accelerating vegetable productivity improvement (avpi) - ifdc
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INTERNATIONAL FERTILIZER DEVELOPMENT CENTER PO BOX 2040 | MUSCLE SHOALS, AL 35662 | USA
Accelerating Vegetable Productivity Improvement (AVPI)
MONTHLY REPORT | SEPTEMBER 2018
This report by IFDC was made possible through funding support from the Walmart Foundation.
AVPI Monthly Report | September 2018 i
Table of Contents
Highlights ................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Results ................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Technical Activities ................................................................................................................................................ 2
Technology Transfer ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Piloting Polynet Houses with Trickle Irrigation ................................................................................................. 4
Improving Farmer Access to Market Information .............................................................................................. 5
Reporting................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Tables
Table 1. Activities Conducted for 2018-19 Winter Vegetable Season Through September 2018 .................... 6
Table 2. Newspaper and Television Reports, News, and Publicity, September 2018 ....................................... 7
AVPI Monthly Report | September 2018 ii
Acronyms and Abbreviations
AVPI Accelerating Vegetable Productivity Improvement
BMO Briquetting Machine Owner
DAE Department of Agricultural Extension
FDP Fertilizer Deep Placement
FTF Feed the Future
GAP Good Agricultural Practice
IFDC International Fertilizer Development Center
mt metric ton
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
NPK Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium
SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
AVPI Monthly Report | September 2018 1
Accelerating Vegetable Productivity Improvement (AVPI)
Monthly Report | September 2018
Highlights
Introduction
The Accelerating Vegetable Productivity Improvement (AVPI) project is the second partnership between the
Walmart Foundation and the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) to improve the livelihoods of
low-income female vegetable and fruit farmers in Bangladesh.
The project targets the horticulture subsector (vegetables and fruits), which is particularly relevant to women
farmers. The project is expected to reach an estimated about 38,000 beneficiaries.1 This report contains a monthly
update covering project activities in September 2018.
Results
• Area Coverage under Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), including Fertilizer Deep Placement (FDP)
Technology, in Winter 2018-19: Winter season vegetable cultivation began in August. Application of GAPs,
including FDP, by women horticulture farmers in winter 2018-19 started in the middle of August at AVPI
project locations. As per AVPI weekly reports, a total of 830 hectares (ha) of vegetables and fruit have been
brought under FDP technology during the winter season of 2018-19 until the reporting period.
• FDP Briquette Production: Information is being collected on Guti (briquette) fertilizer production from 233
AVPI villages. In September 2018, a total of 251.50 metric tons (mt) of Guti urea and 21.50 mt of NPK
briquettes were produced. The overall production of Guti fertilizers in AVPI villages during the winter 2018-
19 vegetable and fruit season was 454.90 mt (431.90 mt Guti urea and 23.00 mt NPK briquette) as of the
reporting month.
1 AVPI conducted a census during winter 2016-17 to determine the current agriculture status of all 28,360 women farmers who were
trained during the IFDC-Walmart activity 2013-15 period in the Feed the Future (FTF) zone. A total of 21,892 farmers were found
active in winter 2016-17. AVPI will train another 16,000 women horticulture farmers in 400 batches throughout the life of the project.
Therefore, the number of expected beneficiaries will be 21,892 + 16,000 = 37,892.
AVPI Monthly Report | September 2018 2
Technical Activities
Winter Season 2018-19: AVPI began its winter season 2018-19 activities in August as per the approved work
plan. The activities include: women horticulture farmers’ training on GAPs (including FDP) and polynet houses
with trickle irrigation; motivational meetings with previously trained women horticulture farmers; motivational
workshops and operational training of fertilizer briquetting machine owners (BMOs); farmers’ orientation
training for demonstration establishment; establishment of demonstration plots to show the results of improved
technologies compared to farmers’ practices; vegetable marketing seminars to improve the knowledge of women
horticulture farmers on product quality and marketing-related issues; and agro-input retailers’ training to educate
them on polynet houses and trickle irrigation systems.
AVPI completed the following activities for the winter 2018-19 season during September 2018.
