Cluster Frontline Demonstration (CFLD) on Pulses

CFLD Pulses involve Frontline Demonstration, an essential form of applied research conducted through ICAR/SAUs system. This method focuses on showcasing the latest notified or released varieties and comprehensive practices on selected farmers' fields. The primary objective is to demonstrate the technologies' potential to participating farmers, neighboring farmers, and other stakeholders. Through CFLD Pulses, production and performance of these technologies are carefully analyzed to provide valuable scientific feedback, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation in the agricultural sector.

Objectives:

To demonstrate improved Crop Production Technologies of Pulses on the farmers’ fields.

To popularize the newly notified and improved varieties/technologies for varietal diversification and efficient management of resources.

To bring synergy among planers, researchers, farmers and industry for parable interface through seminars/symposium on emerging themes of importance in the field of pulses production for deciding strategies for development of pulses

Salient features of CFLD Pulses:

CFLD Pulses are a critical component of Frontline Demonstration initiatives designed to showcase the latest agricultural technologies to farmers and stakeholders. Through collaborative efforts with ICAR/SAUs systems, CFLD pulses focus on implementing newly released varieties and comprehensive farming practices in the fields of selected farmers. By highlighting the potential benefits and performance of these technologies, CFLD pulses aim to provide participating and neighboring farmers with valuable insights and foster scientific feedback essential for improving agricultural production.

Technological Interventions under CFLD Oilseeds

Seed treatment: Seed treatment is a crucial step when it comes to ensuring the quality of CFLD Pulses. By applying fungicide, insecticide, or a combination of both to the seeds, this process effectively disinfects them from any seed-borne or soil-borne pathogens, as well as storage insects. Additionally, seed treatment includes exposure to solar energy, immersion in conditioned water, and the use of bio-fertilizers like Rhizobium, phosphorus-soluble bacteria, and Trichoderma viridi for seed inoculation. For treating CFLD Pulses seeds, chemicals like Bavistin, Carbendazime, Chloropyriphos, and Thiram are commonly utilized. Adopting meticulous seed treatment practices is paramount for maintaining the health and productivity of CFLD Pulses, making it an indispensable aspect of agricultural cultivation.

Line Sowing:It is the dropping of seeds into the soil with the help of implement such seed drill, behind the plough and then the seeds are covered by wooden plank or harrow to have contact between seed & soil. This method helps to maintain the spacing between plants which helps in plant growth. Line spacing maintained for pigeon pea is 60-90cmX30-60cm and 25-30cmX10cm other pulses like green gram, black gram, lentil and field pea in the demonstration

Weed management:Pulse crop farmers encounter distinctive hurdles when it comes to weed management in their fields. To address this challenge, the application of herbicides like Pendimethalin and Imazethapyr is commonly demonstrated. These herbicides play a crucial role in controlling weed populations effectively, ensuring that pulse crops can thrive without competing with unwanted plants for essential resources. By utilizing these herbicides strategically and following recommended application practices, pulse crop farmers can maintain healthy crop yields and maximize their agricultural productivity.

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM): Soil fertility and managing plant nutrient supply to ensure optimal productivity. By combining organic, inorganic, and biological components in an integrated manner, CFLD Pulses harness the benefits from various sources. This encompasses the application of essential nutrients like N, P, K, as well as micronutrients such as Sulphur, Zinc, and bio-fertilizers like Phosphorous Solubilizing Bacteria and Phosphorous Mobilizing Bacteria. In CFLD Pulses, this method is further enhanced by adopting soil test-based fertilizers, incorporating soil and foliar applications of micronutrients like Boron and Zinc, and integrating different bio-fertilizers into the soil. This thoughtful and holistic strategy ensures sustainable productivity while promoting the health of both the soil and the plants.

Integrated Pest Management:Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is to keep pest populations below levels that cause significant damage. To achieve this, a range of preventive and targeted plant protection chemicals are employed during demonstrations. Some of the chemicals used for pulses demonstrations include Carbedazim, Manozeb, Prophenophos, Imidachliripid, Indoxacarb, Emamectin, Thiomethoxam, and Blitox. In addition to chemical controls, organic pesticides have been utilized in select pulse demonstrations. Pheromone traps and lures have been strategically placed, enhancing the pest management strategy. Furthermore, biological control methods, such as releasing Trichogramma chilonis for combating pod borers in green gram, are also employed, showing the diverse and environmentally friendly practices involved in CFLD Pulses.