Sustainable Agriculture Training And Research Institute

Faisalabad
To study and provide the solution to respond to economic and social conditions of humen occupation of this sensitivity in Pakistan Study comprises on problems faced and their solutions in poultry industry, the second largest industry in Pakistan regarding to energy efficiencyblab la bla

ARID ZONE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

BAHAWALPUR (PUNJAB) Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI), Bhawalpur aims at multidisciplinary approach with the following main objectives: OBJECTIVES To evaluate present constraints to agricultural productivity in the desert where the potential for irrigation is either undeveloped or does not exist; To establish a regional capability to trickle the problems of arid areas and develop suitable techniques for the best land use in the Cholistan desert. To assess the social and economic acceptability of proposed technological innovations and develop suitable methods for the rapid and effective dissemination of new agricultural information; and To ensure self-sustainability of biological systems and environmental protection of fragile arid ecosystems of the Cholistan desert. AZRI, Bhawalpur has been working for the last more than two decades with following mandate to achieve the mentioned objectives: MANDATE Introduction, selection, evolution, adaptation and production technology of the crops (cereals, pulses, oilseeds and fodder), keeping in view the burning issues of arid agriculture of the regions; Introduction seed collection, evaluation, adaptation and promotion of range grasses (local and exotic) in the dry and hot conditions of Bhawalpur and Cholistan areas; Introduction and development of production technology of arid horticultural plants (ber, falsa, date palm and fig) and distribution of the planting stock of improved varieties of these plants among the farmers of Bhawalpur and Cholistan areas; Establishment of nursery of multipurpose trees and shrubs like Acacia, Salvdora, Prosopis, Albizzia, Sommondsia chinensis and Atriplex spp., and establishment of arboretum to demonstrate and motivate farmers to rise these on their own areas for fodder, timber and woodfuel needs; and To assess the use of stressed and marginally productive land and water resources for the production of high quality fish protein for human consumption. For achieving the above mentioned objectives and mandate, the institute primarily focuses on the following four research areas: i. Range & Forestry Research Program ii. Land & Water Resources Research Program iii. Crop Sciences Research Program (It has three units viz, PBG Unit, Horticulture Unit & Plant

Protection iv. Animal Sciences Research Program ACHIEVEMENTS Research achievements according to the above mentioned research areas are as follows: Animal Sciences Research Program With the addition of one SSO who has recently joined the institute, a new discipline of fisheries/aquaculture has been introduced in the institute and an innovated research activity has been initiated on Saline Aquaculture, i.e rising of fish and shellfish in saline waters. This will held find alternate source of animal protein to better feed the poor and malnourished communities of Cholistan desert. Furthermore, apragmatic approach of developing demostation farms at some strategic locations in the arid zone is expected to motivate the local farmers to make small investments for some what higher returns.
Dr. Zafar Altaf, Chairman PARC visits field area

Units)

Crop Sciences Research Program 1. Ten (10) wheat entries were evaluated. The entry Bloyka showed excellent performance and produced significantly maximum yield of 5,667 kg/ha as compared to an existing check variety Inqibal-91 that gave a yield of 4,422 kg/ha. 2. Six advanced lines of chickpea were evaluated. Among these tow lines (AZ-2) and (AZ-6) with good yield potential are ready to go in the National Uniform Yield Trial; 3. In case of inter cropping study, growing of 3 rows of wheat and 2 rows of canola rapeseed gave an additional income of Rs.7,500/- and Rs.10,500/ha over traditional farmers practice of growing pure crops of wheat and canola rapeseed, respectively; 4. Three sowing dates 20th June, 10th July and 30th July were tested in mungbean for grain yield comparison. The crop sown on June 20 appeared the best sowing date which produced significantly higher grain yield than the other sowing dates 5. AZRI has pooled almost nine improved varieties of grafted ber, viz Soofen, Dehli While, Aloo bukhara, Shereen Ajooba, Kali das, Karela and Umeri special. The institute has provided almost fifteen thousand scions of above-mentioned varieties to NADRI Project and Agriculture Extension Department, AJK for budding and grafting in the respective areas. Ber is a potential fruit plant which can return an income of approximately Rs.100,000/- per acre in addition to other crops which are inter-cultured in the same unit of land; 6. Four top quality date palm varieties, namely, Dhaki, Basra, Zaidi from D.I.Khan, and Aseel from Khairpur (Sindh) have been introduced at AZRI Farm, Bahawalpur to get true to type suckers for further multiplication in the area. Land and Water Resources Research Program 1. Four varieties of guar were evaluated at different irrigation levels, including control. Application of two-irrigation appeared the best for cvs 2/1 and BR-95 followed by one irrigation as compared to control for obtaining maximum grain yield; 2. Effect of first irrigation at different intervals was studied on wheat. Irrigation was provided after 10,20,30,40, and 50 days interval. The mean grain yield ranged from 2,576 to 3,356 kg/ha. The irrigation interval of 30 and 40 days gave significantly highest yield of 3,356 kg/ha and 3,210 kg/ha, respectively. 3. Yield of wheat was tested under different tillage practices of disc harrow, cultivator, rotavator, and zero tillage. The mean grain yield ranged from 2,733 to 5,152 kg/ha. The crop sown with disc harrow gave the highest yield compared to the other tillage practices;

