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Internship Report

Innovative Vegetable Tunnel Farming

At

Hassan Zari Farm Mailsi, Pakistan

By

Muhammad Irshad
B.Sc(Hons.) Agriculture

Department of Agronomy
Muhammad Nawaz Shareef
University of Agriculture, Multan.
Acknowledgements

We indebted to ALMIGHTY ALLAH, the propitious, the benevolent and sovereign whose
blessing and glory flourished our thoughts and thrived our ambitions, giving us talented teachers,
affectionate parents, sweet brothers and unique friends. Trembling lips and wet eyes praise for
HOLY PROPHET MUHAMMAD (P.B.U.H.) for enlightening our conscience with the
essence of faith in ALLAH, converging all His kindness and mercy upon him.
The work presented in this manuscript was accomplished under the sympathetic attitude,
fatherly behavior, animate directions, observant pursuit, scholarly criticism, cheering perspective
and enlightened supervision of Mian Mehtab Hussain(Owner, Hassan Zari Farm) I deem it
utmost pleasure to avail the opportunity to express the heartiest gratitude and deep sense of
devotion. With humble, profound and deep sense of devotion I wish to record my sincere
appreciation to
Mian Aftab, Mian Ashfaq & Mian Shoaib for their reliable comments, dynamic supervision
sincere help and inspiring guidance throughout the period of this Internship. Earnest and devout
appreciation to Mr. Aslam ( Field Incharge) and Muhammad Riaz and all other Staff members.
Our special thanks to Dr. Abdul Gaffar (Chairman, Department of Agronomy), Dr. Faheem
Nawaz (Co-ordinator) & Mr. Nabeel Ahmed Ikram (Co-Coordinator) for giving us an
opportunity to dive in deep sea of knowledge.

May ALLAH bless all these people with long, happy and peaceful lives (Ameen)!
Muhammad Irshad

we dedicated all our efforts and fruit of this internship


To the Holy Prophet

Hazart Mohammad (S.A.W.W),


THE GREATEST SOCIAL REFORMER
WHO IS FOREEVER A MODEL OF KINDNESS
GUIDANCE AND KNOWLEDGE FOR HUMANITY

&

OUR PARENTS
WHO ALWAYS WISH TO SEE US SUCCESSFUL IN
EVERY FIELD OF LIFE

CERTIFICATE

It is certified that Muhammad Irshad (2014-UAM-211) , B.Sc. (Hons.) Agri.


science, Department of Agronomy, Mohammad Nawaz Shareef University of
Agriculture Multan, has completed his internship work successfully at Hassan Zari
Farm. During internship their conduct was good and they remained punctual.

Internship Supervisor

---------------------------------
Mr. Mian Mehtab Hussain
(Owner, Hassan Zari Farm)

Table of contents
Implements………………………………………………………………………………..

Soil Managment......................................................................................................................

Tunnel Farming ……………………………………………………………………….…

High Tunnel……………………………………………………………………..………..

Walk-in-Tunnel………………………………………………………………….……….

Low Tunnel…………………………………………………………………………….…

Onion…………………………………………………………………………………….

Cucumber …………………………………………………………………………….…..

Chili……………………………………………………………………………………..

Strawberry…………………………………………………………………………………

Melon………………………………………………………………………………………

Drip Irrigation ……………………………………………………………………………..

Wheat………………………………………………………………………………………

Cotton……………………………………………………………………………………..
Abstract

I join for internship at dated 18-01-18 here during period of our internship we got marvelous
experience about farm management and crop husbandry techniques of different crops. At farm
we are assigned to different sections named vegetable section, crop section. and we work in each
section one by one and get first hand field experience about field conditions like:

In vegetable section we know about nursery raising techniques of different vegetables their crop
husbandry techniques after transplanting, we also get knowledge about vegetable marketing and
the innovative technologies used in vegetable section like lay, flat drip irrigation system.
Hassan Zari Form is situated at 10 km away from Mailsi. Hassan Zari Farm is
consists of 200 acres. Mian Mehtab Hussain, Mian Ishfaq Hussain, Mian Muhammad
Shoib and Mian Aftab Hussain are the owners of this land. They belong to Arian
Family. The head of Hassan Zari Farm is Mian Mehtab Hussain. He is a progressive
vegetable grower .He is very kind, honest and hard work person. He was a man of
passion and has willing to adopt modern Agriculture Practices.

He completed his study in B.Sc. Statistics from Bahaudin Zikariya University Multan.
He taught us very sincerely and comprehensively. He was really a nice personality.
There were 100 acres of Melon, 80 acres of Cucumber and 20 acres of Water melon
Bitter guard and other crops.80 % of farmer community grows vegetable in mailsi.
They were cultivated cotton previously but transferred to vegetable due to viral attack.
Vegetable farming is a productive idea we can adopt it and get maximum income with
low investment. Vegetables are excellent source of vitamins and minerals.
Mian Mehtab Hussain was started tunnel Farming in 1999. In the beginning only
three acres were maintained as vegetable Production. Then Tunnel farming was
Progress to 200 Acres. This is a big story of success. Briefly describe below, there
were three main crops e.g., Tomato, Cucumber and Melon and some miner crops.
There were three Field Incharge of these crops Muhammad Aslam, Mahar Aslam and
Muhammad Riaz And spray incharge Allah Diyaya. They were doing his job honestly.

