Agronomic Practices For Typical Land Classes - Context of Climate Variability

A STUDY FROM SEMI-ARID
DROUGHT-PRONE VILLAGES OF
SOUTHERN INDIA
Traditional Agronomic
Practices for
Typical Land Classes
Context of Climate Variability
SAI BHASKAR N. REDDY

Traditional Agronomic Practices
for Typical Land Classes
Srirangapur Village, Kondurg Mandal and Kothur Village, Midjil Mandal,
Mahabubnagar District (Former), Telangana, India
Dr Sai Bhaskar Reddy Nakka

This study report is declared as Open Knowledge by the author
2008
TRADITIONAL AGRONOMIC PRACTICES FOR TYPICAL LAND CLASSES
INDEX
ACKNOWLDEGEMENTS ............................................................................................ 3
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 4
2. OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................... 4
3. METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................... 4
4. SRIRANGAPUR VILLAGE ..................................................................................... 5
5. KOTHUR VILLAGE ............................................................................................ 30
6. DISCUSSIONS .................................................................................................. 54
7. SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................. 54
ANNEXURE – 1 FORMAT FOR COLLECTION OF INFORMATION ................................... 55
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ACKNOWLDEGEMENTS
I would like to thank AFPRO and MSSRF for giving me an opportunity and inputs for this study.
Also would like to thank Inter-cooperation and INFRAS for their valuable suggestions in the design
of the studies. I thank Dr. A. R. Nambi, Dr. Balasubramaian, MSSRF, Mr. K. Siva Prasad, AFPRO,
Mr. Chandra Shekar, Mr. Chandra Shekar Reddy, Mr. Chandu Eco-Club who had supported me in
accomplishing this study. I sincerely thank the community from programme villages for sharing
their experiences and information relevant to the study.
Dr. N. Sai Bhaskar Reddy,
Hyderabad, 2008
saibhaskarnakka@gmail.com
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STUDY OF TRADITIONAL AGRONOMIC PRACTICES
FOR TYPICAL LAND CLASSES

Srirangapur Village, Kondurg Mandal & Kothur Village, Midjil Mandal,
Mahabubnagar District, Telangana, India
Key words: Agriculture, Traditional, Practices, Land Classes, Crops, Climate
1. INTRODUCTION
Vulnerability and Adaptability to Climate Change Programme is being implemented in Srirangapur
Village, Kondurg Mandal and Kothur Village, Midjil Mandal, Mahabubnagar District, Andhra
Pradesh State. These two villages are located in the semi-arid area. A study has been
commissioned for understanding the traditional agronomic practices for typical land classes in
these two project villages. Study is based on last three years cropping experiences of the
farmers.
2. OBJECTIVES
To understand cropping adaptation dynamics in both the programme villages for the past
three years (2005 to 2007).
To collect information on sample basis (clusters) and analysis on the changes in the cropping
systems during the period.
3. METHODOLOGY
Visited the field for selection of clusters and collected information through focused group
discussion with the farmers for the 6 clusters in the project villages. Images from Google earth
and GIS tools were used for data analysis and presentation. Information was collected on
weather, crops, soils and the ongoing practices using a structured format. Samples of 59 farmers
in 6 clusters @3 clusters in each project village were studied, for the following seasons Kharif
2005, Rabi 2005, Kharif 2006, Rabi 2006, Kharif 2007 and Rabi 2007.
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4. SRIRANGAPUR VILLAGE
Srirangapur village is located in Kondurg Mandal, Mahabubnagar District. It is situated at
about 12 kilometers away from Kondurg Mandal Headquarters and 60 kilometers distance
from Mahabubnagar town. It lies on the road connecting Shadnagar and Pargi. This
village has one hamlet called ‘Somarampadu’. The nearest town is Shadnagar, which is
about 12 kms away from this village. The National Highway No. 7 passes through
Shadnagar town. The area around the village has some granitic outcrops and the area is
undulating. There is a low order stream passing through the village, over which a chain of
tanks were built. The total geographical area is 484 hectares. Although the ground water
resource is good, it is being exploited at a rapid phase.
The Normal Rainfall of Kondurg Mandal is 639 mm as compared to the District Normal of
604mm. And the south west monsoon rains are erratic, which accounts for the maximum
rainfall. This Mandal is also prone to drought as every 3rd year there had been negative
deviation in rainfall from normal. Kondurg Mandal is an interior area, with hot summers
(Temp. 39 deg C to 41 deg C) and warm winters (25 deg C to 35 deg C). The summer
period is from March to May.
There are mainly two types of soils in the village, Red (60%) and Black cotton soils (40%),
which are suitable for growing diverse crops. (see the image below)
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Agriculture is the main livelihood activity in this village and also the dependent agricultural
laborers are more. Majority of the farmers are marginal and small land holders. Maize,
Cotton, Paddy, Jowar and Castor are the major crops grown in this village, which are
grown mostly during the Kharif season.
Their priority had been changing because of market prices, input costs and risk factors
(due to pests). As this village is close to Hyderabad city and Shadnagar town, vegetables
like tomatoes, chilies and brinjals are also cultivated. Some of the farmers are also growing
flowers seasonally. There are also mango orchards in this village.
The irrigation under tanks is very much limited due to poor maintenance of the tanks. There
are very few functioning openwells and farmers are more and more dependent on the
borewells. As a result the number of borewells are growing every year leading to over
exploitation of the meager groundwater resources.
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SRIRANGAPUR CLUSTERS STUDY
Three clusters constituting 109.1 acres were studied, representing 28 farmers fields.
Table below shows rainfall pattern and quantity.
2005-06 2006-07 2007-08
Rainfall Late rains Normal rains Late rains Perception

