Dear Devraj

NPK rate recommended in maize and cowpea intercropped for fodder purpose is 67.5 kg N + 30 kg P2O5 per hectare under irrigated condition of Punjab in northern India. Due to cowpea as legume component there is need to 25% reduction in N application due to biological N fixation (N is reduced from 90 kg to 67.5kg/ha). You can go through my publication for this "Productivity and quality of intercropped maize (Zea mays L.) + cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] fodder as influenced by nitrogen and phosphorus levels " Range Mgmt. & Agroforestry 35 (2) : 263-267, 2014.

Regards

Thanks Sir for your answer....what is potassium recommendation then?

Dear Devraj Chalise,

In the mixture of cowpea with maize, the cowpea would not benefit from Nitrogen at all while application for Maize would need ooth N and K critically.

Using superphosphate at 30 kg/ha would give starter for both cowpea and maize supplying good amounts for both crops. This is usually planted in proximity to the seed.  

In the maize component 60 kg of N and 60 kg K would be gross level to give good economic response.

It would be good to have soil analysis to improve the needs for your crops. For instance you may need Zinc if your pH is alkaline for good maize production.

If you have soil test, a better recommendation might result.

If you have a soil document I would be glad to look it over and give a more refined recommendation.

Paul

CURRENT STATUS AND CONSTRAINTS IN INDIGENOUS BUFFALO PRODUCTION IN WESTERN HILLS OF NEPAL

KP Dhungana1, MK Shah1,U Paneru1 J Lamichane1and P Sharma2

1. Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lumle

2. Directorate of Livestock Production, Hariharbhawan

Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

An attempt has made to study the current status and constraints of indigenous buffalo production in western midhills of Nepal. A total of 70 buffalo raising farmers were interviewed in Tarakhola of Baglung and Ramche of Myagdi district through a semi-structural questionnaire survey from December,2015 to February, 2016. Secondary data collection, key informants survey and focus group discussion was done to synthesize the information more correctly. Finding of the study revealed that farmers have adopted conventional animal husbandry practice with indigenous breed, native forage and fodder species and traditional veterinary practices. Average number of indigenous buffalo per house hold was found 2, comprising of 37.2%, 34.9% and 27.9% of lime, Parkote and crossbreed respectively. Milk production of these buffalo varied between 2-7 L / day with a lactation length of 180 -540 days. Major factors associated with constraint in indigenous population are lack of appropriate conservation strategy from government (30%) followed by insufficient profit from indigenous buffalo farming (23.3%), considered no attraction in agriculture occupation and seeking alternate from it (23.3%), no adaptation of improved technology (13.3%) and all of aforementioned (10%). Several reasons are accounted for causes of declining of indigenous buffaloes. Majority of respondent (39%) are reluctant to choose agriculture occupation and are interested to seek other attractive job. About 34.1% of them replied that a large number of rural youths have been migrating to foreign countries for searching attractive job. Similarly, 7.3% of respondent consider lack of awareness on genetic improvement as a major cause, effect of climate change on buffalo production (4.9%), lack of proper breeding policy (2.4%), unavailability of suitable breeding bull (2.4%) and all of above (7.3%).

Introduction

Livestock is an integral component of Nepalese farming system that contributes nearly one third of the Agriculture Gross Domestic Product (AGDP). It is one of the major source of foreign exchange earnings, meeting the food requirements of growing population, and providing employment opportunity particularly to rural and resources poor farmers.

Buffalo is one of the most important livestock commodity in Nepal. it is also a major contributor of national meat and milk production. Buffalo alone contributes about 70% and 60% of national annual milk and meat production respectively (Shreshtha et.al. 2013 and Mishra,2013). Nearly half of the households of the country keep buffaloes primarily for milk and meat and also for manure, hide, traction and ploughing agricultural land. Most people in Nepal have preferred buffalo milk than cattle milk due to its appealing white colour and richness in fat and solid not fat which has good taste and fetches higher price in market.