They were experienced in his field. They treated me sincerely. The Office comprises of 6 kanal
area e.g. Main Office, Dining Room, Guest Room, Store Masjid etc. Ghulam Hussain and Mr.
Amir look after the Office and hospitalize the guest. Mian Mehtab Husain was adopted following
techniques e.g. mulching; Pipe tunnels, Drip irrigation, Motor sprayer, submersible water
Turbine etc.Mian Mehtab Hussain import seeds of vegetables from Yuksel Seed Company
(Turkey) .Yuksel Produced vegetable seeds only. Mian Mehtab is also distributer of this
company. University tours also came there and visited the field of Hassan Zari Farm. This farm
is very famous in mailsi due to its efficient tunnel management. No doubt Mian Mehtab Husain
is a first tunnel grow in South Punjab.

MIAN MEHTAB HUSSAIN


Implements

To carry out different farm activities and operations, modern farm implements are
required which are present on the farm. Due to these implements work is done more efficiently,
within less time and more accurately and saves labor cost.
• Chisel Plough
• Disc harrow
• Seed-cum-fertilizer drill
• Dumper( which has capacity to up-lift 250 mounds of wheat)
• Fertilizer Broad caster
• Cultivators
• Hole Maker
• Laser Land Leveler
• Boom sprayer
• jecto sprayer
• Straw Bailer
• Row cumbi
• Disc border maker
• Centrifugal pump(p-t-o operated to uplift water from canals or water channels)
• Special bed planter for drip irrigation

Tractors
At Hassan farm, there are 5 tractors present which are of different brands
FIAT(480,640,640,SPECIAL)

Transportation Implements
Tractor Troiles, Vans ,Cars, Dumpers and Hino Truck, Master Truck, Toyota hilux etc.
SOIL Management

Soil was tested in soil testing laboratory. Mian Mehtab Husain was very interested to accomplish
this work in his own supervision. He knows soil is the basic component for best production (The
government laboratory is take the 5 rupees per soil sample and some private institute also check
the sample free of coast).Before the cultivation of estimated the following level:
• pH of land
• EC level of land
• Salinity
• Nutritional level

Key points:
• Nematode problems are found in sandy soils of Pakistan.
• Anti-nematode Pesticide are not working properly in Pakistan e.g. furadan,ragbi
• Water Drainage is best in semi sandy soil
• One Chisel Plough and two cross cultivation are necessary for good tillage.
• Zinc application helps to prevent leach down of nutrients.
• Remove the weeds before primary tillage practices for high production
40% yield loss if weeds remain untreated

Remedies
• Organic matter: sources
• Animal dung
• Green manuring: sources
• Sorghum (jawar)
• Jantar

These crops are crush and rotaveter at pre maturity (milky stage) stage to increase the fertility
level of soil. And add half bag of urea, For easy decomposition apply irrigation. Animal dung
is mixed in soil two months before the sowing of crops. Two irrigations are necessary for the
complete deposition of organic matter. Chisel plow is used to break the hard pan of the soil.
It helps root penetration. Leveling of land is done for efficient water usage. Weeds and
nematodes is removed by Solarization Practices.

Solarization
Cover the moist soil with polythene sheet for 40 days to increase the temperature up to 60 to
70°C to kill the nematodes and the seeds of weeds that are harmful for the respective crop. This
process will also increase the yield and decrease the effects of soil borne diseases. This technique
was used at Hassan Zari Farm.
Area:-
Area specified for crops are
1. Melon (100 acres)
2. Cucumber (80 acres)
3. Water melon and other Crops (20 acres)
4. Wheat (10 acres)

Primary and Secondary Tillage Implements


To carry out different farm activities and operations, modern farm implements
are required 12 which are present on the farm. Due to these implements work is
done more efficiently, within less time and more accurately and saves labor cost.
They are described below:
Chisel Plough/raja cultivator
Disc harrow
Bed planter
Cultivators
Hole Maker
Laser Land Leveler
Electrical chargeable sprayer
Disc border maker

Primary Cultivation
Preparing beds
VEGETABLE SECTION
• There are two types of vegetables
Summer Vegetables
Tomato, Hot pepper, sweet pepper, Brinjal, Cucumber, Okra, Bottle Gourd, Sponge
Gourd, Bitter Gourd, Tinda Gourd, Pumpkin, Arum, Potato, Mint, Turmeric, Ginger,
Musk Melon, Water Melon, Sweet Potato & Groundnut are summer crops. The best time
of sowing is spring (Feb, March) and they will produce till September, October.

Winter Vegetables
The best sowing time of winter vegetables is September, October and they will produce
till Feb, March. Winter Vegetable includes: Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Carrot,
Potato, Onion, Lettuce leaf, Radish, Turnip, Peas, Spinach, Fenugreek, Beets, Mustard,
Coriander, Mint & Garlic
But following vegetables were grown at Hassan Zari Farm

• Cucumber
• Melon
• Water Melon
• Tomato
• Chilli
• Sponge Guard
• Round Guard
• Bitter Guard
• Brinjal
• Tobacco
Growing of off- season crops under controlled environmental conditions

Dimension of Acre

N……… 198 ft………S W…………220 ft…….E

Types of Tunnel:

There were three types of tunnel according to their width, height and length used in Hassan Zari
farm for growing vegetables.
1. High tunnel
2. Walk-In tunnel
3. Low tunnel