pattern of the
community
Rainfall Excess to Less than Normal

quantity normal normal
MALLIKARJUN REDDY CLUSTER
Land class: Dry and Irrigated land
Table: Crops chosen by the farmers
Area (in acres)
MALLIKARJUN
CC_KH05 CC_RB05 CC_KH06 CC_RB06 CC_KH07 CC_RB07
REDDY
Paddy 5 5 5 5 5 5
Cotton 4
Maize 4 4
Fallow 28 32 28 32 28 32
Mango 6 6 6 6 6 6
Guava 6 6 6 6 6 6
Vegetables 6
49 49 49 49 49 49
There are seven farmers and the total area in this cluster is 49 acres, consisting of red soils.
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Paddy is cultivated in 5 acres during Kharif and Rabi seasons every year. Maize was grown only during 2
Kharif seasons. The fallow land is very high 28 acres is minimum and maximum of 32 acres. Mango and
Guava are the horticultural crops constituting 12 acres of land. Vegetables were grown only once during
rabi 2005. Sri Paddy was adopted by one farmer since Kharif2006 and still practicing. About 3 farmers were
using organic fertilizers for the Kharif season crops and only one farmer has used organic fertilizer for the
Rabi crop in 2007. Three farmers are using chemical fertilizers for the Kharif season crops and only one
farmer is using chemical fertilizers for the Rabi crops. None of the farmers are using organic pesticides and
some farmers are using chemical pesticides.
The reasons for choosing the crops are more to do labor problem and water availability. In the years 2005
and 2007 the rains have arrived late for the Kharif crop and in year 2006 the rains have arrived early this
factor also influenced their crop choice.
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NARESH CLUSTER
Land Class: Irrigated land
There are 9 farmers and the total area in this cluster is 17.7 acres, consisting of black cotton soils.
Naresh
Area (in acres)
Cluster
Paddy 17.7 5.7 17.7 3.7 8.7 3.7
Maize 3
Fallow 6 9
Vegetables 6 14 6 5
17.7 17.7 17.7 17.7 17.7 17.7
This is a low lying area, in this cluster paddy is the main crop. In Kharif 2005 and 2006 all the area was under
paddy and in Kharif 2007 8.7 acres was under paddy, 6 under vegetables and 3 acres under maize.
During Rabi 2005 farmers have cultivated vegetables and Paddy and have left about 6 acres fallow. In Rabi
2006 maximum area was under vegetables cultivation and only 3.7 acres of land was under paddy. In Rabi
2007 majority of the land was under fallow, 5 acres was under vegetables and only 3.7 acres under paddy.
Only one farmer has chosen SRI paddy practice in Kharif 2006. In the year 2005 all the farmers have applied
organic fertilizers and in the year 2006 and 2007 only 4 farmers have applied organic fertilizers.
All the farmers have applied chemical fertilizers for the Kharif season crops. For the Rabi crop 2005 eight
farmers, 2006 nine farmers and for 2007 only five farmers have applied chemical fertilizers.
None of the farmers are using organic pesticides and almost all the farmers have been using chemical
pesticides. Water availability was the major factor in choosing the crop. There was water problem during all
the three Rabi seasons.
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SURENDER GOUD CLUSTER
Land Class: Dry land
Table: Crops chosen by farmers
SURENDER
Area (in acres)
GOUD
Cotton 27.2 24.2 27
Maize 10.2 15.2 12.4
Fallow 42.4 42.4 42.4
Castor 3
Jowar 5 3
42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4
This is a highland area towards northern side of the village. There is no source for water and all the crops
are rainfed i.e., they are cultivated only in Kharif. Cotton and Maize are the two major crops cultivated in
this cluster. More than 25 acres of land is always under cotton. Maize is cultivated in 10 to 15 acres of land.
Jowar is the third preferred crop cultivated in Kharif 2005 and 2007 in 5 and 3 acres respectively. In year
2006 redgram was cultivated.
In the year 2005, 10 farmers have applied organic fertilizers for the Kharif season and 5 farmers have
applied organic fertilizers for the Kharif 2006 and 2007 seasons. For Rabi none of the farmers have applied
any organic fertilizers. Majority of the farmers apply chemical fertilizers and mainly for the Kharif seasons.
In Rabi seasons very less chemical fertilizers are applied.
In Kharif 2005, 6 farmers have felt that the rains were late and 2 farmers felt that the rains were early. In
Kharif 2006 majority of the farmers felt that the rains were early and again in Kharif 2007 all the farmers felt
that the rains were late. And only one farmer felt that for crop rotation practice he has change the crop.
Note: The farmers definition of early / normal and late is their own perception of crop chosen, sowing
period and duration of the crops.
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5. KOTHUR VILLAGE
Kothur village, in Midjil Mandal, is about 50 kilometers distance from Mahabubnagar town
and 7kms away from Mandal Headquarters - Midjil. The nearest major town is Jadcherla,
which is about 30 kms away from this village. The National Highway No. 7 passes through
Jadcherla town. The area around the village has some granitic outcrops and the
topography is gentle. There is a stream called Dundubi and its tributary are adjoining this
village. The total geographical area is 680 hectares.
604mm. The south-west monsoon is erratic and it accounts for the maximum rainfall.
Kondurg Mandal is an interior area, with hot summers (Temp. 39 deg C to 41 deg C) and
warm winters (25 deg C to 35 deg C). The summer period is from March to May.
There are three types of soils in the village - Black soils (48%), Sandy soils (27%) and Red soils
(21%) (see graph 2). Some of the lands have turned alkaline due to irrigation and high
evaporation conditions.
laborers are more. Majority of the farmers are marginal and small land holders. Castor,
Cotton, Jowar, Redgram, Maize, Paddy and Groundnut are the major crops cultivated in
this village. There is also one mango orchard of 2 hectares in this village.
Of the 120 borewells existing, only 70 are functional. The groundwater levels are highly
fluctuating due to the presence of sand in the ground – more groundwater is available if
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there is flooding in the Dundubi stream and its tributary. People are more and more
dependent on the filter wells and borewells for irrigation leading to over exploitation of the
meager groundwater resources.
KOTHUR CLUSTERS STUDY
Three clusters constituting 101.45 acres were studied, representing 39 farmers’ fields.
2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 Remarks
Rainfall Late rains Normal rains Normal Perception of

