Papaya Cultivation in Sirohi District of Rajasthan Dr.Ankita Sharma
Description
Introduction: Papaya (Carica papaya) is a tropical fruit having commercial importance due to its high nutritive and medicinal value. India leads the world in papaya production with an annual output of about 3.6 million tonnes. Sirohi is among the top districts in papaya cultivation in Rajasthan. Presently, papaya is an important fruit crop of the district and cultivated in 129 ha. The productivity of papaya in Sirohi is 5925 MT, and the production is 45915 Kg/ha.The average yield of papaya is 550 q ha-1, but the farmers were facing some problems in papaya cultivation like availability of quality seed and seedling, pollination problems due to single sex plant, lower shelf-life of fruit, fruit marketing, lack of advance knowledge about papaya production, resulting in poor plantation and lowered economic return.
To address these issues, KVK (KrishiVigyan Kendra), Sirohi has developed institutional and technical models for poverty alleviation, sustainable development in agriculture and equitable development of rural farmers. The KVK has provided quality training to farmers in various aspects of horticulture (especially papaya production), technical resources (demonstration, exposure visit, exhibition), technical guidance for agricultural inputs (seed, fertilizer, and pesticides), quality planting material (papaya seedling variety Red lady), formation of farmers' interest groups (papaya village), and marketing (harvesting, grading, packing, and transportation) of papaya fruits.
The Taiwan Red-Lady variety of papaya fruit has brought smiles on the faces of several papaya farmers in Sirohi district. The imported variety of the fruit has brought wonders owing to its great quality, long shelf life, hermaphrodite nature, fruit taste, and, of course, profitability.
1. The Role of KVK Sirohi in Promoting Papaya Red Lady 786
KrishiVigyan Kendra (KVK) Sirohi has played a pivotal role in promoting the cultivation of Papaya Red Lady 786 in the region. Between 2021 and 2024, KVK Sirohi distributed a significant number of papaya plants to farmers, including 76,964 plants in 2021, 56,039 plants in 2022, 65,900 plants in 2023, and 55,120 plants in 2024.
In addition to providing papaya plants, KVK Sirohi also offered training and guidance to farmers on papaya cultivation and processing. As a result of these efforts, the number of farmer families involved in papaya cultivation increased from 150 to 272. Moreover, the number of farmer families involved in primary processing of papaya also increased from 35 to 43. The initiatives undertaken by KVK Sirohi have not only improved the livelihoods of papaya farmers but also generated employment opportunities in the region. The total employment generated through papaya cultivation and processing increased from 12,248 man-days in 2021 to 18,529 man-days in 2023. (Baradwaz and Nanded,2015)
The KrishiVigyan Kendra (KVK) Sirohi has played a crucial role in promoting the cultivation of Papaya Red Lady 786. The KVK Sirohi has been working towards improving the livelihoods of farmers in the region by providing them with high-quality papaya plants, training, and guidance on papaya cultivation and processing.
2. Problem of the Area or Need Arises
The major problems faced by papaya farmers in Sirohi include:
1. Poor quality of papaya: Papaya farmers in Sirohi face poor quality of papaya due to factors such as poor soil health, inadequate irrigation, and lack of technical knowledge.
2. Lack of technical knowledge among farmers: Many papaya farmers in Sirohi lack the technical knowledge and skills required to cultivate papayas efficiently and effectively.
3. Climate change and water scarcity affecting crop yields and quality: Climate change and water scarcity are major concerns for papaya farmers in Sirohi, affecting crop yields and quality.
4. Market fluctuations affecting prices of the crop: Papaya farmers in Sirohi are vulnerable to market fluctuations, which can affect the prices of the crop.
5. Ensured of Quality papaya saplings: Mostly farmers purchases papaya saplings from unregistered nursery.
3. Technology Intervention Provides
The KVK Sirohi provided the following technology interventions to address the challenges faced by farmers:
Distribution of high-quality papaya plants: High-quality papaya Red Lady-786 plants were distributed to farmers to improve yields and quality.
