Reliance Industries Plasticulture Development Centre’s applications enhances farmers yield and income

Vadodara: The Vadodara-based Plasticulture Development Centre (PDC) of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is promoting plasticulture – the use of plastics in agriculture, water management and related areas has brought a “Second Green Revolution” for lakhs of farmers. PDC has created awareness among farmers and trained them to adopt complete range of plasticulture applications namely pond lining, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, mulching, greenhouses, low tunnel, nursery bags, plant protection nets and many more for optimum use of water, fertilizer, electricity, labor etc, and increase productivity for better value addition.

PDC-Vadodara, a pioneer in promoting plastic film lining in canals and ponds which controls the seepage losses of irrigation water. It has carried out demonstrations of complete range of plasticulture applications over three decades in 25 acres area and imparts free-of-charge training to farmers, extension personnel’s, NGOs etc.

PDC’s knowledge driven scientific approach has increased productivity in farms, reduced water usage, and lowered use of chemical-based fertilizers and pesticides. Also, by protecting crops from extreme climactic conditions – vagaries of monsoon, flooding, droughts, etc. – and attacks by pests / diseases, the plasticulture applications have brought smiles to the faces of lakhs of farmers.

Teaming up with states and central government agencies, PDC also help farmers avail subsidies in the offing and make the most of them.

This journey has been strengthened by Reliance Foundation Information services (RFIS) on its part work closely with farmers across India, aiming to make things better for them. It engages with farmers, visiting them at their villages, trying to understand / identify specific problems. If need be, RFIS brings affected farmers to PDC-Vadodara to train them in best farming practices related to Plasticulture to enhance crop yield, reduce produce time, and improve quality of products. Every year, PDC and RFIS train and empower around 15,000 farmers across India. The efforts of PDC and RFIS have paid off well as farmers who have visited PDC and applied the plasticulture solutions are reaping enhanced yields, and hence, better profits.

DeshGujarat