The indigenous buffalo population in Nepal can be broadly classified into three groups based on their breed characteristics- Lime, Parkote and Gaddi are the three breeds of Hill buffalo Lime and Parkote buffaloes have been characterized to the extent of being phenotypically recognizable and are abundantly found in western mid-hills of Nepal. Amongst the existing buffalo population, indigenous buffalo and their intermediate types contribute around 64% (Neupane et.al., 2007 ).

Indigenous buffaloes of Nepal have the ability to adapt across different agro-ecological zones, exist in low plain of nutritional regime, possess efficient forage digestion ability and cold tolerance, and have relatively smaller body size. Therefore, they are highly suitable to thrive on narrow and steep slope of the Hills and Mountains of the country(Shreshtha et.al,2013).

The pure breed Lime is believed to have originated from wild Arna (Bubalus arnii), and has been domesticated throughout the known history of Nepal. They are found more towards the higher altitude of the hills in the country. It has been estimated that about 35% of the total indigenous buffalo population in the hills and mountain of the country are Lime and only 25% of these are Parkote ( Shreshtha et.al. 2003, Rasali 1998,Rasali,2000).

The Lime buffalo is estimated at 35% of the total indigenous buffalo population in the hills and mountains of the country (Rasali 1998,2000).

Phenotypically, the Lime buffalo are light brown and relatively small in body size, with characteristic chevrons of gray or white hair below the jaws and around the brisket, and small sickle shaped horns curved towards the neck (Rasali 1998).They have gray coat color; gray brown or blackish skin color, black muzzle; grayish, brownish or whitish eye brow; grayish, brownish or whitish leg markings; whitish chevron marks around the neck and brisket (Rasali et al., 1998b).

Parkote buffalo are the typical buffalo of the mid hill and river valleys of Nepal. However, due to traditional practice of crossbreeding this breed with Lime buffalo and also due to recent crossbreeding efforts with Indian Murrah, their population in pure true to type form is declining. Now, pure breed population is estimated at only 25 % of the indigenous population of buffaloes in the hills and mountains in Nepal.

Phenotypic ally, the Parkote buffalo are dark in coat color and medium built body size, with sword-shaped horns directed laterally or towards the back of the body (Rasali, 1998; Pradhan et al., 1996).They have black coat color; black skin color; black muzzle; black eye brow; usually no leg markings; and chevron marks absent (Rasali et al., 1998).

2. Materials and Methods

2.1 Selection of site and farmers

Two sites of indigenous buffalo raising pocket areas were selected in Tarakhola of Baglung district and Ramche of the Myagdi to assess the existing breeding, feeding and health management condition of indigenous buffalo in consultation with district livestock/Veterinary offices of respective districts. A total of 30 buffalo raising farmers comprising of 31 in Myagdi and 39 in Baglung , who agree to comply as per protocol and having at least one buffalo were selected for the study.

2.2 Household Survey and focus group discussion

A semi-structural and open ended questionnaire format was prepared and questioned verbally to a total of 70 indigenous buffalo raising farmers comprising of a total of 31 farmers in Ramche Myagdi and 39 in Tarakhola ,Baglung. They were requested to deliver their views on existing breeding, feeding, shed and health management practices adopted to raise their indigenous buffalo. In addition to it they were asked verbally to describe reason behind the no increase in productivity and declining trends of indigenous buffalo in their location. Moreover, focus group discussion was made among the chairman, members and other farmers of dairy cooperatives to get more precise information.

2.3 Interview with knowledgeable key informants and extension workers

Knowledgeable key informants were selected among the executive members of dairy cooperative, intellectuals and local leaders of the village. They were interviewed to scrutinize the information shared by the buffalo raising farmers and other concerned personnel to get precise information .They were questioned to provide information on existing situation of feeding, breeding and health management practice, reason behind decreasing or increasing trend of productivity and declining trends of indigenous buffaloes as well. Furthermore, Technicians and district livestock officers of respective district were interviewed to get more and reliable information on feeding, breeding, health management practices and existing status of indigenous buffalo and reason behind the decreasing trends of indigenous buffaloes.

