Sustainable Soil Management Component (SSMC) of OCP ... · Table 14. Yield of BRRIdhan 49 Under Different Fertilizer Management Packages Under Pirganj, Rangpur.....29 Table 15. Effect

SSMC First Annual Report | November 2016-October 2017 i

INTERNATIONAL FERTILIZER DEVELOPMENT CENTER PO BOX 2040 | MUSCLE SHOALS, AL 35662 | USA

Sustainable Soil Management Component (SSMC) of OCP Foundation’s Agricultural Development Project in Bangladesh – Stage 1

SECOND SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | JULY-DECEMBER 2017

SSMC First Annual Report | November 2016-October 2017 i

Table of Contents

Introduction ..............................................................................................................................................................1

Project Goal and Objectives .....................................................................................................................................3

Project Location .......................................................................................................................................................4

Deliverables .............................................................................................................................................................6

Results ......................................................................................................................................................................6

Number of Farmers Directly Reached by the Project .........................................................................................7

Increased Yield of Paddy and Yield Change from Demonstrations ...................................................................8

Percent and Gross Margin Change from Demonstrations.................................................................................10

Increased Yield of Paddy and Yield Change from On-Farm Trials..................................................................10

Farmers Using Improved Nutrient Management Technology and GAPs .........................................................11

Activities ................................................................................................................................................................12

Second Steering Committee Meeting and Field Visits of SSMC Project .........................................................14

Upazila Agriculture Officers and Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officers of DAE Orientation Program .............15

Technology Transfer .........................................................................................................................................16

Field Demonstrations ........................................................................................................................................19

Field Trials ........................................................................................................................................................24

OCP Company Gifted Compound Fertilizers ...................................................................................................32

Demonstration Crop Cut and Field Days .........................................................................................................33

Monitoring and Motivational Meetings with Progressive Farmers and DAE Officials ...................................34

Collaboration with Development Partners .............................................................................................................34

Collaboration with Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) .........................................................34

Collaboration with Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) ......................................................................35

Collaboration with Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) ...................................................................35

Collaboration with Soil Resources Development Institute (SRDI) ..................................................................36

Collaboration with Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) ...........................................36

Media Coverage ................................................................................................................................................36

Estimated Budget and Actual Expenditure ............................................................................................................36

SSMC First Annual Report | November 2016-October 2017 ii

Tables

Table 1. List of Deliverables Through December 2017.................................................................................6

Table 2. Results Achieved Against Targets for the Period January-December 2017 ....................................7

Table 3. Number of Farmers Directly Reached by the Project ......................................................................8

Table 4. Increased Yield of Paddy from Demonstrations – T. Aman 2017 ...................................................9

Table 5. Weighted Average Gross Margin for T. Aman 2017 .....................................................................10

Table 6. Increased Yield of Paddy from On-Farm Trials – T. Aman 2017 ..................................................11

Table 7. Activity Accomplished Against Targets for the Period January-December 2017 .........................13

Table 8. Farmers’ Training Conducted in Year 1 ........................................................................................17

Table 9. Status of Rice Demonstration ........................................................................................................19

Table 10. Effect of Different GAPs Used in SSMC T. Aman Demonstration Plots on the Performance of

Tillers, Panicles, and Grain Yield ..................................................................................................21

Table 11. Status of Non-Rice Demonstrations...............................................................................................21

Table 12. Status of Established On-Farm Field Trials on Rice .....................................................................25

Table 13. Status of On-Farm and On-Station Field Trials on Non-Rice Crops .............................................27

Table 14. Yield of BRRIdhan 49 Under Different Fertilizer Management Packages Under Pirganj,

Rangpur ..........................................................................................................................................29

Table 15. Effect of Liming, and Omission of Macro and Micronutrients on Grain Yield of T. Aman Rice

(BRRIdhan 52), Farmer’s Field at Kurigram .................................................................................30

Table 16. Participation of Demonstration Field Days ....................................................................................33

Table 17. Financial Achievement Against Estimated Budget in the U.S. $ ..................................................37

SSMC First Annual Report | November 2016-October 2017 iii

Figures

Figure 1. SSMC Project Locations in Bangladesh ..........................................................................................5