High Tunnel:
Height Of tunnal:.13ft
Width of tunnel:.33ft
• Length of each tunnel (shed) in an acre: .200 ft.
• There are 6 shed in one acre (high tunnel)
• Distance between two shed is 3 feet
• Pipe to pipe distance: .12-14 ft.
• Pipe length is 50 ft.
• Price of pipe is Rs. 100-105/kg.
• Diameter of pipe is 2.0 Inch in High tunnel.
• Total weight of a pipe is 30 to 34 kg/Pipe.
• Total polythene used in high tunnel is 350kg
• Cost of polythene is Rs 74,000/Acre
• Total Mulch sheet Price=Rs 9000
• No.of pipes used in one shed are 17.
• Total pipes in 01 acre are 102.
• Total pipe length in 01 acre is 5000-5100 ft.
• Price of total Expenses of pipes in one acre is Rs 535,500.
• Length of one hanging net =200ft
• Total hanging net that used in an acre are 96 with cost Rs 20200
• Cost of tunnel structure is Rs 626,000/acre
• There are 16 lines in 1 shed. And 96 lines in one acre.
• Distance between 2 sheds is 2-3 ft. to fix the polythene sheet in the soil to prevent the
aeration and increase the temperature within the shed for the maximum and speed
growth of the respective crop. 0/10 gauge of polythene sheet is used for high tunnel.
• Hanging net of 200 ft. is used for climbing the branches of the respective crop.
• The height of hanging net is 6-8 ft.it is also vary from the crop to crop requirement
• Each net weight was 400 gram. Price is Rs 220/Net.
In this tunnel, Mostly cucumber was cultivated.
There are 2 types of High Tunnel:
1.Temporary (Bamboo Sticks) tunnel:
• It is also called Bamboo tunnel.
• It is formed by the bamboo for 2-3 years.
• In this type of tunnel bamboo are used in place of pipes.
• This type of tunnel is less expensive.
• Total cost on tunnel is 250,000 to 3,00,000.
.
11
2.Permanent Pipe Tunnel:

i. This type of tunnel was formed with the help of pipes with diameter of 2 inch.
ii. Pipe length was 50ft
iii. Price of pipes in one acre app = Rs 535,500.
iv. Polythene sheet price = Rs.220-230/kg.
v. Polythene sheet is used in one acre is 350 kg.
vi. Total Cost of polythene sheet = Rs.74000/acre.
vii. Polythene sheet used in high tunnel is 0/10 gauges.
viii. Mulch sheet is used 30-40 kg per acre.
ix. The price of Mulch sheet is Rs.230 per kilogram.
x. Mulch sheet of 02 gauge is used.
xi. Total price of Mulch sheet is Rs.9000/acre.
xii. There are 16 hanging net is used in one shed.
xiii. Price of 01 hanging net is Rs.220.
xiv. There are 96 hanging net is used in 01 acre.
xv. Total price of hanging net used in 01 acre is Rs.21000-22000.
xvi. This type of Tunnel is used for several years. So, it is called permanent tunnel.
xvii. Pipes are fixed within the cemented block.
xviii. It is expensive than temporary(bamboo) tunnel.
xix. These are controlled by Manually and Automatically.
xx. This type of tunnel is the best because it control the temperature according to the crop
requirements.
Walk in Tunnel:
• It is also called Medium Tunnel.
• Height Of tunnel: .6-7 ft.
• Width of tunnel: .11 ft.
• Length of each Shed in one acre=198 ft.
• Pipe to pipe distance is 10-12 ft.
• There are 14-15 pipes in 1 shed of 01 acre.
• Total pipes used in a acre app=230( Diameter 0.75 inch)
• There are 6 lines of crop in 1 shed.
• There are approximately 15 sheds in one Acre.
• Length of a pipe is 22 ft.
• Total weight of a pipe is used in Walk-in tunnel is 7-8 kg.
• Price of Pipe of walk-in tunnel is Rs. 100-110/kg.
• Initial cost of pipes used in Walk-in tunnel is about 2, 00,000 per acre.
• Name suggests that we can walk in this type of tunnel easily.
• There are 06 gauge and 08 gauges of polythene sheet used in walk in tunnel.
• Polythene sheet in Walk-in tunnel is 220 kg/acre.
• Price of polythene sheet is Rs.210-220/kg
• Price of polythene sheet is Approximately 50,000/acre
• Hanging net of 400g is used with length 200 ft.
• There are 90 hanging net per acre in Walk-in tunnel
• Height of Hanging net is 5.5 to 6 ft.
• Weight of Mulch sheet used=30-35 kg per Acre.
• Price of Mulch sheet is Rs.230/kg
• Total price of Mulch sheet is Approximately Rs.9,000-10,000per acre
Low Tunnel:
There are two types of low tunnel
1. Iron Rod tunnel

• Height of tunnel:.3-3.5 feet


• Width of tunnel:.3-4 feet
• Diameter of iron rod is 2 sooter
 Weight of One rod is one kg.
 Length of each shed in an acre:.200 feet
 Rod to Rod distance is 12-15 feet.
 Length of one rod is 10 feet
 Total Rods in 01 shed are 15
 Total rods in one acre are 450
 Total sheds are 28-30/Acre for Melon and for Bitter guard is 28/acre.
 There are 02 rows of plants in one shed.
 Weight of Polythene sheet in Walk-in tunnel is 90-100 kg/acre.
 The polythene is 04 gauges in low tunnel.
 Hanging net is not used in melon.
 .It is used after the removal of the polythene in these crops .e.g. bitter guard,bottle
guard,tomato(indeterminate) etc.
Removal Of Polythene Sheet.
When we remove the polythene.Firstly we make hole around the polythene sheet for maintain
the internal temperature along with external environment and later polythene is removed
completely.
This practice is done for adaptation of Crop to the external environmental conditions. After
removing the polythene, One bag DAP, half bag of Potash (Fertigation) must be applied for
better yield. Good cross ventilation and potential stresses caused by heavy wind, hail or rain
must be considered while constructing the structure

