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Details Of Innovation
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Ramaji Thakore of Ahmedabad district in Gujarat employs an innovative method for getting increased and better quality yield from castor (Ricinus communis) crop. After growing castor in monsoon and taking the harvest, he cuts the upper portions of all the existing castor plants, keeping only 50 cm stumps above the ground. After this, he irrigates the field at every 12-day interval till the next monsoon season. This keeps the plants alive and also discourages the attack of white ants. Immediately after the first rains, he again cuts the plants, keeping only 10 cm stumps above the ground, while simultaneously inter-ploughing the field. Soon the plants develop fresh shoots. Ramaji then cuts the shoots, and saves 4 -5 healthy and big shoots. Within 2 months time, the shoots develop and grow upto 2 m in height and start yielding the castor seeds. According to Ramaji, this method is best suited for the areas where there is ample water supply even in the summer months but not suited for non-irrigated fields. This method is traditional and it ensures him pest-free increased crop. He gets about 1100 kg of castor seeds per 0.25 ha of the field, using this method. Kanjibhai Thakore and 2 - 3 other farmers of the Nandol village in the same district also employ this method with success.
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