pattern rains the community
Rainfall Excess to Less than Less than

quantity normal normal normal
NARASIMHA REDDY CLUSTER
Land Class: Irrigated and Dry land
There are 15 farmers in this cluster covering about 34.85 acres of Irrigated and dry land. These fields have
alkaline soils.
Table: Crops chosen by farmers.
Narasimha
Area (in acres)
Reddy
Paddy 12.25 12.25 13.25 19.25 16.05 19.25
Cotton 1 0 17.6 0 15.6 0
Maize 4 0 0 0 0 0
Fallow 17.6 22.6 4 15.6 3.2 15.6
34.85 34.85 34.85 34.85 34.85 34.85
In the Kharif 2005 the fallow lands are 17.6 acres, which is very high due to late arrival of rains. In Kharif 06
and Kharif 07 fallows are very less that is 4 and 3.2 acres which has the influence of rainfall pattern and
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quantity. Paddy and Cotton are the Major crops cultivated in Kharif. Paddy is the major crop in this cluster
under Rabi, maximum area is cultivated during Rabi 06 & 07 i.e., 19.25 acres. The number of farmers
adopting SRI Paddy are increasing progressively i.e., from 1 farmer in Kharif 2006 to 8 farmers by Rabi 2007.
Only 3 to 2 farmers were using organic fertilizers and 8 to 4 farmers were using chemical fertilizers. 1 or 2
farmers are occasionally using organic pesticides and some farmers are using chemical pesticides.
Lack of water and labor problem were cited as the reasons for opting the cropping choices.
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PRATAP REDDY CLUSTER
Land Class: Dry and irrigated land
There are 11 farmers in this cluster with about 34.2 acres of land. The soils are diverse in this cluster with
Red alkaline and sandy alkaline are the major soils and Black alkaline and Sandy soils are minor soils.
Table Crops chosen by farmers
PRATAP
Area in acres
REDDY
Paddy 12.2 16.2 12.2 16.2 12.2 16.2
Cotton 9 17 18 19
Maize 10 3
Fallow 18 3 18
Redgran 2
Castor 3
34.2 34.2 34.2 34.2 34.2 34.2
Paddy and Cotton are the major crops cultivated in this cluster. Maximum area is under Cotton cultivation
during the Kharif 2006 & 2007. Paddy is cultivated for Kharif and Rabi seasons and it is 16.2 acres for all the
Rabi seasons. Maize was cultivated in Kharif 2005 in about 10 acres, that is due to late arrival of rains. Red
gram and Castor was cultivated only in two seasons i.e., in Kharif 06 and Kharif 05 respectively. Three acres
of fallow land was only in Kharif 2007. 6 farmers have used organic fertilizers in Kharif 2005 and only one
farmer in Rabi 2006. Majority of the farmers are applying chemical fertilizers. 1 or 2 farmers are applying
organic pesticides and majority of the farmers are using chemical pesticides.
SRI Paddy practice was adopted by 1 farmer in Kharif 2006 and by Rabi 2007 4 farmers have adopted.
Water availability and source are the important considerations in this cluster.
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SHIVAJI CLUSTER
Total acres in Shivaji cluster is 32.4 acres, represented by 13 farmer’s fields. Sandy soils are major, and red
sandy and black cotton soils are minor. Majority of the lands are Dry and rainfed.
SHIVAJI Area in acres
Paddy 3 3 3 1 3 3
Cotton 6.18 6.02 9.08
Maize 10 4.02 6.18 1
Fallow 20.38 1 25.4 4.12 24.4
Redgran 7.02 11.2 10.2
Castor 1.2 1
Mango 5 5 5 5 5 5
32.4 32.4 32.4 32.4 32.4 32.4
Cotton is the major crop cultivated in this cluster area, especially during the Kharif ranging from 6 acres to 9
acres. Maize was cultivated in 10 acres during Kharif 2005 and in Rabi 2005 and Kharif 2006 it was 4 and
6.18 acres respectively. Fallow lands are highest in the Rabi seasons ranging from 25 to 30 acres as this area
is rainfed. Redgram was cultivated in considerable area, in Kharif 2005, 7 acres, Kharif 2006, 11.2 acres and
Kharif 2007, 10.2 acres. Castor was cultivated only in Kharif 2005 in a small area of 1.2 acres. There is a
Mango orchard of 5 acres, belonging to one farmer in this cluster. SRI Paddy was practiced by 3 farmers in
Kharif 2006 and the number of farmers continuing the practice has come down to only one in Kharif 2007
and two in Rabi 2007 and none in Rabi 2006.
