Crop Production

The mandate of the Division of Crop Production is to develop improved and economically
viable production technologies suitable for various fibre based cropping system in different
agro-eco regions for the farmers as well as to meet the industrial requirement for diversified
uses. Division of Crop Production consists of four disciplines namely Agronomy, Soil Science
and Microbiology, Plant Physiology and Agricultural Engineering & Farm Machinery. These
four disciplines work in tandem for the fulfillment of the above mentioned mandate of the
Division.

• Crop Rotation
• Crop Husbandry
• Improved Post Harvest Technology
• Physiological Basis of Improving Jute Yield and Quality
• Farm Machinery and Mechanization

Crop Rotation

• Based on different land situation as well as availability of water for irrigation crop
rotations have been developed for jute growing tract of India.
• Under assured irrigation conditions, jute-paddy-potato followed by jute-paddy-groundnut
proved promising as compared to winter crops like wheat, mustard, paddy and
vegetables.
• Under limited irrigation condition, jute-pigeon pea + black gram-green gram yielded
highest return followed by jute-black gram-wheat.
• Under rain fed condition, jute-mustard (Toria) + Lentil was found to be the most
profitable.

Crop Husbandry

Alternate planting Material for Ramie

Propagation of ramie through rhizomes is costlier and there are problems in storage and
transportation also. To overcome this problem and to meet the increasing demand of planting
materials for ramie, waste stalk (< 2 feet) cutting is being used as an alternative source of ramie
planting material in the off season (March & April) nursery at CRIJAF, Barrackpore with more
than 80% success rate, which indicates that the materials can be utilized as a good source of
quality planting material for effective expansion of ramie cultivation (Fig 1). Waste stock
planting is cheap and non-destructive, besides their availability thorough out the year.

Fig 1. Ramie Waste stalks

Weed Management

Cultural Control

• In well-drained soil, mulching with rice straw @ 10 tons/ha reduced weed dry matter by
75%.
• Companion cropping with red amaranthus + radish and legume like green gram was
found to be effective in suppressing weed growth.
• Soil solarization by black polythene reduced weed biomass by 50% as a result of higher
soil temperature (550C), which does not affect jute fibre yield, but not cost effective.
Integrated Control

• Integrated approach combining cultural, chemical and rotational method performs better
as compared to other control measures.
• Application of Butachlor 50% EC or 5G @ 1 to 1.5 kg ai/ha during jute sowing or within
48 hrs of jute sowing followed by one hand weeding/wheel hoeing has been found
effective for weed control in jute, mesta and sunnhemp.
• Application of Pretilachlor 50% EC @ 0.8 to 0.9 kg ai/ha during jute sowing or within
48 hrs of jute sowing followed by one hand weeding/wheel hoeing was found effective
for weed control in jute.
• Nail weeder operation (along the rope / in between the line) in jute field (broad cast/ line
sowing) at early stage i.e. 4 to 5 days after the emergence of jute crop (on field capacity
soil) reduces 80 to 85 % weeds.
• Application of post emergence, selective herbicide, Quizalofop ethyl 5% EC @ 1.5 to
2.0 ml/l + adjuvant @ 1.0 ml/l at 15-21 DAE coupled with one hand weeding, was found
very effective for the control of grassy woods in jute/mesta field.

Water Management

• Jute seed requires 22% moisture for assured germination and it responds to irrigation
scheduling at 20 % and 20-40% available soil moisture under normal and deficit rainfall
conditions respectively.
• Olitorius jute cultivar JRO 524 was found to produce 3-4 q higher fibre yield under
continuous submergence (22-30 cm) from 60 DAS to maturity over Capsularis jute
cultivars (JRC 321 & JRC 212).
• 20-60% higher yield can be obtained through surface and internal drainage over water
logging.
• Scheduling of irrigation to ramie based on IW/CPE ratio 0.6 to 0.9 significantly
increased the leaf area index as well as net photosynthetic rate and decreased the
transpiration rate of the crop.
• Application of irrigation increased fibre yield of the crop by 25-34% during pre-
monsoon period while in the post monsoon period the increase was to the tune of 25%.

