Technology Transfer Model on Integrated Nutrient Management Technology for Sustainable Crop Production in High-Value Cash Crops and Vegetables in Northwestern Himalayas

TLDR: In this article, the authors demonstrate and disseminate the integrated nutrient management (INM) technology in the irrigated ecosystem of Balh Valley in India to develop sustainable crop production systems under cash crops and vegetables following an appropriate technology transfer model.

Abstract: Balh Valley in the northwestern Himalayas in India is well known for cultivation of high-value cash crops and vegetables. The Indo-German Agricultural Project executed four decades ago in the valley has been the driving force for agrarian development in the valley, but crops are still grown under nutrient-starved conditions, giving low productivity compared to national averages. To demonstrate and disseminate the integrated nutrient management (INM) technology in the irrigated ecosystem of Balh Valley, efforts were funded by the Indian Farmers' Fertilizers Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) to develop sustainable crop production systems under cash crops and vegetables following an appropriate technology transfer model by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sundernagar, India. For effective technology transfer, field demonstrations, method demonstrations, farmers' training camps, field days, and numerous field conventions were organized in addition to extending soil testing, literature supply, promotional seed and fertil...