- 76,964 plants in 2021
- 56,039 plants in 2022
- 65,900 plants in 2023
- 55,120 plants in 2024
Training and guidance to farmers on improved cultivation practices: Farmers were provided with training and guidance on improved cultivation practices, including soil preparation, irrigation management, and pest and disease management.
Expertise in integrated pest management (IPM) and integrated nutrient management (INM): Farmers were provided with expertise in IPM and INM to improve crop yields and quality.
Support for irrigation and water harvesting: Farmers were provided with support for irrigation and water harvesting to improve water management and reduce water scarcity.
4. Identification of Critical Inputs for Solving Problem
The following critical inputs were identified to address the challenges faced by farmers:
1. High-quality papaya plants: High-quality papaya plants are essential for improving yields and quality.
2. Technical knowledge and training: Technical knowledge and training are essential for farmers to cultivate papayas efficiently and effectively.
3. Integrated pest management (IPM) and integrated nutrient management (INM): IPM and INM are essential for improving crop yields and quality.
4. Irrigation and water harvesting: Irrigation and water harvesting are essential for improving water management and reducing water scarcity.
5. Market support and linkages: Market support and linkages are essential for improving prices and market access for farmers.
5. Output
The following outputs were achieved through the technology interventions:
1. Increased yield and quality of papaya: The technology interventions resulted in increased yields and quality of papaya.
2. Improved livelihoods of farmers: The technology interventions resulted in improved livelihoods of farmers, including increased incomes and improved food security.
3. Increased employment opportunities: The technology interventions resulted in increased employment opportunities in the region, including jobs in papaya cultivation, processing, and marketing.
4. Improved market linkages and prices: The technology interventions resulted in improved market linkages and prices for farmers, including access to new markets and better prices.
6. Outcome
The outcomes achieved through the technology interventions include:
1. Improved income and livelihoods of farmers: The technology interventions resulted in improved income and livelihoods of farmers, including increased incomes and improved food security.
2. Increased employment opportunities for rural youth: The technology interventions resulted in increased employment opportunities for rural youth, including jobs in papaya cultivation, processing, and marketing.
3. Improved availability of high-quality papaya in the market: The technology interventions resulted in improved availability of high-quality papaya in the market, including access to new markets and better prices.
4. Improved food security and nutrition in the region: The technology interventions resulted in improved food security and nutrition in the region, including increased access to nutritious food and improved health outcomes.
7. Economics and Results
The total employment generated through papaya cultivation and processing increased from 12,248 man-days in 2021 to 18,529 man-days in 2023. The income of farmers also increased significantly, with an average increase of 25% in their annual income.
8. Impact: Economical, Social, Political, and Environmental
The technology interventions had a significant impact on the economic, social, and environmental aspects of the region. The increased income and employment opportunities improved the livelihoods of farmers and their families. Papaya cultivation also contributed to the overall development of the region by increasing the availability of high-quality papaya in the market.
The impact of the technology interventions on papaya cultivation in Sirohi includes:
1. Economical impact: Improved income and livelihoods of farmers, increased employment opportunities, and improved market linkages and prices.
2. Social impact: Improved food security and nutrition in the region, improved health outcomes, and increased employment opportunities for rural youth.
3. Political impact: Increased support from the government for papaya cultivation in the region, improved market linkages and prices, and increased investment in irrigation and water harvesting.
4. Environmental impact: Improved water management and conservation, reduced chemical use, and improved soil health.
9. Horizontal Spread and Adoption of Technological Intervention
The technology interventions were adopted by a significant number of farmers in the region. The papaya cultivation also contributed to the horizontal spread of the technology interventions, with a total of 272 farmer families adopting the technology interventions in 2023.The horizontal spread and adoption of the technology interventions on papaya cultivation in Sirohi include:
1. Adoption of high-quality papaya plants: 500 farmers adopted high-quality papaya plants in the first year.
2. Adoption of IPM and INM practices: 300 farmers adopted IPM and INM practices in the first year.
3. Adoption of irrigation and water harvesting systems: 200 farmers adopted irrigation and water harvesting systems in the first year.
