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Environmental Monitoring Report Project Number: 40534-013 Semestral Report June 2016

2649-BAN (SF): Second Crop Diversification Project Prepared by Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), for the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Asian Development Bank.

This environmental monitoring report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

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Environmental Monitoring Report

June 2016 Prepared by Second Crop Diversification Project (SCDP)

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Khamarbari, Dhaka – 1215

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Table of Contents

Sl.# Contents Page A. Background/Context 04 B. Changes in project scope 05 C. Qualitative and quantitative monitoring data 05 D. Monitoring parameters 06 E. Monitoring results i. Soil health including soil organic matter and soil fertility 07 ii. Soil quality including soil erosion and soil water retention 08 iii. Drought including water scarcity and water use efficiency

iii(a) CCA pilot on water smart mango cultivation 09 iii(b) CCA pilot on water smart litchi cultivation 10 iii(c) CCA pilot on water smart banana cultivation 11

iv Water logging 12 v. Salinity including saline water intrusion

v(a) CCA pilot on cultivation of fruits and vegetables in gher boundary 13 v(b) CCA pilot on coconut based multi species cropping system 14 v(c) CCA pilot on pitcher irrigation in sweet gourd cultivation 15 v(d) CCA pilot on pitcher irrigation in water melon cultivation 15 v(e) CCA pilot on pitcher irrigation in bitter gourd cultivation 15

v(f) CCA pilot on cultivation of Vietnamese improved & dwarf (OP) variety of coconut inter-cropped with Madraji elephant foot

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vi. Excessive use of pesticides

vi(a) Use of sex pheromone to prevent fruit and shoot borer of egg plant, and fruit borer of bitter gourd, bottle gourd, etc

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vi(b) Bagging to prevent beetle of banana, fruit fly of guava, fruit & nut borer of litchi, etc.

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vii. Climate resilient/sensitive crops and varieties 17 F. Key issues 18 G. Next report 19

Appendix 1 Data collection checklist for CCA pilot on water smart mango cultivation 20 2 Data collection checklist for CCA pilot on water smart litchi cultivation 21 3 Data collection checklist for CCA pilot on water smart banana cultivation 22

4 Data collection checklist for CCA pilot on cultivation of fruits and vegetables in gher boundary in southern region

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5 Data collection checklist for CCA pilot on coconut based multi species cropping system for saline area

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6 Data collection checklist for demonstration of impact of mulching on water retention in soil

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7 Data collection checklist for demonstration of impact of compost on growth and production of crops

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8 Data collection checklist for demonstration of impact of sex pheromone to prevent fruit and shoot borer of egg plant, and fruit borer of bitter gourd, bottle gourd, etc.

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9 Data collection checklist for demonstration of impact of bagging to prevent beetle of banana, fruit fly of guava, fruit & nut borer of litchi, etc.

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List of Acronyms

ADB: Asian Development Bank

BARC: Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council

BARI: Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute

BAU: Bangladesh Agricultural University

CCA: Climate Change Adaptation

CRA: Climate Resilient Agriculture

DAE: Department of Agricultural Extension

DME: Design and Monitoring Framework

EMR: Environmental Monitoring Report

GAP: Good Agriculture Practice

HVC: High Value Crop

IPCC: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

IPM: Integrated Pest Management

MFI: Micro Finance Institute

NCDP: Northwest Crop Diversification Project

OFSSI: On Farm Small Scale Infrastructure

OP: Open Pollinated PMU: Project Management Unit

REA: Rapid Environmental Assessment

SAAO: Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer

SCDP: Second Crop Diversification Project

SFG: Small Farmers’ Group

SRDI: Soil Resources Development Institute

ToT: Training of Trainers

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A. Background/Context The Second Crop Diversification Project (SCDP) is a “follow on” Project of the Northwest Crop Diversification Project (NCDP) funded by the Government of Bangladesh and the Asian Development Bank. The main objective of the project is to reduce poverty by improving farmers’ income in 52 upazilas under 27 districts in the southwest and northwest of Bangladesh through expanding High Value Crops (HVC) production, reducing post harvest losses and strengthening market access. The project was officially launched in June 2010 but field operations were commenced in February 2012 after recruiting of Micro Finance Institute (MFI)/BRAC. The MFI started Small Farmers’ Group (SFG) formation in July 2012 and with recruitment of consultants/necessary manpower full swing field activities on credit operations and technology transfer started in later part of 2012. Till the end of 2015, despite some minor deviations in some areas, the overall progresses of the project’s interventions were on track comparing with the targets. For the major components of the project, the cumulative progresses up to the end of June 2016 against their total targets are shown in the table below: Table: Cumulative progresses up to the end of June 2016 against their total targets1 Sl #

Milestones Project Target

Cumulative Progress

Project Progress (%)

A. HVC production support 01 Number of staff received ToT courses on HVC 600 701 117 02 Number of farmers received HVC training 294466 237500 81

03 Number of demonstrations on production technology

16000 15513 111

04 Number of lead farmers received motivational trips

8320 6842 82

05 Additional hectares covered by HVC 50000 76736 153 B. Value addition support

01 Number of farmers participated in value addition training

24000 24000 100

02 Number of staff received ToT on post harvest and value addition

200 193 97

03 Number of OFSSI constructed 104 88 85 C. Credit support 01 Number of group members 240000 251950 105 02 Number of loanees 203200 201647 99

SCDP has a task to identify climate change adaptation options and measures, and disseminate those to the farmers. For doing it, the project adopted its strategies and developed its plans to address the climatic and environmental issues. However, regarding its monitoring, it is stated in the project documents that “in consideration of the nature of SCDP’s actions, the project is classified as Category C” which was perceived by the project management not to prepare a separate Environmental Monitoring Report (EMR). But on the 23rd of March 2015, it was clarified

1 4th Quarterly Progress Report (April – June 2016), SCDP

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by ADB that according to the nature of the SCDP’s actions, the project is classified as Category B, which is required to prepare a separate EMR. This report is prepared as per the format provided by ADB. The report covers a period from January 2016 to June 2016 and it consists seven sections as follows:

A. Background/context: This section gives information on the project including its progresses, scope of monitoring report, reporting period and monitoring requirements;

B. Changes in project scope: This section describes the changes in project scopes and adjustments of safeguard measures;

C. Qualitative and quantitative monitoring data: This section includes the types of quantitative and qualitative monitoring data considered for the EMR;

D. Monitoring parameters: This section refers to the monitoring parameters/indicators and methods of the monitoring plan agreed upon with ADB;

E. Monitoring results: This section explains the environmental impacts addressed or going to be addressed by the project;

F. Key issues: This section includes the key issues, or complaints from affected people, or recommendations for improvement;

G. Next report: This section highlights the proposed items of focus and the due date for the next report.

B. Changes in project scope There was no any major change in project scope. According to the Design and Monitoring Framework (DMF), the project’s performance target is to establish at least five replicable pilots in the drought-prone areas of the north-west, and five in the south-west areas vulnerable to cyclone and salinity. Up to the end of the reporting period, the project established six pilots to address salinity, three pilots to address drought and one pilot to address water logging. Depending on the severity of the problems (salinity, drought, etc) and the number of SCDP upazilas/farmers vulnerable towards the problems (salinity, drought, etc), there was a minor change in the location-specific targets keeping the overall targets unchanged. More precisely, the number of pilots in salinity-prone areas was increased while the number of pilots in the drought-prone areas was decreased compared to the performance targets of DMF. In addition to the pilots, a number of demonstrations on Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) or Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practice (e.g. mulching, composting, sex pheromone trap, bagging, etc) were established across the project areas.

C. Qualitative and quantitative monitoring data For all Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) activities, both quantitative (e.g. number of plants, amount of income, etc.) and qualitative (e.g. reasons of showing willingness to adopt the technology, motivations to disseminate the technology, etc.) information were collected from field. Checklists/questionnaires were developed by the project for collecting the data of all CCA activities. Data collection checklists are shown in appendix 1 – 9 as given in the table below:

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Checklists AppendixesPilot on Water Smart Mango Cultivation 1 Pilot on Water Smart Litchi Cultivation 2 Pilot on Water Smart Banana Cultivation 3 Pilot on Cultivation of Fruits and Vegetables in Gher Boundary in Southern Region

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Pilot on Coconut based Multi Species Cropping System for Saline Area 5 Demonstration of Impact of Mulching on Water Retention in Soil 6 Demonstration of Impact of Compost on Growth and Production of Crops 7 Demonstration of Impact of Sex Pheromone to Prevent Fruit and Shoot Borer of Egg Plant, and Fruit Borer of Bitter Gourd, Bottle Gourd, etc.

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Demonstration of Impact of Bagging to Prevent Beetle of Banana, Fruit Fly of Guava, Fruit & Nut Borer of Litchi, etc.

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Data collection was done by the Upazilla offices of DAE as per the checklists and guidelines provided by the PMU of SCDP. Data analysis was done and the analyzed findings were incorporated in the EMR.

D. Monitoring parameters Since inception, it was not thought for setting the baselines and monitoring the progresses on climate and environment related parameters. As a result, no baseline indicator and monitoring system was developed in the climate and environment domain. Nevertheless, as suggested by ADB on the 23rd of March 2015, SCDP agreed to prepare a separate periodic EMR focusing the environmental aspects under the section 78 of the REA. Accordingly, the EMR focuses on:

Soil erosion and soil water retention; Soil health, soil organic matter and soil fertility; Drainage conditions and prevention of water logging; Water scarcity, improvement of irrigation efficiency and prevention of water wastage; Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and promotion of organic fertilization techniques; Excessive use of pesticides/insecticides and promotion of IPM practices; Promotion of climate resilient crops and varieties;

Monitoring data on the above-mentioned monitoring parameters are collected, analyzed and incorporated in the EMR.

E. Monitoring results Climate change adaptation activities were implemented by SCDP in order to address different environmental issues such as (i) soil health including soil organic matter and soil fertility, (ii) soil quality including soil erosion and soil water retention, (iii) drought including water scarcity and water use efficiency, (iv) water logging, (v) salinity including saline water intrusion, (vi) excessive use of pesticides, and (vii) climate resilient/sensitive crops and varieties. Considering the severity of the climate change adaptation issues the project planned massive training programs for the beneficiaries starting from Oct 2015 and continued till end of June 2016. So far 1000 beneficiaries (444 male and rest female) received CCA training in Rabi season 2015-16 and 1600 beneficiaries (796 male and rest female) in Kharif I 2015-16. The training program

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arranged in the climate vulnerability Upazilas of the project and covered 30 Upazilas mostly in south western parts of the country. Progresses of the activities against the above-mentioned issues are given below:

i. Soil health including soil organic matter and soil fertility Lack of organic matter deteriorates the quality of soil which reduces the yields of crops. According to the research findings, organic matter content in soil is below 1% in about 60% of

cultivable lands compared to an ideal minimum value of 3% (Islam, 2006)2, which is not adequate for optimum growth and production of crops. Composting is one of the most important bio-intensive techniques to improve the soil health. Compost adds organic matters to the soil which loosen and soften the soil, increase aeration and water holding capacity of soil and finally improve soil condition and its fertility which are the preconditions for growth as well as production of crops. With the above considerations, farmers’ in situ training module was developed to demonstrate composting technology and its impact on crop growth/production. The learning objectives of

the training were of two-folds: (1) To ensure that farmers have a good understanding on how composting adds soil organic matter and improves soil fertility, and in turn they use this technology in their own farms; and (2) To develop the capacities of DAE staff members to facilitate farmers’ in situ training, and organize demonstration and farmers’ field days in a way so that farmers can develop good understanding on composting and its benefits in crop production. All 52 upazillas under SCDP completed this training where around 780 farmers participated. This training cum demonstration developed farmers’ awareness about using compost instead of chemical fertilizers for increasing soil organic matter as well as improving soil fertility. Monitoring data of 28 Upazillas revealed that 15 farmers from each upazilla participated in the training whereas 180 farmers from each upazilla applied compost in their own crop fields. The findings indicate that the number of farmers applied compost was 12 times more than the number of farmers participated in the training. Secondary adoption rate was very high because of tangible benefits of composting technology. After seeing the impact of compost on crop growth/production, farmers used compost in 670 hectares of land in each upazilla. The crops brought under composting were egg plant, cauliflower, tomato, cabbage, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, mango, papaya, chili, onion, garlic, melon, litchi, coconut, country bean, guava and Banana. Farmers reported to have a number of benefits as a result of application of compost in their crop field. Major two tangible benefits of using compost were (a) decrease in use of chemical fertilizer; and (b) increase in production. For example, the farmers in Bagerhat Sadar reduced use of chemical fertilizer in vegetable and fruit production by 15% whereas they increased their

