July 9, 2018 – The USAID Farmer to Farmer (F2F) Program transfers technical knowledge and expertise of U.S. experts, agricultural producers and businesses on a voluntary basis to middle-income countries around the world. The primary goal of the F2F program is to promote sustainable improvements in climate change, food security, and education. Moreover, the program offers an excellent opportunity to advance the joint scientific research and development programs between U.S. institutions and middle-income countries’ institutions.IMG 2224

Ram Ray, Research Scientist from the Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, recently visited Gujarat, India to share his irrigation expertise with farmers, agricultural extension specialists, and research scientists of the Kutch District. Ray was the 10th and final volunteer to serve in this Climate Smart Project led by Florida A&M University, which concluded in late June. The primary objectives of his visit were to support the establishment of a climate smart demonstration farm by testing, selecting and disseminating new technologies, practices, and climate information. With his expert knowledge, he engaged local farmers to conduct basic soil and water analysis. Additionally, the endeavor strengthened the technical capacity of the Vivekanand Research Technical Institute, which serves to improve rural development in the district.

During his 14-day assignment, Ray helped farmers grasp and use irrigation best management practices and understand the relationship between soil and water salinity and crop production. India’s Kutch District has low annual rainfall (about 330 mm) and over-exploitation of groundwater resources for irrigation. He recommended micro-irrigation (mainly drip) for the demonstration farm sites because of its high water use efficiency. This technique requires less pumping power and also adds fewer salts to the soil and crop compared to other methods. The result is more vigorous production for increased food supply and better water conservation, a highly valued resource due to the region’s climate.

More details about this work can be found at this link: https://www.facebook.com/FAMUFarmertoFarmerProgram/posts/10155637994512898

Dr. Ram Ray

 

Ram Ray, Research Scientist
Natural Resources and Environmental Systems
raray@pvamu.edu
(936) 261-5094