Figure 2. Location of Farmers’ Training Venue ...........................................................................................18

Figure 3. Average Yield by Treatment (mt/ha) .............................................................................................20

Figure 4. Location of Established SSMC T. Aman 2017 Demonstration Plots.............................................22

Figure 5. Location of Established SSMC Non-Rice 2017-18 Demonstration Plots .....................................23

Figure 6. Location of Established On-Farm and On-Station Trials on Rice and Non-Rice 2017-18

Demonstration Plots .......................................................................................................................28

Figure 7. Yield of BRRIdhan 49 Under Different Treatments at Pirganj, Rangpur .....................................29

Figure 8. Effect of Liming and Omission of Macro and Micronutrients on Grain Yield Under Different

Treatments at Sadar, Kurigram ......................................................................................................30

Appendices

Appendix 1. Minutes of Second Steering Committee Meeting ..........................................................................38

Appendix 2. Number of Participants by Gender in the Orientation Program in Year 1.....................................42

Appendix 3. Farmers Trained in Year 1 .............................................................................................................43

Appendix 4. Demonstration Established for Rice and Non-Rice in Year 1 .......................................................44

Appendix 5. Detailed Data by Upazila for SSMC Demonstrations in T. Aman 2017 ........................................46

Appendix 6. Field Days Organized (July-December 2017) ...............................................................................47

Appendix 7. Media Coverage of SSMC Activities in Year 1.............................................................................48

SSMC First Annual Report | November 2016-October 2017 iv

Acronyms and Abbreviations

AEZ Agro-Ecological Zone

APS Ammonium, Phosphorus, and Sulfur

BADC Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation

BARI Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute

BCR Benefit-Cost Ratio

BDT Bangladeshi Taka

BRRI Bangladesh Rice Research Institute

CSO Chief Scientific Officer

DAE Department of Agricultural Extension

FC Field Coordinator

GAP Good Agricultural Practice

GOB Government of Bangladesh

GPS Global Positioning System

ha hectare

HYV High-Yielding Variety

ICARDA International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas

IFDC International Fertilizer Development Center

IPM Integrated Pest Management

ISFM Integrated Soil Fertility Management

K Potassium

kg kilogram

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

mt metric ton

N Nitrogen

NPK Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium

NPSZn Nitrogen, Phosphate, Sulfur, and Zinc

OFRD On-Farm Research Division

P Phosphorus

PSO Principal Scientific Officer

RARS Regional Agricultural Research Station

S Sulfur

SSMC First Annual Report | November 2016-October 2017 v

SAAO Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer

SRDI Soil Resource Development Institute

SSMC Sustainable Soil Management Component

T Treatment

T. Transplanted

TSP Triple Superphosphate

UAO Upazila Agriculture Officer

Zn Zinc

SSMC First Annual Report | January-December 2017 1

Sustainable Soil Management Component (SSMC) of OCP Foundation’s Agricultural Development

Project in Bangladesh – Stage 1

Second Semi-Annual Report (July-December 2017)

Introduction

OCP Foundation signed an agreement with the International Fertilizer Development Center

(IFDC) for implementation of the Sustainable Soil Management Component (SSMC) of OCP

Foundation’s Agricultural Development Project in Bangladesh – Stage1 for a period of three

years from January 2017 until December 2019. The project commenced as scheduled in January

2017. SSMC is expected to address many of the increasing, serious soil fertility concerns of the

northern districts of Bangladesh while also helping farmers enhance crop productivity and

profitability through the implementation of improved soil management methods in the overall

context of market-sensitive good agricultural practices (GAPs).1

The OCP Foundation’s overall project also includes inputs from OCP Foundation and the

International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). The objective of this

overall Agricultural Development Project is “sustainable management of soil to enhance yields

and farmers’ incomes under resilient production systems in Bangladesh, resulting in food and

nutrition security, improved health and livelihoods.” The project includes the SSMC in addition

to monitoring and capacity-building inputs from OCP Foundation and works related to the

promotion of GAPs, entrepreneurship, and farmer organizations by ICARDA. The project targets

six crops – rice (T. Aman and Boro), maize, potato, pulses, and to a lesser extent, wheat.