Maintaining of Bamboo sticks


When the polythene of low tunnel is removed, maintain the bamboo sticks in the pit in soil to fix
the Hanging net. Bamboo sticks are fixed at the distance of 10 to 12 feet within the row .A
plastic or iron wire is used to fixed the hanging net with bamboo sticks .when the respective crop
grows, it is fixed by manual process e.g. labour.
Low tunnel is mostly used for these vegetables e.g. bitter guard, sponge guard, Melon, squash
and water melon etc... But in case of Round guard, Water melon and Melon Hanging net is not
used due to the high fruit weight.
It is used for these climbing types of vegetables vegetables like, Cucumber,
Bitter guard and Sponge guard etc.
Low tunnel is removed when the temperature ranges above 15-25°C
Covering Material of Tunnel Structure:-
Three types of material used for this purpose
1. Polythene
2. Anti-Insect Net
3. Tissue Net
These net have good ventilation Ability (summer) and insect preventive properties. Spores of
Fungal diseases can also be controlled by using these Net Sheets. These are mostly used against
some insects and diseases e.g. whitefly, mites, aphid, jassid, viruses and other diseases.

Non-woven fabric (tissue) Tunnel


It is another type of plastic sheet.
• It is mostly used for summer cucumber crop. For: Winter crops (NOV-DEC)
cover the tissue with polythene sheet to Maintain the temperature.
• In this type of tunnel, Tissue sheet is used in the place of polythene sheet.
• Tissue net is very cheap (less expensive).
• It is soft and weak made up of tissue like material.
• It is used for 1 season. After this, sheet is expired due to soft cloth or tissue.
• Having good Ventilation ability.
• Durability of tissue net is low, approximately three month.
• Total cost for making the tissue net is Rs.50000 to 55,000 per acre.
• There are 02 roles of tissue is used for 01 acre.
• It is used in Arain Wahin.
• It is UV treated sheet.

Anti- Insect Net:


• This is the latest Technique used in tunnel farming.
• This is mostly used for High tunnel.
• It remains 2-3 years approximately.
• Having ventilation abilities.
• Anti-Insect net is mostly used for summer vegetables especially for cucumber.
• But in winter it is covered with polythene sheet.
• This is used to prevent the entrance of the insects, diseases and other fungal &
viral problems.
• Cucumber is mostly growing under the anti-inset net at tehsil Mailsi,Kamalia
and Lodharan.
• Locking devices are used to fix the anti-insect Net.
• It is mostly used to cover a large area (more than one acre) without any gap.
• Locking devices consist of Spring like wire. Cup shape pipe net etc.
• Diameter of 5600m² of net is required for one acre
• Total cost of an anti-insect net is 350,000/acre.
Demerits of tunnel
• It is very expensive
• Not affordable for small Farmer
• High Initial cost

Recent Technology in Tunnel Farming

Pandal System:
It is a type of Pandal system in which Hanging net is kept horizontally (like roof) and vertically
When the crop is reached at certain height put them on the net (Pandal) for further growth shown
in picture. This is the latest technique in tunnel farming. Specially for Tomatoes and Sponge
guard

Construction of Walk-in Tunnel


Material used in Tunnel
Steel pipes, iron rods, Wires, Measuring Tape, Polythene sheet, Mulching sheet,
plastic net etc.

Land Preparation
Before establishments of tunnels, land is fully prepared with 2times disc harrow, 1
time chisel plough, 2 times rotavators. With planter beds are also formed. and Fertilizer is done
according to crop requirement (which we sow in tunnel) is performed.

Preparation of Steel Pipes


First the pipes of the same length (curved mechanically) are purchased from
Market
Then the portion of pipe having hole is inserted in the pegs which are already inserted in the
field in rows.

1. Then pipes are stand in the field.


2. Pipe to pipe distance is 12ft. for tunnel establishment.
3. Then we bind them with wire to maintain their proper shape .
4. Already prepared, net of strong threads are hang for the climbing of plants in case of
vegetables like cucumber.
5. Mulching of Beds

1. Beds are covered with black polythene sheet its width is according to the width of bed.
2. The main objective of mulching sheet is to preserve moisture and control weeds.

Making Hole
Then after covering beds with polythene sheet we make holes With the help of gas burner,
holes are made on mulching sheet at specific distance for specific crop to maintain P to P
distance.

Covering of Tunnel Structure


The tunnel roofs are covered with polythene sheet that dependent on the type of tunnels.

• Basic Requirements of Tunnel Farming


1. Infrastructure
2. Proper resources
3. Abundant labor (Technical/Non-Technical)
4. Proper guidance/consultancy
5. Precise information about production and protection technologies
6. Market demands
Optimum Conditions for Vegetables.
In general the vegetables grown in tunnels are hybrids which are highly productive,
uniform in size, shape and maturity. These hybrids are highly responsive to fertilizers
and other inputs thereby ending in higher yields. There are number of independent
variables which contribute for yield which are summarized as follows:
• Choice of the site
• Fertility of the soil
• Water fit for irrigation
• Proper grade of plastic sheet
• For tunnel white grade
• For beds black grade (mulches)
• Proper inputs
• Quality Seed
• Fertilizers
• Chemicals
• Trained manpower
• Production technology

Onion seed Crop

Bulb Sowing
Bulb of onion is sown in first week of December.
Seed Harvest
Onion Seed is harvested in last week of May.
Planting geometry
row to row distance = 2.5 ft
plant to plant distance = 1ft
Seed Production/acre
Seed production per acre is variable. It varies from 170 kg.
Off Seasonal Onion
Nursery Raising

Nursery of off seasonal onion is sown in Last week of July. For nursery raising,
we made 5*10 foot square basins than we irrigated these basins, after that we broadcasted the
seed in standing water than in early in the morning of next day we cover the seed with
sugarcane mud and sand in 50:50 because The onion seed is light sensitive so it is covered with
that material. Low temperature is preferred ( less than 30 C) for onion nursery raising. For
nursery raising low temperature and shade is required. Nursery take about one month to be ready
for transplanting
Seed rate

The seed rate required for offseasonal onion is 3-4 kg/acer the high seed rate is
recommended because of low germination rate of onion seed in these harsh climatic conditions .

