Field visit to

Agriculture Farms

Event Name: Field visit to Agriculture Farms

Place: Modallaguda Village, Mamidipalle road, R.R.District

Date of Visit : 14th October 2024

Time :10:00 AM

Venue :Cotton, Rice and Guava Farm

Objective:

• The objective of this field visit was to gather first-hand information from farmers about cultivation of crops.
• To study the economics of farming, including input costs, yield optimization, market access, and the role of technology in increasing efficiency.
• To identify real-world challenges faced by farmers such as climate change, market volatility, access to finance, and rural infrastructure.
• The focus was on understanding the nature of the crops, season duration, farming processes, pesticide use, the number of farmers required, soil types, and other farming practices.
• The information will provide insights into the practical aspects of farming and its challenges.
• To examine the impact of government policies, subsidies, and schemes on farm operations and rural livelihoods.

Outcomes:

• Students will gain practical insights into farming challenges and their solutions, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and field realities.
• Students will develop strategic approaches to address key agricultural issues, from farm management to policy reform.
• Students will have a deeper understanding of sustainable agricultural practices and how they can be integrated into policy and farm operations.
• Students will be equipped with knowledge about the rural economy, the importance of agriculture in it, and its link to national economic growth.

1. Cotton Farming

Nature of Crop:

Cotton is a commercial crop, primarily cultivated for its fibre. The crop is essential for the textile industry, and the cotton plant produces fibres that are processed into yarn and fabric.

Season Duration:

Cotton is cultivated once a year and requires approximately 3 months to mature fully:

- Budding: Takes 45 days.

-Flowering: 5 days.

- Fruit: 60 days.

-Total Crop Duration: July to February.

(whole plantation process Budding, Flowering, Fruit, Harvesting, Total Duration)

Farming Process:

Pesticide Use:

No specific pesticides were mentioned for cotton during the visit, but farmers generally rely on crop protection methods to combat pests, ensuring good crop yield.

Number of Farmers Required:

• Planting: 5 farmers are required to plant cotton in one acre.
• Plucking: This is a 2-month process, and it requires 5 people working daily.

Soil Types:

Cotton thrives best inblack and red soils . The rich nutrient composition of these soils supports cotton growth across the region.

Other Observations:

The cost to cultivate one acre of cotton is estimated at 1 lakh INR, with a potential profit of 2 lakhs INR, yielding double the expenditure. The total cost for one acre of land is around 2 crores INR. Cotton can be grown throughout Telangana, and after the cotton harvest, farmers often grow rice or vegetables like tomatoes on the same land.

2. Rice Farming

Nature of Crop:

Rice is a staple crop, consumed widely across India. It is grown extensively in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. The main types cultivated are Sona Masoori, Hamsa, and RNR rice varieties.

(Rice Farm)

Season Duration:

-Sona Masoori and RNR: Take about 4 months from cultivation to milling.

-Hamsa Rice: Takes 3 months to mature.

For all rice varieties, the first 2 months are critical for the plant’s growth. After this period, the crop is ready for harvesting and is then sent to the mill.

Farming Process:

Rice cultivation begins by soaking the seeds for 3 days before planting. The plants are watered for about 2 hours a day per acre using irrigation techniques. After two months, the crop is harvested, and farmers prepare the land for the next round of cultivation or leave it uncultivated. Rice is grown twice a year in this region.

(Appreciation for Employee Hospitality and Guidance)

Pesticide Use:

The use of DAP and Potas fertilizers was mentioned. Potas is particularly important because, without it, rice grains do not develop properly. These pesticides ensure healthy grain production.

Number of Farmers Required:

Rice farming is more labour-intensive than cotton:

- A tractor is used for ploughing, but for planting and other manual processes, about 10 people are needed to work for a day per acre.

Soil Types:Rice is primarily grown in Red and Black soils, which provide the nutrients required for successful rice cultivation.

(Explaining the Process of cultivation)

Other Observations:

• Expenditure for cultivating one acre of rice: 40,000 INR.
• Profit margin:1 lakh INR.
• After February rice harvest:

Cotton or vegetables may be planted. Land may remain uncultivated.

3. Guava Farm

• Nature of Crop: Hardy tropical fruit; grows in tropical/subtropical climates.
• Season Duration: Year-round harvest; main seasons are rainy and winter.
• Process: Land prep, planting, irrigation, pruning, fertilizing.
• Pesticide: Occasional use for fruit flies, mealybugs, wilt.
• Farmers Required: 3-4 for small farms.
• Soil Types: Well-drained sandy to clay loam; pH 5-7.

(Guava farm)

(SCMS Batch 23-27 Field Visit)

(Students walking through the fields)

Conclusion

The field visit provided valuable insights into both cotton and rice farming. Cotton requires fewer farmers but a longer growing season, while rice is labour-intensive with a quicker turnaround. Both crops thrive in black and red soils, with efficient irrigation systems being crucial for maintaining crop health. The use of fertilizers and pesticides plays a vital role in ensuring good yields, particularly for rice. Cotton offers higher profitability, while rice, though labour-intensive, is essential for local consumption.

The visit has highlighted the need for both sustainable practices and support for farmers in ensuring the successful cultivation of these vital crops.