Only 2 farmers have applied organic fertilizers in year 2005, majority of the farmers are applying chemical
fertilizers. Only one farmer is applying organic pesticide and majority of the farmers applying chemical
pesticides. Major reasons for the present crops cultivation is due to water problem and non-availability of
water source.
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6. DISCUSSIONS
Under the V & A Programme
Created awareness to the community regarding the crop option sets under different weather
conditions.
Facilitated access to suitable seeds to the farmers.
Trained farmers on SRI Paddy cultivation practice, which was well accepted and the number
of farmers cultivating SRI paddy are growing every year.
The occurrence of rains and the quantity of rainfall are some of the considerations in
choosing the crop by farmers, but other factors like labor, depletion of groundwater / no
access to water source also influenced the farmers’ in crop option.
7. SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the study observations, there is a need for more capacity building to the farmers for
majority number of farmers adopting agronomic practices for typical land classes under different
weather conditions (Early / normal / late onset of monsoons), weather situations (Excess, normal
and deficit) and farming situations (dryland, irrigated) using local weather data and regional factors.
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ANNEXURE – 1 FORMAT FOR COLLECTION OF INFORMATION
1 Village:
2 Cluster:
3 S.No.
4 Code/s
5 Name of the farmer
6 Survey no.
7 Area (in acres)
8 Soil type
Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi
2005 2005 2006 2006 2007 2007
9 Interaction with scientists (yes/no)
10 Crop choice during normal year
11 Crop options (set)
12 Crop choosen
13 Reasons
14 Variety / brand
15 Practice
Organic fertilizers application (yes /
16 no)
Chemical fertilizers application (Yes
17 / No)
18 Pest control organic (yes / No)
19 Pest control chemical (yes / No)
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20 No. of days of the crop
21 Total irrigations per crop (no.)

Total income from respective crop
22 (in Rs.)
23 Remarks
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Traditional Agronomic Practices
for Typical Land Classes
Srirangapur Village, Kondurg Mandal and Kothur Village, Midjil Mandal,
Mahabubnagar District (Former), Telangana, India
Dr Sai Bhaskar Reddy Nakka

This study report is declared as Open Knowledge by the author
2008
INDEX
ACKNOWLDEGEMENTS ............................................................................................ 3
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 4
2. OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................... 4
3. METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................... 4
4. SRIRANGAPUR VILLAGE ..................................................................................... 5
5. KOTHUR VILLAGE ............................................................................................ 30
6. DISCUSSIONS .................................................................................................. 54
7. SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................. 54
ANNEXURE – 1 FORMAT FOR COLLECTION OF INFORMATION ................................... 55
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ACKNOWLDEGEMENTS
I would like to thank AFPRO and MSSRF for giving me an opportunity and inputs for this study.
Also would like to thank Inter-cooperation and INFRAS for their valuable suggestions in the design
of the studies. I thank Dr. A. R. Nambi, Dr. Balasubramaian, MSSRF, Mr. K. Siva Prasad, AFPRO,
Mr. Chandra Shekar, Mr. Chandra Shekar Reddy, Mr. Chandu Eco-Club who had supported me in
accomplishing this study. I sincerely thank the community from programme villages for sharing
their experiences and information relevant to the study.
Dr. N. Sai Bhaskar Reddy,
Hyderabad, 2008
saibhaskarnakka@gmail.com
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STUDY OF TRADITIONAL AGRONOMIC PRACTICES
FOR TYPICAL LAND CLASSES