Technology Transfer
• Farmers’ Training on GAPs and FDP: In
September, 50 batches of AVPI training programs
for 2018-19 winter season vegetables and fruits were
organized with the participation of 2,000 women
farmers. The training program lasted for two days,
with four hours each day. Day 1 focused on the
theoretical aspects of vegetable and fruit production,
while Day 2 focused on practical demonstrations of
FDP and GAPs application. Training topics include:
(1) human nutrition from vegetables and fruits; (2) soil fertility, balanced fertilizer use, and benefits of FDP
technology; (3) fertilizer briquette rates and application methods for selected vegetable and fruit crops;
(4) integrated pest management (IPM) practices; (5) land preparation, plant spacing, and planting/harvesting
times for selected fruit and vegetable crops; (6) quality seed and variety selection for selected crops;
(7) gender issues related to the marketing of vegetables and fruits; (8) practical demonstration of FDP
application; and (9) trainee feedback/question-and-answer session. Department of Agricultural Extension
(DAE) officials also participated in these training programs. So far, 91 (70 percent) of 130 targeted training
programs for winter 2018-19 have been completed.
AVPI practical training on GAPs and FDP application for women horticulture farmers
AVPI Monthly Report | September 2018 3
• Motivational Meeting with Walmart/IFDC-Trained Beneficiaries: In September, 40 batches of
motivational meetings were organized with 2,000 beneficiaries who were trained previously under Walmart-
IFDC activities. The purpose of the meetings was to identify the beneficiaries’ plans regarding GAPs and
FDP application in horticulture crop production and motivate them to continue GAPs and FDP practices. So
far, 80 (80 percent) of 100 targeted motivational meetings for winter 2018-19 have been completed.
• Establishment of FDP Demonstration: Technology results demonstration is one of the most important AVPI
activities. AVPI demonstrates the results of FDP technology in selected vegetables. The demonstration plots
consist of two plots, each measuring 200 square meters – one using FDP and the other broadcasting
conventional urea, keeping all other inputs such as seed and fertilizers and all other management practices the
same. A total of 15 targeted vegetable demonstrations plots (100%), which included seven on cabbage and
eight on cauliflower, for winter 2018-19 have been completed.
• Field Data Entry and Analysis: AVPI completed data entry, checking and verification of the following
surveys and crop cuts. The analyses are in process, and the results will be presented in the AVPI second annual
report, which is due in November 2018.
➢ FDP Demonstration Plot Crop Cuts on Vegetables, Summer 2018: Data from 20 demonstration plots
were recorded. The crop cuts included bitter gourd, cucumber, eggplant, and taro. Five replications were
made for each crop to measure the comparison of crop yield between FDP and broadcast urea application.
➢ Farmers’ Field Crop Cuts on Vegetables, Summer 2018: Data from 30 farmers’ field crop cuts were
recorded. The crop cuts included bitter gourd, cucumber, eggplant, pointed gourd, teasel gourd, and taro.
Five replications were made for each crop to calculate the gross margin by crops for FDP and broadcast
urea application.
➢ Trained Sample Household Survey for Summer 2018: A total of 3,272 randomly selected trained
households were surveyed. The sample represents 10% of the total AVPI-trained beneficiaries. The survey
was taken to assess the degree to which AVPI beneficiaries used GAPs and FDP technology in
horticultural crops during summer 2018.
AVPI Monthly Report | September 2018 4
➢ Cluster Village Monitoring Survey Summer 2018: Data were taken from 233 AVPI cluster villages
through interviews with key informants on GAPs and FDP application in horticulture crop production.
Piloting Polynet Houses with Trickle Irrigation
• Establishment of Demonstration Plots under Polynet Houses with Trickle Irrigation: In September, five
demonstration plots on eggplant production were established under polynet houses with trickle irrigation using
FDP and broadcast urea and also farmers’ practice without polynet houses and trickle irrigation to show the
results of crop production between these technologies and farmers’ practice. Therefore, all 10 targeted
demonstrations (five on seedling raising and five on crop production) for winter 2018-19 have been
completed.
