Project Management Experiences of Prof. Dr. Md. Jafar Ullah
Project Management Experiences of Prof.
Dr. Md. Jafar Ullah
1. |
Name of the project: Intercropping legumes with sunflower and fodder
maize Funding organization(s): Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Research
System Duration: 2008-2009 Present status: Completed and reported |
Expt.1. Effect of intercropping chickpea with sunflower under
different row and spacing arrangements Abstract The experiment was conducted to find out the effect of intercropping
chickpea with sunflower under different row and spacing arrangements at the
experimental field of Agronomy Department of of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural
University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh during the period from Nov 2008 to March
2009. Seeds of sunflower variety DS-1 (Kironi) and Chickpea variety BARI
Chola-5 used as a test crop for the study. The experiment consisted of nine
row arrangement combinations of row to row distance between two paired row of
maize 30-50 cm using gaps between two adjacent maize paired rows 70 – 100 cm
and planting herein 1-4 rows of chickpea maintaining row to row distance of 20-40
cm. Results revealed that the maximum soil moisture (30-35%), LER (1.76),
equivalent yield of sunflower (3.81 t ha-1), equivalent yield of chickpea (4.49 t ha-1)
, combined yield of sunflower and chickpea (4.08 t ha-1) was recorded when two rows of chickpea were
sown 40 cm apart in 70 cm gap of sunflower paired rows of 30 cm apart which
was significantly higher than those of both the sole crop maize and chickpea. |
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Expt. 2: Performanceof maize mungbean intercropping grown under
different plantion geometry Abstract: A field experiment was carried out at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural
University farm to study the effect of intercropping summer mungbean with
maize on the fodder and grain yield productivity under different planting
geometry. There were fourteen treatments comprising different combinations of
row and space arrangements (maize paired row planted at 25-37.5 cm apart
leaving 75-112.5 cm space between two adjacent maize paired row, 2-4 rows of
mungbean planted using 17-30 cm row to row distance between two adjacent
maize paired rows). Results showed
that both the sole maize and mungbean gave the highest values in most of the
plant parameters studied. Among the intercropping treatments with maize
paired rows planed 25 cm-apart leaving 85 cm space between adjacent paired
rows accommodating 2-3 rows of mungbean planted 25 cm apart gave
comparatively higher values of yield and yield parameters of maize. But the
sole mungbean showed significantly the highest values of fodder and grain
yield and also those of yield attributes. The highest net return, maize
equivalent yield, LER and BCR were Tk. 69615, 7307.67 Kg/ha, 1d.43 and 2.74
respectively with the same treatment. |
2 |
Name of the project: Effect of natural and synthetic growth regulators
on germination and vigour of different pulse seeds Funding organization(s): Bangladesh University Grants Commission Duration:2010-2011 Present status: Completed and reported Abstract Growth regulators affect seed germination and vigour
of different crops. Nine natural and synthetic growth regulators (Lemon juice (2-6%),
Tamarind leaf extract (0.05-0.15%), Gibberellin (10-30 ppm), Amloki (Phyllanthus
emblica) juice (2-6%), Mesta (Hibiscus cannabinus) leaf extract (0.05-0.15%), NAA (10-30 ppm),
Kinetin (2.5-10 mg/L), Ascorbic acid (250-750 μM) and Folic acid
(25-75 μM)
were tested using varying concentrations on different pulse seeds (Lentil,
Chickpea, Grasspea, Cowpea, Mungbean and Blackgram) to evaluate the
germination and vigour. Results showed that significant response was
obtained of lentil to gibberellin and tamarind (Tamarindus indica)) leaf extract; Chickpea to gibbrellin, kinetin,
ascorbic acid, lemon juice and amloki juice; Grasspea to gibberellin, amloki juice, folic
acid and lemon juice; Cowpea to Gibberellin and amlokki juice; and Mungbean
to amloki juice. |
3 |
Name of the project: Evaluation of allelopathic potential of mikania (Mikania micrantha) on weed growth Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Research
System Duration: 2012-13 Present status: Completed and report under
preparation Abstract The study was undertaken to evaluate the
allelopathic effect of mikania (Mikania micrantha)
on different weeds both in kharif (summer) and rabi (winter) season at the
weed museum of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University. Soils from wheat field
in kharif season, whereas that from the T. aman rice field was collected
after the harvest of crops. Mikania application at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% by
sundry weight of soil was tried using earthen pots. Fresh chopped mikania was
mixed with the 5 cm top soil of the pot and field capacity was set and the
weed seeds retained in the collected soil were allowed to germinate and grow.
In kharif season, nutsedge, joina (Fymbristylis miliacea) and papri (Lindemia procumbens) dominated
whereas, in rabi season anguli (Digitaria
sanguinalis) was dominating. In kharif season, untreated treatment had
the highest number and the lowest dry weight, whereas the 10% mikania
application treatment had the lowest number and highest dry weights. In rabi
season a few weeds were seen to grow compared to those of kharif season.