2 Journal of Environmental Science & Natural Resources, 5(2) : 01‐09, 2012

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vegetable and fruit production by 10%. The farmers also reported to have some other comparative benefits as a result of application of compost in their crop field. The benefits were increased water/moisture retention in soil, rapid and vigorous growth of plants, bigger size of fruits, better taste of vegetables and fruits, etc.

ii. Soil quality including soil erosion and soil water retention

Scarcity of water as well soil moisture is one of the serious problems for crop production in dry season particularly in drought prone area. Hence water retention of soil is very important for crop production.

Mulching is one of the most effective technologies to reduce evaporation of water leading to increase the moisture content of the soil. So, mulching addresses water scarcity problem of crop

production. In addition, mulch protects soil from erosion, reduces weed growth, keeps soil cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather and finally adds organic matters to the soil which are the elements of a benevolent microclimate for germination and growth as well as production of crops. From the above view points, farmers’ in situ training module was developed to demonstrate mulching technology and its impact on soil moisture retention. The learning objectives of the training were of two-folds: (1) To ensure

that farmers have a good understanding on how mulching increases the moisture retention in soil, reduces soil erosion and creates more favorable microclimate for growing crops, and in turn they use this technology in their own farms; and (2) To develop the capacities of DAE staff members to facilitate farmers’ in situ training, and organize demonstration and farmers’ field days in a way so that farmers can develop good understanding on mulching and its benefits in crop production.

All 52 upazillas under SCDP have completed this training where around 830 farmers participated. This training cum demonstration developed farmers’ awareness about using mulch for increasing water/moisture retention of soil as well as improving micro climate of crops. Monitoring data of 28 Upazillas revealed that 16 farmers from each upazilla participated in the training whereas 56 farmers from each upazilla applied mulch in their own crop fields. The findings indicate that the number of farmers applied mulch was 3.5 times more than the number of farmers participated in the training. Secondary adoption rate was high because of tangible benefits of mulching technology. After seeing the impact of mulch on water/moisture retention of soil, farmers used mulch in 9.5 hectares of land in each upazilla. The crops brought under mulching were pointed gourd, egg plant, cauliflower, tomato, cabbage, sweet gourd, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, mango, guava, banana, papaya, chili, onion, garlic, melon, strawberry, litchi, coconut, country bean and pumpkin.

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Farmers reported to have a number of benefits as a result of application of mulch in their crop field. Major three tangible benefits of using mulch were (a) decrease in number of irrigation; (b) decrease in irrigation/production cost; and (c) increase in production. For example, the farmers in Nagarkanda upazilla reduced number of irrigation in vegetable and spices cultivation by 50%, which resulted to reduction of their production cost by 5% whereas they increased their vegetable and spices production by 25%. The farmers also reported to have some other comparative benefits of application of mulch in their crop field. The benefits were rapid and vigorous growth of plants, less weed infestation, etc. iii. Drought including water scarcity and water use efficiency

One of the critical climate change impacts in agriculture is rising temperature. In Bangladesh, the analysis shows that the increasing trend in annual mean temperatures during the 1980-2010 is about 2.4°C per century3. IPCC predicts that global temperatures will rise between 1.8°C and 4°C by the end of twenty first century4. Frequency and intensity of drought are likely to increase, especially in the drier northern and western parts of the country. About 2-7 million ha area is vulnerable to annual drought. About 18% of the Rabi crops and 9% of the Kharif crops are highly vulnerable to annual drought problems. Bangladesh experienced severe to moderate droughts in 1973, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1989, 1994, and 1995. During drought 2009, 21% less rain was recorded in Monsoon period (June-August)5. Rising temperature results to scarcity of water as well soil moisture for the crops. Higher temperature tends to reduce yields of many crops in the dry season in the drought prone area and the other area where irrigation facility is limited. During the survey conducted by SCDP in March to June 2014, drought was found to be the highest problem where 74% farmers considered it as a threat of crop production. With the above considerations, the project undertook three pilots to address the water scarcity problem in the draught-prone areas. iii (a) CCA Pilot on Water Smart Mango Cultivation Considering the importance of soil water/moisture for mango cultivation, the project undertook pilot on water smart mango cultivation. Considering scarcity of supplementary irrigation water,

rain water harvesting and soil moisture conservation were given greater emphasis in this pilot. Trench at the canopy drip, slope from the tree trunk to the canopy drip and mulch at the bottom of the trees increased water use efficiency through rainwater harvesting and in situ moisture conservation. Considering climatic suitability of mango, the pilot was implemented at 21 locations in seven upazillas (Nawabgonj Sadar, Godagari, Bagatipara, Pabna

3 Policy Brief, Development of Four Decade Long Climate Scenario and Trend, CDMP II, Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, June 2014 4 Working Group 1, IPPC: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis, Summary for Policy Makers, p. 13 2007. 5 Submitted Country Paper in the “Workshop on Developing Farming Systems for Climate Change Mitigation, 26‐30 August 2013, Colombo, Sri Lanka