2.4 Collection of secondary information and data analysis

Required secondary information was collected from district profile, annual reports from respective district and statistical book.

3. Result and discussion

3.1 Proportion of Caste/ Ethnicity and occupational caste

A total of 70 indigenous buffalo rearing farmers comprising of 39 from Tarakhola of Baglung and 31 from Ramche Myagdi were surveyed through a semi-structural and open ended questionnaire . Among the participatory farmers majority of them (64.3%) belong to ethinic group followed by 32.35 % of them were caste and remaining 2.9% of them were from occupational caste or Dalit.

Table-1 Proportion of Caste ,Ethnicity and occupational Caste

S.No Caste/ethnicity Frequency Percentage

1 Brahaman /Chhetri 23 32.8

2 Dalit 2 2.9

3 Janjati 45 64.3

Total 70 100

Main Occupation of the respondents.

Table-2. Land ownership and animals / household

S.No Description N Minimum Maximum Mean ± SE

1 Total land 48 0.5 30 6.1±0.78

2 Khet 2 2 4 3± 1.0

3 Bari 40 1 30 6.16±0.89

2 Cattle 5 1 2 1±0.24

3 Buffalo 69 1 13 2±0.23

4 Goat 24 1.00 13.00 3. ±0..513

5 Rabbit 4 2.00 16.00 10±3.66

6 Bullock 10 1.00 2.00 2 ±0.152

7 Chicken 11 1.00 54 12±4.51

8 Buffalo Sire 1 1.00 1

Buffalo raising farmers of Myagdi and Baglung has been reared on an average of 2 buffalo per household. Due to scarcity of labour force and acute shortage of fallow land in the village, farmers have been raised their buffalo under stall-feeding management system along with an average of 1-2 two buffalo as a sustainable buffalo farming. It is in accordance with finding made by Shreshtha et.al (2003).

Fig-1 Population of buffalo in Nepal

Fig 1 Population of buffalo during 13 years

Source: - Agri-Business Promotion and Statistics Division, 2013/014, 2014/015

Fig-2. Increasing /Decreasing trend of buffalo .

3.2 Buffalo Breed

A total of three native buffalo breeds, namely Lime, Parkote and Gaddi have been identified and characterized in Nepal. Gaddi buffaloes are localized in the far western hills of Nepal, whereas Lime and Parkote are found scattered throughout western hills of Nepal. Both buffalo are riverine type with 2n=50 chromosomes (Rasali et al., 1998a) . Due to indiscriminant breeding, intermediate between Lime and Parkote are also found in the greater number. Population of Parkote has been found in decreasing trend rather than Lime Buffalo.

Table-3. Buffalo breed

S.No Buffalo breed Frequency Percent

2 Murra Cross 1 1.42

3 Lime 26 37.2

4 Parkote 24 34.9

5 Crossbred of Lime and Parkote 19 27.9

Total

70 100.0

3.3 Buffalo feed in summer season (Under farmer management condition)

An attempt has made to explore the existing feeding system of indigenous buffalo. Table 4 depicted the existing feeding of the indigenous buffalo. All of the respondents replied that they have not been used commercial ration i.e concentration feed and other feed to their buffaloes. All of them have used conventional feed whichever they found in their village .Majority of them ( 71.2%)feed most commonly found forage species namely khar,Ladaura,Lise,Raunne,Banso,Raulo,Makaiko Dath,, Siru,Nepier, ,Gazelna,Banbane,Lute Jhar, Tinpate ,Kodoko nal and Aluko pat and kundo (made from grinded maize and soybean ) .

Table-4 Buffalo feed in summer season

S.No Feed Frequency Percentage

1 Forage and cooked homemade concentrate (Kundo) 47 71.2

2 Forage Only 15 22.7

3 Local feed and forage 2 3.0

4 Other 2 3.0

Total 66 100.0

Majority of respondents (71.2%) provide Forage grass and cooked homemade concentrate (Kundo ) prepared from maize and soybean at an amount of 53.4 ±2.8 and 1.4± 0.067 kg respectively per day to their buffalo even though they have not feed commercial ration and exotic forage species to them.