Drought Management

• Capsularis jute shows more tolerance to drought condition than Olitorius jute except cv.
JRO 524.
• Green gram (cv Pant mung 5) has been found to be suitable insurance crop under drought
environment in jute.
• Mesta and blackgram/maize strip cropping (5:5) produced 21.5 and 22.5 q fibre
equivalent yield/ha under drought condition.
• One post sowing irrigation (5-7 cm) with N: P:K:: 60:30:30 was found to produce 28 to
32 q jute fibre/ha under 40- 45% deficit rainfall during crop establishment stage (15th
March to 15th June).
 • Application of elemental sulphur @ 30 kg/ha in jute soil (<20 kg/ha available sulphur)
along with N: P: K :: 60:30:30 was found to produce 33-35 q/ha of jute and mesta fibre
under rainfed condition.
• Jute sowing (seed @ 8 kg/ha) on open furrow (4 cm depth, developed by nine tyne
cultivator) along with 1.5 to 2 t/ha rice straw mulch on seeded furrows weighed by soil
clods has been found to produce 32 q jute fibre/ha under rainfed condition. Seed should
be treated with malathion @ 15 g/kg jute seed.

Nutrient Requirement and Management

• Olitorius jute requires 2.06 kg N, 1.66 kg P, and 5.18 kg K and Capsularis jute requires
3.14 kg N, 1.54 kg P, and 7.96 kg K for the production of 1 quintal of fibre.
• The recommended dose of fertilizer (N: P2O5:K2O) for Olitorius jute in low fertility
areas is 80:40:40, whereas in mid fertility areas, the recommended dose is 60:30:30.
• The recommended dose of fertilizer (N: P2O5:K2O) for Capsularis jute is 60-80:30-
40:30-40, depending on the fertility status of the soil.

Soil Test Based Fertilizer Application

• Soil test crop response based targeted yield equation were developed for desired yield
targets under IPNSS for crops such as jute (C. capsularis and C. olitorius), mesta, rice
(different variety), wheat, mustard, lentil and garden pea for alluvial soils of West
Bengal.
• Application of fertilizers as per soil test and targeted yield basis can achieve 40 q jute
fibre, 50 q rice grain and 20 q lentil /ha in jute-rice-lentil sequence under alluvial soils of
West Bengal.
• Soil test and targeted yield basis fertilizer application can achieve 30 q jute fibre/ha
without application of phosphatic fertilizer where available P is >10 kg/ ha in alluvial
soils of Best Bengal.
• Application of fertilizers as per soil test and targeted yield basis can save fertilizers,
money and get maximum returns over farmers’ practices.
• The fertilizer recommendations developed for various yield targets are site specific.
However, they can be advocated to related soil series existing in other agro-climatic
zones also.

Soil Fertility

• Application of NPK + FYM (10t/ha) enriched SOC after 40 years of cultivation with
jute-rice-wheat and registered the highest active pool of soil organic carbon. The net
SOC input was found in the order of NPK+FYM>NPK>NP>N>control.
• DTPA extractable micronutrients were found to be depleted due to continuous cropping.
• Soil available phosphorus was found to be depleted in “phosphorus omission” treatments
after 40 years of continuous cropping.
• The critical level of soil available P (24 kg P2O5/ha) and sulphur (8.5 ppm sulphate
sulphur) was evaluated.
• The placement of phosphatic fertilizer at 10 cms depth of soil was found to be better in
relation to utilization of fertilizer P by sunnhemp.
• Phosphorus use efficiency of Sunnhemp crop was evaluated and found only 5% using
32
P.
 • The maximum depletion of different fractions of potassium was observed in NP
(imbalanced) treatments after 40 years of Long-term fertilizer experimentation with jute-
rice-wheat cropping sequence.
• Application of 30 kg S /ha in combination with NPK (60:30:30) increased jute fibre yield
by 20% and fibre strength by 13%.

Soil Quality

• The mean weight diameter, available P, dehydrogenase activity and total N were key
indicators of soil quality indexing identified in jute based cropping system.
• Biological indicators of soil quality identified were microbial biomass carbon, available
N, nitro fixing bacteria and plant pathogenic bacteria. Relative efficiency of the
treatments for maintenance of the biological soil quality is 100% NPK + FYM> 100%
NPK>100%NP>100%N>control in jute – rice – wheat cropping sequence.
• In jute the population of bacteria (Azotobacter and phosphate solubilizers), fungi and
actinomycetes in the jute rhizosphere were observed to be maximum in 100% NPK +10t
FYM/ha during all stages of crop growth.
• 100% NPK + FYM and 100% NPK showed positive change in soil quality that is
aggradation of soil quality but other treatments showed negative change in soil quality
and indicates degradation of the system in a long term fertility experiment consisting of
jute – rice – wheat cropping sequence.