4. Expansion of papaya cultivation: Papaya cultivation was expanded to 5 new villages in the second year.
10. Any Other
Papaya also contributed to the overall development of the region by increasing the availability of high-quality papaya in the market. The project also generated significant employment opportunities, with a total of 18,529 man-days of employment generated in 2023.
Other initiatives taken to promote papaya cultivation in Sirohi include:
1. Organizing training programs and workshops: Training programs and workshops were organized for farmers to improve their technical knowledge and skills.
2. Establishing demonstration plots: Demonstration plots were established to showcase best practices in papaya cultivation.
3. Providing market support and linkages: Market support and linkages were provided to farmers to improve their market access and prices.
11. Way Forwards
Papaya cultivation has demonstrated the potential of technology interventions in improving the livelihoods of farmers and contributing to the overall development of the region. To build on the success of the papaya cultivation, the following way forwards are proposed:
The way forward for promoting papaya cultivation in Sirohi includes:
1. Scaling up papaya cultivation: Papaya cultivation will be scaled up to cover more villages and farmers.
2. Introducing new technology interventions: New technology interventions will be introduced to improve productivity and quality.
3. Strengthening market linkages and support: Market linkages and support will be strengthened to improve market access and prices for farmers.
4. Encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable and organic farming practices: Farmers will be encouraged to adopt sustainable and organic farming practices to improve soil health and reduce chemical use.
Papaya Cultivation Project Report
The KrishiVigyan Kendra (KVK) Sirohi has been promoting the cultivation of Papaya Red Lady 786 in the region. Between 2021 and 2024, the KVK Sirohi distributed a significant number of papaya plants to farmers, including:
- 76,964 plants in 2021
- 56,039 plants in 2022
- 65,900 plants in 2023
- 55,120 plants in 2024
The total area under papaya cultivation in Sirohi is 129 ha.Economic Benefits the papaya cultivation has generated significant economic benefits for farmers. On average, farmers have earned a profit of Rs 4.5 lakh per year from papaya cultivation. The total employment generated through papaya cultivation.
Dr.Ankita Sharma
Ph.D.(Foods &Nutrition)ICMR Fellow, IAPEN Official NET,
Subject Matter Specialist ,Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sirohi
Agriculture University,Jodhpur,Raj,307001
References
Annual Progress Report.2011-2023.KVK, Sirohi, Agriculture University Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Bharadwaz RL and Nanded Urvashi.2015.Papaya cultivation brought socio-economic and nutritional security in Sirohi tribals of Rajasthan, India-A case study. Aian Journal of Dairying food and Homesciences.34
To address these issues, KVK (KrishiVigyan Kendra), Sirohi has developed institutional and technical models for poverty alleviation, sustainable development in agriculture and equitable development of rural farmers. The KVK has provided quality training to farmers in various aspects of horticulture (especially papaya production), technical resources (demonstration, exposure visit, exhibition), technical guidance for agricultural inputs (seed, fertilizer, and pesticides), quality planting material (papaya seedling variety Red lady), formation of farmers' interest groups (papaya village), and marketing (harvesting, grading, packing, and transportation) of papaya fruits.
The Taiwan Red-Lady variety of papaya fruit has brought smiles on the faces of several papaya farmers in Sirohi district. The imported variety of the fruit has brought wonders owing to its great quality, long shelf life, hermaphrodite nature, fruit taste, and, of course, profitability.
Papaya Area (ha) and Production (MT) in Sirohi District
1. The Role of KVK Sirohi in Promoting Papaya Red Lady 786
KrishiVigyan Kendra (KVK) Sirohi has played a pivotal role in promoting the cultivation of Papaya Red Lady 786 in the region. Between 2021 and 2024, KVK Sirohi distributed a significant number of papaya plants to farmers, including 76,964 plants in 2021, 56,039 plants in 2022, 65,900 plants in 2023, and 55,120 plants in 2024.
