University of Agriculture Faisalabad
Off season vegetable production
OLERICULTURE IS a branch of horticulture that deals with production of vegetables. Importance of vegetables in human diet cannot be ignored these are major source of roughes that are helpful for digestion process. They also provide vitamins and minerals and also help to control cholesterol in our body. Many vegetables are famous for their low-caloric value being used by diet conscious people.
Pakistani soils have capability to produce many vegetables; we have a long list of winter and summer vegetables. With the increasing population of the world and shortage of land for agricultural use coined the idea of producing vegetables in tunnels. This innovation is more useable for production of off-season vegetables. Hence production of vegetables out of their normal growing season.
To produce winter vegetables in summer by creating an artificial environment is much costly which cannot be practiced at a large level in Pakistan, but production of summer vegetables in winter by providing them optimum environment in tunnels is very much possible, as the plastic sheets saves the energy of sun and does not allow them to go back and provides enough warmth for vegetable production. This technology is most famous with the name of tunnel technology. Normally the crops grown are cucumber, tomatoes, summer squashes, pepper and sweat pepper.
By using tunnel technology farmers can have their vegetable crop earlier and can earn more as compared to normal crop season. As potato and other vegetables from Sindh get more rate as compared to local varieties of different vegetables because winter season ends earlier and less chances of frost for optimum crop growth of many vegetables. These varieties having characteristic of growing vertical like hanging creeper are preferred, as they need less space to grow and flourish. Secondly this technology is more suitable for farmers having low holdings.
Environment ofPunjabprovince is conducive for the production of many off-season vegetables. The optimum temperature range for tunnels production should not be less than 10c in coldest months of December and January. In these month crop growth become slow but with the onset of spring growth again comes to optimum level. Basic structure for tunnels varies in shape and sizes. Tunnels can be categorized in low and high tunnels mainly. These tunnels are able to produce vegetable a month before their normal season.
InPakistan, people use plastic sheets to cover the crop. Plastic costs less than glass and being used for a season but it serves the purpose. The main disadvantage of plastic green tunnel is that there is no way to regulate temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide level.
For proper production of vegetables in tunnels, fertile soils with PH range 5-7 are preferable. Well-decomposed organic matter should be added to increase fertility, porosity and water holding capacity of soil. Fertilizer requirements vary from crop to crop and type of soil but generally Phosphate should be given prior to planting, as plants need it in emerging stage. Nitrogen is applied at different level of crop growth, part of it as top dressing before planting along with phosphorus and potash.
Fertigation is a term used for fertilizing along with watering is a good way to provide nutrients along with water. Proper irrigation is another important measure to obtain proper yield. But it mainly depends on crop and type of soil. In all circumstances it should be managed that plants may not bear water shock or water stress. For a uniform crop growth it is advisable to raise seedling in plastic bags and containers. Then these should be shifted to field in their appropriate season.
In tunnel farming production technology is different from crop to crop but this can be managed through farm management and proper education. If we maintain properly an acre of tunnel it may profit several times for a season. High tunnel of iron structure along with drip irrigation system may cost up to few thousand rupees but this system will be useful for almost 20 years. In tunnel farming; on an average, the cost of iron structure can be covered almost in two seasons. After initial investment one can earn more as compared to traditional way of farming. The utmost production in tunnels is also higher so these should be preferred to field cultivation of vegetables.
Tunnel farming is gaining popularity, and being practiced in many areas of Punjab like,Faisalabad, Mamokanjan,Gujranwala, Okara, Sahiwal. But still their cultivation is not at a level to be exported. Farmers are also unaware of their potential. Awareness programmes are helpful asPunjabgovernment is already doing its effort to introduce this technology but the goal is far ahead.
Pakistani soils have capability to produce vegetable in such a huge amount that these can be exported. But it is impossible without practical help of government, as vocational institutes should be established to promote such technologies and awareness programme should be launched to create importance of such practices.
An established market is also needed to handle with production, as the production is increasing but markets cannot intake the whole production. Another challenge is the waxing and packaging of vegetables; these units should be introduced at their respective production area so people may able to export their commodities as well as save them for longer use at local level. Launching of cooling pads for production of winter vegetables cannot be afforded by the farmer, government should practically help the interested farmer and should provide them basic infrastructure to increase vegetable production ofPakistan.
Progressive farmers should also be encouraged to increase their share in tunnel farming. It is clearly evident that off season production through tunnel farming can increase many fold the share of Pakistani fruit and vegetable in international market, which will not only bring prosperity for farmer but can also earn foreign exchange for the country in the field of agriculture and particularly in horticulture.
Dynamics of vegetable seed production in Pakistan
|
Pakistan has greater opportunities to export and earn the foreign exchange
By Dr. Shamsuddin Tunio & Dr. Haji
Islamuddin Majeedano May 07 - 13, 2001
Islamuddin Majeedano May 07 - 13, 2001
The vegetables have good value in human food and nutrients since time immemorial. The world countries of low economy and people with low living status and poverty especially South Asian states have vegetable dietary habits, hence grow and consume much more such green stuff for their food.
Pakistan has greater opportunities, being a centre for vegetable production and can export fresh and canned vegetables in most of the Asian countries to earn foreign exchange. At present, mostly the growers depends on imported seeds, but it is true that many jobs farm of labourers, could be created by growing vegetables for seed production, seed trade and export business may also increase, which reduce annual import costs on vegetable seeds.
Farmers grow vegetables preferably due to short duration and as low delta crop, which could lower the cost of production. The vegetables have great role in boosting the economy of the country, due to that reason vegetables have potential to earn more income. Growing vegetables around big cities is very profitable job due to local consumption, ease of marketing and export for earning hot income. However, profession of home and kitchen gardening increases in Pakistan. It is time that farmers produce their own seed to discourage import of vegetable seed from other countries and overcome the risk of diseases and quarantine.