Srirangapur Village, Kondurg Mandal & Kothur Village, Midjil Mandal,
Mahabubnagar District, Telangana, India
Key words: Agriculture, Traditional, Practices, Land Classes, Crops, Climate
1. INTRODUCTION
Vulnerability and Adaptability to Climate Change Programme is being implemented in Srirangapur
Village, Kondurg Mandal and Kothur Village, Midjil Mandal, Mahabubnagar District, Andhra
Pradesh State. These two villages are located in the semi-arid area. A study has been
commissioned for understanding the traditional agronomic practices for typical land classes in
these two project villages. Study is based on last three years cropping experiences of the
farmers.
2. OBJECTIVES
To understand cropping adaptation dynamics in both the programme villages for the past
three years (2005 to 2007).
To collect information on sample basis (clusters) and analysis on the changes in the cropping
systems during the period.
3. METHODOLOGY
Visited the field for selection of clusters and collected information through focused group
discussion with the farmers for the 6 clusters in the project villages. Images from Google earth
and GIS tools were used for data analysis and presentation. Information was collected on
weather, crops, soils and the ongoing practices using a structured format. Samples of 59 farmers
in 6 clusters @3 clusters in each project village were studied, for the following seasons Kharif
2005, Rabi 2005, Kharif 2006, Rabi 2006, Kharif 2007 and Rabi 2007.
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4. SRIRANGAPUR VILLAGE
Srirangapur village is located in Kondurg Mandal, Mahabubnagar District. It is situated at
about 12 kilometers away from Kondurg Mandal Headquarters and 60 kilometers distance
from Mahabubnagar town. It lies on the road connecting Shadnagar and Pargi. This
village has one hamlet called ‘Somarampadu’. The nearest town is Shadnagar, which is
about 12 kms away from this village. The National Highway No. 7 passes through
Shadnagar town. The area around the village has some granitic outcrops and the area is
undulating. There is a low order stream passing through the village, over which a chain of
tanks were built. The total geographical area is 484 hectares. Although the ground water
resource is good, it is being exploited at a rapid phase.
604mm. And the south west monsoon rains are erratic, which accounts for the maximum
rainfall. This Mandal is also prone to drought as every 3rd year there had been negative
deviation in rainfall from normal. Kondurg Mandal is an interior area, with hot summers
(Temp. 39 deg C to 41 deg C) and warm winters (25 deg C to 35 deg C). The summer
period is from March to May.
There are mainly two types of soils in the village, Red (60%) and Black cotton soils (40%),
which are suitable for growing diverse crops. (see the image below)
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laborers are more. Majority of the farmers are marginal and small land holders. Maize,
Cotton, Paddy, Jowar and Castor are the major crops grown in this village, which are
grown mostly during the Kharif season.
Their priority had been changing because of market prices, input costs and risk factors
(due to pests). As this village is close to Hyderabad city and Shadnagar town, vegetables
like tomatoes, chilies and brinjals are also cultivated. Some of the farmers are also growing
flowers seasonally. There are also mango orchards in this village.
The irrigation under tanks is very much limited due to poor maintenance of the tanks. There
are very few functioning openwells and farmers are more and more dependent on the
borewells. As a result the number of borewells are growing every year leading to over
exploitation of the meager groundwater resources.
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SRIRANGAPUR CLUSTERS STUDY
Three clusters constituting 109.1 acres were studied, representing 28 farmers fields.
2005-06 2006-07 2007-08
Rainfall Late rains Normal rains Late rains Perception