Biofertilizer

• Azotobacter counts and total available N increased considerably in the plots cropped
with jute.
• Dual inoculation of Azospirillum brasiliense and Bacillus megaterium were found
promising for increased jute fibre yield. The total N fixation in post-harvest jute soil was
found to vary between 7-17 mg/kg soil.
• Maximum increase in fibre production (0-24 %) achieved through inoculation of jute
seed with Azotobacter chroococcum plus 75% inorganic N.
• Inoculation of jute seed with Azotobacter chroococcum can save 25% N.
• The total microbial biomass worked out is 791 x 106/g jute soil. The ratio of beneficial to
harmful microbes is 1: 2.9.

Nutrient Management for Sustainability

• Higher jute fibre, rice grain and wheat grain yield was recorded in 150% NPK and 100%
NPK + FYM.
• Sustainable yield index (SYI) was considerably lower in control, N and NP. Greater SYI
in jute was recorded under NPK + FYM followed by 150% NPK. Higher SYI in rice was
recorded in 150% NPK followed by 100% NPK + FYM (10t/ha).

Physiological basis of improving jute yield and quality

• Critical day length for flowering was found to be 12 hrs. 30 minutes in jute.
Photoperiodic requirements for vegetative and reproductive growth have been
determined to develop jute varieties to fit into multiple cropping sequences.
• Potential limit of C3 jute production from the radiation and carbon use efficiency under
typical jute growing condition has been predicted. Using the value of the fraction of light
intercepted at various stages of growth the total potential primary productivity (biomass)
 of jute has been calculated to be 40.81 t ha-1, which is equivalent to fibre yield of 100
q/ha.
• As jute is related to vegetative growth and vascular tissue (phloem) development, a
detailed study has been made using both growth analysis techniques as well as
radioactive tracers to understand the growth pattern and phloem fibre formation.
• It was calculated from the experimental data that jute cultivation (120 d) in India
removes about 55 Tg of CO2 annually from the atmosphere. Jute retting has been
estimated to add 0.00915 Tg CH4 (methane) to the atmosphere.
• A jute ideotype model has been constructed for better utilization of solar energy and
production of finer fibre. An exotic genotype PPO4 has been identified having higher
photosynthetic efficiency and harvest index.
• A lignin deficient mutant (dlpf) of JRC 212 an elite C. capsularis cultivar has been
identified and thoroughly characterized for lignin synthesis and registered as INGR
No.04/07. It was established that lignin biosynthesis in secondary phloem fibre is
developmentally controlled.

Improved Post Harvest Technology

Improved Retting Technology for Jute & Mesta:
Mechano Microbial Retting for Jute & Mesta

The use efficient pectinolytic bacterial consortium developed by CRIJAF for retting has been
exploited and it was found that green jute ribbons extracted from freshly harvested jute plants
with the help of either power operated bast fibre extractor or manually operated jute ribboner
(CRIJAF jute ribboner) could be retted within 5 to 7 days under various jute growing areas in
farmers’ field condition with quality improvement i.e. improvement in the grade from TD VI to
TD IV. The net income is increased by at least Rs. 3000 to Rs. 4500/- per ha than conventional
method. (Fig. 2, 3 & 4).

In Situ Jute Retting

CRIJAF have recently developed an in-situ retting technology for retting of the whole jute
/mesta plants with less volume of ground water. A polyethylene lined circular micro pond of 6.5
m floor diameter, 7.5 m top diameter, 1 m deep with 1 m wide earthen embankment is sufficient
to ret jute plants harvested from one bigha (0.13 ha) of land with the help of microbial
consortium developed by CRIJAF within 12-15 days compared to 18 to 21 days under
conventional retting. By adopting this method, farmers can earn additional income of Rs. 5000
to 6000 over conventional method with the reduction of transport cost and improvement in fibre
quality at least by two grades from TD VI to TD IV (Fig. 5 & 6)

Improved Large Scale Degumming Technology for Ramie

CRIJAF has developed a novel process in which a bacterium Bacillus pumillus DKS1having
high petinase activity is used in a mild alkali solution (0.1%) for degumming of ramie fibre. This
process could reduce the gum content of ramie fibre significantly, which is evidenced by the
weight loss of ramie fibre (25% in case of small scale and 24% in case of large scale
degumming). The fibre tenacity and fineness can also be improved by this novel technology.
 Fig 2. Extraction green ribbons Fig 3. Spraying of microbial consortium
using CRIJAF jute extractor over the green ribbons

