AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH STATION . PEDDAPURAM

                
I . Genesis of Agricultural Research Station, Peddapuram

The Agricultural Research Station, Peddapuram was established during 1954 by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Andhra Pradesh with an objective to isolate high yielding varieties suitable for the tract and to generate technology for remunerative cultivation of millets and pulses. However, the station along with staff and its research component was transferred to Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University during 1965 – 66. During 1975, the Research component on Millets and Pulses along with staff was shifted to Regional Agricultural Research Station, Anakapalle and Regional Agricultural Research Station, LAM, Guntur respectively. In the same year there was a proposal to close the station, but the station could be retained by shifting part of the Tuber crops scheme ie., AICRP on tuber crops (Tapioca) from Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar. During the year 1983 the Tapioca scheme was shifted to Venkataramanagudem (i.e., Tadepallegudem) by APAU, However during 1988, the scheme was shifted back to Agricultural Research Station, Peddapuram recognizing the importance of its continuation in the area. The AICRP scheme at Peddapuram was deleted inadvertently during 1998, but the research on Tapioca is being continued by Research Station, Kovvuru by the Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University . Finally the A.I.C.R.P.(TC) is being continued at Agricultural Research Station, Peddapuram from the year 2000 with a sanction of one Assistant Horticulture Post and one Sub – assistant post. Two schemes viz., Non- Plan and A.I.C.R.P. on tuber crops other than Potato are functioned at present.

II. Details of the Station

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III. Staff Position

A. NON – PLAN
           
MANDATE:  -

     1.  Development of Medium duration hybrids of Maize for North Coastal Andhra Pradesh.
     2. Testing and verification function  of Pulses, Millets, Oil Seeds, and Breeder Seed
         Production of Ragi Varieties.
             
ACHIEVEMENTS : -

1. The Breeding efforts at this research station during early years resulted in the release of the following varieties.

1.The Agricultural Research Station, Peddapuram is the lead station for the Breeder seed production of Ragi varieties viz., Godavari and Ratnagiri and are being produced on central, State and Seed agencies indents. Similarly Sesamum varieties like Gowri, Madhavi, YLM – 11 & YLM -17 breeder seed production was taken up since 2001 Kharif on wards.

2.Foundation seed production in crops like Greengram(LGG – 407, LGG – 410 & MGG - 295)  , Black gram(LGG – 20), Redgram (Abhaya variety) and Sesamum (YLM -11 and YLM -17 etc.,) were being taken up under revolving fund and the same sold to the needy farmers as such fulfilling the quality seed supply.

3.Developed the production technology for Ragi crop like identification of suitable high yielding varieties, optimum time of planting, Spacing, Fertilizer application, Plant protection, etc.,

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B. A.I.C.R.P. on  Tuber Crops (TAPIOCA) : -

      MANDATE:

1. Collection of different types of Tuber crops (i.e., Tapioca) from the region in which the center are located and the same will be supplied to other centers for evaluation.
2. Collection and testing of Germplasm for better characteristics like high yield, resistance to pests, disease and drought conditions.
3. Carrying out regional trials to isolate improved varieties suitable for different agro climatic conditions.
4. Carrying out trails to determine suitable agro techniques for different tuber crops.(ie., Tapioca)
5. Evolve control measures to check incidence of major pests and diseases on tuber crops.(i.e, Tapioca).

1. ACHIEVEMENTS

• Identified improved high yielding cassava varieties of CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram suitable for the tract and recommended for commercial cultivation. H-165, H-226, S-856, CI-649 and an edible variety M-4 were identified through varietal evaluation trials.

• Agro techniques like nursery technique, optimum spacing(90X90 cm), fertilizer dose(60:60:60 kg NPK/ha.), time of harvest etc., were standardized and are being adopted by many of the tapioca growers.

• Inter crops like Green gram, Black gram, Groundnut and French beans were found suitable and popularized among the cassava growers.

• Sequence cropping of Cowpea- Cassava was found useful practice in cassava cultivation.

• Vertical method of storage of Tapioca seed material(i.e., stems) was standardized over horizontal method and found effective in reducing the spoilage and good sprouting ability.

• Experiments on slow release Nitrogenous fertilizers in Tapioca  production resulted in the recommendation of neem coated urea was the best source for slow release of Nitrogen.

• Experiments on weed management in Tapioca intercropping systems had come out with a recommendation of Alachlor @ 1.25 kg ai/ha found effective in control of weeds for both the inter crops viz., Greengram and Groundnut.

• Similarly experiments on weed management in Tapioca pure crop revealed that  application of Glyphosate@1.25 kg ai/ha at 25 and 45 DAP was found effective in controlling weeds.

•  Experiments on use of Azotobactor, PSB and VAM fungi revealed that the use of inorganic fertilizers especially nitrogenous and phosphorous fertilizers dosage could be reduced by 25 to 50 percentage.

• Defoliation experiments on cassava revealed that 10 to 20 per cent defoliation at any month during crop growth stage had no significant effect on tuber tuber yield. The leaf can be utilized for Eri silk worm rearing for additional income.

