1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Soil protection and rehabilitation for food security (ProSo(i)l)

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

GIZ India (GIZ India) - India

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Alliance Bioversity and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (Alliance Bioversity-CIAT) - Kenya

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Ecociate Consultants (Ecociate Consultants) - India

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

Comments:

The technology described here is related to sustainable land and other resource management systems.

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

The Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing Technology aims to sow 12 to 15 different crop varieties in April without waiting for rain. To achieve this the seeds are pelletized with a mixture of clay soils, bio-inoculants like dried Ghanjeevamruth and Dravajeevamrit, and ash. The main objective of this technology is to empower rainfed farmers by utilizing the initial rainfall in April and May for crop cultivation. By using pelettized seeds, they can maximize the effectiveness of rainfall showers before the arrival of the monsoon season. Such seeds can also survive, if there are delay in the rainfall as the pellets around the seed help it in maintaining the moisture.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Pre-monsoon dry sowing (PMDS) is a system of sowing, tilling and tending the land wherein the farmer grows crops in non-farming seasons or whenever there is no crop cover on the land. This can be practised before the advent of monsoon, during summer (April-May), after Kharif and before the beginning of the Rabi season (September and October). PMDS harnesses the water vapor from air that gets settled in the form of early morning dew. The dew supplies the required moisture to the soil. (Reference:-https://apcnf.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDS-2020-2021-APCNF-PMDS-Report.pdf)

In the study where PMDS was practised before the onset of the monsoon season, typically during the dry month of April. The seeds are pelletized with a mixture of clay soils, bio-inoculants, and ash, which creates a protective coating around the seed and helps it to germinate even in the case of delayed rains or very little rainfall. The coating around the seed, helps it to maintain moisture and support its germination. As the name suggests, the technology is good for utilising the pre-monsoon season by advancing the sowing cycles, using the usually dry months of summer and utilising the pre-monsoon rains.

This technology benefits rainfed areas where farmers rely solely on rainfall for irrigation. PMDS aims to promote an extended duration of crop cover under rainfed conditions, allowing farmers to cultivate crops with a reduced risk of crop failure in the cases of delayed or lower rainfall. Since seeds are germinated before the arrival of monsoon, there are times when they can also survive the heavy rains. This technology is useful in utilising moisture to the best extent possible as seeds are covered with the outer layer of clay and other stuff. In the Mandla District of Madhya Pradesh, farmers utilized seeds from their homes, comprising 12 to 15 crops, including cereals, pulses, and spices. These collected seeds were pelletized, dried for 24 hours, and broadcasted into minimally tilled soil. The diversified crop combination was grown until July and mixed with the soil before paddy transplanting. This process improves the soil's microbial activity, resulting in increased yields in crops grown before paddy and in the paddy crop itself. Therefore, the farmers benefit from increased production and yields through this technique of PMDS.

PMDS not only improves the economics of farmers but it also improves soil health. The covering of the soil with different crops protects it from heat, pounding rain, and wind. It also improves diversity in soil microorganisms, beneficial insects and other species. Covering soil for 365 days with plant diversity is also critical to protect soil health and balance climate change. PMDS can facilitate all these functions.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2022

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• during experiments/ research
• through projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

The modified PMDS technology used in another program, the Andhra Pradesh Natural Farming Program, has been adopted here.

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production
• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
• preserve/ improve biodiversity
• adapt to climate change/ extremes and its impacts
• create beneficial economic impact

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• Yes (Please fill out the questions below with regard to the land use before implementation of the Technology)

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

Comments:

The PMDS technology has enabled crop diversification in the Mandla District from April to July.

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• rainfed

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• improved ground/ vegetation cover
• minimal soil disturbance
• integrated soil fertility management

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

Comments:

The PMDS (pre-monsoon dry sowing) technique involves crop diversification and the utilization of rainfed land from April to July, typically left unused, to improve soil health. This is achieved by planting green crops that are later harvested, leaving the crop biomass in the soil to retain moisture, and subsequently growing paddy crops on the same land. This approach has the added benefit of increasing yields, improving crop quality, and reducing farmers' reliance on only one single crop.

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

Mandla district receives rainfall of around 1500mm, and soil is highly susceptible to erosion. Covering the soil with different crops reduces the erosion potential, and mixing the soil with biomass improves soil health.

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• prevent land degradation
• reduce land degradation

Comments:

Land degradation by water erosion is reduced by covering the topsoil with crops for an extended duration. The addition of crop biomass improves soil health.

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology area

other/ national currency (specify):

INR (March, 2023)

If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

82.5

4.3 Establishment activities

Comments:

There are no establishment activities under the PMDS.

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Comments:

There are no establishment costs required for PMDS as it's only a sowing activity. Farmers do hire agriculture equipments to undertake the activity.