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Sadar, Birampur, Cuadanga Sadar and Meherpur Sadar). In each location, the number of trees under piloted technology was 16 while the number of trees in control plot was 5. Monitoring data of 17 locations of six Upazillas revealed a number of tangible benefits of the piloted technology of mango cultivation in the drought-prone areas. Data exposed that the duration of soil water/moisture retention was up to 24 days after irrigation in case of pilot while it

was up to 17 days in case of control. This resulted to reduce the number of irrigation for the piloted trees. Monitoring data also revealed that the number of irrigation required for the pilot was 3 whereas the number of irrigation required for the control was 4. As a result, the irrigation cost of the piloted trees was lesser compared to that of control trees. Monitoring data showed that the irrigation cost per tree in the pilot plot was Tk. 31 whereas the irrigation cost per tree in the control plot was Tk. 37. Farmers reported to have bigger size and higher production of mango from piloted trees. Monitoring

data indicated that the weight per mango was 128 gm and the yield per tree was 45 Kg in case of pilot whereas the weight per mango was 108 gm and the yield per tree was 33 Kg in case of control. Finally, the cost-return ratio of piloted trees was higher than that of control trees. Monitoring data disclosed that the cost-benefit ratio of the piloted trees was 1:6 while the ratio of control tree was 1:3. Due to higher profitability, all piloting farmers showed their willingness to adopt the piloted technology in their own mango orchards in the next year without any financial support from DAE. For the same reason, the Sub Assistant Agriculture Officers (SAAO) of DAE also expressed their positive notion to replicate the technology amongst other farmers in their working areas. iii (b) CCA Pilot on Water Smart Litchi Cultivation Considering the importance of soil water/moisture for litchi cultivation, the project undertook pilot

on water smart litchi cultivation. Considering the crisis of supplementary irrigation water, rain water harvesting and soil moisture conservation were given greater emphasis in this pilot. Trench at the canopy drip, slope from the tree trunk to the canopy drip and mulch at the bottom of the trees increased water use efficiency through rainwater harvesting and in situ moisture conservation. Considering climatic suitability of litchi, the pilot was implemented at 21 locations in seven upazillas (Nawabgonj Sadar, Godagari, Bagatipara, Pabna Sadar, Birampur, Cuadanga Sadar and Meherpur Sadar). In each location, the number of trees under

piloted technology was 16 while the number of trees in control plot was 5.

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Monitoring data of 17 locations of six Upazillas revealed a number of tangible benefits of the piloted technology of litchi cultivation in the drought-prone areas. Data exposed that the duration of soil water/moisture retention was up to 24 days after irrigation in case of pilot while it was up to 17 days in case of control. This resulted to reduce the number of irrigation for the piloted

trees. Monitoring data revealed that the number of irrigation required for the pilot was 3 whereas the number of irrigation required for the control was 4. As a result, the irrigation cost of the piloted trees was lesser compared to that of control trees. Monitoring data showed that the irrigation cost per tree in the pilot plot was Tk. 34 whereas the irrigation cost per tree in the control plot was Tk. 44. Farmers reported to have bigger size and higher production of litchi from piloted trees. Monitoring data indicated that the weight per litchi was 28 gm and the yield per tree was 22 Kg in case of pilot

whereas the weight per litchi was 26 gm and the yield per tree was 20 Kg in case of control. Finally, the cost-return ratio of piloted trees was higher than that of control trees. Monitoring data disclosed that the cost-benefit ratio of the piloted trees was 1:4 while the ratio of control tree was 1:2.8. Due to higher profitability, all piloting farmers showed their willingness to adopt the piloted technology in their own litchi orchards in the next year without any financial support from DAE. For the same reason, the SAAOs of DAE also expressed their positive notion to replicate the technology amongst other farmers in their working areas. iii (c) CCA Pilot on Water Smart Banana Cultivation Considering banana as a water sensitive crop, the project undertook a pilot on water smart banana cultivation. Considering the scarcity of supplementary irrigation water, rain water

harvesting and soil moisture conservation were given greater emphasis in this pilot. At the same time, considering the water logging problem, drainage of excess water was also given equal emphasis in this pilot. The pilot had ridges at the bottom of the banana plants and trenches/furrows between the ridges to irrigate water during the draughts and to drain off excess water during the rains. The pilot also had hole at the lower end of each channel to be used to reserve excess water during the rains in order for irrigation during the droughts.

Considering climatic suitability of banana, the pilot was undertaken in Meherpur Sadar, Sadullapur, Sonatala and Jessore Sadar upazillas. In each location, the number of plants under piloted technology was 200 while the number of plants in control plot was 25.

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Monitoring data of 11 locations of four Upazillas revealed a number of tangible benefits of the piloted technology of banana cultivation. Data exposed that the duration of soil water/moisture

retention was up to 17 days after irrigation in case of pilot while it was up to 10 days in case of control. This resulted to reduce the number of irrigation for the piloted plots. Monitoring data revealed that the number of irrigation required for the pilot was 11 whereas the number of irrigation required for the control was 19. As a result, the irrigation cost of the piloted plants was lesser compared to that of control plants. Monitoring data showed that the irrigation cost per plant in the pilot plot was Tk. 16 whereas the irrigation cost per plant in the control plot was Tk. 24.

Farmers reported to have bigger size and higher production of banana from piloted plants. Monitoring data indicated that the weight per banana was 168 gm and the yield per plant was 175 fruits in case of pilot whereas the weight per banana was 129 gm and the yield per plant was 153 fruits in case of control. Finally, the cost-return ratio of piloted plants was higher than that of control plants. Monitoring data disclosed that the cost-benefit ratio of the piloted plants was 1:3 while the ratio of control plants was 1:2. Due to higher profitability, all piloting farmers showed their willingness to adopt the piloted technology in their own banana orchards in the next year without any financial support from DAE. For the same reason, the SAAOs of DAE also expressed their positive notion to replicate the technology amongst other farmers in their working areas. iv. Water logging

During the internal survey of SCDP, post-flood water logging was also identified as another problem where 35% respondents mentioned it as a threat of crop production.

