Double cropping rice-fallow systems of south Asia. Validated RNRRS Output.
Abstract
This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID's 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
Principally based on Projects R7540, R7541, R8098, R8221, R8269. A new cropping system helps farmers grow two crops a year where before they could only grow one. The new system combines early ripening varieties of rice with chickpeas. Because the rice can be harvested early, there's time to sow a chickpea crop to take advantage of the moisture still left in the soil. Previously the rice ripened too late and the land was left fallow. Now, farmers can grow an extra crop, a big advantage where there is no irrigation. Farmers in India, Nepal and Bangladesh are growing chickpeas—popular because they fetch good prices—and also lentils, mungbean, pigeonpea, field pea, buckwheat, horsegram and vegetables. This system could impact over 15 million hectares of fallow land in South Asia.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (16 pp.) taken from the CD.
Citation
PSP35, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 38.