3.4 . Buffalo Feed During Winter season

Almost all respondents (82.5%) have been provided Rice/Millet straw, cooked home made concentrate (Kundo) and different fodder species to their buffaloes. Amount of rice /millet straw, cooked homemade concentrate (Kundo) and different fodder species were reported to be 21.31±1.87, 1.4± 0.067 and 40.96±2.58 kg respectively. Among the fodder species , Dudhilo, Kharsu, Phalat, Bans, Phorso, Jhiguno and Bhanjo were most commonly used fodder species which are abundantly found in those locations. Nevertheless they have not feed improved fodder species of Rai khaniyo,Nimaro, Badhar etc

Table-5. Buffalo Feed During Winter season

S.No Feed Frequency Percentage

1 Rice/millet straw and boiled cereal grain 5 7.9

2 Rice/Millet straw and cooked home made concentrate (Kundo) and fodder 52 82.5

3 Rice/milet straw and fodder 3 4.8

4 Rice/Millet straw and 1 1.6

5 Rice straw and fodder 1 1.6

6 Millet straw and chocker 1 1.6

Total 63 100

3.5 Availability of fodder species throughout the winter season

In both side respondents have not been cultivated saplings of improved fodder species. They feed different fodder species abundantly found in their land and near the forest to their buffalo during 6-7 month (58.7%) followed by 5-6 month (25.4%) and 7-8 month and 1-2 month ( 1.6%) respectively.

Table-6 .Availability of fodder species throughout the winter season

S.No Availability period Frequency Percentage

1 6-7 month 37 58.7

2 5-6 month 16 25.4

3 3-4 month 8 12.7

4 1-2 month 1 1.6

5 7-8 month 1 1.6

Total 63 100.0

3.6 Suckling to calf

Respondents were asked that how many times they allowed to suckling the calf to their mother .Majority of farmers were opined that they allowed to suckling their bulf calf throughout the lactation (73.8%) followed by after 6 month onwards of calving (16.9%) and after 5-11 days onwards of calving. Hence the finding showed no practice of early year male buffalo calf disposal.

Table-7. Suckling to calf

S.No Suckling duration Frequency Percent

1 Throughout the lactation 48 73.8

2 After 6 month onwards of calving 11 16.9

3 After 3 month onwards of calving 5 7.7

4 After 5-11 days onwards of calving 1 1.5

Total 65 100.0

3.7. Disposing of the male calf

Respondents were asked whether they disposed the male calf or not. Majority of them (52.3%) have been disposed male calf and remaining (47.7%) have not been disposed male calf. Disposing of male calf may be due to difficulty in rearing, inadequate availability of feed resources and lack of labour and space to rear the calves.

Table-9 Disposal of male calf

S.No Disposal of male Calf Frequency Percentage

1 Yes 34 52.3

2 No 31 47.7

Total 65 100

3.8 Time of disposing the male calf.

An attempt has made to know when the male calf disposed. About 45%of respondents allowed to dispose their buffalo calf after end of lactation or drying period followed by after 11-12 months onwards of calving (30%) and 4-5 days of onwards of calving (10%) and 11 days onwards of calving (5%) which is depicted in table-8.

New borne calves are either the replacement herd or breeding bulls .Higher propoertion of respondent disposed the male calf after the stopping of milking followed by 11-12 month onwards of calving. Study revealed the not practice of early disposed of male calf. In Devisthan of Myagdi male calf after one year is used for sacrifices to celebrate Dashain festival and funeral ceromony as a ritual function which is compulsory to officer in their ritual(Personal contact with Amlal Pun and Kamansing Pun ,2072 Chaitra 6) function.