• Field Days on Seedling Raising under Polynet
Houses: In September, AVPI organized five field day
programs on the use of polynet houses for raising
eggplant seedlings. A total of 200 farmers (female-157
and male-43) participated in these five events. The
seedlings grown under polynet houses were uniform
with high vigor, good size, shape and color, and
maximum root formation, and were strong compared to
farmers’ practices without polynet houses. No
insecticides were used on polynet seedlings, whereas on
three occasions insecticides were sprayed on seedlings without polynet. The market value of polynet seedlings
is about 25 percent higher compared to without polynet seedlings.
AVPI Monthly Report | September 2018 5
• Agro-Input Retailer Training: In September, AVPI
organized two batches of agro-input retailer training
programs as targeted for winter 2018-19. A total of 24
agro-input retailers and five BMOs attended the training
program. The program included theoretical discussion
and presentation on the benefits and use of polynet,
trickle irrigation, and fertilizer deep placement
technologies, followed by practical demonstrations of
these technologies in fields. By introducing these
technologies, AVPI expects that the attendee retailers
and BMOs will ensure that the materials of these
technologies are provided as needed by the farmers. AVPI also provided the contact information of the
manufacturer of these materials to the participants.
Improving Farmer Access to Market Information
• Vegetable and Fruit Marketing Seminar: In
September, AVPI organized one vegetable marketing
seminar in Pirojpur district to improve the women
farmers’ market knowledge and their access to market
information. In this seminar, the findings of the three
studies conducted by AVPI were presented and
discussed in detail with the participants. AVPI women
vegetable and fruit farmers, who are playing a
leadership role in their communities, along with market
actors (faria/bepari/aratdar/paiker/retailers), DAE
officials, the district marketing officer, non-
governmental organization (NGO) officials, and media representatives attended the seminar. In the seminar,
a SWOT analysis was conducted by the participants. This allowed for each participant to become aware and
learn about the opportunities and threats they are facing in the production and marketing of their products in
the markets. The female farmers and market actors were divided in four mixed groups for a group SWOT
exercise, followed by a presentation from each group. So far, one of the two targeted vegetable and fruit
marketing seminars for winter 2018-19 has been completed.
AVPI practical training for agro-input retailers and BMOs on setting-up trickle irrigation systems under polynet house
Group work on SWOT analysis by participants
AVPI Monthly Report | September 2018 6
Table 1 provides information on the activities accomplished as of September 2018 against targets for the 2018-
19 winter vegetable season.
Table 1. Activities Conducted for 2018-19 Winter Vegetable Season Through September 2018
Media Campaign: The media campaign for AVPI activities during September 2018 is shown in Table 2, covering
daily national newspapers, local print media, electronic media, and online news. In the media campaign, Walmart
Foundation, as the donor, is always emphasized in relation to AVPI activities. Some news reports about AVPI
activities in August are also included in the following table due to the late receipt of the newspapers from fields.
Activities Unit
AVPI Progress Through September 2018
Remarks Target Actual %
Objective 1: Fertilizer Deep Placement (FDP)/Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)
Farmer training Batch 130 91 70%
Farmer orientation for demo establishment Batch 1 1 100%
Motivational meeting with trained farmers Number 100 80 80%
Motivational workshop and operational training of BMOs Number 2 2 100%
Field demonstration Number 15 15 100%
Crop cuts from
➢ Demo plots Number 15
➢ Farmers’ field Number 20
Field days Number 5
Design and develop technical leaflets, flyers, posters, signboards, flags, promotional bags, and caps
* * Continuing activity
Objective 2: Piloting Polynet Houses with Trickle Irrigation
Farmer orientation for demo establishment Batch 1 1 100%
Field demonstration (seedling raising-5 + crop production-5)
Number 10 10 100%
Farmer training Batch 10 5 50%
Field days Number 10 5 50%
Provide direct technical assistance to farmers in introducing polynet houses with trickle irrigation and FDP technology
* * Continuing activity
Agro-input retailer training Number 2 2 100%
Objective 3: Improving Farmer Market Knowledge/Access to Market Information
Vegetable marketing seminar Number 2 1 50%
AVPI Monthly Report | September 2018 7
Table 2. Newspaper and Television Reports, News, and Publicity, September 2018
Sl. No. News Heading Media Date/Time Remark
A. Electronic Media
B. Print Media
(i) National Newspaper
1. Farmers training program at Jhikargachha The Daily Jaijaidin 02-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