pattern of the
community
Rainfall Excess to Less than Normal

quantity normal normal
MALLIKARJUN REDDY CLUSTER
Land class: Dry and Irrigated land
Area (in acres)
MALLIKARJUN
REDDY
Paddy 5 5 5 5 5 5
Cotton 4
Maize 4 4
Fallow 28 32 28 32 28 32
Mango 6 6 6 6 6 6
Guava 6 6 6 6 6 6
Vegetables 6
49 49 49 49 49 49
There are seven farmers and the total area in this cluster is 49 acres, consisting of red soils.
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Paddy is cultivated in 5 acres during Kharif and Rabi seasons every year. Maize was grown only during 2
Kharif seasons. The fallow land is very high 28 acres is minimum and maximum of 32 acres. Mango and
Guava are the horticultural crops constituting 12 acres of land. Vegetables were grown only once during
rabi 2005. Sri Paddy was adopted by one farmer since Kharif2006 and still practicing. About 3 farmers were
using organic fertilizers for the Kharif season crops and only one farmer has used organic fertilizer for the
Rabi crop in 2007. Three farmers are using chemical fertilizers for the Kharif season crops and only one
farmer is using chemical fertilizers for the Rabi crops. None of the farmers are using organic pesticides and
some farmers are using chemical pesticides.
The reasons for choosing the crops are more to do labor problem and water availability. In the years 2005
and 2007 the rains have arrived late for the Kharif crop and in year 2006 the rains have arrived early this
factor also influenced their crop choice.
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NARESH CLUSTER
Land Class: Irrigated land
Naresh
Area (in acres)
Cluster
Paddy 17.7 5.7 17.7 3.7 8.7 3.7
Maize 3
Fallow 6 9
Vegetables 6 14 6 5
17.7 17.7 17.7 17.7 17.7 17.7
This is a low lying area, in this cluster paddy is the main crop. In Kharif 2005 and 2006 all the area was under
paddy and in Kharif 2007 8.7 acres was under paddy, 6 under vegetables and 3 acres under maize.
During Rabi 2005 farmers have cultivated vegetables and Paddy and have left about 6 acres fallow. In Rabi
2006 maximum area was under vegetables cultivation and only 3.7 acres of land was under paddy. In Rabi
2007 majority of the land was under fallow, 5 acres was under vegetables and only 3.7 acres under paddy.
Only one farmer has chosen SRI paddy practice in Kharif 2006. In the year 2005 all the farmers have applied
organic fertilizers and in the year 2006 and 2007 only 4 farmers have applied organic fertilizers.
All the farmers have applied chemical fertilizers for the Kharif season crops. For the Rabi crop 2005 eight
farmers, 2006 nine farmers and for 2007 only five farmers have applied chemical fertilizers.
None of the farmers are using organic pesticides and almost all the farmers have been using chemical
pesticides. Water availability was the major factor in choosing the crop. There was water problem during all
the three Rabi seasons.
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SURENDER GOUD CLUSTER
Table: Crops chosen by farmers
SURENDER
Area (in acres)
GOUD
Cotton 27.2 24.2 27
Maize 10.2 15.2 12.4
Fallow 42.4 42.4 42.4
Castor 3
Jowar 5 3
42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4
This is a highland area towards northern side of the village. There is no source for water and all the crops
are rainfed i.e., they are cultivated only in Kharif. Cotton and Maize are the two major crops cultivated in
this cluster. More than 25 acres of land is always under cotton. Maize is cultivated in 10 to 15 acres of land.
Jowar is the third preferred crop cultivated in Kharif 2005 and 2007 in 5 and 3 acres respectively. In year
2006 redgram was cultivated.
In the year 2005, 10 farmers have applied organic fertilizers for the Kharif season and 5 farmers have
applied organic fertilizers for the Kharif 2006 and 2007 seasons. For Rabi none of the farmers have applied
any organic fertilizers. Majority of the farmers apply chemical fertilizers and mainly for the Kharif seasons.
In Rabi seasons very less chemical fertilizers are applied.
In Kharif 2005, 6 farmers have felt that the rains were late and 2 farmers felt that the rains were early. In
Kharif 2006 majority of the farmers felt that the rains were early and again in Kharif 2007 all the farmers felt
that the rains were late. And only one farmer felt that for crop rotation practice he has change the crop.
Note: The farmers definition of early / normal and late is their own perception of crop chosen, sowing
period and duration of the crops.
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5. KOTHUR VILLAGE
Kothur village, in Midjil Mandal, is about 50 kilometers distance from Mahabubnagar town
and 7kms away from Mandal Headquarters - Midjil. The nearest major town is Jadcherla,
which is about 30 kms away from this village. The National Highway No. 7 passes through
Jadcherla town. The area around the village has some granitic outcrops and the
topography is gentle. There is a stream called Dundubi and its tributary are adjoining this
village. The total geographical area is 680 hectares.
604mm. The south-west monsoon is erratic and it accounts for the maximum rainfall.
Kondurg Mandal is an interior area, with hot summers (Temp. 39 deg C to 41 deg C) and
warm winters (25 deg C to 35 deg C). The summer period is from March to May.
There are three types of soils in the village - Black soils (48%), Sandy soils (27%) and Red soils
(21%) (see graph 2). Some of the lands have turned alkaline due to irrigation and high
evaporation conditions.
laborers are more. Majority of the farmers are marginal and small land holders. Castor,
Cotton, Jowar, Redgram, Maize, Paddy and Groundnut are the major crops cultivated in
this village. There is also one mango orchard of 2 hectares in this village.
Of the 120 borewells existing, only 70 are functional. The groundwater levels are highly
fluctuating due to the presence of sand in the ground – more groundwater is available if
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there is flooding in the Dundubi stream and its tributary. People are more and more
dependent on the filter wells and borewells for irrigation leading to over exploitation of the
meager groundwater resources.
KOTHUR CLUSTERS STUDY
Three clusters constituting 101.45 acres were studied, representing 39 farmers’ fields.
2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 Remarks
Rainfall Late rains Normal rains Normal Perception of