Table-10 Disposal of male calf

S.No Disposal of male Calf Frequency Percentage

1 4-5 days onwards of calving

4

10

2 11 days onwards of calving 2 5.0

3 11-12 months onwards of calving 12 30

4 After drying of period of lactation 18 45.0

5 Within the day of calving 1 2.5

6 No dispose and keeping for breeding 3 7.5

Total 40 100.0

3.9 Reason behind the disposal of male calf

Respondents were asked to deliver their views for reason behind disposal of male calf .About 38% of them replied that they disposed male calf for getting more milk or to save milk followed by more expenditure for calf rearing ( 23.8%) and not profit from calf rearing ( 11.9%). It is in accordance with finding made by Shreshtha et.al.(2003)

Table-11 Reason behind disposal of male calf

S.No Reason behind disposal of male Calf Frequency Percentage

1 For getting more milk 16 38.1

2 Inconvenient to milking the buffalo 4 9.5

3 Not profit from calf rearing 5 11.9

4 Unable to rear the male calf 1 2.4

5 More expenditure for calf rearing 10 23.8

6 Other 6 14.3

Total 42 100.0

3.10 Disposal of female calf

An attempt has made to explore whether the female calf has been disposed or not. Unlike male calf, majority (82.5%) of respondents have not been disposed their female calf and remaining 17.5% of them have been disposed their female calf. Reason behind them disposing of female calf may due to save more milk, difficulty in milking the buffalo and rearing the calf.

Table-12.Disposal of female calf

S.No Disposal of male Calf Frequency Percentage

1 Yes 11 17.5

2 No 52 82.5

Total 63 100

3.11 Selection of buffalo bull for breeding purpose

Majority of respondents ( 73.8%) have been selecting the buffalo bulls to breed their buffalo remaining 26% of them have not been select and breed their whichever the buffalo bull is available in the village. All of them have used only natural breeding to bred their buffalo and artificial insemination is not practice in their due to inconvenience to made available the AI service and no implemented of such service in indigenous germplasm.

Table-13.Selection of buffalo bull for breeding purpose

S.No Selection of buffalo bull Frequency Percentage

1 Yes 45 73.8

2 No 16 26.2

Total 61 100.0

3.12 Basis of Selection

Respondents who have been selecting buffalo bulls, they preferred the buffalo bulls which is available in their village during the time of buffalo is in heat (61.4%) followed by vigor and body condition of buffalo bulls (24.6%) and on the basis of bull's dam milk production. Although DLSO promulgated the conservation site of Lime and Parkote Buffalo in Tarakhola of Baglung and Ramche of Myagdi district. ,there is no separate breeding bulls of true to type Lime and Parkote in those site .It is in the line with sthrestha et.al (2003) that buffalo rearing farmers of different 11 districts in western hills were compelled to use the available bulls within the nearest location from their household.

Table-14 Basis of selection

S.No Basis of Selection Frequency percentage

1 On the basis of bull's dam milk production 8 14.0

2 Vigor and Body condition of buffalo bull 14 24.6

3 Buffalo bull whichever available in the village 35 61.4

Dear Devraj,

At first you should have soil test  and what is your target about this intercropped (seed or forage production) and finally pls inform about your variety.

Dear Devraj,

The answer to this question may not be direct. It depends on a number of interrelated factors. The soil fertility status, the cropping history or the preceding crop,  the crop variety to be grown, the amount and distribution of rainfall or irrigation frequency and the expected yield by the producer are among the major factors affecting the rate of NPK fertilizers to be applied.

Soil test based fertilizer application is a good approach in terms of balanced fertilization of crops, crop quality, economic profitability and environmental management. Furthermore, in the case of intercropping or mixed cropping system, the  companion crops are considered as main and intercrops. For instance, in your case fodder maize looks the main crop, and in this case if there are the recommended rates for NPK fertilizers  you you may apply  for the main crop. Since both crops have different root systems and depth they may exploit resources in different way. You may find several works in this regard.

Any recommendation should be based on type of soil, variety of maize and cowpea, maturity period and the relative times of planting the maize and cowpea.