How a Rajasthan Farmer Overcame High Temperatures and Drought to Achieve Record Production in the Hottest Year

Bikaner- In a remarkable display of resilience and agricultural ingenuity, Papparam son of Dularam, a poor farmer hailing from Mahadewali village in Chhatargarh, Bikaner, defied the odds by achieving a record-breaking yield of guar crop despite facing severe climatic challenges.

Overcoming a grueling 45-day drought and soaring temperatures reaching as high as 44-47 degrees Celsius, Papparam's success story has captured the attention of the farming community and experts alike.

It is noteworthy that the year 2023 was confirmed as the warmest on record, driven by human-caused climate change and boosted by the natural El Niño weather event. Last year was about 1.48C warmer than the long-term average before humans started burning large amounts of fossil fuels, the EU's climate service says.

Using innovative farming techniques and hard work, Papparam demonstrated that even in the face of changing climate patterns, agricultural challenges can be overcome. Without relying on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the farmer harvested an impressive 360 kg of guar seeds from a two-bigha area of sandy land, setting a new production record.

Dr D. Kumar, former scientist at Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) Jodhpur shared details of the farmer's success story with The Mooknayak. It was under Kumar's supervision that the effective farming practice was followed that resulted in the record yield with optimum inputs.

" It is a record production and victory over weather adversities by a farmer in Rajasthan. In comparison to other farmers within 40 kilometers vicinity, who struggled to achieve yields ranging from 300 to 380 kg per hectare, Papparam's production surpassed expectations by approximately 32.70%. His success has brought immense joy and excitement to the farming community" Dr. Kumar stated.

Utilizing a drought-resistant variety of guar seeds (HG-365) and carefully spacing them to optimize growth, Papparam ensured that his crops received adequate moisture and nutrients throughout their growth cycle. By diligently removing weeds and maintaining proper air circulation in the soil, Papparam created an environment conducive to robust crop development.

" What makes Papparam's achievement even more remarkable is the fact that he accomplished this feat without relying on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, opting instead for organic farming methods. This not only highlights his commitment to sustainable agriculture but also underscores the efficacy of eco-friendly practices in mitigating the impact of climate variability on crop production" Kumar emphasized.

According to Dr. Kumar, several key agricultural practices contributed to the exceptional yield:

• Deep Summer Plowing: In March 2023, Papparam undertook deep plowing of the field, effectively eliminating weeds and fungi present in the soil.

• Application of Rotted Compost: Approximately 5 tonnes of rotted compost were applied to two bigha fields in April, enriching the soil and enhancing nutrient availability.

• Timely Sowing and Harvesting: The farmer sowed the crop on July 30, 2023, following rainfall of 25-30 mm, and harvested it after 90 days on September 9, 2023. Despite rainfall during the ripening period, the crop was not adversely affected.

• Utilization of Coarse Guar Seeds: Papparam employed coarse seeds of the HG-365 variety, known for their drought resistance and 85-day maturity period. These seeds were scattered at a rate of 8 kg per hectare, ensuring proper spacing between plants.

• Continuous Weed Removal: He diligently removed weeds for 50 days after sowing, maintaining a weed-free environment conducive to crop growth.

• Effective Moisture Management: By ensuring the availability of moisture at a depth of 1 foot and promoting deep root growth (up to 100-110 cm), Papparam mitigated the effects of drought and ensured constant access to moisture until the plants ripened.

The absence of weeds facilitated optimal moisture retention and nutrient absorption by the plants. Additionally, proper plant spacing and reduced seed quantity ensured proportionate growth and ample room for root expansion. Regular deep weeding further promoted air circulation in the soil, enhancing overall plant health and productivity.

Kumar emphasized that Papparam's approach differed significantly from traditional farming practices observed among Marwari farmers, who typically sow more seeds, neglect weed management, and rely on external factors for crop success. His meticulous attention to detail and adoption of modern agricultural techniques exemplify the potential for innovation and sustainability in farming practices.

Also Read-