Innovations

MASS (Mobile Agricultural School & Services)

MASS” itself is an innovative concept that has been empowering farmers with practical agricultural education for 18 years. This mobile training facility captivates farmers, turning learning into an engaging and enjoyable experience. Women farmers, in particular, appreciate this approach and participate with great enthusiasm. This brochure showcases the diverse successes of MASS.

Subterranean Oyster Mushroom Production

This method of oyster mushroom cultivation is unique because it uses an underground structure to maintain ideal growing conditions year-round. While the bag preparation process remains unchanged, the innovation lies in the setup: a 7-foot-deep pit is dug, and the structure is covered with earthen tiles. This subterranean environment creates a stable microclimate that supports the continuous growth of oyster mushrooms.

Climate-Resilient and Cost-Efficient Cropping System: Dragon Fruit and Drumstick

Dragon fruit is a resilient plant that thrives in a wide range of temperatures and stress conditions, as does the drumstick plant. However, in regions like Jharkhand, where summer temperatures often exceed 40 degrees Celsius, dragon fruit cultivation can be costly. The plant lacks a strong stem and requires expensive cement poles for support, making it inaccessible to small or marginal farmers. Cultivating one acre of dragon fruit requires 1,100 poles, leading to costs that surpass affordable investment. This high cost can discourage farmers from growing dragon fruit, while drumstick cultivation alone doesn't provide substantial returns.

Hence the synthesis: Innovative Cropping System - Combining Dragon Fruit and Drumstick:

By growing drumstick and dragon fruit together, farmers can create a more efficient and profitable cropping system. The sturdy drumstick plant can support the dragon fruit, reducing the need for costly cement poles. Additionally, the drumstick's foliage offers protection from harsh sunlight, improving the dragon fruit's growth. This combination not only reduces costs but also ensures consistent, profitable yields throughout the year.