Proposed strategies and innovations to minimise pesticide dependency in Kashmir Valley’s apple orchards
A project proposed by SKUAST-K on the minimisation of pesticide use in agriculture was sanctioned under the Holistic Agriculture development plan in 2023, which appears to be misleading to some due to their lack of understanding of the situation on the ground. In this article, we will try to clarify why and how there is a potential to reduce pesticide use by more than 70% on a per-hectare orchard basis.
Are we applying more number of sprays?
It is important to note that excess use of pesticides in apples does not result from an increase in a number of pesticide applications. In fact, if weather conditions continuously favour diseases, we are actually short by 5-6 spray applications in a season. Since our summers tend to be dry, that is the reason our spray schedule recommends 30-40% fewer applications compared to other major apple-growing countries worldwide
The root cause of pesticide overuse?
Let us attempt to analyse the root of the issue regarding the overuse of pesticides in our apple production system. The problem stems from the inadequate layout of our traditional orchards, which impedes the efficient use of tractor-drawn automatic spray machines. In traditional orchards, by using spray motors, our growers apply around 6000 litres of pesticide solution in an established one-hectare orchard (20 kanal). By implementing tractor-drawn automatic mist sprayers in these orchards, which are in common use in the rest of the apple growers areas of the world, the pesticide solution requirement could be reduced to less than 2000 litres. Transitioning from traditional orchards to HDP apple orchards naturally results in a 40% reduction in pesticide usage with current spraying equipment. Furthermore, utilizing tractor-drawn mist sprayers in HDP orchards would further decrease the pesticide requirement to just 600 litres compared to the 6000 litres needed in traditional orchards without the use of advanced spraying machines.
Can we minimise pesticide use in the valley?
Currently, we are amidst a transitional phase characterized by growers increasing willingness to adopt the High-Density Planting (HDP) system. This juncture presents an opportunity to strategically plan the design of new orchards to facilitate mechanization, especially for the efficient utilization of advanced spraying machinery. We aim to propose suggestions to decrease pesticide usage, as the widespread demand for HDP apple cultivation makes it impractical for the government to extend the scheme to all aspiring growers. Integrating these suggestions into the implementation of the High-Density apple plantation scheme can enhance profitability and align with the objective of reducing pesticide application by up to 70%. Despite the challenge of small, dispersed land holdings, a proactive approach and determination can pave the way to achieving our objectives.
Subsidizing cluster orchards with proper design?
Revising the Department’s subsidy prioritization to favour growers who allocate space for turning at the end of rows, and accommodating tractor and sprayer pivoting, would mark a significant step towards revolutionizing agricultural practices. While this approach may entail sacrificing a portion of land designated for machine turning, the enhanced efficiency of machinery usage is likely to yield greater profits than the losses incurred from unused land. Additionally, establishing cluster orchards or collaborating on orchard projects with adequate space for spraying machinery should be encouraged to optimize operations. Emphasizing machine-friendly layouts over sun orientation, and prioritizing location-specific varieties, such as Gala strains resistant to Alternaria/Necrotic leaf blotch in low altitude areas, are crucial considerations for reducing pesticide usage and maximizing orchard productivity.
New spraying machines:
In various countries, there exists a range of spray machines designed to accommodate minimal turning space and adapt to diverse landscapes. These machines offer a convenient solution for apple growers seeking efficient and versatile tools for maintaining their orchards. Despite their potential benefits, the current cost of these advanced spray machines poses a significant barrier to widespread adoption. The development of cost-effective alternatives to the existing expensive spray machines could revolutionize the way apple growers approach their farming practices, leading to increased productivity and sustainability. As we anticipate the realization of this vision, we remain optimistic about the positive impact that accessible and affordable spray machines can bring to our growers.
Role of Decision support system:
Given the significance of apples to our rural economy, our primary objective is to ensure high-quality apple production through the implementation of an efficient disease and pest management system accessible to growers. Currently, we are working on the creation of a weather-based decision support system for predicting diseases and pests in our fruit production system. Our goal is to minimize unnecessary spraying by recommending treatments only when potential infection events are anticipated. We anticipate offering disease and pest alerts along with essential precautions directly to farmers in the near future
Other options?
In the global context, there is currently no non-chemical method that is known to effectively control apple scab. Even in the realm of organic apple cultivation, farmers often rely on the regular use of approved fungicides like copper or sulfur. However, there is a promising opportunity to introduce bio-pesticides such as Trichoderma to manage soil-borne challenges and potentially reduce the reliance on fungicides for addressing root rot issues across different crops. One new emerging technology of putting rainproof cover in place of hail net reduces almost 100% fungicidal use in apple orchards; however, using this technology at this stage is very expensive.
The writer is an Associate Professor, at SKUAST-K Shalimar and can be reached at ta*********@**************ac.in