pattern rains the community
Rainfall Excess to Less than Less than

quantity normal normal normal
NARASIMHA REDDY CLUSTER
Land Class: Irrigated and Dry land
There are 15 farmers in this cluster covering about 34.85 acres of Irrigated and dry land. These fields have
alkaline soils.
Table: Crops chosen by farmers.
Narasimha
Area (in acres)
Reddy
Paddy 12.25 12.25 13.25 19.25 16.05 19.25
Cotton 1 0 17.6 0 15.6 0
Maize 4 0 0 0 0 0
Fallow 17.6 22.6 4 15.6 3.2 15.6
34.85 34.85 34.85 34.85 34.85 34.85
In the Kharif 2005 the fallow lands are 17.6 acres, which is very high due to late arrival of rains. In Kharif 06
and Kharif 07 fallows are very less that is 4 and 3.2 acres which has the influence of rainfall pattern and
TAPTLC-31/56
quantity. Paddy and Cotton are the Major crops cultivated in Kharif. Paddy is the major crop in this cluster
under Rabi, maximum area is cultivated during Rabi 06 & 07 i.e., 19.25 acres. The number of farmers
adopting SRI Paddy are increasing progressively i.e., from 1 farmer in Kharif 2006 to 8 farmers by Rabi 2007.
Only 3 to 2 farmers were using organic fertilizers and 8 to 4 farmers were using chemical fertilizers. 1 or 2
farmers are occasionally using organic pesticides and some farmers are using chemical pesticides.
Lack of water and labor problem were cited as the reasons for opting the cropping choices.
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PRATAP REDDY CLUSTER
Land Class: Dry and irrigated land
There are 11 farmers in this cluster with about 34.2 acres of land. The soils are diverse in this cluster with
Red alkaline and sandy alkaline are the major soils and Black alkaline and Sandy soils are minor soils.
PRATAP
Area in acres
REDDY
Paddy 12.2 16.2 12.2 16.2 12.2 16.2
Cotton 9 17 18 19
Maize 10 3
Fallow 18 3 18
Redgran 2
Castor 3
34.2 34.2 34.2 34.2 34.2 34.2
Paddy and Cotton are the major crops cultivated in this cluster. Maximum area is under Cotton cultivation
during the Kharif 2006 & 2007. Paddy is cultivated for Kharif and Rabi seasons and it is 16.2 acres for all the
Rabi seasons. Maize was cultivated in Kharif 2005 in about 10 acres, that is due to late arrival of rains. Red
gram and Castor was cultivated only in two seasons i.e., in Kharif 06 and Kharif 05 respectively. Three acres
of fallow land was only in Kharif 2007. 6 farmers have used organic fertilizers in Kharif 2005 and only one
farmer in Rabi 2006. Majority of the farmers are applying chemical fertilizers. 1 or 2 farmers are applying
organic pesticides and majority of the farmers are using chemical pesticides.
SRI Paddy practice was adopted by 1 farmer in Kharif 2006 and by Rabi 2007 4 farmers have adopted.
Water availability and source are the important considerations in this cluster.
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SHIVAJI CLUSTER
Total acres in Shivaji cluster is 32.4 acres, represented by 13 farmer’s fields. Sandy soils are major, and red
sandy and black cotton soils are minor. Majority of the lands are Dry and rainfed.
SHIVAJI Area in acres
Paddy 3 3 3 1 3 3
Cotton 6.18 6.02 9.08
Maize 10 4.02 6.18 1
Fallow 20.38 1 25.4 4.12 24.4
Redgran 7.02 11.2 10.2
Castor 1.2 1
Mango 5 5 5 5 5 5
32.4 32.4 32.4 32.4 32.4 32.4
Cotton is the major crop cultivated in this cluster area, especially during the Kharif ranging from 6 acres to 9
acres. Maize was cultivated in 10 acres during Kharif 2005 and in Rabi 2005 and Kharif 2006 it was 4 and
6.18 acres respectively. Fallow lands are highest in the Rabi seasons ranging from 25 to 30 acres as this area
is rainfed. Redgram was cultivated in considerable area, in Kharif 2005, 7 acres, Kharif 2006, 11.2 acres and
Kharif 2007, 10.2 acres. Castor was cultivated only in Kharif 2005 in a small area of 1.2 acres. There is a
Mango orchard of 5 acres, belonging to one farmer in this cluster. SRI Paddy was practiced by 3 farmers in
Kharif 2006 and the number of farmers continuing the practice has come down to only one in Kharif 2007
and two in Rabi 2007 and none in Rabi 2006.
Only 2 farmers have applied organic fertilizers in year 2005, majority of the farmers are applying chemical
fertilizers. Only one farmer is applying organic pesticide and majority of the farmers applying chemical
pesticides. Major reasons for the present crops cultivation is due to water problem and non-availability of
water source.
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6. DISCUSSIONS
Under the V & A Programme
Created awareness to the community regarding the crop option sets under different weather
conditions.
Facilitated access to suitable seeds to the farmers.
Trained farmers on SRI Paddy cultivation practice, which was well accepted and the number
of farmers cultivating SRI paddy are growing every year.
The occurrence of rains and the quantity of rainfall are some of the considerations in
choosing the crop by farmers, but other factors like labor, depletion of groundwater / no
access to water source also influenced the farmers’ in crop option.
7. SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the study observations, there is a need for more capacity building to the farmers for
majority number of farmers adopting agronomic practices for typical land classes under different
weather conditions (Early / normal / late onset of monsoons), weather situations (Excess, normal
and deficit) and farming situations (dryland, irrigated) using local weather data and regional factors.
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ANNEXURE – 1 FORMAT FOR COLLECTION OF INFORMATION
1 Village:
2 Cluster:
3 S.No.
4 Code/s
5 Name of the farmer
6 Survey no.
7 Area (in acres)
8 Soil type
Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi
2005 2005 2006 2006 2007 2007
9 Interaction with scientists (yes/no)
10 Crop choice during normal year
11 Crop options (set)
12 Crop choosen
13 Reasons
14 Variety / brand
15 Practice
Organic fertilizers application (yes /
16 no)
Chemical fertilizers application (Yes
17 / No)
18 Pest control organic (yes / No)
19 Pest control chemical (yes / No)
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20 No. of days of the crop
21 Total irrigations per crop (no.)