Pakistan has majority of urban and rural population surviving on vegetables, which is relishing food due to nutritive value such as vitamins, proteins, Calcium, phosphorous, iron, water and mineral salts etc. In its varying climatic conditions, the vegetables grown may vary from leafy to cole crops, root vegetables to bulb or tuber crops, flower vegetables to immature fruit vegetables etc, grown in different parts of the country. The area under vegetable cultivation excluding potato and sweet potato but including onion, garlic, chillies was 0.381 mha (about 1.67% of the total cropped area), producing about 4.06 mton of vegetables. There is increasing demand of vegetables from rural to urban areas due to domestic consumption directly in food either in raw or cooked form. But, vegetables have variety of uses in the preparation of pickles, chutney ketchup, soups, sauces, salads etc. except their edible usage for cooking purposes.
The vegetable cultivation in Pakistan is most probably done in different parts of the country. There is great variety of vegetables along with their edible parts such as roots, tubers, bulbs, Rhizomes, leaves, flowers and immature pods, fruits and seeds. The low quality seed is one of the major yield constraints in vegetables grown in Pakistan. The seed producing agencies and growers both suffer a lot due to timely production and availability of vegetable seed in the market during season. In vegetables, it is noted that the viability of seed is low, which depends upon kind of vegetables grown. Some vegetables are directly sown by seed, bulb or tuber and others are planted through their nurseries.
Climatic conditions
In different parts of the country, vegetables are grown in kharif or summer and Rabi or winter seasons of the year. The rabi vegetables are grown in cool climate of winter season, which complete their life cycle and mature seeds in beginning of summer. Thus, the seed of rabi vegetables is produced at the maturity time i.e. the months of April and May. whereas, the kharif vegetables mature their seeds in the months of September and October while kharif vegetables are grown in warm climate of summer. The vegetables of both Rabi and Kharif season are shown along with their edible parts in Table 1.
Table 1. Edible parts of vegetables.
| |||
Rabi vegetables
|
Edible parts
|
Kharif vegetables
|
Edible parts
|
Onion
|
Bulb
|
Okra
|
Immature fruit
|
Garlic
|
Bulblet
|
Chillies
|
Immature green fruit/red fruit
|
Cabbage
|
Leaves
|
Brinjal
|
Fruit
|
Cauliflower
|
Immature flower
|
Bitter gourd
|
Fruit
|
Tomato
|
Ripe fruit
|
Sponge gourd
|
Fruit
|
Peas
|
Immature pods/seeds
| . | . |
Radish
|
Root
|
Round gourd
|
Fruit
|
Carrot
|
Root
|
Squash melon
|
Fruit
|
Turnip
|
Root
|
Cluster bean
|
Immature pods
|
Spinach
|
Leaves
|
Cow peas
|
Immature pods
|
Coriander
|
Leaves/seeds
|
Lotus root
|
Root
|
Fenu greek
|
Leaves
|
Wild cucumber
|
Fruit
|
Purpose of vegetable seed production
The purpose of vegetable seed production is adapting a set of technology first to cultivate particular vegetable crop and/or its variety under improved agronomic practices such as soil selection, land preparation, nursery raising, sowing time and methods and irrigation, control of weeds, insect pests and diseases, as well proper harvest or picking of the vegetables. The second attempt is production of vegetable seed according to season whether kharif or Rabi by following up the technical points including parts of vegetables used for seed purposes.
The vegetable seed production and preparation mainly depends upon crop maturity and time of harvesting/picking. However for seed production purposes, vegetables are grown with special attention to the cultural practices (including seed selection, land preparation, sowing time and method, after care, rouging and selection of healthy seed plants/ harvesting, threshing, cleaning and storing of seed for sowing in next season. In a result, optimum seed yield could be obtained (Table 2). some leafy vegetables such as spinach, coriander, fenu greek, lettuce etc need frequent cuttings and at final cutting such vegetables are left for seed. Whereas in some other vegetables, seed is produced at the time of picking and when such vegetables become unproductive and or season get over, at that time crop is to be left for seed. Some winter grown biennial type of vegetables such as Carrot, Radish, Turnip, Beet, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Onion etc, which do not produce their seeds in the first season due to completing vegetative growth. Such vegetables produce floral shoot and mature seeds in the end of second season.
The fruit bearing vegetables such as tomato, brinjal, bitter gourd, sponge gourd, round / bottle gourd, okra, squash melon, peas, clusterbean, chillies, cucumber etc. are normally left to dry their fruit structures for maturing seeds, when such vegetables become un-productive or when season no longer exits. By this practice, monthly un-healthy seeds are produced, but a need is to produce healthy (disease free) seeds.
Table 2. Seed yield (kg) / acre of important vegetables
| |||
Rabi vegetables
|
Seed yield
|
Kharif vegetable
|
Seed yield
|
Onion
|
80-120
|
Okra
|
200-240
|
Garlic
|
600-800
|
Chillies
|
240-320
|
Cabbage
|
600-800
|
Brinjal
|
40-60
|
Cauliflower
|
1400-1600
|
Squash melon
|
4-5
|
Tomato
|
5-10
|
Bitter gourd
|
40-60
|
Peas
|
240-280
|
Sponge gourd
|
40-60
|
Radish
|
40-60
|
Round gourd
|
40-60
|
Carrot
|
80-120
|
Pumpkin
|
40-60
|
Turnip
|
240-280
|
Clusterbean
|
200-240
|
Spinach
|
160-200
|
Cow peas
|
280-400
|
Coriander
|
40-60
| . | . |
Fenu greek
|
80-120
| . | . |
Guidelines for vegetable seed production and packaging
Maturity of different vegetables grown for seed production should be determined.
Proper time and method of harvesting should be used for different vegetables.
Only disease free pods/fruits should be selected for seed productions from healthy crop.
The harvest of pods, fruits and seeds should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid seed shedding.
The threshing should be done when harvested material is dry by manual methods.
Threshing yard should be near to the field to avoid seed losses.
Threshing yard should be kept raised for keeping harvested material such as pods, fruits and seeds to avoid any type of spoilage.
There should not be tree or wastage near threshing yard or seed store house to avoid damage by insects, fungus mould, birds, rats, squirrels etc.
The control measures such as spray or dusting of the pesticides around the store houses should be done to keep away pest animals.
The clean seed of particular vegetable should be treated with pesticides to avoid store grain pests such as fly, termite etc.
The properly prepared and cleaned seed should be put in cloth bags for packing purposes.
The bags should necessarily be labelled with name of variety, grower's name, weight of seed and date on which seed has been prepared for marketing.
Avoid to use tins or plastic bags for packing seeds, which spoil seed due to moisture.
Methods for vegetable seed production
Farmers grow different categories of vegetables for variety of purposes, which need techniques preferably used to extract seed. There are various methods and techniques by which seeds are produced. The vegetables grown for seed production, may be grouped according to seed bearing parts such as pods, fruits, capsules or floral shoots etc. But that needs production technology to grow vegetables, their after care, crop maturity, harvest time and methods as well as methods for extracting seeds.
The picked pods / fruits of vegetables should be healthy and free from insect and disease attack.
1. Pod bearing vegetables (Peas, cowpeas, cluster bean):
The cultivation of vegetables which produce pods according to season. The crop husbandry practices include timely irrigation, weeding and insect control etc. picking of pods could be started when vegetables mature their pods, which turn colour from green to light brown, to avoid shedding of seeds. Keep such harvested material for drying upto a week. Threshing of pods should be done with sticks and seeds should be cleaned by separating husk and straw. The clean and dry seeds must be filled in small cloth bags.
2. Cucurbit vegetables (Squash melon, Bitter gourd, sponge gourd, Round gourd, pumpkin):
The cucurbit vegetables are grown in kharif or summer season and mature seeds in the months of autumn or winter. After cultivation of vegetables after care of crop including weeding, irrigation and insect pest control may necessarily be done. At the time of maturity, ripe or mature fruits of such vegetables should be picked and kept on dry and hard place.
Squash melon fruits should be dried for one week and after that are broken into two equal halves, to avoid seed damage. The clean seed should be sun dried and kept in bags.
Bitter gourd ripe fruits should be gathered under shade without keeping in bulk. As and when bitter gourd fruit become soft, the seeds should be picked out and also separated from red type pulp material with dung ash by rubbing seed in hands.
Sponge gourd ripe fruits should be picked and dried, when turn into brown at that time fruits should be slashed from one side and seeds may be taken up by shaking dry fruits of sponge gourd.
Round / Bottle gourd ripe fruits should be picked and dried at one place. When seeds are dried inside, must be separated by giving cut to the dry gourd fruit.
Pumpkin (white and red) matured fruits should be picked and cut into equal halves to separate seed. After drying, seed should be cleaned by rubbing within hands and may be filled in cloth bags.
3. Root vegetables (Radish, Carrot, Turnip):
The root vegetables grown for seed purpose, need dual land preparation, sowing time and method, after care including weeding, fertilizer and irrigation application insect and disease control. At maturity crop is harvested, dried, threshed and seed should be cleaned before packing.
Radish grown for seed include its top portion which is cue at 1/3 from lower side. Radish top portion should be planted on both sides of 21/2 ft. ridges and irrigated immediately. The mature pods of radish should be harvested and sun dried for one week. The seed must be threshed from pods with sticks on cemented thresh yard and cleaned by separating husk and straw. The seeds should be filled in bags.
Carrot grown for seed include its top portion in which top leaves should be removed first. The lower part of the carrot should be cut half way for planting on 21/2 ft ridges. When crop mature, such material should be harvested and suns dried for a week. The carrot seed is delicate one, which must be separated carefully and packed in small bags.
Turnip grown for seed include top portion of root. Turnip leaves must be removed first and lower part of the root should be cut before planting for seed purposes. Turnip top portion is planted on 21/2 ft ridges. When turnip pods mature, should be harvested and sun dried for a week. The seed should be threshed and separated from husk and straw and filled in bags.
4. Seed vegetables (Spinach, Coriander, Fenu greek):
The seed vegetables, which produce seed that can directly be used for sowing purpose. The vegetables are grown according to season. After cultivation crop should be properly managed. Leafy vegetables, which at the time of maturity produce seeds.
Spinach, coriander and Fenu greek crops should be left for seed after second cutting. Irrigation water should be given at the time of flowering. The crop mature seeds in the months of April and May.
When all three vegetables mature seeds, the harvesting should be done. The harvested material should be collected at hard soil and left for sun drying over a week. After necessary drying, the material should be threshed, cleaned and seeds should be filled in bags.
5. Bulb vegetables (Onion, Garlic):
For seed purpose, it is better to select a good quality bulb, which must be grown during 15 December to 31 December. The both crop needs proper land preparation, sowing time and method, after care, irrigation and weeding etc. Planting should be done on ridges. In case of onion, the bulbs be cut at l/4 from the top and bottom portion of bulb root, which should be planted on 21/2 ft, apart ridges. The light watering should be made to transplant the bulbs at 21/2 ft. distance for seed purposes. At initial time, weekly watering is necessary. Weeding and interculturing should be continued at the intervals. The crop will produce floral shoot. When it turns from green to yellow, it is time of maturing seed. Crop floral shoot must be harvested. After necessary drying, onion floral shoot should be threshed by using sticks. Such seed be cleaned, dried and filled in bags. However, mature garlic bulblets in a whole should be collected at the time of harvest, which may be used as seed for planting new crop.
6. Leaf and flower vegetables (Cabbage, Cauliflower):
The vegetables when produces flowers, in such condition should be transferred to another suitable land. For growing such vegetables, better agronomic practices like proper land preparation, nursery raising, sowing time and method, after cares irrigation application, weeding and interculturing and pest control measures should be properly made.
Cabbage is grown on well pulverised and fertile soil, under sub-plots with low ridges at least with 8 sub-plots in acre. The cabbage flowers with cross cut should be transferred to pits and light watering should be made immediately after planting. When pods / fruits start maturing, such should be picked immediately. Otherwise, there would be loss of seed shedding. Pods must be kept for drying on high and dry place under sun heat. The seeds are sparated by hammering with sticks and filled in cloth bags after necessary drying. When flowers start maturing, pods are picked and kept over high and dry place under sun heat. The seeds are removed, separated and filled in cloth bags after drying.
Cauliflower is grown under same condition required for cabbage. Only the difference is that the cauliflowers should be transferred to another place after flowers appear and only central part should be left and sides of the flowers are removed to initiate growth. When flowers start maturing, pods are picked and kept over high and dry place under sun heat. The seeds are removed, separated and filled in cloth bags after drying.
7. Fruit bearing vegetables (Tomato, Brinjal, Chillies, Okra):
The fruit bearing vegetables when are grown for seed production purposes need nursery raising for healthy plants. But, okra is directly grown by seed. The cultivation of above vegetables include precise land preparation, proper sowing time and method, weeding, interculturing, irrigation and fertilizer application as well as plant protection measures.
Tomato grown on ridges at 21/2 ft between rows and 1-11/2 ft, between plants. The crop should be irrigated 2-3 times after transplanting and weeds should be removed by 2-3 interculturings, and earthing up is necessary for root development. The healthy and early maturing fruits should be selected for picking to produce seed. Tomatoes are kept at proper place after picking for easily handling. The tomatoes are categorised according to size and variety. When picked tamatoes become soft, at that time ripe fruits are squeezed by hand to takeout seed. By putting in half filled bucket or tub with water washing and screening may be done. When washing is completed, the seeds are to be kept over neat gunny bags for drying under sun heat.
Brinjal is grown on ridges at 21/2 to 3 ft between rows and 11/2 to 2 ft between plants. The crop should be irrigated 2-3 times after transplanting and weeds should be removed by 2-3 interculturings, and earthing up is necessary for root development. Whereas, pest control is important during crop growth period. For seed purpose variety wise healthy fruits of normal size should be selected and when ripe fruits turn their colour to yellow, picking of fruits must be done and are left for the sun drying. The dried fruits should be broken with sticks and seeds will come out in bunches, which must be separated by hands and again dried on cloth under sun heat. The seeds should be filled in bags, may be kept at dry place.
Chillies are grown on ridges at 3 to 4 ft between rows and 2—21/2 ft between plants. The crop should be irrigated 2-3 times after transplanting and weeds should be removed by 2-3 interculturings, and earthing up is necessary for root development. The chillies are grown at different times. Hence, chillies mature seeds at different times according to variety. But, chillies need proper nursery raising, transplanting time and methods as well as their maturity. After care of chillies include weeding, irrigation application and pest control.
For seed purpose, healthy fruits should be selected. The ripe fruits should be picked or separated and left for drying. The turning of drying material should be done every days. When dried fruits give sound by shaking at the time whole dry fruit must be filled in bag until season comes. At that time, seeds are separated by hammering with sticks, which may be used for sowing purposes.
Okra / Bhindi is grown on ridges at 21/2 to 3 ft between rows and 6 to 9 inches between plants. For seed purpose, spring grown Okra should be preferred. The okra fruits appearing at middle or bottom of the plant must be left for seed production. During April and May when such ripe fruits turn colour from green to brown and okra fruits start splitting, at that time must be picked and collected to proper place. Okra fruits should be left for drying under sun heat in baskets and turn after every day for a week or two weeks. When collected okra fruits are properly dried, at that time seeds are separated by hammering with sticks and husk or straw must be removed. The cleaned seeds are dried for one or two days and filled in cloth bags.
* Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy, sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam.
** Associate Officer, Agriculture Research Institute, Tandojam.
Vegetable cultivation: Producers over-dependent on seed imports
LAHORE: Vegetable cultivation is heavily reliant on imported hybrid seeds as local agricultural research centres have been unable to manage production of such seeds, The Express Tribune has learnt.
The Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSCR) is facing higher imports of vegetable seeds as there is no industry in Pakistan that can fulfil the domestic seed consumption needs.
Hybrid vegetable seeds are imported from India, Thailand and Malaysia and vegetable producers spend a huge amount on such imports. Statistics show that Pakistan imported 2,674 tons of vegetable seeds worth Rs763 million in 2008-09 and 3,553 tons worth Rs1,085 million in 2009-10.
Currently, more than 600 companies are dealing with agricultural research and seed production in the country, though none of them have been able to provide farmers with hybrid seeds.
FSCR Director Dr Shahid Iqbal said that Pakistan imports huge quantities of hybrid seeds for vegetable cultivation every year which results in a huge burden on foreign exchange. He explained that the real challenge for agriculture researchers in Pakistan has been the creation of parent seeds that can be used for hybrid seed cultivation. “We will rely less on imports once parent seed production starts in the country,” he said.
