Distributing knowledge on integrated agricultural management

The lack of appropriate knowledge on integrated agriculture and agricultural inputs, including the limitations of modern agricultural technology, are driving forces behind an important transformation among rice farmers. In particular, this concerns farmers adapting to the option of growing other plants instead of off-season rice farming, where previously farmers would cultivate rice off-season, despite the risks of drought or insufficient water resources. Recognizing this issue, the Crop Integration Business Group (Corn) conducted research and development and found that growing corn for animal feed during the dry season – after the rice has been harvested – will yield better results for farmers, as corn requires two to three times less water than off-season rice farming. In addition, to stimulate a business-to-consumer (B2C) model of agricultural management, the Crop Integration Business Group (Maize) also disseminated knowledge and promoted various types of agricultural inputs, providing support in areas such as: selecting quality seeds that are most suited to the conditions of the area; analyzing nutrients in the soil to recommend appropriate types of fertilizers; using machinery provided by farmers’ networks for sowing/ ploughing; identifying water sources for farming; and caring for various tree species. Overall, this support covers the cultivation stage through to recommendations on proper harvesting methods.

farmers

participated in the project

rais

farmers’ areas included in the project