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I. Demonstration of performance of triple layered hermetic storage bags for storing of rice, redgram dhal, groundnut and horsegram

Post-harvest losses are a significant concern, reaching as high as 36%. Insects are the major cause of dry matter loss; however, improper grain drying often results in damage by storage fungi and the risk of mycotoxin accumulation. The majority of smallholder farmers use traditional methods to handle and store their grain after harvest. Solar drying is effective, but it is often difficult toattain the targeted grain moisture when weather conditions are not favorable. Storage of the grain in wovenbags is inexpensive but requires the application of insecticide .Farmers have become more aware of the potential health issues associated with these insecticides, especially when the grain isstored within the home.

Technology Assessed:

T1: Farmers method

T2:Triple layer hermetic storage system (Perdue

Induced Crop  Storage  bags (PICS)

Critical inputs given: Pest free triple layer hermetic bags(PICS)

Results: Table :1Performance of  triple layered  hermetic storage bags

Grain storage under hermetic conditions reducedinsect infestation, grain weight loss and discoloration. and drudgery was recorded  minimum on frequent cleaning and storing of grains. Labour charges for cleaning of grains was reduced.

II. Cotton knitted hand gloves for harvesting the vegetable crops (bendi & brinjal)

Harvesting of vegetable crops and fodder causes cuts,rashes on hands and  ultimately causes  irritation, allergies, and black patches on hands.

Women are experiencing drudgery while harvesting vegetables. It includes Allergies, skin scratches, thorn picks and wounds

The Cotton knitted hand gloves were demonstrated  in  10 locations.

T1- Famers following regular practice

T2 – Farmers using cotton knitted hand gloves

Critical inputs given: Cotton knitted gloves

Results: Difficulty score was high before intervention (40% difficulty, 20% very difficult and 40% moderate level) and after intervention difficulty score was very less using cotton knitted hand gloves. (80%).

Drudgery index (DI) scorebetween 70 &above = Maximum drudgery

Drudgery index (DI) scorebetween50&70 = Moderate drudgery

Drudgery index (DI) scorebetween50&below = Minimum drudgery 

Front Line Demonstrations

FLD 1:  Drudgery reducing implement for weeding in groundnut with wheel hoe

Groundnut is a major crop in KVK Kalikiri adopted villages especially in kharif season. Weeding is a major problem to the farm women.  The farm women sit in squatting position. This increases drudgery leading to back pain and fatigue. The work output is also low and it demands more labour and time. The availability of labour is also a major problem in western mandals of Chittoor district. In view of the prevailing problems, KVK Kalikiri has conducted front line demonstration on drudgery reducing implement for weeding in groundnut with wheel hoe.

T1: Using of drudgery reducing implement i.e. wheel hoe 

T2:  Farmers method i.e. hand hoe 

No. of locations: 10

It can be concluded from the above Table that, weeding with wheel hoe has reduced drudgery 13% compared to farmers’ practice. Total number of labour required for weeding with wheel hoe was 23 mebers per ha, whereas it was 53 members per ha in farmers practice and Labor wages reduced by Rs.4500/- per ha. 

FLD 2.Introducing Rajasri birds as back yard poultry (Rabi, 2014-15)

Malnutrition and nutrition deficiencies are the main constraints in villages of Kalikiri mandal.  Egg is considered to be reference protein as it contains all the essential amino acids.  So to increase the health and nutritional status of the individuals consumption of eggs must be encouraged as it contains qualitative proteins. In addition to supply of nutrients, they also provide some additional income by selling the left over after consumption.  Hence to achieve this backyard poultry farming needs to be encouraged.

T1: Rajasri birds.

T2: Local poultry birds

Consumption of eggs and chicken was increased after distribution of rajasri birds and farm women also got additional income by sale of eggs.

During 2015-16 also Rajasri birds were distributed as back yard poultry at 10 locations in KVK adopted villages.

FLD 03. Demonstration of Mango Harvesters Designed by IIHR(2014-15)

Mango is one of major horticultural crops in western mandals of Chittoor district. Manual plucking of fruits is generally followed by the farmers but it is cumbersome and not possible to pluck the fruit at end of branches. Further, the tree branches are shaken to speed up the harvesting, which results in post harvest losses due to physical damage. Hence demonstrations to show the performance of IIHR mango harvester were conducted.  

T1 : Using IIHR Designed Mango Harvester

T2 : Farmers practice (locally designed harvesters) 

Observations:

• Decreased fruit damage.
• The diameter of the rim of IIHR harvester is small and hence less number of fruits could be harvested compared to locally designed harvester.

Minikits