1 GAPs include using good quality seeds, using balanced doses of fertilizers, including secondary and

micronutrients, maintaining spacing requirements from line to line and plant to plant, raising beds, efficiently using

water for cultivation, integrated pest management (IPM), weeding, and regular monitoring of the field in terms of

insect management, etc.


Approximately 7 million hectares (ha) of farmland in Bangladesh is estimated to be degraded in

some form. In terms of soil resources, Bangladesh faces a series of interrelated threats, such as

increasingly saline soils in southern coastal areas, increasingly acidic soils in northern areas, and

several belts of problematic soils damaged by industrial waste, where delineation and customized

soil management practices are required. Balanced fertilizer use – particularly for primary

macronutrients – has been promoted widely and encouraged by subsidy adjustments and is

increasingly being adopted by farmers in some areas of the country. However, low availability

and use of some secondary nutrient and micronutrient fertilizers and compounds in input markets

have meant that secondary and micronutrient availability are becoming limiting factors in crop

production, even where sufficient major macronutrient fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus, and

potassium [NPK]) are used.

A lack of awareness of GAPs continues to limit productivity. While knowledge of improved seed

varieties is on the rise, hybrid seed usage is still relatively low and the public and private sectors

produce new high-yielding varieties (HYV) at a slow pace. Plant spacing, input application, and

other practices continue to constrain yields. Pesticides are overused, primarily in a preventive

fashion, and low mechanization penetration means that seed and fertilizer are often used

inefficiently while harvest losses are unnecessarily high. At the same time, post-harvest losses in

crops are unacceptably high – ranging up to 19 percent in rice and 40 percent in vegetables.

SSMC is being implemented together with Government of Bangladesh (GOB) counterparts –

Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI),

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Bangladesh Agricultural Development

Corporation (BADC), and Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI). Additionally, agro-input

retailers are involved to promote balanced plant nutrient and GAP solutions for improving crop

productivity, crop profitability, and soil fertility. The primary approach of the project for IFDC is

to conduct trials with BRRI and BARI and field extension activities with DAE.

The activities of SSMC are directly built on the issues mentioned above. This is the second semi-

annual report and provides an overview of the second six months of SSMC’s progress from

July 1 to December 31, 2017. This report also serves as the first annual report of SSMC as it


contains information from January 1 to December 1, 2017. The report has been prepared as a

standalone report to provide the specific information required by OCP Foundation.

The information presented comes primarily from IFDC internal weekly reports and the monthly

reports submitted by IFDC to OCP Foundation from January to December 2017, crop cuts of

demonstration plots, and village monitoring surveys of villages where SSMC staff worked

during the first year of the project.

Project Goal and Objectives

The goal of SSMC Stage1 is sustainable management of soil to enhance yields and farmers’

incomes under resilient production systems, which contributes to the overall goal of OCP

Foundation’s Agricultural Development Project in Bangladesh.

The objectives of the project are to:

1. Evaluate the role of secondary and micronutrients, including the application of different

compound fertilizers, on crop productivity as affected by soil acidity.

2. Promote balanced plant nutrient and GAP solutions for improving crop productivity, crop

profitability, and soil fertility through extension workers and agro-input retailers.

In order to facilitate the analysis of the second six months of progress toward the entire

collection of SSMC goals and objectives, these goals and objectives have been arranged in an

impact pathway that shows how activities link to objectives, which in turn contribute to the

major and strategic goals of the project.


Project Location

SSMC is being implemented in 12 upazilas (sub-districts) of the targeted districts of Kurigram,

Nilphamari, and Dinajpur in the Rangpur Division and the districts of Bogra, Chapai

Noawabganj, and Natore in the Rajshahi Division (Figure 1).2

2 The upazilas were selected based on certain criteria: (1) a higher percentage of cultivable land; (2) at least two of

the six major targeted crops grown; (3) a relatively low soil pH level; (4) more progressive farmers; and (5) ease of

access to the upazilas for project activity implementation.