Agricultural researcher AQ Khan Durrani explained that research centres in the country could not design a target agenda to meet vegetable cultivation requirements, while the government’s negligence in this issue has also been a factor.
However, Durrani said that research fields in Gilgit and Baltistan are likely to start hybrid seed production in the next three years. He said research requires inputs like proper fields, labour and collaboration with international research organisations – which only the government is capable of providing.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 1st, 2011.
Off season vegetable production
Olericulture is a branch of horticulture that deals with production of vegetables. Importance of vegetables in human diet cannot be ignored these are major source of roughes that are helpful for digestion process. They also provide vitamins and minerals and also help to control cholesterol in our body. Many vegetables are famous for their low-caloric value being used by diet conscious people. Pakistani soils have capability to produce many vegetables; we have a long list of winter and summer vegetables. As with increasing population of the world and shortage of land for agricultural use coined the idea of producing vegetables in tunnels. This innovation is more useable for production of off-season vegetables. Hence production of vegetables out of their normal growing season. To produce winter vegetables in summer by creating an artificial environment is much costly so not practiced at high level in Pakistan. But production of summer vegetables in winter by providing them optimum environment in tunnels as the plastic sheets saves the energy of sun and does not allow them to go back and provides enough warmth for vegetable production. This technology is most famous with the name of tunnel technology. Normally the crops grown are cucumber, tomatoes, summer squashes, pepper and sweat pepper. By using this technology farmers can have their vegetable crop earlier and can earn more as compared to normal crop season. As potato and other vegetables from Sindh get more rate as compared to local varieties of different vegetables because winter season ends earlier and less chances of frost for optimum crop growth of many vegetables. Punjab agriculture department is also trying to enhance this technology by starting a project in Punjab. Main reasons to grow vegetables in tunnels to get more yields as compared to traditional methods of growing crops and particularly their harvesting before their normal growing season. These varieties having characteristic of growing vertical like hanging creeper are preferred, as they need less space to grow and flourish. Secondly this technology is more suitable for farmers having low holdings. By producing more vegetables in small area, we can meet our dietary requirements well and can also be able to export them. In last years we were forced to import many vegetables from India. It is shameful for an agrarian country to import basic necessitates rather than to produce in its own soil.
Environment of Punjab province is conducive for the production of many off-season vegetables. The optimum temperature range for tunnels production should not be less than 10c in coldest months of December and January. In these month crop growth become slow but with the onset of spring growth again comes to optimum level. Basic structure for tunnels varies in shape and sizes. Tunnels can be categorized in low and high tunnels mainly. Low tunnels cost less but not suitable for those areas, where the speedy air blows. These tunnels can be made by using mulberry sticks (shahtoot) and bamboo sticks. These tunnels are able to produce vegetable a month before their normal season. High tunnels are more permanent but they involve more capital. Structure of high tunnels can be made by using steel frame and also by bamboo structure. Height of this tunnel may be upto 12 feet. Their length are kept 130 feet and width 32 feet, row to row distance is maintained at 3 feet and plant to plant distance is kept 1.5 feet. In this way 8 tunnels can be made in a acre but if we change its specification to 30.180.12 (W.L.H) then 6 tunnels are made in a acre. In our local condition people use plastic sheets to cover the crop. Plastic costs less than glass and being used for a season but it serves the purpose. During foggy seasons the plant leaves remain wet for longer period and there are more chances for dissemination of disease. Proper fungicide should be used to avoid infection of various possible attacks. The main disadvantage of plastic green tunnel is that there is no way to regulate temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide level. For proper production of vegetables in tunnels fertile soils with PH range 5-7 are preferable. Well-decomposed organic matter should be added to increase fertility, porosity and water holding capacity of soil. Fertilizer requirements vary from crop to crop and type of soil but generally Phosphate should be given prior to planting, as plants need it in emerging stage. Nitrogen is applied at different level of crop growth, part of it as top dressing before planting along with phosphorus and potash. Fertigation is a term used for fertilizing along with watering is a good way to provide nutrients along with water. Proper irrigation is another important measure to obtain proper yield. But it mainly depends on crop and type of soil. In all circumstances it should be managed that plants may not bear water shock or water stress. For a uniform crop growth it is advisable to raise seedling in plastic bags and containers. Then these should be shifted to field in their appropriate season.
Production technology is different for different crops, but here for general information few important crops are discussed. Cucumber is most famous crop for tunnel production. It is being used as salad crop and famous for its low-caloric value. The fruits are picked before maturity and eaten fresh. Optimum germination time for its seedling is 3-4 days, and these are sown in last week of September for autmn crop. Its transplanting time in tunnels is start of October. Approximate time between its sowing and harvesting is 120 days. Its seed requirements for a kannal are 1800 seeds and sown in high tunnels. On an average one-plant yield 4 kg of fruit.6-8 tunnels/ acre are recommended. Though it is tough to maintain temperature in plastic tunnels, but the optimum temperature can be tried by opening tunnel opening at daytime for few hours. For proper growth of cucumber crop 21-24c day time temperature and 18-20c-night time temperature is required. If we maintain properly an acre of tunnel it may profit up to 2 lac rupees for a season. Recommended varities for cucumber are Rawa, Cannon, Speedy, Noble, Lona, Mansoor and Maxima.
Tomato is another important crop grown in tunnels; indeterminate hybrid cultivars are preferred for growing in tunnels. These are also sown in month of October – November . Optimum time between its sowing and harvesting is 120-150 days. Yield per plant ranges from 5-6 kg. High tunnels are recommended for tomato production. The side shoots are detached from main plants so that fruit may form at central branch. Recommended verities for tomato are Jewery, kolbery and Roma. In same season we can also grow tunnels for sweet pepper, pepper, and summer squashes. If we use high tunnel of iron structure along with drip irrigation system it may cost up to 120,000 rupees. But this system will be useful for almost 20 years. If we calculate all the tunnel expenditure excluding its structure those are not more than 50,000 rupees. On an average the cost of structure is fulfilled after 2 seasons. After initial investment one can earn more as compared to traditional way of farming. The utmost production in tunnels is also higher so these should be preferred to field cultivation of vegetables.
