. Training to stakeholders

Under this activity, imparting training to all the beneficiaries either as off-campus or as on-campus is planned.

5.1.2. Exposure visit

In-order to have practical knowledge on various improved farming practices prevailing across the District and State, it has been proposed to expose the stakeholders by organizing educational tours for having better cross learning.

5.2. IEC including Awareness creation, documentation and IEC equipment

5.2.1. Organize awareness campaign

• Informal meetings with Farmers / Water Users Association through PRA methods – Focus group discussion and transect walk.
• Organizing informal meetings in sub basin villages
• Message on AIR / local cable TV
• Ensure transparency
• Explain about the scheme – organization objectives, activities, project contribution and farmers share
• Emphasis the role of stake holders in the project
• Project the expected benefit

5.2.2. Documentation

• Maintenance of records and registers
• Field note for each activity
• Daily memorandum sheet
• Receipt and issue of inputs
• Technical observations on soil, water and crop
• Printing pamphlets about the scheme

5.2.3. IEC Equipments

5.2.4. Out sourcing charges on vehicles

• Expenditure on TA /DA for the purpose of TN-IAM Project
• Fuel bill of university vehicle utilized for the project
• Hire charges of university vehicle utilized for this purpose

6. Management Cost

6.1. Outsourcing of technical staff

Outsourcing of technical staff is included in TNAU sub basin plan to carry out the field activities.

7. Year wise crop activities

Total budget for Suruliyar sub basin

SURULIYAR SUB BASIN-ABSTRACT