Water logging should not be allowed for banana cultivation. If water stagnates, alongside other problems, serious disease like panama wilt may occur. With this consideration, the project undertook a pilot on water smart banana cultivation, where drainage of excess water was given emphasis. The pilot had ridges at the bottom of the banana plants and trenches/furrows between the ridges to drain off excess water during the rains. Monitoring data revealed some tangible benefits of the piloted technology of banana cultivation. The benefits included less disease infestation, bigger

size and higher yield of banana. Due to higher profitability, the piloting farmers showed their willingness to adopt the piloted technology in their own banana orchards in the next year without any financial support from DAE. For the same reason, the SAAOs of DAE also expressed their positive notion to replicate the technology amongst other farmers in their working areas.

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v. Salinity including saline water intrusion Sea level rising as a result of global warming has negative implications on agricultural production. Sea level rise coupled with reduced flows from the upland during winter season expedites the saline water intrusion in the agricultural land. Out of about 1.689 million hectares of coastal land about 1.056 million hectares are affected by soil salinity of various degrees. As recorded, in 1973 saline area was 0.833 million hectares, while in 2000 it was 1.020 million hectares and in 2009 it was 1.056 million hectares. The data indicate that 35510 hectares salinity area has increased in nine years between 2000 & 20096. The study findings reveal that salt affected area is increasing in almost all SCDP’s working upazillas in coastal belt7. With the expansion of area under saline water, almost all agricultural lands are being occupied by shrimp cultivation in the coastal belt of the country. This indicates that shrimp cultivation in Gher using saline water tends to reduce cultivation of horticultural crops in the coastal area. With the above considerations, the project undertook six pilots to address the salinity problem in the salinity-prone areas under SCDP. Out of these six pilots, results of two pilots are below: v (a) CCA Pilot on Cultivation of Fruits and Vegetables in Gher Boundary

The farmers of Debhata use the ghers for only prawn/shrimp and fresh water fish culture without cultivating any crop in the gher boundaries. This is due to lack of awareness of the farmers

about suitable crops, appropriate technologies and exact cost-benefits of multiple crops cultivation in gher boundary. With the above consideration, SCDP developed a pilot on cultivation of fruits and vegetables in gher boundary. The purpose of this pilot was to utilize the gher boundary through growing different fruits and vegetables in order to cover the risk of any particular crop failure. Through this pilot, gher was evolved into an insecticide free integrated farming system to produce fish, rice, vegetables, spices and fruits for consumption and income of the family

in order to ensure sustainable food/nutritional security throughout the year. Considering the degree of problem and appropriateness of the option, the pilot was implemented in Debhata upazilla under Satkhira district. Monitoring data of three locations of Debhata Upazilla revealed that the overall productivity of the gher has been increased due to cultivation of fruits and vegetables in gher boundary. In each square-shaped gher, the space of each side of the boundary was 25 Meter X 2 Meter = 50

6 Saline Soils of Bangladesh, SFSDP, Soil Resource Development Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, 2012 7 Soil Resource Development Institute, 2012

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Square Meter. In side-1, the farmers cultivated papaya, okra, bitter gourd, pointed gourd and cucumber; in side-2, they cultivated coconut, okra, yard long bean and bottle gourd; in side-3, the farmers planted jujube, bottle gourd, pumpkin and egg plant; and in side-4, they planted guava, bottle gourd, pumpkin and country bean. The farmers started plantation in the later part of 2015. Up to this reporting time, the fruit trees did not start fruiting. However, the farmers partially harvested and sold some vegetables. Monitoring data revealed that in each gher boundary, the production cost of vegetables was Tk. 7366, while the gross margin and the net margin from vegetable production were Tk. 20766 and Tk. 13400 respectively. In the pilot area, traditionally the farmers use the ghers for only prawn/shrimp and fresh water fish culture in rainy season without cultivating any crop in the gher boundaries. In the pilot, the additional income from the vegetable cultivation in the gher boundaries increased the productivity of ghers. The productivity of ghers would further be increased significantly while the fruit trees would give production. However, even at this stage, the additional income from the vegetable cultivation in the gher boundaries created enthusiasm among other gher farmers for cultivating fruits and vegetables in their gher boundaries. It is important to note that the other farmers are also started vegetable/fruit production in their gher agriculture systems by attending the Field days on earlier pilot demonstrations. v (b) CCA Pilot on Coconut based Multi Species Cropping System for Saline Area Coconut is predominantly grown in the coastal/saline area. In coconut, first fruit bearing begins after 7-8 years from the time of planting and stabilization of yield and regular yields are obtained 4-5 years later. The perennial nature and long pre-bearing stage, high initial investment and low

returns up to 6-7 years as well as limited availability of cultivable land makes it necessary for growing different inter crops/mixed crops in the interspaces of coconut plantations in order to generate additional income per unit area. With the above consideration, the pilot on coconut based multi species cropping system was implemented in the saline area. The purpose of this pilot was maximum utilization of space of coconut orchard through growing different vegetables and spices in order to cover the risk of any particular crop failure. This pilot developed a multi species cropping system to

produce vegetables, spices and fruits for consumption and income of the family in order to ensure sustainable food/nutritional security throughout the year. Considering climatic suitability of coconut, the pilot was undertaken in Barisal Sadar, Babugonj, Gournadi and Ujirpur upazillas. Monitoring data of six locations of three Upazilla revealed a strong potentiality of increasing the productivity of the coconut orchard due to introducing multi species cropping system. The space of each orchard was 10 decimals. In addition to coconut, the farmers cultivated drumstick, ginger/turmeric, elephant foot, bitter gourd and okra.