Irrigation

In start we irrigate the nursery 3-4 times in a day depends upon season when nursery height is
two inches than we give irrigation but in stress to increase bulb size

Hardening of Nursery

Before 10-12 days of transplanting we start hardening in that we decrease the


number and intensity of irrigation to the crop and also we remove the green sheet in start for one
hour than near to transplanting we increase the duration of removal of sheet to 6-7 hours.
Transplanting
Nursery is transplanted in first week of September and bulb is harvested in the end of
November. Or we can say that it is a three month crop. Off Seasonal crop has more preference
due to high yield and good market value.
Fertilizer Rate

DAP = 3bags
Zinc Sulphate = 5kg
Boron = 2.5kg
Number of Irrigations
Usually four irrigations are enough for the onion crop. For the nursery, hand shower is
the best for water application.
Insect Pests
Thrips is the major insect pest of onion crop. Army worm attack also cause serious loss to
the crop.
Control
For thrips control Imedachloprid @250ml per acer is applied. While for the army
worm control Match @250ml per acer is applied.
Onion Varieties
Phulkara (Sindh)

Cucumber
Botanical Name Cucumis sativus
Family Cucurbitaceae
Total cultivated area of cucumber is 90 acres, under high & walk-in tunnels.
Varieties
1). Yayla from yukseel seed asia
2) Sevher
3) 6015
4) 6014
5) 6016
Parthenocarpic varities are used for tunnel cucumber.

Land preparation
Fine seed bed is required for cucumber for that we move cross wise chisel plough, two time
disc harrow, one time cultivator and one time rotavator for the prepration of fine seed bed
Application of basal dose of fertilizer
We spread three bags of DAP, one bag of sop, 5kg of zinc sulphate and 25 kg of borax after
that we make beds. The width of beds is 2 feet after that we lay laterals of drip irrigation system
over the beds after that we cover the beds through black plastic mulch sheet after that we stand
the tunnel structure, for area of one acer we require 270 tunnel pipes and 540 iron rods, the iron
rods are buried in soil and on these iron rods the tunnel pipes are fitted and iron ropes are used
to support the tunnel pipes and plastic sheet, plastic sheet of different gauges are available in the
market 12-14 gauge sheet is used for cucumber crop.

Sowing
Sowing is performed after from last week of November to 1st week of Dec. First we lay
the back plastic mulch sheet over the beds. For 1 acre we require 30 to 35 kg mulch sheet .In
mulch sheet we make holes by gas burner and we sow seed in these holes.. Plant to plant distance
is 9 inch- 1ft. and row to row distance is 2.5ft Remember that the plumule side of seed should be
in upward position and radical side towards the soil. While sowing of seed should be 1 inch deep
on surface of beds. Seed is sown manually at the rate of one seed per hill.

Germination
Germination starts after 3-4 days. A specific fragrance emerge from cucumber seed
during germination that attracts rodents especially mice during night hours. It decreases 50-80%
germination if not controlled. It is controlled by both manual as well as chemical method.
In manual the mice are controlled by labour having sticks and torch in their hands. They kill
them wherever mice is seen. While in chemical control baiting of Zinc Phosphide @ 4kg /40 kg
of wheat seed. First boil wheat seeds to avoid its germination around the tunnels.

Tunnel covering
White polythene sheets are used as protective covering against frost as well as its helps in
increasing temperature. These are removed after 15-20 February.

Fertilizers Applications
Before the start of flowering 1 bag of Urea/acre is applied in one month in split doses and
when flowering start 1 bag of Urea and 1 bag of SOP/acre/month is applied also in splits.

Picking
First picking is done in about first week of February. After first picking daily picking is
performed in cucumber grown in tunnel and its harvesting continue till May.
Temperature
Best temperature that is required for its best production is 25-30 degree centigrade. At
temperature below 10oC, growth is retarded.

Insect Pests and their control

1). White fly Imedachloprid @ 100g/100 liters of water


2). Thrips Imedachloprid @ 100g/100 liters of water
3). Mites Abamectin @ 500g/100 liters of water/acre
4). Fruit fly Pheramone trap (Methyl euginal@5ml/trap)
Other insects

• Aphid
• Jassid
• Thrips
• Leaf Miners
• Mites
• American Bollworm
• Army Bollworm
• Nematodes:
Attack of nematodes is Maximum during March and April

Diseases and their control


Downy Mildew and Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew
This disease attack when temperature is high and humidity is low.
Downy mildew
This disease occur when temperature is low and humidity is high and that is the most
harmful disease of tunnel cucumber the both of these diseases are controlled by different
fungicides. Acrobat (90/600 WP) (Dimethomorph 90+Mancozeb 600)
@200g/100 liters of water

Downy Mildew Anthracnose


Leaf Minor

Yield of Cucumber at HZF


At Hassan Zari Farm 2000-2200 mons/acre yield has been achieved at farm but
due to more frost damage this year the yield achieved at farm is 1500-1700 mons/acre.
Chillies