4. Growth of jojoba was tested under different irrigation methods. The irrigation methods included
pitcher irrigation, PVC pipe, plastic bag, pits, furrows and drip irrigation. Maximum plant height (96cm) and crown diameter (107 cm) were obtained in pitcher irrigation technique followed by PVC pipe irrigation technique after the two years of planting time; 5. Maximum plant height and crown diameter were achieved in jojoba with the application of urea fertilizer @ 300 kg/acre followed by 200 and 100 kg/ha. Range and Forestry Research Program 1. Germplasm collection and preservation of high yielding grasses and multipurpose trees/shrubs are underway at both the research farms at AZRI far, Bahawalpur and AZRI farm Cholistan. Exotic and local Acacia like Acadia ampliceps, A Victoria, A.stynophulla, A. holosoreceae (Australian Kikars), A. farneclana (Khushbudar Kidar), A. nilotica ss. Cupressiformis (Kabli Kikar) have shown good potential in desert areas of Cholistan; 2. Establishment of grasses on sand dunes under desert conditions in Cholistan has successfully been demonstrated. Following have shown good yield potential (0.4-0.6 t/ha) Lasiurus sindicus (Gorkha) Cenchrus ciliaris (US Buffel) Cenchrus ciliaris (Cv. Bileola) Pancicum antidotale; 3. A number of economically important and medicinal plants as reported by local herders (ethnobotany) of Cholistan desert are being identified by this institute with the collaboration of Islamia University, Bahawalpur. Most important of these are; Capparis deciduas (Karir), Tamarix aphyla (Ukan), Calligonum polygonoides (Phog), Salvadora oleoides(Peelu), Anticaris linearis, Citrulus colocythis, Clume brackicarpa etc. 4. Almost 25,000 seedlings of Acacia ampliceps (Austaalian Kikar) and A nilotica, ss. Cupressiformis (Kabli kikar), Salvadora oleoidus (Peelu), Prosopis cineraria (Jand) and Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba), have been supplied to Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), Pakistan Army, Desert Rangers, school/colleges and farmers of Bahawalpur division; 5. Hedgerow inter-cropping using Sesbania sesban (Janter) and Leucaeana leucocephala (lpilipil) trees species in combination with maize (Kharif) and wheat (Rabi) crops not only enhanced crop and fodder production but also enhanced soil fertility, reduced soil erosion, and provided wood fuel for domestic use from the same unit of land; 6. The best-suited grass for irrigated areas Pennisetum perpurum cv. Mott gave fresh biomass of 78 tones/ha. Over 5000 cuttings/stubbles have been distributed among the farmers of the area. New Initiatives at AZRI, Bahawalpur FUTURE THRUST AZRI, Bahawalpur will continue its research efforts in the following fields in future provided adequate manpower and financial resources are made available: 1. Introduction and evaluation of suitable high yielding drought and disease resistant varieties of cereal, pulses, range grasses, arid horticulture fruits, and fodder trees against biotic and abiotic stresses to improve quality of farmers life by strengthening their farm income; 2. Range Inventory and surveys for assessing health of range resources of Cholistan area. Grazing behavior of different livestock types during different seasons of the year will be studied for managing the livestock properly; 3. Use of stressed, non-productive, and marginally productive land and water resources for the production of high quality fist protein for human consumption; 4. Development of appropriate dry forestation techniques for planting of trees and shrubs for fodder, wood fuel, and shade needs; 5. Agro-forestry research in dry areas, especially developing fodder reserves and silvo-pastures in desert areas; 6. Training to the farmers in raising arid horticultural plants, promotion of pulses, oilseed and fodder crops; 7. Training to the local people of the area, regarding kitchen gardening, food processing, and cottage industry suited to the arid and hot climatic conditions of Bahawalpur region.