Fig 4. Lustrous fibre obtained through retting Fig5. Spraying of microbial consortium
of green ribbons using microbial consortium over the radially arranged jute bundles

Fig 6. Fibre extraction in the in situ retting tank

Farm Machinery and Mechanization

Agricultural Engineering & Farm Machinery section of the Crop Production division is engaged
in the development of machines for mechanizing the cultivation and post harvest operation of
jute and allied fibres.
CRIJAF Jute Seeder

Manually operated multi-row (4 and 5 rows) seeder has been developed to sow jute seed in line.
Seeder is operated by a man/women and sowing capacity is similar to the conventional
broadcast about 5-6 hrs/hectare. Seed requirement is 3-4 kg/hectare about half of the broadcast
method. Line sown crop favours better inter cultural operations especially weeding. The yield of
fibre is comparable to broadcast field although better managed line sown field yields more fibre
at the reduced cost. The seeder was commercialized and its cost (for the year 2010) is Rs. 3245
and Rs. 3650 for 4 and 5 rows, respectively.

CRIJAF Weeder

Manually operated (Push and Pull type) weeder suitable to operate in between rows of jute crop
was developed and it is easier to operate by a man/woman. It is light in weight (about 6 kg) and
the angle of wooden handle can be adjusted to hold firmly as per the need (height) of the
operator. Weeding capacity of the weeder is about 0.045 hectare/hour, which is about 5 to 10
times more than the weeding done with the help of khurpi manually. The cost of the weeder is
about Rs. 1400/- . This weeder is also useful in other line sown crops. (Fig. 8)

CRIJAF Jute Extractor :

It is light in weight (about 50 kg), feasible to operation in field condition by a man/women.

Freshly harvested jute plants (5-6 nos) are fed by the tip end to 10-15 cm length in to the
machine and after activating ribbon separation unit by pressing foot, the canes are pulled back
manually. Green ribbon remains in the hand of the operator while unbroken stick is ejected
forward. Green ribbon extraction capacity with this machine is equivalent to about 25 kg dry
jute fibre/hour; whereas, by traditional whole plant retting method manual fibre stripping
capacity of a person is about 5 kg dry jute fibre per hour. (Fig. 9)

CRIJAF Bast Fibre Extractor :

Power operated portable machine was developed to extract green ribbon of jute, Mesta,
Sunnhemp and Ramie plants by breaking the stick into small pieces. The machine works on the
principle of beating the canes progressively down its length and scrapping when the operator
pulls out the canes. It involves two directional feeding actions. The machine is powered by 1 HP
motor, weight about 125 kg and feasible to operate in field condition. About 5-6 normal canes
can be fed into the machine at a time by a person and per hour ribbon extraction capacity
equivalent to dry fibre is about 25, 15, 8 and10 kg Jute, Mesta, Sunnhemp and Ramie
respectively. Cost of the machine is about Rs. 16,000/-. (Fig. 10)

‘Raspador’ Decorticator :

For the extraction of Sisal and Ramie fibre directly from the harvested leaves/canes, the machine
‘Raspador’ Decorticator was developed, which is powered by 5 H.P motor/engine. The machine
is portable and can be taken to the field for its operation. Sisal leaf or Ramie canes are fed in to
the machine and manipulated manually to extract fibre. The machine works on the principle of
rapid beating and scraping leaves/canes progressively down its length through a rotating drum
having beater knives on the periphery. The rotating drum maintains clearance (in which
leaves/canes travel) against the base plate for rasping action. It involves two directional feeding
actions. A person can extract dry fibre in an hour about 10 kg sisal and 6 kg ramie (contains gum
about 25 %). Cost of the machine is about rupees fifty thousand. (Fig. 11)
CRIJAF FLAX Fibre Extractor :

The power operated CRIJAF FLax Fibre Extractor was developed to extract (scutch) flax fibre.
It is portable, powered by 1.0 H.P motor and weigh about 105 kg. Dry retted flax or linseed
stalks are fed manually into the machine and scutched fibre is collected by the same person.
Fibre extraction could be done by single man/women in standing or sitting posture. The fibre
extraction capacity of the machine is about 3-5 kg dry fibre per hour. (Fig. 12)

Fig. 7. CRIJAF Jute Seeder Fig. 8. CRIJAF weeder

Fig. 9. CRIJAF Jute Extractor

Fig.10. CRIJAF Bast Fibre Extractor Fig. 11. Raspador Decoticator

Fig.12. CRIJAF Flax Fibre Extractor