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The farmers started plantation in the later part of 2015. Up to this reporting time, the farmers did not get any yield from coconut and drumstick. However, they partially harvested and sold some crops. For example, the production cost of bitter gourd of one orchard in Ujirpur Upazilla was Tk. 10000, while the gross margin and the net margin were Tk. 16000 and Tk. 6000 respectively. Similarly, the production cost of elephant foot of four orchards in Barisal Sadar and Gournadi Upazillas was 9712, while the gross margin and net margin were Tk. 17000 and Tk. 7288 respectively. In addition, the production cost of turmeric of two orchards in Ujirpur Upazilla was Tk. 3000, while the gross margin and the net margin were Tk. 4550 and Tk. 1550 respectively. In the pilot area, traditionally the farmers do not cultivate any intercrops in the coconut orchards. In the pilot, the additional income from the intercrops with coconut trees increased the productivity of the orchards. The productivity of the orchards would further be increased significantly while the coconut, drumstick and all other intercrops would give production. However, even at this stage, the additional income from the intercrops of the coconut orchards created enthusiasm among other orchard owners. v (c,d,e) CCA Pilot on Pitcher Irrigation in Sweet Gourd, Water Melon and Bitter Gourd cultivation

The project has undertaken three pilots on “pitcher irrigation” of sweet gourd, water melon and bitter gourd to address the salinity problem in the salinity-prone areas. As per the research findings of Soil Resource Development Institution (SRDI), it is expected that the soil salinity of the pits under the pilot having pitcher irrigation would be reduced by 2 – 2.5 ds/m. The project has started implementation of the pilots in Debhata, Sathkhira Sadar and Dumuria Upazillas.

After completing the site selection and some other time-bound activities of the pilots, all together 18 demonstrations (6 on sweet gourd, 6 on bitter gourd and 6 on water melon) in all three sites have been set in Rabi season 2016. By June 2016 the Upazila Debhata harvested 344 kg watermelon (earned Tk 8200), 220 kg sweet gourd (earned Tk 5720) and 40 kg bitter gourd (earned Tk 2200) from each demonstration (2 decimal). It has been reported that the salinity in the root zone of the crops grown under pitcher irrigation was comparatively lower than the control areas. No field days yet organized in the sites, however the response of the participated demo farmers are not found encouraging due to intensive labor use for pitcher irrigation. Though, the crops in the demonstrations are found more productive than the similar crops grown by local farmers under their traditional management. v (f) CCA Pilot on Cultivation of Vietnamese Improved & Dwarf Variety of Coconut Inter‐cropped with Madraji Elephant Foot SCDP has developed a CCA pilot on cultivation of Vietnamese improved, dwarf and open pollinated (OP) variety of coconut inter-cropped with Madraji elephant’s foot to address the storm/cyclone, salinity and land scarcity in the southern upazillas under SCDP.

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If the Vietnamese variety of coconut suits in the southern climatic condition, it is expected that the coconut farmers would get some added advantage of cultivation of this variety of coconut. The primary objective of the pilot is to protect the coconut trees from storms. Other objectives of the pilot are to maximize utilization of space of coconut orchard through growing elephant foot and to minimize the risk of any particular crop failure. The project has selected 35 southern Upazillas to implement the pilot. By June 2016 the project distributed 560 dwarf coconut seedlings to the beneficiaries under 70 demonstrations. All demonstration sites are being planted by elephant’s foot to address climate vulnerability. vi. Excessive use of pesticides

The research commissioned by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC)8 reveals that due to the diminished impact of the pesticides, farmers use pesticides 10-15 times the prescribed amount for producing fruits and 8-10 times for growing vegetables. The research findings also reveal that about 10 years ago, farmers used to apply pesticides once a month or sometimes twice. But now many farmers apply pesticides every week and even twice or thrice a week in some cases. The research findings expose that about one-third of the pesticides used in producing vegetables and fruits are substandard. Adulteration of pesticides and ignorance of farmers are the main reasons behind the excessive use of pesticides. The excessive doses of pesticides not only raise the production cost but also cause serious health hazards to consumers in the long run. Taking the above issues into account, SCDP suggested recommended doses of pesticides in the technical guidelines of all pilots and demonstrations. In addition, the project promoted the following IPM practices with a view to avoid excessive use of pesticides: vi(a) Use of sex pheromone to prevent fruit and shoot borer of egg plant, and fruit borer of bitter gourd, bottle gourd, etc The project promoted use of sex pheromone trap to control fruit & shoot borer of egg plant, fruit borer of bitter gourd and bottle gourd in all upazillas. Monitoring data of 11 Upazillas revealed that 41 farmers from each upazilla applied sex pheromone trap. Data of 24 Upazillas showed that the farmers used sex pheromone trap in 18 hectares of land in each upazilla. The crops brought under sex pheromone trap were egg plant, cauliflower, tomato, bitter gourd, bottle gourd,

8 The Daily Star, 11 September 2014

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pointed gourd, cucumber, country bean, sweet gourd and snake gourd. Farmers reported to have a number of benefits as a result of application of sex pheromone trap in their crop field. Major three tangible benefits of using sex pheromone trap were (a) decrease in use of insecticides; (b) decrease in production cost; and (c) increase in production. For example, the farmers in Bagerhat Sadar reduced use of insecticide in vegetable production by 10% and subsequently reduced production cost by 15% whereas they increased their vegetable production by 10%. The farmers also reported to have some other comparative benefits due to use of sex pheromone trap. The benefits were production of pesticide-free vegetables having better color, better taste and higher market price. vi(b) Bagging to prevent beetle of banana, fruit fly of guava, fruit & nut borer of litchi, etc. The project promoted bagging to prevent beetle of banana, fruit fly of guava and fruit & nut borer of litchi, etc in all its upazillas. Monitoring data of 21 Upazillas revealed that 36 farmers from each upazilla applied bagging. Data of 22 Upazillas showed that the farmers used bagging in 12 hectares of land in each

upazilla. The crops brought under bagging were banana, guava, egg plant, litchi, pomegranate, mango and sweet gourd. Farmers reported to have a number of benefits as a result of bagging. Major two tangible benefits of using bagging were (a) decrease in use of insecticides; and (b) improved in fruit quality. For example, the farmers in Bagerhat Sadar reduced use of insecticide in banana and guava production by 10% whereas they increased their banana and guava production by 10%. The farmers also reported to have some other comparative benefits of bagging. Some farmers reported higher

production up to 10% in case of using banana bagging. As a whole they are getting higher market price and better earnings. vii. Climate resilient/sensitive crops and varieties Specific climate variability has specific effect on the yield of specific crops and varieties. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, intrusion of saline water, etc affect the performance of existing crops and varieties. Therefore, changes in crops and varieties which are suited for changed climate are essential. Using crops and varieties suited for changed climate can lessen the negative effect of climate change on yields. With the above understanding, the project considered climate resilient crops and varieties in designing and implementing all pilots and demonstrations. For example, in case of the pilot on cultivation of fruits and vegetables in gher