Botanical Name Capsicum annum

Family Name Solanaceae


Nutritional value
Red Chilies contain high amounts of vitamin C and pro-vitamin A. Yellow and especially
green chilies (which are essentially unripe fruit) contain a considerably lower amount of both
substances. In addition, peppers are a good source of most b vitamins, ad vitamin B6 in
particular. They are very high in potassium and high in magnesium and iron.
NURSERY RAISING
For sowing nursery first of all land is prepared and well pulverized. That is required for
good nursery plants. 1 times deep chisel plough, 1 time rotavator and 1 time cultivator is required
to prepare the soil properly. The nursery is sown in first week of December in tunnel .Plastic
sheet was used to protect the nursery from frost injury
Fertilizer was applied as a basal dose @
DAP @3 bag /acre
Zn sulphate @ 5 kg/acre
Boron @ 2.5 kg/acre
Length of each bed was 10 ft and width of each bed 3 ft. then levels the beds manually. If beds
are not leveled then there will be germination problem. Then on width side of bed we make lines
1 to 1,5 inch a apart .Row to row distance is 1-2 inches (RxR=1-2 Inches). Seed was dropped in
each row at the distance 1-2 inch (PxP= 1-2 inch). Then seeds were covered with a mixture of
sand and rice husk to conserve moisture and provide the soft medium for good seed germination.
220g seed /acre used, normally.70 sq.ft area of nursery is required for one acre of transplanted
field.

VARIETIES
Hybrid seed is used to get good production because the basic aim of HZF is to get
maximum production per unit area to get maximum returns.
Irrigation to nursery plants
Its germination take places after10-12 days.

1. 1st water is applied again and again so that water reaches to the depth of 4 inches.
2. Daily 2 time’s water is applied but when the seed start to germinate water is not applied
for one day.
Land preparation

One cross cultivation of chisel plough followed by two cultivation by disc harrow, one
cultivation by cultivator followed by rotavator, After land preparation we spread basal fertilizer
which includes three bags of DAP and one bag of SOP, After that we make beds through bed
planter
Transplanting
Transplanting of nursery is done in about 15-20 February when night temperature above
10 0c and day temperature should be up to 30oC. If temperature is less, there is chance of frost
injury. Normally nursery is transplanted after 8-9 weeks of sowing. Before uprooting the nursery
water is applied to soften the soil to avoid root injury. Nursery should be at 6 leaves stage before
transplanting. Then follow up irrigation was applied. If we use furrow irrigation then at night we
irrigate the field at morning , the moisture travel upward through capillary action and in that
traveled moisture we transplant chillies seedlings, The planting geometry for furrow method of
irrigation is row to row 2 ft and plant to plant is 8 inch , If we use drip irrigation then we start
laterals 2 days before transplanting, The planting geometry for drip irrigation is row to row is 2.5
ft and plant to plant is 6 inch

Insect pests and diseases


Insects
Aphid, Thrips, mites, Jassid, American and Armyworm.

Control
Imidacloprid @ 100-250 g/100L of water/acre were used to control aphid, jassid and thrips.
abamectin @ 500ml/100L of water was used to control mites.
Emamectin @ 75g/100 L of water were used to control American and Armyworm

Fertilizer
1. Basal dose
DAP= 3 bags as basal dose..
After transplanting next fertilizer is applied after 30-40 days.
1. Urea=1/2 bag/acre
Then after every 15 days 1 bag of Urea is applied.
3 Fertilizer and water should be applied at evening time.

Irrigation
Chilies are known to be sensitive to moisture stress at flowering and fruiting stage and
water at these stages will cause reduction in yield. In chilies the amount and frequency of
irrigation depends upon:
1. Soil type
2. Plant height
3. Humidity
4. Temperature
5. Sunlight
6. Wind velocity
In chilies irrigation is applied by irrigation trigger (enviroscan) and leaves are the best indicator
for this. When plant looks wilted after 5:00pm then it is necessary to irrigate the field. Irrigation
should be applied at morning or evening time. Excessive or little irrigation in chilies can be
harmful. Due to excessive standing of water root rot disease can occur. Light and frequent
irrigation is helpful in chilies due to its root system. Decreasing irrigation at the end of season
promotes ripening.
Weed Control
Severe weed pressure may reduce the yield due to strong competition, which is mostly
seen in the beginning of the growth. A successful weed control program is necessary for
producing healthy chilies. At later stage when crop competition is very low so weeds must be
controlled at their early stage. Weeds are controlled manually by hoeing in the field by expert
labor by khurpa.
Picking
First picking was done 1st week of May. Picking is done after 8-10 days interval.
Yield
Average yield at HZF was 11tons/acre.
And potential yield is 18 tons/ acre.
Strawberry

Nursery
The nursery of strawberry come from swat; different companies are involved in the
provision of strawberry nursery like green circle limited .The per plant cost of strawberry plant
with transport charges is 75 paisas.
Land preparation
One cross cultivation of chisel plough followed by two cultivation by disc harrow, one
cultivation by cultivator followed by rotavator, After land preparation we spread basal fertilizers,
After that we make beds through bed planter Transplanting.
The nursery of strawberry is transplanted in field from mid-November to end of November; First
we lay the back plastic mulch sheet over the beds. For 1 acre we require 30- 35 kg mulch sheet
.In mulch sheet we make holes by gas burner and we Transplant strawberry seedlings in these
holes. Remember the planting geometery of strawberry is 6 inch plant to plant distance and 2
foot row to row distance.
Fertilizer Rate

DAP = 3bags
SOP = 1 bag
Zinc Sulphate = 5kg
Boron = 2.5kg
The above recommendations are for one acre of strawberry.

Fruiting
The fruiting of strawberry starts from mid-January to start of February and it ends in April
–May.
Melon
Scientific name
Cucumis melo

Seed rate
Direct sowing
For 6 ft. bed size=8000 plants/Acre
50 g Packet have 3200 seed.2-3 packet required for one Acre.

Sowing Date:
20 December

Varieties:
NSC-2(National Seed Company):

• High Shelf life


• Yellow in color
• Egg like shape
• Appealing to the consumer

NSC-1(National Seed Company)

• White melon
• Early maturing
• Very sweet

Melon-1(Syngenta)

• Yellow in color
• Early maturity
• Large fruit size
• Very sweet

Variety Name P*P(INCHES) Bed width(feet)


Melon-01 12-14 6
NSC-1 12-14 6
NSC-2 12-14 6
37 (Yuksel) 15-18 7-8
6771(Yuksel) 15-18 7-8
4771(Yuksel) 15-18 7-8

Sowing Methods:

There are two methods of Melon sowing:

• Direct sowing:

• Direct seed sowing with dibbling method.


• Bed size varies with variety to variety.
• For example for Melon-1 Variety the bed size is 6feet and for others varieties
• The bed size is 8 feet.
• Plant to plant distance 1 to 1.5 feet.
• Row to Row 6-8 feet
• Nursery transplant:

• Grow the nursery In December and Transplant in January. Nursery is grown


for 25-28 days.
6771 (Yuksel)
Fertilizers
Apply one bag of DAP and one bag of Potash at the time of land preparation.
Also apply N-P-K in every irrigation. Potash is good source of sweetnes and ripening.

Temperature
35°C (day time)
25°C (night)
This is the best temperature for maximum pollination and fertilization.
This is the best temperature for the best production of Melon fruits.

Picking

Picking starts at the last week of March (100DAS).

Yield
Melon 1 scored 400-420 mounds/Acre.

Disease

1. Fungal problems
2. Bacterial Blight
3. Downy mildew
4. Stem blight
5. Powdery mildew

Insects

6. American boll worm


7. Fruit fly
8. Thrips
9. Aphids
10. Nematodes:
11.Mites

Packing: Material:

After harvesting packing of melon is done. There are two types of packaging
material.

• Packing is done after the washing of melon.

• Packing of melon depends upon the market demand.

• After Grading melon is packed. Sometime 20 melon is filled in each Carton

CARTON:

Each carton contains 12 to 18 pieces of melon depending upon the size of melon.

Total weight of a carton is 16 to 18 kg


.
NET BAGS:
Melon is also packed in plastic net bags. Shown in picture below.
Total weight of a bag is 11 to 12 kg

Yield
Approximately 400 mounds/acre
Transportation:
Transportation is done By Truck shown in picture. Transport the Melon in time for better sale.

Manage the melon bags vertically to avoid any wastage of fruit. Some soft material is place at
the bottom for safe journey.

Truck capacity and Fees:-


One truck have 600 Cartoon and 1000 Plastic Net Bag.
A truck has 10 tones caring Capacity.
Lahore
Rs 18,000

Gujranwala
Rs 20,000

Peshawar
Rs 32-35,000

Islamabad
Rs28000

Irrigation System in Cucumber Section


Simple Drip irrigation system is used in vegetable section for tunnel grown vegetables in that
system single row of lateral feed two rows of crop.

Components of Simple Drip Irrigation System In Tunnel vegetables


1). Centrifuge pump
2). Check valve
4). Filter (sand medium)
5). Fertilizer tank
6). Main pipe lines
7). Laterals
8). Emitter

DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM


Head Unit Components
• Electric power supply to the head unit via solar plates.
• Meshes in Water course to filter course material in water.
• Motor & pump.
• Foot valve.
• Delivery pipe.
• NRV.
• Air release valve.
• Safety valve.
• Venture & Fertigation Tank.
• Sand filters & Screen Filters.

Source of Power
The power source for running of drip system is made available by electric power supply as well
as by PTO shaft of tractor. For electricity solar plates is connected for regulated supply of
electric power to motor.

Pump & Motor


• Pump type: Centrifuge
Motor

Mesh in Water course


At farm there is problem of
contaminated material in water channel which flow with water and enter into the system and
cause problem e.g algal material. So we put mesh of different sizes in water course to remove
contamination and lessen our load filters. Three sizes of meshes installed step by step like first ½

inch than ¼ inch than.1 inch

Foot Valve
It prevent water moving out of centrifuge pump into pond. It is surrounded from its all side by
mesh to remove contamination from water. The size of that mesh is 0.05inch.
Filters
It is essential to prevent clogging of lateral opening. Clogging may be due to
• Macro organisms
• Suspended Material
• Other impurities (e.g. clay, sil
Sand Filters

consist of following things


• Mini filter
• Inner Tube
• Sand Media
Mini filter fitted in inner tube mini filter

Its working & importance is given below

Sand media filter


• Sand filter is most effective in the removal of organic and inorganic material (algae, silt)
from water.
• Filtration takes place during downward movement of water through filter
• Filter is cleaned by back flushing.
Screen Filter
They are installed after sand filter .They are also three in number. Their size is 130 micron.
Screens of filters are made of non-rusting materials. Water passes through with force. They have
flush valve at upper & down side of screen filters. They specially remove algae types material.
Their working & importance are
• These are extensively used for secondary filtration.
• Cleaning of these filters is carried out by removing the contaminations and washing the mesh
present in them.
Removes small size suspended materials (e.g. fine sand) or a little amount of algae.

Flow meter
Flow meter is placed in main line for measuring of flow.
It gives two types of readings
• Discharge (liter/second)
• Total volume (metric cube)
Drip irrigation installation pictures
WHEAT

Botanical Name Triticum aestivum L.


