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Title Wheat in the cotton-based cropping systems of the irrigated Sindh
 
Names Khushk, A.M.
Memon, M.Y.
Lashari, M.I.
Longmire, J.
Date Issued 1990 (iso8601)
Abstract The cotton-wheat cropping system is the most important in Pakistani agriculture. In Sindh more than one million hectares of wheat is cultivated, out of which almost 80% of area is grown under the cotton wheat cropping systems. However, current research and extension recommendations do not differentiate between wheat sown after cotton and wheat sown in other rotations. A diagnostic survey of wheat was conducted in the cotton-wheat area of Sindh during the 1988-89 crop cycle. The major objectives of this survey were to identify factors affecting wheat productivity and to plan, an on-farm experimentation/extension programme. A formal survey of wheat production practices and yields at harvest time in 100 randomly selected fields was undertaken. Production practices were recorded in the short interview with farmers in their fields and yields were measured by harvesting and threshing three to five plots of dimension 1m located randomly in the fields. Wheat after cotton was the major crop rotation in the area. About 45% of wheat fields were planted after cotton, and 24% after fallow. Late harvesting of cotton is the major time conflict in the rotation, resulting in late planting of wheat. Wheat after cotton was planted on an average 20 days later than wheat after other kharif crops or fallow. About 60% of wheat following cotton was planted after November 15th, resulting in low potential yields. The majority of the farmers prefer the cotton variety Niab-78 in the cotton-wheat rotation. The variety is early in maturity and harvesting can be completed two weeks earlier than with other recommended variety. The farmers generally weigh up the benefits of an additional cotton picking with the loss from later wheat planting. The results shows that even taking into account high picking costs for the late picking, the benefits of extra picking are likely to outweigh the loss in wheat yields due to its late planting. The majority of farmers (34%) planted the wheat variety Pavono. This variety was used for both early and late planting. In addltion, 48% of farmers used non-recommended varieties, Le. Yeeora, Mexi-Pak, Pak70 and WL-711. The problem of s]ow uptake of new varieties reflects an inadequate distribution system for certified seed as well as farmers lack of awareness of the danger of a rust epidemic from using banned varieties. Chemical fertilizer was used by 98% of the sampled farmers. Most farmers are aware of the need to apply both nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers, although the fertilizer applications are well below the recommended rates. A quarter of the farmers applied 75% or more of the recommended level of nitrogen. Only 3% of the sampled farmers used phosphorus at the near the recommended dose. Ten weed species were found infesting the wheat crop. The Singh (Honey clover) had the highest intensity of occurrence (25%) followed by Dumbi Grass (Phalaris minor) With 22% infestation. Farmers with no weed problem in their field got high yield of 3572 kg/ha as compared to 2175 kg/ha who faced serious weed problem in their wheat fields. Irrigation is provided by perennial canal and supplemented by tube wells. The number of irrigations given to wheat varied from 3 to 8, with an average of 5 irrigations. Delayed harvesting well beyond maturity was a common practice, especially among large farmers who depend on hired labour for harvesting. The harvest index averaged 33% but declined by over 3% from early harvested fields to late harvested fields. These late fields were also late planted and hence subject to more heat stress during flowering and grain formation. The average measured wheat yields from the 100 samples was 3024 kg/ha. One third of fields yielded less than 2000 kg/ha and only 17% yielded above 4000 kg/ha. The characteristics of the high yielding fields were: a) wheat after fallow; b) better land preparation, c) planted before November 15th; d) more irrigations and; e) application of more chemical fertilizer. Conversely, low yielding fields had usually been planted after cotton, with banned and mixed varieties and with more weeds present and more salinity problem in the fields. Multiple regression analysis of yields confirmed most of these factors as significantly affecting yields. Farmers paid over one quarter of their wheat production or 10.8 kg per 40 kg for harvesting, threshing and marketing costs. Farmers received a net price of Rs 78 per 40 kg and the net value of the wheat standing in the field was Rs 57 per 40 kg yield after subtracting harvesting, threshing and transport costs. The net returns of low yielding fields (< 2000kg/ha) and high yielding fields (> 3500 kg/ha) were calculated and showed a wide difference. The net return of low yielding fields covered only variable costs but did not give a reasonable return on capital to farmers. The net return in high yielding fields was enough to give a reasonable return on capital to farmers. This shows the importance of cost reducing technologies if wheat is to remain competitive. Major problems exist with late planting of wheat, broadleaf weeds, salinity, use of banned and mixed varieties, irrigation, water efficiency and land management efficiency. An on-farm experimental research program is suggested to overcome some of these problems.
Genre Report
Access Condition Open Access
Identifier http://hdl.handle.net/10883/850