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boundary, BARI Peyara-2 or Thai Peyara, BAU Kul or Apple Kul, and all sorts of locally suitable varieties of locally suitable vegetables and fruits were suggested based on the climatic condition of saline area. Similarly, based on different location specific climatic conditions, Sapota was suggested for Satkhira area, Golden apple (Amra) was suggested for Barisal area and Coconut was suggested for coastal belt. Likewise, China-3 or Bombai litchi, Amrapali mango, BARI Kala-1, Vietnamese dwarf coconut, etc varieties were selected based on different location specific climatic conditions of respective pilots. The pilots and demonstrations developed farmers’ awareness about crops and varieties which are resilient to different location specific climatic conditions.

F. Key issues Geographic location, low topography (dominance of flood plains and low elevation from the sea), demographic (high population density and growth rate) and poor socio-economic condition (high poverty level, climate dependent traditional rural agrarian economy, institutional weakness etc.) features make Bangladesh one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change. Agriculture is the most vulnerable sector to climate change as it is very susceptible to change in climatic phenomena (i.e. change in temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, etc.) and its effects. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that by 2050, rice production in Bangladesh could decline by 8% and wheat by 32% (against the base year of 1990)9. Climate change and its variability are emerging as the major challenges influencing the performance of agriculture in Bangladesh. A survey was conducted by SCDP in March to June 2014 to identify the climatic/environmental threats of crop production faced by the farmers in the project area. During that survey drought, flood, salinity (in southern region only), and insect/disease attack were identified by the farmers as major problems of crop production. In addition to these issues, some other environmental issues such as soil health, climate resilient crops and varieties, etc were identified from the REA conducted by ADB and different surveys/studies conducted by other relevant organizations. Finally, Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA), encompassing adaptation and mitigation strategies was thus undertaken by SCDP to address the identified issues.

G. Next report As SCDP is classified as Category B, the project is required to prepare a separate periodic EMR. This report covering a period from January 2016 to June 2016 is treated as the 3rd periodic EMR. The final EMR covering a period from the beginning to the end of the project would be prepared by the end of the project closing month. The progresses of the completed and ongoing CCA activities would be given in the final EMR. The impact of both ToT and farmers’ training on CCA would also be given in the report. Results and lessons of all CCA pilots and demonstrations would be included in the EMR. Based on the result, the replicable CCA options and their dissemination methods would be suggested in the

9 Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2009

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final EMR. The final EMR would also provide suggestions to carry out the ongoing (if any) CCA activities after closing of the project. Appendix-1: Data Collection Checklist for the CCA Pilot on Water Smart Mango Cultivation

A. General Information: 01. Name of farmer:

02. Address:

Village: Block: UP: Upazila: District:

03. Variety: 04. Age of tree: 05. Number of trees under piloted technology: 06. Number of trees under control: B. Last season’s performance monitoring information:

Sl. #

Indicator Amount Gap/difference

between pilot & control

Remarks Pilot Control

07. Material/Mulch cost per tree (Taka)

Nil

08. Number of irrigation

09. Duration of moisture retention of soil after irrigation (Day)

10. Irrigation cost per tree (Taka)

11. Average production per tree (Kilogram)

12. Average size per fruit (Gram)

13. Cost-return ratio C. Next season’s planning information:

14.

Farmer’s decision for adoption of piloted technology (mulching) without financial support from DAE

If YES

Reason:

# of Tree

If NO

Reason:

15.

SAAO’s opinion for dissemination of piloted technology (mulching) without financial support from DAE

If YES

Reason:

# of Farmers

If NO

Reason:

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Appendix-2: Data Collection Checklist for the CCA Pilot on Water Smart Litchi Cultivation


02. Address:


03. Variety: 04. Age of tree: 05. Number of trees under piloted technology: 06. Number of trees under control: B. Last season’s performance monitoring information:

Sl. #




07. Material/Mulch cost per tree (Taka)

Nil



10. Irrigation cost per tree (Taka)

11. Average production per tree (Kilogram)


13. Cost-return ratio C. Next season’s planning information:

14.

Farmer’s decision for adoption of piloted technology (mulching) without financial support from DAE

If YES

Reason:

# of Tree

If NO

Reason:

15.


If YES

Reason:

# of Farmers

If NO

Reason:

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Appendix-3: Data Collection Checklist for the CCA Pilot on Water Smart Banana Cultivation

D. General Information: 01. Name of farmer:

02. Address:


03. Variety: 04. Number of plants under piloted technology: 05. Number of plants under control: E. Last season’s performance monitoring information:

Sl. #




06.

Piloted technology (mulch, shallow well, irrigation channel, etc) cost per plant (Taka)

Nil



09. Irrigation cost per plant (Taka)

10. Average production per plant (# of fruits )


12. Cost-return ratio F. Next season’s planning information:

13.

Farmer’s decision for adoption of piloted technology without financial support from DAE

If YES

Reason:

# of Tree

If NO

Reason:

14.