Family Gramineae

Land preparation
First of all 1 time cutter, 2 times disc harrow, 1 time deep chisel plough and 1 time
cultivator was used to prepare the soil properly.

Sowing Time
At HZF wheat sowing start from 25 november and sowing completed till 1st December.sowing is
done by drill. At row to row 4inch.
Seed Rate
Following three varities are grown at HZF.TD1’FSD-2008 and SAHAR at the rate
of 60kg/ acre.The seed that is used is free from weed seed and diseases .and graded seed is used
for sowing.
Irrigation Time

Following irrigation schedule is used at HZF.


1st irrigation is given after sowing
2nd irrigation is given at tillering stage after 18-25 days
3rd irrigaton is given after 60-65 days of sowing
4th irrigatin is given after 90days of sowing.
Fertilizer Schedule

2 bag of dap apply at the time of sowing


Then 1bag urea is applied at the time of 2nd irrigation
Then 1bag urea is applied at the time of 3rd irrigation
Except that is no extra fertilizer is given.
Weeds control
Following weeds are present in wheat crop at HZF. Dumbi siti; lehli jangli palak ; jangli jai etc
.These weeds are controlled by weedicide Bromoxil .1st spray after 2nd irrigation if weeds are not
controlled then 2nd spray is done before 50 days of sowing.

Rouging
It is performed to eradicate weeds and the wheat plants other than sown variety for
commercial seed preparation purpose.

Pest scouting of wheat


Here we performed pest scouting of wheat and observed wheat aphid, its population was
more under shady and in lush green patches.
Insect/Pest control
AT HZF in 12mpr unit wheat is attacked by aphid at earing and dough stage. Aphid
attack is shown in small patches in wheat field to control this Amida chloprid is sprayed at these
affected patches @120gm/acre
Harvesting
Harvesting is started at HZF in 12mpr unit from 26th April .And harvesting is done by
combine harvester.
Yield
The average yield of wheat at HZF in 12mpr unit is 54 mound and the potential yield achieved
that year is 67 mound.
Production Technology of Early Cotton

Area under early cotton is 5 acres at HZF main unit. That cotton is grown on zero tillage as relay
crop in standing cucumber crop under tunnel.

Varieties
Here Bt variety is sown.
The main verities are

Bt-886
Bt-986

Sowing time

Early cotton was sown, from 5th March-15th of March.

Seed rate

10-12 kg/acre. Seed treated with Fencidar(imidacloprid WS70),against sucking


insect pests for early 15 days at the rate of 10g/kg seed, carbendazim(fungicide) to protect seed
from fungus, at the rate of 2g/kg seed. Its plant population per acre is 40000-45000.

Sowing method

Manual dibbling method locally called chopa used for the sowing of
cotton in wholes of black mulch sheet which is layed on beds and in these wholes cucumber is
already grown. Women labour is hired for the sowing of cotton. 5-6 workers are required to
complete 1 acre in one day. 2-3 seed used per hill. PxP distance is maintained to 9 inches as of
cucumber and row to row 2.5feet.
Fertilizers

As apply to cucumber crop.

Irrigation
As apply to cucumber crop.

Plant Protection Measures

Weeds are controlled by black mulch sheet.


Yield:

Not observed due to restricted period of time for internship.

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY OF SEASONAL COTTON

There are following agronomic practices that are done at HZF for the production of cotton.

LAND PREPRATION
First of all we crush the cotton sticks with the help of sleshar then we use 1 time
disc harrow it is used to prevent big clods which are formed when we use chisel after that 1 time
we use chisel plough then 2 time cultivator if the fine seed bed is not prepared till then we use
the rotavator to make the fine seed bed

SOWING TIME
Sowing of cotton crop at HZF start from 4 may and it ends at 22 may at main unit
cotton is sown on an area of 30 acres.
Sowing method
Than after that make the beds with the help of cotton planter or cotton ridger. In some
planter there are facility to draw bed sow seed and drop fertilizer simultaneously in one move, at
HZF round about 80% of cotton sowing is done through mechanical planter and remaining
through manual dibbling or chopa method by woman labor.

SEED RATE
If we use mechanical planter then we require seed 12 kg/acre if we use dibbling or
chopa method then we require 8kg/acre delinted seed.

PLANTING GEOMATRY
ROW to ROW distance 30 cm and plant to plant distance is 4 inch, if we use single stick variety
than row to row distance 4 inch and for bushy variety row to row distance is 6 inches.

FERTILIZER
1bag TSP+18 KG UREA are apply as basal dose .After 45 days of sowing the spray of
micronutrient started,NPK @ 200 gm /100 litre of water,zinc and boron @200 gm/100 litre of
water.

GAP FILLING
Gap filling is done 6 to 7 days after sowing in normal condition in month of may cotton seed
germinate within 48 hour.

IRRIGATION
After sowing irrigation is done in such a way that water does not touch the seed and only seepage
move to seed.alternating irrigation is done on the basis of temperature and varietal
characteristics. The variety which have high transpiration rate require more frequent irrigation.
At early stages we irrigate the crop weekly and the irrigation interval increase to fortnightly as
age of crop increase but temp. is most important climatic parameter which effect interval of
irrigation to cotton crop.

WEEDS CONTROL
Pendimethylene is used as preemergence herbicide@1litre/100litre of water.
VARIETIES
Different varietis are sowing at main unit.
BT -121
S-1
FH- 142
BT- 886
BT -986
BT 555
BT 456 –
Less fruit to fruit distance in BT 886 it is best adopted variety at HZF.
Field visit by our faculty Professor
Thank you

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