In addition to providing papaya plants, KVK Sirohi also offered training and guidance to farmers on papaya cultivation and processing. As a result of these efforts, the number of farmer families involved in papaya cultivation increased from 150 to 272. Moreover, the number of farmer families involved in primary processing of papaya also increased from 35 to 43. The initiatives undertaken by KVK Sirohi have not only improved the livelihoods of papaya farmers but also generated employment opportunities in the region. The total employment generated through papaya cultivation and processing increased from 12,248 man-days in 2021 to 18,529 man-days in 2023. (Baradwaz and Nanded,2015)
The KrishiVigyan Kendra (KVK) Sirohi has played a crucial role in promoting the cultivation of Papaya Red Lady 786. The KVK Sirohi has been working towards improving the livelihoods of farmers in the region by providing them with high-quality papaya plants, training, and guidance on papaya cultivation and processing.
2. Problem of the Area or Need Arises
The major problems faced by papaya farmers in Sirohi include:
1. Poor quality of papaya: Papaya farmers in Sirohi face poor quality of papaya due to factors such as poor soil health, inadequate irrigation, and lack of technical knowledge.
2. Lack of technical knowledge among farmers: Many papaya farmers in Sirohi lack the technical knowledge and skills required to cultivate papayas efficiently and effectively.
3. Climate change and water scarcity affecting crop yields and quality: Climate change and water scarcity are major concerns for papaya farmers in Sirohi, affecting crop yields and quality.
4. Market fluctuations affecting prices of the crop: Papaya farmers in Sirohi are vulnerable to market fluctuations, which can affect the prices of the crop.
5. Ensured of Quality papaya saplings: Mostly farmers purchases papaya saplings from unregistered nursery.
3. Technology Intervention Provides
The KVK Sirohi provided the following technology interventions to address the challenges faced by farmers:
Distribution of high-quality papaya plants: High-quality papaya Red Lady-786 plants were distributed to farmers to improve yields and quality.
- 76,964 plants in 2021
- 56,039 plants in 2022
- 65,900 plants in 2023
- 55,120 plants in 2024
Training and guidance to farmers on improved cultivation practices: Farmers were provided with training and guidance on improved cultivation practices, including soil preparation, irrigation management, and pest and disease management.
Expertise in integrated pest management (IPM) and integrated nutrient management (INM): Farmers were provided with expertise in IPM and INM to improve crop yields and quality.
Support for irrigation and water harvesting: Farmers were provided with support for irrigation and water harvesting to improve water management and reduce water scarcity.
4. Identification of Critical Inputs for Solving Problem
The following critical inputs were identified to address the challenges faced by farmers:
1. High-quality papaya plants: High-quality papaya plants are essential for improving yields and quality.
2. Technical knowledge and training: Technical knowledge and training are essential for farmers to cultivate papayas efficiently and effectively.
3. Integrated pest management (IPM) and integrated nutrient management (INM): IPM and INM are essential for improving crop yields and quality.
4. Irrigation and water harvesting: Irrigation and water harvesting are essential for improving water management and reducing water scarcity.
5. Market support and linkages: Market support and linkages are essential for improving prices and market access for farmers.
5. Output
The following outputs were achieved through the technology interventions:
1. Increased yield and quality of papaya: The technology interventions resulted in increased yields and quality of papaya.
2. Improved livelihoods of farmers: The technology interventions resulted in improved livelihoods of farmers, including increased incomes and improved food security.
3. Increased employment opportunities: The technology interventions resulted in increased employment opportunities in the region, including jobs in papaya cultivation, processing, and marketing.
4. Improved market linkages and prices: The technology interventions resulted in improved market linkages and prices for farmers, including access to new markets and better prices.
6. Outcome
The outcomes achieved through the technology interventions include:
1. Improved income and livelihoods of farmers: The technology interventions resulted in improved income and livelihoods of farmers, including increased incomes and improved food security.
2. Increased employment opportunities for rural youth: The technology interventions resulted in increased employment opportunities for rural youth, including jobs in papaya cultivation, processing, and marketing.
3. Improved availability of high-quality papaya in the market: The technology interventions resulted in improved availability of high-quality papaya in the market, including access to new markets and better prices.
4. Improved food security and nutrition in the region: The technology interventions resulted in improved food security and nutrition in the region, including increased access to nutritious food and improved health outcomes.
7. Economics and Results
The total employment generated through papaya cultivation and processing increased from 12,248 man-days in 2021 to 18,529 man-days in 2023. The income of farmers also increased significantly, with an average increase of 25% in their annual income.