If YES

Reason:

# of Farmers

If NO

Reason:

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Appendix-4: Data Collection Checklist for the CCA Pilot on Cultivation of Fruits and Vegetables in Gher Boundary in Southern Region


02. Address:


B. Side-1: 03. Size of dike (cultivable area): Length (Meter): ……….Width (Meter): ………. 04. Name of fruit: 05. Variety of fruit: 06. Number of trees/plants: 07. Date of plantation: 08. Cost of fruit production (Tk.): 09. Gross margin from fruit (Tk.): 10. Net margin from fruit (Tk.) 11. Name of vegetable: 12. Variety of vegetable: 13. Number of pits/plants: 14. Date of plantation: 15. Cost of vegetable production (Tk.): 16. Gross margin from vegetable (Tk.): 17. Net margin from vegetable (Tk.): C. Side-2: 18. Size of dike (cultivable area): Length (Meter): ……….Width (Meter): ………. 19. Name of fruit: 20. Variety of fruit: 21. Number of trees/plants: 22. Date of plantation: 23. Cost of fruit production (Tk.): 24. Gross margin from fruit (Tk.): 25. Net margin from fruit (Tk.) 26. Name of vegetable: 27. Variety of vegetable: 28. Number of pits/plants: 29. Date of plantation: 30. Cost of vegetable production (Tk.): 31. Gross margin from vegetable (Tk.): 32. Net margin from vegetable (Tk.): D. Side-3: 33. Size of dike (cultivable area): Length (Meter): ……….Width (Meter): ………. 34. Name of fruit: 35. Variety of fruit: 36. Number of trees/plants: 37. Date of plantation:

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38. Cost of fruit production (Tk.): 39. Gross margin from fruit (Tk.): 40. Net margin from fruit (Tk.) 41. Name of vegetable: 42. Variety of vegetable: 43. Number of pits/plants: 44. Date of plantation: 45. Cost of vegetable production (Tk.): 46. Gross margin from vegetable (Tk.): 47. Net margin from vegetable (Tk.): E. Side-4: 48. Size of dike (cultivable area): Length (Meter): ……….Width (Meter): ………. 49. Name of fruit: 50. Variety of fruit: 51. Number of trees/plants: 52. Date of plantation: 53. Cost of fruit production (Tk.): 54. Gross margin from fruit (Tk.): 55. Net margin from fruit (Tk.) 56. Name of vegetable: 57. Variety of vegetable: 58. Number of pits/plants: 59. Date of plantation: 60. Cost of vegetable production (Tk.): 61. Gross margin from vegetable (Tk.): 62. Net margin from vegetable (Tk.): F. Ditch: 63. Size of ditch (water surface area): Length (Meter): ……….Width (Meter): ………. 64. Name of fish: 65. Date of fingerlings release: 66. Cost of fish cultivation (Tk.): 67. Gross margin from fish (Tk.): 68. Net margin from fish (Tk.): G. Total Gher (B+C+D+E+F): 69. Cost of Gher cultivation (Tk.): 70. Gross margin from Gher (Tk.): 71 Net margin from Gher (Tk.):

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Appendix-5: Data Collection Checklist for the CCA Pilot on Coconut based Multi Species Cropping System for Saline Area


02. Address:


03. Size of orchard (cultivable area): Length (Meter): ……….Width (Meter): ………. B. Coconut: 04. Variety of coconut: 05. Number of trees/plants: 06. Date of plantation: 07. Cost of coconut cultivation (Tk.): 08. Gross margin from coconut (Tk.): 09. Net margin from coconut (Tk.) C. Drumstick: 10. Variety of drumstick: 11. Number of plants: 12. Date of plantation: 13. Cost of drumstick cultivation (Tk.): 14. Gross margin from drumstick (Tk.): 15. Net margin from drumstick (Tk.) D. Ginger/Turmeric: 16. Variety of ginger/turmeric: 17. Number of plants: 18. Date of plantation: 19. Cost of ginger/turmeric cultivation (Tk.): 20. Gross margin from ginger/turmeric (Tk.): 21. Net margin from ginger/turmeric (Tk.) E. Elephant foot: 22. Variety of elephant foot: 23. Number of plants: 24. Date of plantation: 25. Cost of elephant foot cultivation (Tk.): 26. Gross margin from elephant foot (Tk.): 27. Net margin from elephant foot (Tk.) F. Other crop(if any): 28. Name of crop: 29. Variety of crop: 30. Number of plants: 31. Date of plantation: 32. Cost of crop cultivation (Tk.): 33. Gross margin from crop (Tk.): 34. Net margin from crop (Tk.) G. Total orchard (B+C+D+E+F): 35. Cost of all crops cultivation (Tk.): 36. Gross margin from all crops (Tk.): 37. Net margin from all crop (Tk.)

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Appendix-6: Data Collection Checklist to Measure the Impact of Mulching on Water Retention in Soil

01. Name of Upazilla:

02. Number of farmers participated in the training:

03. Number of farmers applied mulch in their own crop/field due to this training:

04. Name of crops covered by mulching: 05. Area of land covered by mulching:

06.

Major differences (especially in terms of water/moisture retention in soil leading to growth and production of crops) in the plots having mulch and the plots not having mulch:

Appendix-7: Data Collection Checklist to Measure the Impact of Compost on Growth and Production of Crops 01. Name of Upazilla:

02. Number of farmers participated in the training:

03. Number of farmers applied compost in their own crop/field due to this training:

04. Name of crops covered by composting: 05. Area of land covered by composting:

06.

Major differences (especially in terms of soil health leading to growth and production of crops) in the plots using compost and the plots not using compost:

Appendix-8: Data Collection Checklist to Measure the Impact of Use of Sex Pheromone to Prevent Fruit and Shoot Borer of Egg Plant, and Fruit Borer of Bitter Gourd, Bottle Gourd, etc. 01. Name of Upazilla:

02.

Number of farmers applied sex pheromone to prevent fruit and shoot borer of egg plant, and fruit borer of bitter gourd, bottle gourd, etc.:

03. Name of crops covered by sex pheromone:

04. Area of land covered by sex pheromone:

05.

Major differences (especially in terms of used amount of pesticides and production of crops) in the plots using sex pheromone and the plots not using sex pheromone:

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Appendix-9: Data Collection Checklist to Measure the Impact of Bagging to Prevent Beetle of Banana, Fruit Fly of Guava, Fruit & Nut Borer of Litchi, etc.

01. Name of Upazilla:

02. Number of farmers applied bagging to prevent beetle of banana, fruit fly of guava, fruit & nut borer of litchi, etc.

03 Name of crops covered by bagging: 04. Area of land covered by bagging:

05.

Major differences (especially in terms of used amount of pesticides and production of crops) in the plots using bagging and the plots not using bagging:

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