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Conservation Agriculture (CA) refers to a range of soil management practices that minimize effects on composition, structure and natural biodiversity and reduces erosion and degradation. Such practices include direct drilling or zero-tillage. Land preparation for wheat in rice-wheat rotation is an energy-intensive and time consuming process.
Introduction
Conservation Agriculture (CA) refers to a range of soil management practices that minimize effects on composition, structure and natural biodiversity and reduces erosion and degradation. Such practices include direct drilling or zero-tillage. Land preparation for wheat in rice-wheat rotation is an energy-intensive and time consuming process. For this reason wheat sowing usually gets delayed, especially in basmati growing areas, resulting in low yields. Therefore, the concept of zero-tillage sowing method was considered. PARC has made intensive efforts in introducing this technology in the country. Sowing of wheat in zero-tillage culture minimizes the intercrop gap and crop yield is substantially improved.
Technology Development, Development and Demonstration
Farm Machinery Institute, PARC, Islamabad has designed and developed zero-tillage drill to suit farming conditions. The drill is now being manufactured and marketed by local farm machinery industry. More than 25 manufacturers are currently producing this drill and over 3500 operating units of the machine are available with farmers in the country.
Technical Specifications
Power requirement : 35 kW (45 hp) tractor
Field capacity : 1 acre/hour
Operating cost : Rs. 350/acre
Savings : Rs. 1700/acre
Key Reference
B. Raza, S. A.Kalwar, and H. S. Mahmood. (2006). Manual on “Zero Till Drill its uses, precautions and repairing”A joint Publication of FMI and CABI, South Asia Centre Rawalpindi