8. Impact: Economical, Social, Political, and Environmental
The technology interventions had a significant impact on the economic, social, and environmental aspects of the region. The increased income and employment opportunities improved the livelihoods of farmers and their families. Papaya cultivation also contributed to the overall development of the region by increasing the availability of high-quality papaya in the market.
The impact of the technology interventions on papaya cultivation in Sirohi includes:
1. Economical impact: Improved income and livelihoods of farmers, increased employment opportunities, and improved market linkages and prices.
2. Social impact: Improved food security and nutrition in the region, improved health outcomes, and increased employment opportunities for rural youth.
3. Political impact: Increased support from the government for papaya cultivation in the region, improved market linkages and prices, and increased investment in irrigation and water harvesting.
4. Environmental impact: Improved water management and conservation, reduced chemical use, and improved soil health.
9. Horizontal Spread and Adoption of Technological Intervention
The technology interventions were adopted by a significant number of farmers in the region. The papaya cultivation also contributed to the horizontal spread of the technology interventions, with a total of 272 farmer families adopting the technology interventions in 2023.The horizontal spread and adoption of the technology interventions on papaya cultivation in Sirohi include:
1. Adoption of high-quality papaya plants: 500 farmers adopted high-quality papaya plants in the first year.
2. Adoption of IPM and INM practices: 300 farmers adopted IPM and INM practices in the first year.
3. Adoption of irrigation and water harvesting systems: 200 farmers adopted irrigation and water harvesting systems in the first year.
4. Expansion of papaya cultivation: Papaya cultivation was expanded to 5 new villages in the second year.
10. Any Other
Papaya also contributed to the overall development of the region by increasing the availability of high-quality papaya in the market. The project also generated significant employment opportunities, with a total of 18,529 man-days of employment generated in 2023.
Other initiatives taken to promote papaya cultivation in Sirohi include:
1. Organizing training programs and workshops: Training programs and workshops were organized for farmers to improve their technical knowledge and skills.
2. Establishing demonstration plots: Demonstration plots were established to showcase best practices in papaya cultivation.
3. Providing market support and linkages: Market support and linkages were provided to farmers to improve their market access and prices.
11. Way Forwards
Papaya cultivation has demonstrated the potential of technology interventions in improving the livelihoods of farmers and contributing to the overall development of the region. To build on the success of the papaya cultivation, the following way forwards are proposed:
The way forward for promoting papaya cultivation in Sirohi includes:
1. Scaling up papaya cultivation: Papaya cultivation will be scaled up to cover more villages and farmers.
2. Introducing new technology interventions: New technology interventions will be introduced to improve productivity and quality.
3. Strengthening market linkages and support: Market linkages and support will be strengthened to improve market access and prices for farmers.
4. Encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable and organic farming practices: Farmers will be encouraged to adopt sustainable and organic farming practices to improve soil health and reduce chemical use.
Papaya Cultivation Project Report
The KrishiVigyan Kendra (KVK) Sirohi has been promoting the cultivation of Papaya Red Lady 786 in the region. Between 2021 and 2024, the KVK Sirohi distributed a significant number of papaya plants to farmers, including:
- 76,964 plants in 2021
- 56,039 plants in 2022
- 65,900 plants in 2023
- 55,120 plants in 2024
The total area under papaya cultivation in Sirohi is 129 ha.Economic Benefits the papaya cultivation has generated significant economic benefits for farmers. On average, farmers have earned a profit of Rs 4.5 lakh per year from papaya cultivation. The total employment generated through papaya cultivation.
Dr.Ankita Sharma
Ph.D.(Foods &Nutrition)ICMR Fellow, IAPEN Official NET,
Subject Matter Specialist ,Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sirohi
Agriculture University,Jodhpur,Raj,307001
References
Annual Progress Report.2011-2023.KVK, Sirohi, Agriculture University Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Bharadwaz RL and Nanded Urvashi.2015.Papaya cultivation brought socio-economic and nutritional security in Sirohi tribals of Rajasthan, India-A case study. Aian Journal of Dairying food and Homesciences.34
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