| Details of Innovation |
Before the actual planting of the mango (Mangifera indica) trees during the monsoon season, the young seedlings are first prepared either from the stone of the mango fruits or from cuttings from mango trees. At this time, there is a high prevalence of heat and dryness due to which the growth and development of seedlings is hindered, and many of them wither. The young seedlings are also vulnerable to pest and disease attacks.
To protect the young seedlings at this vulnerable stage and for better growth and development, a local variety of pigeon pea is planted along the nursery's southern and western edges. The pigeon peas provide shade to the mango seedling and increase the humidity of the soil by protecting it from the hot, dry winds that blow at this time of the year. They also produce a rich harvest of pigeon pea which can be sold in the market.
The pigeon pea crop remains for two years, and by maintaining it in the field for five years, the young seedlings of the mango tree grow into healthy trees that can withstand stress. The pigeon pea can be harvested twice, and the crop also protects the mango trees.
This practice is self-developed by the farmer. When he was not growing the pigeon pea, out of 50 seedlings, only 20 seedlings attained maturity. After he started growing pigeon pea, none of the seedlings withered. If pigeon pea is not planted, 30 plants of mango fail to grow, and the farmer has to replant the vacant spots; and as a result, the replanted mango trees develop and mature late. This process also involves heavy labor. When mango plant has been grown from cuttings, the cost of one cutting ranges from 40 to 120 rupees, and if the mango seedling fails, the farmer has to face heavy financial loss. Therefore planting pigeon pea gives a high economic advantage.
This practice has been learned from forefathers and from preparing live hedges of cactus around young seedlings to protect them.
All farmers of the region recommend the use of pigeon pea as a protective fence. |
Honey Bee Network Knowledge & Innovation Database (HBNKIND)
