• 25 Feb, 2024
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In the heart of north-western Bangladesh in Pabna district, a transformative agricultural practice is taking root—zero tillage garlic cultivation. This innovative method, supported by the C-SUCSeS project implemented by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), is reshaping traditional farming practices and heralding a new era of sustainability and efficiency.

The Success of Zero Tillage in C-SUCSeS Project Areas

When the monsoon rice fields are harvested at low-lying rice growing areas especially at Chalanbeel areas in Pabna, Natore and Sirajgonj, the paddy soil retains sufficient moisture, creating an ideal environment for garlic cultivation. The introduction of zero tillage has gained popularity within the C-SUCSeS project areas, where the benefits of this method are becoming increasingly evident.

Eliminating excessive tillage for a Sustainable Future

Traditionally, farmers produce garlic under conventional techniques in this region. The traditional method relies on excessive tillage, labour, capital, water, energy, time and fuel, which makes the garlic production unprofitable and unsustainable in Bangladesh. Moreover, the conventional garlic production technique delays the garlic planting and reduced yield, and emits huge amounts of greenhouse gases. However, the traditional practices are now being replaced by a novel practice, zero tillage focused on better crop establishment methods, soil, water, nutrients, and improvement of soil health and soil microbial activities, and overall agricultural sustainability.

Mehera Afroze Subarna, a scientific officer of OFRD, BARI in Pabna, is overseeing the garlic cultivation work in the field.

Changing the Narrative of Garlic Cultivation

Historically, garlic cultivation followed the conventional approach of ploughing the land after the Aman season’s rice harvest. This not only consumed time but also led to nutrient depletion in soil, resulted in a diminishing crop yields. The zero-tillage approach suggests a different narrative. After the Aman rice harvest, farmers are now advised to cultivate garlic directly in the moist soil without the need for ploughing, capitalizing on existing soil moisture and eliminating the need for additional watering.

Precise Techniques for Optimal Results

To initiate garlic planting using zero tillage, farmers sow one quail of garlic per 15 cm after minimal soil disturbance. The local On-Farm Research Division of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) provides precise fertilizer recommendations, ensuring optimal nutrition for the crops without the extensive soil disruption associated with traditional ploughing.

Positive Impact on Soil Health

One of the cornerstones of zero tillage’s success is its positive impact on soil health. Garlic grown without tillage has been shown to improve soil health along with increasing yields, lowering production costs and irrigation water input, adapting to climatic variability, and improving income and sustainability. Retention of straw mulch under zero tillage technique generally retains soil water, improves soil organic carbon and other nutrients, and microbial activities.  The sustainability of the zero tillage method further underscores its role in maintaining nutrient balance and fostering soil health.

Success Stories from Pabna

Personal experiences shared by farmers in Pabna highlight the method’s success in garlic cultivation, underscoring the high market prices achieved through zero tillage practices as the bulbs produced from zero tillage method are compact, bright and attractive in color, bigger, and uniform in shape and size. The adoption of zero tillage in Pabna signifies a revolutionary shift in agriculture, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Nasima Khatoon, a beneficiary, mentioned, “We have greatly benefited from this technology, gaining in-depth knowledge through the C-SUCSeS project of BARI. By adopting this method, the garlic yield has increased significantly. We, women, can now cultivate this crop without tilling the land. Many women like me are now engaged in garlic cultivation. As a result, we can use the earnings for our children’s education and household expenses. Families in this area have become more self-reliant. As a woman, I can now contribute to the household income without relying on male family members. This method has made farming more profitable for us.”

Abubakar Siddique, a scientific assistant of BARI, stated, “I have been working in this area for a long time. Previously, farmers used to cultivate garlic under conventional practice, which entails   more time, higher costs, and has low crop yield. Our method of cultivation without tilling has proven to be beneficial for farmers. The adoption of this method is increasing day by day in this area. Farmers are now more interested in learning about this sustainable technique.”

A farmer is practicing in the Zero Tillage Garlic approach

Challenges and the way forward

One of the major challenges of zero tillage garlic is retention of rice straw as mulch. The lack of rice straw mulch, zero tillage land resulted in declining soil water content, increasing soil temperature and weed infestation, and losing of soil nutrients. The zero-tillage garlic production is quite challenging in an area where rice straw is unavailable or costly. While challenges such as the need for slightly more fertilizer and farmer training exist, ongoing research and increasing farmer interest indicate a positive trajectory for zero tillage adoption.

Inspiring a Global Agricultural Transformation

The success story in Pabna serves as inspiration for regions worldwide to explore and implement innovative approaches for a resilient and sustainable agricultural future. As zero tillage gains popularity, it stands as a beacon of hope for farmers, encouraging them to embrace sustainable agricultural practices for long-term benefits.

In conclusion, the emergence of zero tillage in Pabna marks a transformative journey towards sustainable agriculture, emphasizing efficiency, soil health, and a prosperous future for farming communities.

Authors:

1. Dr. Md. Ariful Islam, Senior Scientific Officer, On-Farm Research Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), email: arifprc@gmail.com, Cell: +880 1744-898441
2. Dr. Samim Hossain Molla, Senior Scientific Officer (FS Agronomist & Stress Physiologist), On-Farm Research Division (OFRD), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Pabna, Bangladesh, Email:samimmolla@bari.gov.bd, Cell:+8801716595677
3. Ms. Mehera Afroj Suborna, Sceintific Officer, On-Farm Research Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Email: subornahasan33@gmail.com, Cell: +880 720-216992
4. Dr. Apurbo Kumar Chaki, Senior Scientific Officer, OFRD, BARI & Associate National Focal Point, C-SUCSeS Project (Bangladesh component), Cell: +88 01705 338 306, email: a.chaki@uq.net.au, apurbochaki@yahoo.com
5. Dr. Md. Mazharul Anwar, Chief Scientific Officer, OFRD, BARI & National Focal Point, C-SUCSeS Project (Bangladesh component), Cell: +88 01916847240, email:anwar.sci.bari@gmail.comMr.
6. Mr. Kinzang Gyeltshen, Regional Programme Coordinator, C-SUCSeS Project, SAARC Agriculture   Centre, email: kingyel@hotmail.com, Cell: +880 1316-195687
7. Mr. Robyul Islam, Programme Officer, C-SUCSeS Project, SAARC Agriculture Center, Email: irobyul@gmail.com, Cell:    +880 1737 144002, +880 1812 323030 (WhatsApp)
8. Md. Kabir Hossain, Knowledge Management Consultant, C-SUCSeS Project, SAARC Agriculture Centre, Email: kabircomms@yahoo.com , Cell: +880 1752698847