2. Field Day on Polynet Houses at
Chuadanga Sadar
The Daily Kalerkantho 03-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
3. Vegetable and fruits marketing seminar at
Pirojpur
The Daily Ittefaq 19-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
4. Vegetable and fruits marketing seminar at
Pirojpur
The Daily Manab
Kantha
19-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
5. Vegetable and fruits marketing seminar at
Pirojpur
The Daily Vorer
Darpon
19-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
6. Vegetable and fruits marketing seminar at
Pirojpur
The Daily Vorerpata 19-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
(ii) Local Newspaper
1. Field Day on Polynet Houses at
Chuadanga Sadar
The Daily
Notunkhobor
27-Aug-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
2. Field Day on Polynet Houses at
Alamdanga
The Daily Akash
Khabar
28-Aug-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
3. Field Day on Polynet Houses at
Alamdanga
The Daily Sokaler
Khojkobor
28-Aug-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
4. Field Day on Polynet Houses at
Alamdanga
The Daily
Pashchimanchal
28-Aug-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
5. Organized BMO workshop at Chuadanga The Daily Akash
Khabar
30-Aug-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
6. Farmers training program at Jhikargachha The Daily Protidiner
Katha
30-Aug-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
7. Organized BMO workshop at Jessore The Daily Spandan 31-Aug-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
8. Field Day on Polynet Houses at
Chuadanga Sadar
The Daily Spandan 03-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
9. Farmers training program at Baliakandi The Daily Diner
Khobor
13-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
10. Farmers training program at Baliakandi The Daily Matrikantha 13-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
11. Farmers training program at Baliakandi The Dainik Kushtia 13-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
12. Farmers training program at Baliakandi The Daily Matrikantha 14-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
13. Field Day on Polynet Houses at
Chuadanga Sadar
The Daily Sokaler
Khojkobor
14-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
14. Field Day on Polynet Houses at
Chuadanga Sadar
The Daily
Pashchimanchal
14-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
15. Field Day on Polynet Houses at
Chuadanga Sadar
The Daily
Pashchimanchal
14-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
16. Farmers training program at Baliakandi The Dainik Kushtia 15-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
17. Farmers training program at Bhola Sadar The Daily Banglar
Kantha
17-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
AVPI Monthly Report | September 2018 8
Sl. No. News Heading Media Date/Time Remark
18. Field Day on Polynet Houses at
Alamdanga
The Daily Akash
Khabar
17-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
19. Field Day on Polynet Houses at
Alamdanga
The Daily Sokaler
Khojkobor
17-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
20. Field Day on Polynet Houses at
Alamdanga
The Daily
Paschimanchal
17-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
21. Farmers training program at Burhanuddin The Daily Banglar
Kantha
20-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
22. Farmers training program at Rajbari Sadar The Daily Matrikantha 20-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
23. Field Day on Polynet Houses at
Jhikargachha
The Dainik Kalyan 21-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
24. Field Day on Polynet Houses at
Jhikargachha
The Daily Samajer
Katha
21-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
25. Field Day on Polynet Houses at
Jhikargachha
The Dainik Noapara 21-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
26. Farmers training program at Baliakandi The Daily
Ganasonghoti
25-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
27. Agro input retailer training program at
Alamdanga
The Daily Sokaler
Khojkobor
26-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
28. Agro input retailer training program at
Alamdanga
The Daily
Pashchimanchal
26-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
29. Agro input retailer training program at
Alamdanga
The Daily Akash
Khabar
26-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
30. Farmers training program at Rajbari Sadar The Daily Diner
Khobor
26-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
31. Farmers training program at Rajbari Sadar The Daily Matrikantha 26-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
32. Farmers training program at Rajbari Sadar The Dainik Kushtia 26-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
33. Field Day on Polynet Houses at Jessore
Sadar
The Daily Spandan 28-Sep-18 Hard Copy of News Documented
(iii) Online News
Reporting
The AVPI Monthly Report of August 2018 was submitted to the Walmart Foundation.