Tunnel farming is gaining popularity, and being practiced in many areas of Punjab like, Faisalabad, Mamokanjan, Gujranwala, Okara, Sahiwal. But still their cultivation is not at a level to be exported. Farmers are also unaware of their potential. Awareness programmes are helpful as Punjab government is already doing its effort to introduce this technology. But the goal is far ahead. Pakistani soils have capability to produce vegetable in such a huge amount that these can be exported. But it is impossible without practical help of Government, as vocational institutes should be established to promote such technologies and awareness programme should be launched to create importance of such practices. But an established market is needed to handle with production. As the farmers are increasing but markets are same. There should be some ways to manage higher future production. It should be thought that processing unit for waxing and packing of vegetables should be introduced at their production area so people may able to export their commodities as well as save them for longer use at local level. Progressive farmers in this field should be awarded to encourage them so they may utilize their enthusiasm for the future of the country. Still launching of cooling pads for production of winter vegetables is much costly to be afforded by farmers. Government should practically help the interested farmer and should provide them basic structure so that they might be able to increase vegetable production of Pakistan. If it will happen I assure Pakistan would one of the big exporters in field of agriculture and particularly in horticulture.
COORDINATED VEGETABLES PROGRAMME
NARC, Islamabad
INTRODUCTION
Vegetable crops are very important due to their higher yield potential, low cost of production and higher nutritional value being the added attributes. Vegetables are comparatively rich source of vitamins and minerals, which are essential for the maintenance of good health and resistance against diseases. Due to progressive development in the country, the level of nutrition and demand for a variety of food are increasing but the productivity level is not increasing accordingly. The main reasons for low yield are poor quality seed, low yielding cultivars, inadequate plant protection measures and un-awareness of vegetable growers about modern production technologies.
HISTORY:
Vegetable cooperative research programme was started at federal level in 1981 with the aim to conduct research work to resolve problems for yield enhancement in collaboration with following cooperative units at provincial level.
Vegetable cooperative research programme was started at federal level in 1981 with the aim to conduct research work to resolve problems for yield enhancement in collaboration with following cooperative units at provincial level.
- Vegetable Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad
- Singh Horticultural Research Institute, Mirpurkhas
- Agricultural Research Station (North), Mingora, Swat
- Agricultural Research Institute, Sariab, Quetta
OBJECTIVES:
- Germplasm collection, evaluation of economically important vegetables
- To develop high yielding varieties tolerant to specific biotic and a biotic stresses
through crop improvement - To standardize vegetable seed and production technologies
- To develop year round production technology (off-season)
- Dissemination of developed technologies
TECHNOLOGIES
Off-Season vegetable production under plastic tunnel
The work was started in 1988 and technologies of tomato and cucumber production under plastic tunnel were developed. The technologies were demonstrated at farmer's fields through a project "Growing vegetables off-season" which was executed through out Pakistan in 1994-97.
Raising of vegetables under plastic tunnels was not practised in early nineties but at present these are being grown in the country over 500 acres.
Raising of vegetables under plastic tunnels was not practised in early nineties but at present these are being grown in the country over 500 acres.
Raising early vegetable seedlings under plastic tunnel
The technique of raising vegetable seedlings in small plastic tubes for early vegetable production was developed. At present this technology is being practiced and followed by vegetable growers through out Pakistan.
The technique of raising vegetable seedlings in small plastic tubes for early vegetable production was developed. At present this technology is being practiced and followed by vegetable growers through out Pakistan.
Integrated weed management in vegetable crops
Integrated weed management in cabbage, onion, chili, peas and tomato was developed. This technology is being adopted by vegetable growers in Pakistan.
Integrated weed management in cabbage, onion, chili, peas and tomato was developed. This technology is being adopted by vegetable growers in Pakistan.
Cultivation of autumn onion in Punjab
The technology of cultivation of autumn crop of onion in Punjab through onion set was developed. At present this technology is being practiced/adopted gradually by vegetable growers in the country.
Raising mixed vegetables for higher profitability
Four crops i.e. green onion, radish, bulb onion and chilies were successfully produced in a year. Raising mixed vegetables is more profitable than single vegetable crop. This technology has recently been developed and is being disseminated to vegetable growers for raising their income.
Varieties in pipeline
Crop
|
Varieties
|
Remarks
|
Chilies
|
NSCh-I
|
High yielding
|
Tomato
|
NSTo-1, NSTo-2, NSTo-3,
NSTo-4 and NSTo-5
|
High yielding, good keeping quality
|
Garlic
|
Chinese
|
High yielding
|
Radish
|
NSRa-1
NSRa-2
|
High yielding,good root quality
|
Onion
|
NARC-2005
|
High yielding
|
Activities performed (last 5 years)
Activity
|
2001-02
|
2002-03
|
2003-04
|
2004-05
|
2005-06
|
Germplasm acquisition, distribution
|
√
|
√
|
√
|
√
|
√
|
NUYT
|
√
|
√
|
√
|
√
|
√
|
Annual Planning meeting
|
√
|
√
|
√
|
√
|
√
|
Traveling seminar
|
-----
|
-----
|
----
|
----
|
----
|
Training facilities to end-users
- Training facilities were provided to farmers/research /extension staff in the following areas:
- Kitchen gardening
- Vegetable/seed production technologies
- Off-Season vegetable production
| Agri Overview |
Profitability of vegetable cultivation
By Dr Bashir Ahmad and Khuda Baksh
Considerable diversification has occurred in the economy of Pakistan. Industrial, transport and communication, and energy sectors have expanded. Yet, agriculture remains the largest by contributing 23.3 per cent to the GDP and employing 42.1 per cent of total labour force. Textile, sugar and many other industries depend on this sector either directly or indirectly for raw materials.