Green Certificate Farm Training Program

In co-operation with industry, Saskatchewan Agriculture's Regional Services Branch administers an apprenticeship style, on-farm skill-training program called the Green Certificate Farm Training Program. The program was adopted from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development where it has been running since 1975. The program provides practical hands-on training curriculum for agriculture in Saskatchewan. Trainees can acquire skills in one of several agricultural sectors, including feedlot, cow/calf, dairy, sheep, crop and irrigated crop production. Two levels of training are available in each area covering skills for production technicians and production supervisors. The program training starts at the technician level and, where desired, progresses to production supervisor. Trainees who plan to become major decision makers or owner/operators in a Saskatchewan farming operation are encouraged to consider courses available from the University of Saskatchewan College of Agriculture and Bioresources. The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) also offer courses in Farm Business Management. A Certificate in Agriculture Program (CAP) is available from the Centre for Continuing and Distance Education at the University of Saskatchewan. The Green Certificate Farm Training Program's objectives are:

To develop technical and managerial skills in those desiring to enter or continue a career in farming; To provide the means for certifying the achievement of skills by a formalized practical testing system; To develop and maintain a base of competent employees for the agriculture industry; To increase knowledge in farm management and improve human resource planning in agriculture; and To encourage students to carry on with further education in agriculture or veterinary medicine.

Agriculture Sectors Covered by the Green Certificate Farm Training Program Training is structured around six skill profiles, which list all the skills or tasks required for proficiency in a particular training area:

Cow/calf beef production; Beef feedlot production; Sheep production; Dairy production; Crop production; and Irrigated crop production.

How the Program Works

In each of the agriculture areas, there are two levels of training:

Level one - The first level is production technician training, which is on-the-job training focusing on the practical aspects of farming. These skills are essential for basic employment on a Saskatchewan farm; and Level two - The second level is production supervisor/manager training, which includes a mixture of on-the-job training and self study, with some written assignments and testing required. This set of job skills is relatively complex and requires a significant amount of decision making ability, as well as physical dexterity.

The program's main goal is to provide participants with a training curriculum representing the skills needed to obtain the Green Certificate. The trainee receives most of his or her training through apprenticeship-like, on-the-job training under a competent trainer/farmer. The farmer is also responsible for the major assessment of the trainee's proficiency in farm skills. The trainer will sign off each skill in the skill profile as the trainee becomes competent in that area. Trainees are evaluated by a Green Certificate tester on the basis of the ability to demonstrate specific skills. The tester is a person who is currently in the industry at a farming level (performs or supervises the same tasks routinely) and is generally involved in the program as a trainer. Staff of Saskatchewan Agriculture may also do testing. Trainees progress at their own rate. Once all of the evaluations are complete and the trainee is deemed competent in all skills, he or she will be awarded the appropriate level of the Green Certificate. Research has shown that training aimed at improving the skills and knowledge of employees can improve production and positively affect the self-esteem and work ethic of the staff. The Green Certificate Farm Training Program is committed to bringing these benefits to agriculture operations in Saskatchewan. Training as an Investment Profits in today's global marketplace come from the competent use of knowledge and skills to operate farms. Under the practical Green Certificate training system, farmers can develop and retain the competent staff they need to meet their farm's business goals. Why Train? Training improves the profitability of the farm operation by improving technical skills, knowledge, attitudes, behaviours and production efficiency. Improved work ethic and work performance also result from the increase in self-esteem, job status and image that result from training. The Green Certificate Farm Training Program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a farming career. Participants agree to:

Obtain all the necessary information and resources to complete the training process; Actively plan and carry out all the necessary on-the-job instruction and/or learning. Seek and utilize all available materials, resources and courses to increase skills and knowledge; Regularly assess competence according to the training objectives outlined in the curriculum; and Participate in regular program testing sessions.

Government Support Funding for the program is provided by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. The Ministry provides administration, testers and training tools such as curriculum, books and certification. What does it cost? Trainers: Time and facilities for on-the-job training, staff release time and time to develop training skills. Trainees: Required to contribute time for training and cover some travel expenses for test days. What we are looking for? Trainees:

Must currently be working on a farm or have access to a training farm; Need to have a sincere desire to develop or upgrade their skills; Must possess basic skills in reading and writing, and be at least 15 years old.

High school trainees are eligible for high school credits when the Green Certificate Farm Training Program is used in relation to the school-based Agricultural Production Technician Curriculum (ATEC). The Agricultural Production Technician Curriculum is the Green Certificate Farm Training Program adapted for classroom curriculum by a certified teacher. Students can earn up to three credits from grades 10-12 for one course, such as; Cow-calf Production Technician. Trainers:

Must have a minimum of five years successful business experience in the training area; Supervise the trainee on a day-to-day basis; Spend time in personal training and testing and have a genuine interest in effective staff management; and Will be trained and supervised in the role of teacher and coach.

Farm Training Sites A suitable training farm has:

Sufficient enterprise size and cash flow to employ an apprentice trainee; and Equipment and facilities to allow training on every core skill listed in the Green Certificate Farm Training Program.

Family Businesses:

Family members are encouraged to apply.

Project Name: South Farm Sustainable Agriculture Project Project Type: 1) urban planning design strategy 2) landscape design 3) graphic design 4) interior design 5) industrial/product design 6) architecture 7) other. Project Mission/Goal: 1) improve the human spirit 2) increase awareness of the environment and/or address climate change 3) respond to our growing need for clean water, power, shelter, healthcare, education 4) address humanitarian crises 5) other. Project Description: "Food is the most direct link we have between culture and nature, city and farm folk." - Wendell Berry. For a total of almost 3 years, students from the University of Kentucky's College of Design worked on several projects to help give life to the University's first Sustainable Agriculture Farm. This farm, which is around 100 acres, is located on the southern end of the Lexington Metropolitan Area. The proximity of the farm to the city makes it highly visible and ideally situated to educate and impact many Lexington and Fayette county residents. During the development of the organic section of the farm, a collaboration was established with School of Architecture students working in Design/Build studios, to build the necessary structures to allow for the implementation of a working organic farm. Students began by converting a dilapidated old shed into what has now become known as the "Organic Farming Research and Education Center." Their structures, including a new storage building, an outdoor classroom, and an operations building followed. This effort has created a model of multi-disciplinary collaboration that is resonating beyond the Research Farm. Architecture students worked alongside Landscape Design and Agriculture students to first create a masterplan of the entire site and then began to build the necessary structures one at a time. The buildings are primarily composed of found and recycled materials (many of which came from the farm itself), in an effort to re-think the typical materials and process of construction. This methodology was employed in part due to an extremely limited budget, but

also became an effort to imagine new life from recycled materials and minimize waste. A primary goal throughout construction was to minimize excavation as much as possible, thereby preserving the rich agricultural landscape. The Organic Farm has since implemented a CSA - Community Supported Agriculture Program, where local families purchase shares of what is grown on the farm. The farm provides fresh, organic produce for hundreds of families in the area. It is a place where collaboration between university disciplines has bridged traditional barriers. Above all, it is a place where students can rediscover the roots of where food comes from naturally. The farm is a green island of hope surrounded by sprawling neighborhoods and urban pavement.