Annual Report of AICRP on Plasticulture Engineering & Technology

Abstract

The AICRP on Plasticulture Engineering & Technology (PET) earlier known as AICRP on Application of Plastics in Agriculture (APA), was started in the year 1988 (VII Plan) with plan budget of 32.60 lakhs at 05 centres. At present the project is operational at 14 centers representing almost all major agro-climatic zones. The AICRP has five centres in mid-hills of Himalayan regions (Srinagar, Almora, Gangtok, Barapani and Dirang), two centres in northern Indo-gangetic plains (Ludhiana and Abohar), one centers in coastal regions (Bhubaneswar, which is mandated for fishery aspects), one centre in eastern plateau region (Ranchi), two centres in tropical wet (Mathura and Dapoli), two centre in dry climatic region (Raichur, Junagadh) and one in Aravali hills eco- systems (Udaipur). The AICRP on PET developed 43 most successful technologies since inception under themes viz. surface covered cultivation (14), pond lining and irrigation system (5), plastic mulching and soil solarization (6), plastic tools for farm and machinery (8), post-harvest management (5), plastic in animal shelter and aquaculture (5). The scheme had an outlay of Rs. 32.60 lakhs in the VII Plan, Rs. 80.00 lakhs during the VIII Plan, Rs. 190 lakhs during the IX plan, Rs. 353.05 lakhs during the X plan period and Rs. 1224.00 lakhs for XII Plan.