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Collection of seeds	1 month before the onset of Monsoon (mid May in project area)
2.	Seed treatment and preparation of seed balls	End of May in project area
3.	Broadcasting of the seed balls	End of May in project area
4.	Soil rotation	2-3 days after the broadcasting of seed balls
5.	Harvesting of leafy vegetables, fodder and other produces	Mid of June to mid of July
6.	Mixing the green manure in soils	End of July or before transplantation of rice

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Seed treatment, preparation of seed balls	Person days	1.0	200.0	200.0	100.0
Labour	Broadcasting of seeds	Person days	1.0	200.0	200.0	100.0
Labour	Harvesting of the crops	Person days	2.0	150.0	300.0	100.0
Equipment	Agriculture equipment for soil rotation	Hour	0.5	600.0	300.0	100.0
Equipment	Cultivator	Hour	1.0	600.0	600.0	100.0
Plant material	Seeds of different crops	kg	6.0	75.0	450.0	100.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Bio-inputs	LS	1.0	400.0	400.0	100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					2450.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					29.7

Comments:

Technical inputs were provided from the project around the seed treatment, sowing, and monitoring of the crops.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Availability of seeds, bio-inputs, and rainfall pattern. Usually, there are rains during the pre-monsoon season in the project area, however, in case of no rains at all during the entire summer, farmers may not be in a position to achieve the desired results.

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

Comments and further specifications on topography:

Bichhiya is a block in the Mandla district characterized by diverse topography. The block is located in the southern part of the District and is situated in the foothills of the Satpura range.
The topography of the Bichhiya block is hilly. The block has an average elevation of around 550 meters above sea level. The hills are covered with forests and are rich in flora and fauna.
The region has several small streams and tributaries that flow through it, which are mostly seasonal and originate in the hills.

5.3 Soils

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

The region has several small streams and tributaries that flow through it, primarily seasonal and originating in the hills. The area is also known for its waterfalls, including the Patalpani waterfall, a popular tourist destination.

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

The area is surrounded by Kasha National Park and Phen Wildlife Sanctuary, with a good presence of forest area. Thus biodiversity is outstanding.

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Bichhiya block has a significant tribal population. According to the 2011 Census of India, the block has a total population of around 47,000, of which approximately 41% are classified as Scheduled Tribes (STs). The powerful tribes inhabiting the region include the Gonds, Baigas, and Korkus.

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:

• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• individual

Water use rights:

• communal (organized)
• individual

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

Soil

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

Climate and disaster risk reduction

Specify assessment of on-site impacts (measurements):

All the impacts indicated here are based on the discussions with land users and implementing agency. The reported outcomes are based on eye observations and estimations. Some of the impacts are also based on the reports and secondary documents published on the PMDS.

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

Specify assessment of off-site impacts (measurements):

PMDS method is farmland-specific technology wherein effective utilization of natural resources (land and rainfall) is done. Therefore no direct off site impact of the technology is observed.

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change

	Season	increase or decrease	How does the Technology cope with it?
other gradual climate change	Adaptation to climate vulnerabilities by crop diversification and effective utilization of natural resources	increase	very well

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Other climate-related extremes (disasters)

other (specify)	How does the Technology cope with it?
Adaptation to climate change	very well

Comments:

The technology adapts well to climate change, as crop diversification sustains rainfall variability. An increase in soil biomass improves soil health. Making the system more resilient to climate variability.

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

Comments:

The PMDS technology does not require any higher establishment cost, as most of the material is locally available. The maintenance of technology is also limited as once the pelleted seeds are sown there is hardly any maintenance required. The returns on the use of technology are very positive as an additional source of income is available.

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• 1-10%

If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

Approximately 100 farmers have adopted the newly introduce PMDS technology in 2020-21.

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 91-100%

Comments:

Approximately 100 farmers have adopted the newly introduce PMDS technology in 2020-21, supported by capacity building and training programs

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

Yes

other (specify):

Diversified Combination

Specify adaptation of the Technology (design, material/ species, etc.):

The crop combination is diversified based on the seeds available and household nutrition requirements

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Increase PMDS crop productivity and yield 20-25% subsequent crops, especially paddy crops
Soil structure is improved
Crop Diversification: 12 - 15 different crops are grown on the same piece of land
Fodder availability to animals during the summer season

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Ensuring a crop cover for 365 days leads to reduced soil erosion and improved soil health
Maintaining the soil moisture for the subsequent crops, which are cultivated in the rain-fed conditions
Regular practice of PMDS can increase the soil's organic carbon as a lot of green manure is incorporated in the soil resulting in higher carbon content

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
Open grazing of cattle during summer is a common practice. As there are no standing crops in the field, farmers tend to allow their animals for open grazing. However, the cultivation of crops using the PMDS method tends to attract cattle as other fields in the project areas do not have any green cover.	Village-level community institutions can develop a system to minimize the grazing in the fields having crops or the higher adoption of PMDS by the farmers will gradually reduce this risk as PMDS can be a good source of green fodder as well.
Farmers are putting in extra quantities of seeds for various crops for sowing during the PMDS. In normal cases, they will sow the seeds only after the onset of the monsoon and when the field is ready for sowing. Thus in PMDS, they may feel like losing their seeds if there is no germination due to delays in monsoon or other reasons.	Farmers can be supported by providing seeds for the first year to mitigate the risk and exchanging weather-related information in advance. So that they can make an informed decision.

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Very low to no awareness of the PMDS methodology and benefits among the project farmers.	Regular handholding and demonstrations along with good audio-video documentation for dissemination.
Possible delay in sowing and harvesting of the Kharif and Rabi crops due to delayed monsoon or appropriate soil conditions.	Scheduling the crops based on a crop calendar is one solution; another solution is to explore the seed varieties suitable for delayed sowing.

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

Assessing the Impact of Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming: A comprehensive Approach Using Crop Cutting Experiments Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing Farming in Andhra Pradesh

URL:

https://apcnf.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IDS-2020-2021-APCNF-PMDS-Report.pdf