• Zero energy cool chamber technique of cassava seed material storage was developed and found very effective method with good moisture retention and sprouting.

• Farmers are encouraged to go for Eri silk worm rearing using the Tapioca leaf as feed for getting additional income.

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COLLABORATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES : -

Nearly 30 to 35 Sago industries presently functioning in and around Peddapuram in the manufacturing of “Sago” the main product derived out of Tapioca Tubers. To increase the efficiency of sago industries by modernizing the existing factories and to increase the production of Tapioca, a four year project by name “Sago Uptech” was launched by the State Bank of India, Samalkot with technical assistance of Scientist from Agricultural Research Station, Peddapuram with the following objectives.

1. Introduction  of location specific high starch content varieties different maturity periods to increase the period of Crop availability so as to extent the crushing Period.
2. Encourage cultivation of Tapioca under irrigated conditions for better yields and to spread the cultivation of different season.
3. Educate the farmers to follow improved packages of practices.
4. Develop suitable storage methods for preserving planting materials, which can with stand severe summer.

OTHER ACTIVITIES : -

1. Diagnostic survey visits : -

Performing diagnostic visits regularly and providing solutions to the farmers on their  field problems.

2. A. M. C. level Training programme : -

As resource persons importing training on latest production technology to the selected farmers at A.M.C.’s training programme being organized by the Department of   Agriculture & Agricultural Market committee’s concerned.

3. Kisan Melas : -

During the Kisan Mela celebrations at Zonal level and at state level an exhibition stall depicting the latest production technologies and the value added products are being displayed for the benefit of the visiting farmers.

4. Farmer scientist interactions : -

The Scientists are involving the farmer, Scientist interaction meetings being organized by the Department of Agriculture as and when a peculiar situations provided i.e., during drought conditions and cyclones etc., and educated the farmers on appropriate measures to be taken.

5. As Resource persons attending the Training Programmes organized by the Department of Agriculture and Department of Horticulture and impacting the latest production technologies to the farmers.

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C.   FUTURE THRUST:
            Through Tapioca is being grown in the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, its cultivation is mainly concentrated in the upland areas of East Godavari District where it is being cultivated to an extent of 28 thousand hectares. After the launching of the All India Coordinated  Research project other than potato (Tapioca) a major break through in the Tapioca production achieved by introduction of high yielding varieties and adoption of other production technologies. But still there is vast scope to increase the area under Tapioca especially in the present scenario of vagaries of monsoon and low rainfall where it can sustain when once its establishes. Therefore future research should be directed for increasing productivity and production of Tapioca by paying special attention in the following areas.

1. Germplasm collection, maintenance and evaluation. There is vast genetic variation   available in the material available with farmers. So extensive survey, collection, study and evaluation of the existing material is required.

2. Short duration varieties with high yield potential and starch contents are to be evaluated for sequential cropping system and testing of their adoptability in this area has to be carried out.
3. Resistant varieties to pests and disease (especially CMD) are to be developed and multiplied for cultivation by the farmers.
4. Low cost production technology has to be developed since the crop is being cultivated mostly by the small and marginal farmers under rainfed conditions.
5. Research should be directed more on post harvest technology that is on value addition, storage and marketing for remunerative returns to the farmers.
   
   
6. Lot of seed material (Stems) is being dried during prolonged storage periods that is from harvesting to planting.  Hence research on effective storage methods are to be further refined.
   
   
7. Much technology has been developed and adoption by the farmers is not up to the mark, hence field extension in organizing field demonstrations, training programmes and exposure visits need to intensified by the development departments.
   
8. Research on influence of micro nutrients on crop growth, yield and quality aspects have to be taken up as the crop is being grown on marginal and light soils which are naturally deficit in organic matter and micro nutrients.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

Scientists of Agriculture Research Station, Peddapuram worked in collaboration with State Bank of India, Samalkot branch in their innovative project “Project Uptech for Sago up gradiation’.  As a result State Bank of India has sanctioned an amount of Rs.75,000/- for digging a bore well for seed multiplication of Tapioca.

A 15 HP Motor and Pump for lifting wate worths Rs.50,000/- were obtained from the Sago Society, Peddapuram.

Funds for laying out of Electric power line to a tube of Electric power line to a tune of Rs.52,000/- were also obtained from the development fund of District Collector, East Godavari, besides this the Collector took special interest and wrote a DO. Letter to the S.E., APSEB for immediate power supply to bore well at Agriculture Research Station, Peddapuram.

In response to over request for a drip irrigation unit Oil palm at Agriculture Research Station, Peddapuram, Commissioner and Director of Horticulture Sanctioned One Drip Irrigation unit under O.P.D.P. Scheme.

The District Collector, East Godavari has sanctioned and amount of Rs.2.77 lakhs for improvement of Roads damaged due to cyclones

PACKAGE OF PRACTICES FOR TAPIOCA (MANIHOT ESCULENTA CRANTZ)

Tapioca also known as ‘ cassava’ is an important Tuber crop belong to family
Euphorbiaceae. In Andhra Pradesh the Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam in small extents
and in East Godavari to a greater extent. The total area under Tapioca is 25,to 30,000ha. It is being mostly grown as rainfed crop in upland tracts.

U S E S : -

1).   The tubers rich in starch and are mostly used for making ‘sago’ the main end product.
2).   Tuber can also be used for making starch, Floor, Chips , Glucose, etc.
3).   As an ingredient in cattle, Fish and poultry feeds.
4).   As a raw material for industrial starch and fuel alcohol.
5).   The leaves rich in proteins can be fed as cattle fodder.

CLIMATE:-

        It is a tropical crop can come up well in moist climate with well distributed rainfall.

TIME OF PLANTING :-

        Well drained sand loams and Red sandy loams are best . Avaid saline and heavy soils.

VARIETIES RECOMMNDED : -

1).        H-226                          :     10 months duration, 28% Starch,
                                                      Average yield 20 – 30 Tons/ ha
2).        H- 165                         :     8 months duration, 24% Starch,
                                                      Average yield 20 – 25 T/ha
3).        S-856(Sree Prakash)    :     7 months  Duration, 29 – 31 % Starch,
                                                      30 – 35 T/ha Average yield .
4).        Ci – 649(Sree Jaya)     :     6-7 months duration, 24 –27 % Starch ,
                                                      Average yield 26 – 30 T/ha.
5)         M –4                            :     Edible variety,7 – 9 months , duration ,
                                                      Average yield 10 –20 T/ha.

LAND PREPARATION:-

            Fine tilth up to 30 cm depth is must.

PROPAGATION :-

Vegetatively   propagated by stem cuttings , mature , healthy stems free from pests and diseases (especially cassava Mosaic disease ) should be selected. About 10 cm from the lower mature portion and 25-30 cm from the upper immature portion should be discarded. About 20 cm stem cuttings should be prepared with sharp knife  to obtain a smooth circular cut.

METHOD OF PLANTING :-
           
The stem cuttings (stakes) are to be planted vertically to a depth of 5 cm which was found optimum. In Andhra Pradesh the setts are raised in nursery beds with regular watering and are transplanted in the main field on 8 to 10th day. The nursery required for one hactare land is 25 m2.

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SPACING AND PLANT POPULATION :-

A spacing of 90 cm x 90 cm was found optimum by accommodation 12,350 plants /ha
 
PLANTING TIME :-   June – July

AFTER CARE:-

a)   GAP FILLING:   It shold be done within 15 days after planting with longer setts
                              of 40 cm length raised in a secondary nursery

b)THINNING OF: SHOOTS Removal of  excess spouts by  nipping at the intial stage of                          establishment  (10-15 days after sprouting) helps in preventing mutual shade

MANURES AND FERTILIZERS

        FYM @ 20-25 t/ha in the last ploughing. 60 N : 50 P2O5 : 60 K2O per hectare is recommended with complete P2O5 as basal dose and N and K2O in three equal splits at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting around the plant 10 cm apart in circular ring and cover with soil. Soil application of Bio fertilizers PSB @ 10 kg / ha  (or) AMF @ 10 kg/ha and set treatment with Azotobactor 200 gm/ha reduces the P and  N fertilizers doses by 25%.
INTER-CULTIVATION AND OTHER MANAGEMTNT PRACTICES, IF ANY :-

Inter cultivation with gorru (Cattle drawn implements ) is practiced at least three times within the first 90 days.  Two healthy opposite shoots have to be retained and the remaining excess shoots are to be removed on 30th day after planting.

IRRIGATION :
 
At the time of planting it there is no rain or adequate moisture in the soil.  If dry spell prevails after planting irrigation should be provided at 15 – 20 days interval. 

PESTS AND DISEASES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT :

Pest / disease Control

Red Mites                             Spraying wettable sulphur @ 3 g/lt  or  Dicofol @ 5 ml / lit
Cassava mosaic disease        1. Use disease free material (ie., stems) for planting
                                           2. Spray dimethoate ( 1.7 ml / lit ) or  Monocrotophos
                                           (1.6 ml/lit) to check the vectors.

HARVESTING :

Under the conditions prevailing in the north coastal Zone (Peddapuram) the crop is harvested in 8-10 months to suit the local sago mills.

POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY:

The fresh tubers are highly perishable and can be stored only for 2 to 3 days . Hence tubers may be cut in to chips ,  Sun dried and  stored for 2 to 3 months in air tight containers .  The planting material has to be stored as a whole stem (1 to 1.5 mt.) length under the tree shade for the next season.  They should be sprayed with Mancozeb  3 gm/lit. and  Dimethoate @ 2 ml./lit. as a prophylatic measure against pest and diseases.

                                                                                  (Dr.T.Anuradha)
                                                                               Senior Scientist(Breeding) & Head
Agricultural Research Station:Peddapuram

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