9th Biennial workshop of Application Plastic in Agriculture

GANGTOK, 04 Nov: The 9th Biennial workshop of All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Application of Plastic in Agriculture (APA) was inaugurated at the College of Agricultural Engineering and Post Harvest Technology (CAEPHT), Central Agricultural University (CAU) on 04 November, informs a press release.
The workshop had former Vice-Chancellor, Rajendra Agricultural University, Samastipur, Dr. S.R Singh, as the chief guest. Dean of CAEPHT-CAU, Dr. PK Srivastava, welcomed the delegates to the workshop.
In his opening remarks, Project Coordinator, APA, Dr.PR Bhatanagar, presented a report highlighting the progress of all 11 centres including thrust areas of research on NEH for the 12th plan period, the release informs.
He pointed out the possible application of plastics in agriculture for cultivation, lining of ponds for water storage, packaging, handling and transport, use in fabrication of farm equipment to reduce the weight and increase its life. Highlighting the achievements of 37 research projects undertaken during the last 2 years, he also informed that in the coming 2 years about 34 new research projects would be discussed and drafted to be undertaken, the release mentions.
ADG (Processing Engg.), ICAR and Co-chairman of the session, Dr.KK Singh, in his address, informed that in the last 23 years of the scheme (APA), many technologies for application of plastics in agriculture have been developed but a lot of work is yet to be done for visible impact. He praised the work done by some of the centres like Bhubaneshwar, Srinagar, Palampur and others.
He also emphasised on coming up with area specific proposals for approval to be taken in for the 12th plan. Collaboration and linkage with Industries and other related departments is to be done for efficient utilization of developed technologies, he added.
Ex-DDG (Engg.), ICAR, Dr.N Ali present as guest of honour on the occasion, emphasised on more production and optimization of production to consumption chain and adding plastics may be one of the tools for this purpose.
Poly houses should be designed to get maximum crop yield based on micro climatic condition created within the poly house and the nutritional value and shelf life of the produce from poly houses should be studied, he added.
Joint Secretary NCPAH, and guest of honour, KS Iyenger while addressing the gathering emphasized the use of electronics in research of APA. Stating that the acceptance and adoption of APA technologies is limited he said that a balancing of poly house environment should be considered while using plastics in agriculture considering the recent climatic change threats, the release adds.
Chief Engineer, AFSDD, Er.SK Paul, informed the house that the state is looking for increase in use of plastics due to prevailing weather condition.
The chief guest in his inaugural remarks said that APA is an old technology and a lot have been done. Tile drains have been replaced by flexible drains, micro irrigation, silage bags, pots and well screen, packaging, lining, storage for grain, vegetable and food are the area where lot of scope for use of plastics exist, he added.
A multi disciplinary approach is required and location specific technology by studying the basics needs may have to be developed, he informed. He further said, the recycling of plastics for use as energy may be considered and that energy budgeting in poly house cultivation needs to be studied.
Director of Research, CAU, Imphal and Chairman on the occasion, Dr. Rohini Kumar, appreciated the vision of ICAR for giving the thrust for development of NE Agriculture with support of agricultural engineering which is being visible and he hopes that the expectations of the Government of India by providing the AICRPs may fulfil the requirements.
He informed about the research functional approach of the CAU and emphasized the constraints of land for experimental work. He further suggested for multi-location/multi disciplinary approach for research and technology transfer.
Later, DDG (Engg.), ICAR, Dr.MM Pandey, joined the panel discussion and technical session and it is expected that with the advice of Dr. Pandey many useful recommendations may emerge for consideration of the Government of India, the release further mentions.