Nutsedges, anguli and chapra dominated in the rabi season and in contrast to
the kharif season, the treatments did not have significant effect on
individual weeds, but had effects on total number and weights. 10% mikania
application showed lower weed number but higher dry matter. Both in kharif
and rabi seasons, mikania application from 4% to 10% rate did not show
significant differences. |
4 |
Name of the project:Development
of intensive cropping system in two coastal districts for increasing
production Funding organization(s):World Bank/Krishi Gobeshona Foundation (WB/KGF) Duration: 2011-2014 Present status: Completed and reported Executive Summary Agricultural production in
the south central coastal districts is low. Apart from frequent natural
hazards like cyclones and tidal surges, the productivity is constrained due
to excess water and drought especially frequent inundation due to tidal
flood. In the tidal floodplain of Jhalakathi, Perojpur, Barisal and
Patuakhali districts, land topography, hydrology and ecological conditions
presents problem in growing HYV rice in the rainy season. Tidal flood very
often causes extensive damage to rice seedlings and present difficulty in
growing aman rice. Local varieties of rice (eg, Lalmota, Sadamota, Moulata)
are the major varieties that farmers grow whose productivity is low compared
to the HYVs. The
project ‘Development of intensive cropping system in two coastal districts
for increasing production’ was jointly implemented by Patuakhali Science
& Technology University (PSTU) and Agrarian Research Foundation (ARF) to
increase production in tidal floodplain ecosystem of two southern districts –
Jhalakati and Patuakhali introducing HYVs and generating agronomic practices
for local T aman varieties and increasing cropping intensity incorporating
upland crops (maize, sesame, and chickpea). In
the first two years, nine on-farm varietal trials and studies were carried
out and also to generate technologies involving a large number of
farmers. It was found that in the
peripheral areas of saucer like cola (bill) BRRI dhan44 gave over 20% higher
seed yield than local T. aman varieties.
Toposequence study showed that the varieties such as Shadamota,
lalmota and Moulata gave higher seed yield. HYVs were not suitable in the
comparatively low lands which may be attributed to the short statured
seedling that get damaged due to high tide. Local varieties of T. aman when used
60 days old 3 seedlings/hill planted in line with row to row distance 50 cm
and hill to hill distance 25 cm; and applied with 50% fertilizer of that
recommended for the HYVs showed over 25% higher seed yields. The upland crop trials
showed that chickpea (BARI
chola-5) could be grown successfully sowing by end-December after harvesting
T.aman showing average seed yield of 750 to 1009 kg/ha. Growing maize (var. MS-888 and Profit) when sown
before 15 January yielded 4.990-5.304 t/ha. Both chickpea and maize could be
grown in relay with T.aman saving growing duration 15-20 days and yielded 502
and 3482 kg/ha, respectively. In third year the developed technologies were
scaled up in greater areas and more farmers. |
5 |
Name of the project: Increasing production adopting improved production
practices in tidal floodplain Funding organization(s): WB/KGF Duration: Jan – Sept, 2014 Present status: Completed and reported
Executive
Summary
Agricultural production in
the south central coastal districts is low. Apart from frequent natural
hazards like cyclones and tidal surges, the productivity is constrained due
to excess water and drought especially frequent inundation due to tidal
flood. In the tidal floodplain of Jhalakathi, Perojpur, Barisal and
Patuakhali districts, land topography, hydrology and ecological conditions
presents problem in growing HYV rice in the rainy season. Tidal flood very
often causes extensive damage to rice seedlings especially to those of the
HYVs and present difficulty in growing HYV T. aman rice. So, in the tidal
floodplain of Jhalakathi, Perojpur, Barisal and Patuakhali districts Local
varieties (eg, Lalmota, Sadamota, Moulata) are the major varieties that farmers
grow whose productivity is low compared to the HYVs. Agrarian Research
Foundation (ARF) in association with Patuakhali Science & Technology
University implemented a CGP project (Development
of intensive cropping system in two coastal districts for increasing
production, C-2.20) in two upazila of Jhalakathi district through
2011-2013. In the previous two year of that project the developed
technologies from nine on-farm trials and experiments revealed that
application of 25-50% of fertilizers recommended for HYVs, planting 60 days
old seven seedlings/hill in line with
25 cm x 50 cm gave over 25% higher seed yields compared to farmer’s
traditional practices. The project also succeeded growing two uplant rabi
crops maize and chickpea after the harvest of T. aman which were not grown
prior to the inception of the above project.
In the last year the developed technologies were up-scaled in some
limited areas. In
view of the success in implementing the above project of the ARF and in
response to a request made by Professor Dr. Md. Jafar Ullah of Sher-e-Bangla
Agricultural University (SAU), KGF offered SAU and Agrarian Research
Foundation to scale up the ARF developed technologies in six upazila of
Jhalakathi and Perojpur districts for increasing production of local
varieties of aman rice followed by chickpea and maize production in dry
season to increase cropping intensity.
Initiating the project, 1200 farmers were selected
and motivational activities were carried out. ARF field staff supported by
SAU scientists, field supervisors and DAE personnel assisted and supervised
farmers in selecting land for sowing seeds and carrying out cultural
operations for growing maize and rice. Maize was grown in 81 bighas involving 128 farmers of seven villages
(Sachilapur, Kestakathi, Adakhola, Badurtala, Challish Kaonia, Baroikoron and
South Nilti) of Jhalakathi and Perojpur district. In total 2238
farmers were trained during the tenure of the project; 402 on maize
production and 1836 on modern technology of local T. aman production. A
leaflet prepared in the preceding project describing the improved production
technology for growing local varieties of T. aman and another leaflet for
growing maize prepared and distributed among the farmers. Two field days on
maize production and a training workshop for farmers in the presence of DAE
persons, local NGOs and KGF personnel was also organized.
Sowing of
maize started from Jan 15 and finished on Jan 31 after the harvest of T.aman.
The range of seed yield of maize varieties between 1.115 - 8.280 t/ha. Over
the varieties, the average seed yields of Kestakathi, Challishkaonia,
Adakhola, Badurtala, Sachilapur, Nilti, and Nalchiti were 5.304, 5.052,
5.190, 4.164, 6.462, 2.808, 7.399 and 4.655 t/ha, respectively. Over the
sites, the varieties Pacific-984, Kaberi-3110, Uttoron-2 and AS-999 produced
seeds yields of 4.656, 4.216, 6.059 and 5.280 t/ha. The lowest in Nilti was
attributed to the partial damage of crops at the maturity stage early
flooding due to tides.
In pursuance to the
activity plan of the project under report, seeds of local T. aman Aman rice
Sadamota was procured, distributed among farmers along with other required
inputs among the selected farmers of Kestakathi,
Challishkaonia, Adakhola, Badurtala, Sachilapur, Nilti, Baroikoron,
Borobiraljhuri, Hatalia, Chargasia and Shapleja villages of Jhalakathi and
Perojpur districts. The local
variety of T. amon Sadamota was grown using the ARF developed modern
developed technologies in 700 bigha of land.
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6. |
Name of the project: Evaluating landraces and local varieties of aman
rice for growing in tidal flood plain using crop growth, rate and duration of
grain filling, harvest index and yield potential. Funding organization(s): Ministry of Science and Technology, GOB. Duration: 2015-2016 Present status: Completed and being reported
Executive
Summary
High yielding varieties of T. aman rice can not be grown in tidal
flood plain because of high tide and deeper depth of tidal water deposited in
the basin type lands in the southern Bangladesh especially in Jhalakathi and
Barisal districts. In these areas water on the land is sweet and different
types of T.aman varieties are grown. These T. aman rice are landraces and
local. The seedling of these rice varieties are tall (over 60 cm) when
transplanted and can tolerate and survive in deep tidal water which the HYVs
can not. However, these landraces and local varieties such as Shadamota,
Lalmota, Moulata, Kartik Balam, Dudhkalam etc. are being grown for centuries
in the southern Bangladesh. These have not been characterized as yet and so
their production technologies have also not been yet generalized. The objectives of the project was to characterize the landraces and
local varieties of T. aman grown in the southern region so as to proper
production technologies could be generalized. The project was initiated in the farmers field of Jhalakathi district
in 2015 and has been terminated in July, 2016. Data have been taken on
different vegetative and reproductive aspect to interpret yield. Reports are
under preparation. |
7. |
Name of the project: Collection, Evaluation and Introduction of White Maize for Human
Consumption In Bangladesh
Funding organization(s): Krishi Gobeshona Foundation Duration: 2015-2018 Present status: Under Operation
Executive
Summary Maize or corn (Zea mays), one of world’s major cereal crop, is an important
source of carbohydrates, protein, vitamin B, and
minerals. World’s greater segment
of yellow-grained maize known as yellow maize is used mostly as feed.
Whereas, only small proportion of white-grain maize known as white maize is used
for human consumption.
In Bangladesh maize is rather a recently-introduced
crop which is solely used as feed. Bangladesh runs a precarious balance
between demand and supply of human food depending almost wholly on rice
production. I is assumed that with rising population, it would be extremely
difficult to sustain food security after 2050 unless a breakthrough is made
in raising potential yield of rice.
It is against this backdrop white maize, being a
C4 crop having higher
productivity than rice and wheat, can be an alternative of rice if people are mobilized for taking maize as a
cereal staple. For augmenting food security and harnessing the physiological
advantage of C4 nature, it would be prudent to introduce white
maize which is suitable for human consumption. This project seeks to identify
white maize varieties along with developing appropriate management practices
for growing white maize in Bangladesh.
Specific Objective(s) of the Project
(1) To collect, evaluate and
select white maize variety/varieties for production suitable for human
consumption in Bangladesh; (2) To delineate areas where
white maize is to be grown in the country; (3) To develop agronomic
practices for growing white maize both in the hills and plain land; and (4) To mobilize farmers in
taking white maize as a staple food crop.
The
project is under operation with two kahrif and one rabi season trials
completed and reported. The trials will be continued further until March,
2018. |
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