Pakistan is endowed with diverse climates, fertile land, and one of the best canal irrigation systems of the world. Large varieties of crops are cultivated throughout the year, including wheat, cotton, rice, and sugar cane which account for 91 per cent of the value-added in major crops. Minor crops including oil seed, pulses and vegetables account for 12.4 per cent of the value-added in overall agriculture.
The rising poverty, especially in rural areas poses serious concerns for policy makers. Social scientists link spreading poverty to the lack of employment opportunities and malnutrition. Whatever little is earned, is spent on food which is insufficient. Low intake of food nutrients affects the labour productivity thus resulting in lower economic growth rate.
Technological developments demands the need to help rural poor who are either landless farmers or have little lands. This is possible through a change from the existing traditional system of cropping to a more innovative and commercial farm business. One should begin with an understanding of the resource base of these households. It is perhaps time to bring about a major shift in our approach towards farming business keeping in view the challenges and prospects that will confront Pakistan in future.
Little research has been made pertaining to the input use, seasonal pattern of production and other practices followed by the farmers and nurserymen for the production of vegetables. Little is known about the input use, cost of production and profitability, and factors effecting its cultivation. Therefore, research is needed to explore ways and means to put this remunerative industry on scientific lines and to ensure that it can bring prosperity to the growers and the country.
A large variety of vegetables are cultivated in Pakistan. More than 36 species are grown and consumed as winter and summer vegetables. The most commonly grown include potato, onion, tomato, chili, gourds, melons and many more. As far as +AB0- +AAA- concentration of vegetables is concerned, these are mainly cultivated in the vicinity of cities. Bitter gourd is important from the economic and nutritional viewpoint.
Little research has been done on its production cost, pattern of input use, farm management practices, profitability and production and marketing constraints. It is ignored for occupying small percentage of total cropped area. The bitter taste indicates its medicinal properties. It is germicidal and cures stomach disorders, rheumatism, liver, spleen, and diabetes. The high nutritive value ranks it first among the cucurbits in iron and vitamin C contents. The seed yields clear brown oil which is edible, though not popular.
Its cultivation can be carried out on all types of soils except saline and waterlogged. Two crops of bitter gourd are grown in the province of Punjab, one in January-March and the other in June-July, mostly in Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan, Toba Take Singh, Khanewal, and Sargodha.
The results of the study carried out in Rahim Yar Khan and Faisalabad indicate that yield per acre is statistically high in Rahim Yar Khan as compared to Faisalabad. This is attributed to higher use of seed, farmyard manure, potash, application of irrigation and plant protection measures and labour for weeding/hoeing.
The use of good quality and recommended quantity of seed plays a pivotal role in agricultural production. Same is the case with bitter gourd cultivation. This is proved in the study that those using recommended quantity of seed obtain higher yield per acre. Fertilizer is the key input in vegetable cultivation generally, and in bitter gourd production particularly. The use of phosphorus is significant in Faisalabad and Rahim Yar Khan, resulting in higher yield.
The plant protection measures increase per acre yield by protecting vegetable from the damage caused by disease and pest attacks. The use of other inputs could not be realized until proper plant protection measures are not carried out which are in the range of 3-7 in number. However, better plant protection is reported in Rahim Yar Khan. Weeds deteriorate production in vegetable. This is a crucial farm management practice requiring lot of labour.
The total cost per acre is estimated higher because of the extensive use of inputs. However, cost per kg is much more less as compared to Faisalabad. This is the result of higher yield. Returns are also calculated for each district and these are comparatively more for the respondents of Rahim Yar Khan than those of Faisalabad.
On an average, about 219.49 labour hours are needed to cultivate bitter gourd from one acre in Rahim Yar Khan and 196.91 labour hours in Faisalabad. High utilization of labour is due to more number of harvesting, weeding, pesticide treatment, and other input application. A significant proportion of labour is +AB0- +AAA- allocated to weeding and harvesting.
This shows that bitter gourd cultivation creates more employment opportunities for unskilled rural labour force, particularly women. Relative share of inputs in total production cost is worked out, indicating that labour, fertilizers, land rent, plant protection measures and irrigation constitute major shares in total cost in each district. However, higher shares of plant protection measures and irrigation are estimated for the respondents of Rahim Yar Khan.
Results of production function analysis depict that the coefficients of fertilizer, labour used for weeding and farmyard manure are positive and statistically significant indicating that these factors are mainly increasing bitter gourd yield. Disease and pest attacks are reported in both districts. The dummy variable is included in the model.
Coefficient of this variable is negative as expected and is highly significant showing that disease and pest attacks badly affected yield per acre of bitter gourd. This result demands for proper plant protection measure at the right time. Constraints in bitter gourd cultivation are shortage of water, inadequate funds, low price of the produce, disease and pest attacks, and poor quality of underground water in Faisalabad and Rahim Yar Khan.
Problem solving approach is also identified and it shows that mostly farmers are discussing their difficulties with input dealers, friends and relatives. There are few vegetable growers who are consulting with extension field staff.
As discussed earlier that the production shows that the farmyard manure is important in increasing the yield. The result suggests that farmers should apply appropriate quantity of manure for maintaining soil fertility. Further, the farmers could increase the yield per acre by applying more and optimum quantity of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients. The number of irrigations is significant between the districts Moreover,farmers use less number of irrigations than the recommended ones.