Total income from respective crop
22 (in Rs.)
23 Remarks
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Agronomic Practices For Typical Land Classes - Context of Climate Variability

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A STUDY FROM SEMI-ARID

SAI BHASKAR N. REDDY

Dr Sai Bhaskar Reddy Nakka

4. SRIRANGAPUR VILLAGE ..................................................................................... 5

5. KOTHUR VILLAGE ............................................................................................ 30

7. SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................. 54

ANNEXURE – 1 FORMAT FOR COLLECTION OF INFORMATION ................................... 55

Dr. N. Sai Bhaskar Reddy,

STUDY OF TRADITIONAL AGRONOMIC PRACTICES

FOR TYPICAL LAND CLASSES

Mahabubnagar District, Telangana, India

Key words: Agriculture, Traditional, Practices, Land Classes, Crops, Climate

SRIRANGAPUR CLUSTERS STUDY

Table below shows rainfall pattern and quantity.

2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Rainfall Late rains Normal rains Late rains Perception

Rainfall Excess to Less than Normal

MALLIKARJUN REDDY CLUSTER

Land class: Dry and Irrigated land

Table: Crops chosen by the farmers

Area (in acres)

Land Class: Irrigated land

Table: Crops chosen by the farmers

CC_KH05 CC_RB05 CC_KH06 CC_RB06 CC_KH07 CC_RB07

Paddy 17.7 5.7 17.7 3.7 8.7 3.7

17.7 17.7 17.7 17.7 17.7 17.7

SURENDER GOUD CLUSTER

Land Class: Dry land

Table: Crops chosen by farmers

CC_KH05 CC_RB05 CC_KH06 CC_RB06 CC_KH07 CC_RB07

Cotton 27.2 24.2 27

Maize 10.2 15.2 12.4

Fallow 42.4 42.4 42.4

42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4 42.4

KOTHUR CLUSTERS STUDY

Table below shows rainfall pattern and quantity.

2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 Remarks

Rainfall Late rains Normal rains Normal Perception of

Rainfall Excess to Less than Less than

NARASIMHA REDDY CLUSTER

Land Class: Irrigated and Dry land

Table: Crops chosen by farmers.

CC_KH05 CC_RB05 CC_KH06 CC_RB06 CC_KH07 CC_RB07

Paddy 12.25 12.25 13.25 19.25 16.05 19.25

Cotton 1 0 17.6 0 15.6 0

Fallow 17.6 22.6 4 15.6 3.2 15.6

34.85 34.85 34.85 34.85 34.85 34.85

PRATAP REDDY CLUSTER

Land Class: Dry and irrigated land

Table Crops chosen by farmers

CC_KH05 CC_RB05 CC_KH06 CC_RB06 CC_KH07 CC_RB07

Paddy 12.2 16.2 12.2 16.2 12.2 16.2

34.2 34.2 34.2 34.2 34.2 34.2

Land Class: Dry land

Table Crops chosen by farmers

SHIVAJI Area in acres

CC_KH05 CC_RB05 CC_KH06 CC_RB06 CC_KH07 CC_RB07

Cotton 6.18 6.02 9.08

Maize 10 4.02 6.18 1

Fallow 20.38 1 25.4 4.12 24.4

Redgran 7.02 11.2 10.2

32.4 32.4 32.4 32.4 32.4 32.4

7. SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS