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.
	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.
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.