By Dr Bashir Ahmad and Khuda Baksh
Considerable diversification has occurred in the economy of Pakistan. Industrial, transport and communication, and energy sectors have expanded. Yet, agriculture remains the largest by contributing 23.3 per cent to the GDP and employing 42.1 per cent of total labour force. Textile, sugar and many other industries depend on this sector either directly or indirectly for raw materials.
Pakistan is endowed with diverse climates, fertile land, and one of the best canal irrigation systems of the world. Large varieties of crops are cultivated throughout the year, including wheat, cotton, rice, and sugar cane which account for 91 per cent of the value-added in major crops. Minor crops including oil seed, pulses and vegetables account for 12.4 per cent of the value-added in overall agriculture.
The rising poverty, especially in rural areas poses serious concerns for policy makers. Social scientists link spreading poverty to the lack of employment opportunities and malnutrition. Whatever little is earned, is spent on food which is insufficient. Low intake of food nutrients affects the labour productivity thus resulting in lower economic growth rate.
Technological developments demands the need to help rural poor who are either landless farmers or have little lands. This is possible through a change from the existing traditional system of cropping to a more innovative and commercial farm business. One should begin with an understanding of the resource base of these households. It is perhaps time to bring about a major shift in our approach towards farming business keeping in view the challenges and prospects that will confront Pakistan in future.
Little research has been made pertaining to the input use, seasonal pattern of production and other practices followed by the farmers and nurserymen for the production of vegetables. Little is known about the input use, cost of production and profitability, and factors effecting its cultivation. Therefore, research is needed to explore ways and means to put this remunerative industry on scientific lines and to ensure that it can bring prosperity to the growers and the country.
A large variety of vegetables are cultivated in Pakistan. More than 36 species are grown and consumed as winter and summer vegetables. The most commonly grown include potato, onion, tomato, chili, gourds, melons and many more. As far as +AB0- +AAA- concentration of vegetables is concerned, these are mainly cultivated in the vicinity of cities. Bitter gourd is important from the economic and nutritional viewpoint.
Little research has been done on its production cost, pattern of input use, farm management practices, profitability and production and marketing constraints. It is ignored for occupying small percentage of total cropped area. The bitter taste indicates its medicinal properties. It is germicidal and cures stomach disorders, rheumatism, liver, spleen, and diabetes. The high nutritive value ranks it first among the cucurbits in iron and vitamin C contents. The seed yields clear brown oil which is edible, though not popular.
Its cultivation can be carried out on all types of soils except saline and waterlogged. Two crops of bitter gourd are grown in the province of Punjab, one in January-March and the other in June-July, mostly in Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan, Toba Take Singh, Khanewal, and Sargodha.
The results of the study carried out in Rahim Yar Khan and Faisalabad indicate that yield per acre is statistically high in Rahim Yar Khan as compared to Faisalabad. This is attributed to higher use of seed, farmyard manure, potash, application of irrigation and plant protection measures and labour for weeding/hoeing.
The use of good quality and recommended quantity of seed plays a pivotal role in agricultural production. Same is the case with bitter gourd cultivation. This is proved in the study that those using recommended quantity of seed obtain higher yield per acre. Fertilizer is the key input in vegetable cultivation generally, and in bitter gourd production particularly. The use of phosphorus is significant in Faisalabad and Rahim Yar Khan, resulting in higher yield.
The plant protection measures increase per acre yield by protecting vegetable from the damage caused by disease and pest attacks. The use of other inputs could not be realized until proper plant protection measures are not carried out which are in the range of 3-7 in number. However, better plant protection is reported in Rahim Yar Khan. Weeds deteriorate production in vegetable. This is a crucial farm management practice requiring lot of labour.
The total cost per acre is estimated higher because of the extensive use of inputs. However, cost per kg is much more less as compared to Faisalabad. This is the result of higher yield. Returns are also calculated for each district and these are comparatively more for the respondents of Rahim Yar Khan than those of Faisalabad.
On an average, about 219.49 labour hours are needed to cultivate bitter gourd from one acre in Rahim Yar Khan and 196.91 labour hours in Faisalabad. High utilization of labour is due to more number of harvesting, weeding, pesticide treatment, and other input application. A significant proportion of labour is +AB0- +AAA- allocated to weeding and harvesting.
This shows that bitter gourd cultivation creates more employment opportunities for unskilled rural labour force, particularly women. Relative share of inputs in total production cost is worked out, indicating that labour, fertilizers, land rent, plant protection measures and irrigation constitute major shares in total cost in each district. However, higher shares of plant protection measures and irrigation are estimated for the respondents of Rahim Yar Khan.
Results of production function analysis depict that the coefficients of fertilizer, labour used for weeding and farmyard manure are positive and statistically significant indicating that these factors are mainly increasing bitter gourd yield. Disease and pest attacks are reported in both districts. The dummy variable is included in the model.
Coefficient of this variable is negative as expected and is highly significant showing that disease and pest attacks badly affected yield per acre of bitter gourd. This result demands for proper plant protection measure at the right time. Constraints in bitter gourd cultivation are shortage of water, inadequate funds, low price of the produce, disease and pest attacks, and poor quality of underground water in Faisalabad and Rahim Yar Khan.
Problem solving approach is also identified and it shows that mostly farmers are discussing their difficulties with input dealers, friends and relatives. There are few vegetable growers who are consulting with extension field staff.
As discussed earlier that the production shows that the farmyard manure is important in increasing the yield. The result suggests that farmers should apply appropriate quantity of manure for maintaining soil fertility. Further, the farmers could increase the yield per acre by applying more and optimum quantity of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients. The number of irrigations is significant between the districts Moreover,farmers use less number of irrigations than the recommended ones.