Figure 1. SSMC Project Locations in Bangladesh


Deliverables

As indicated in Table 1, all deliverables were submitted as planned. In addition, although not a

contracted deliverable, the project prepared 24 weekly reports on project performance during the

second half of the first year and, in total, 42 weekly reports were produced in Year 1 of the

project in order to facilitate project oversight. In addition, the project organized two steering

committee meetings as planned by OCP Foundation.

Table 1. List of Deliverables Through December 2017

Deliverable First Half Year Second Half Year Total

Year 1 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Work Plan 1 1

Monthly Progress

Reports 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 10

Semi-Annual Report 1 1

Baseline Survey on

(1) Agronomic

Practices and Soil

Fertility Management

1 1

(2) Fertilizer Subsidy

System in

Bangladesh and

Ways to Increase

Rational Use of

Fertilizers

1 1

Steering Committee

Meetings 1 1 2

Source: SSMC documents.

Results

The results are reported against indicators and their targets specified in the contract between

IFDC and OCP Foundation with interpretations via the annual work plan. To align with reporting

requirements, the results against indicators are presented in Table 2 for the second half of Year 1,

covering the period from July to December 2017. In the first half of the project, no results were

achieved as SSMC started working in the field from transplanted (T.) Aman.

The project’s actual farm activities started in the T. Aman season of 2017. The T. Aman 2017

crop was harvested during the reporting year, and the planting of the winter crops and Boro


2017-18 crops commenced in August 2017. Harvesting of these crops will take place during the

first half of Year 2 of the project. Therefore, in this report, results of T. Aman crops have been

reported in Table 2. SSMC could not undertake any crop cut activities during Year 1, except T.

Aman.

Table 2. Results Achieved Against Targets for the Period January-December 2017

Sl. # Result Indicators Unit Target

Achieved

Percent

First Half (Jan-June

2017)

Second Half (July-Dec 2017) Total

1. Number of farmers directly

reached by the project Number 400 840 840 210%

Demonstrations

2. % and kg yield change in

demonstration of T. Aman kg/ha 400-500 790 790 197%

3. Yield change targets for T

Aman paddy kg/ha 500 790 790 158%

4. % and gross margin change in

demos BDT/ha 61,467 73,513 73,513 20%

U.S. $/ha 768 918 20%

Trials

5. % and kg yield change in

demonstration of T. Aman kg/ha 400-500 (110 to 390) (110 to 390)

-73%

to -22%

6. Yield change targets for

T. Aman paddy kg/ha 400-500 390 390 -22%

7. Farmers using improved

nutrient management

technology and good

agricultural practices by the

end of the year

Number 400 590 590 148%

Source: SSMC database.

Number of Farmers Directly Reached by the Project

The number of farmers directly reached by the project has been calculated from the number of

farmers and retailers participating in farmers’ training.3 Table 3 provides information on the

number of farmers directly reached by the project during the second half and Year 1 of the

SSMC project. Through December 2017, 987 participants attended the training programs, of

which 131 (14 percent) were women farmers. In addition, out of 987 participants, 840 were

farmers and 147 were retailers.

3 Retailers are treated as farmers also.


Table 3. Number of Farmers Directly Reached by the Project

Reporting Year Batches

Farmers

Fertilizer Retailers

Total Participants Male Female

Total Farmers

First Half (Jan-June 2017) 5 119 21 140 9 149

Second Half (Jul-Dec 2017) 28 590 110 700 138 838

Year 1 33 709 131 840 147 987 Source: SSMC database.

Increased Yield of Paddy and Yield Change from Demonstrations

The incremental yield is calculated from the demonstration plot crop cut. In the second half of

Year 1, for the T. Aman harvest, there were 10 crop cuts from 10 demonstrations. There were

four treatments (T): (i) farmers’ practices (T1), (ii) recommended dose without lime (T2),

(iii) recommended dose with lime (T3), and (iv) OCP compound fertilizer + straight fertilizer

(T4). Paddy was threshed, cleaned, and weighed with grain moisture measured in the field. Yield

is calculated as kilograms (kg) of paddy per ha, which is adjusted to a moisture content of

14 percent. The incremental yield is shown in Table 4. The target of paddy yield was set at

0.4-0.5 metric tons (mt)/ha for all rice seasons. The incremental yield data from demonstrations

have been reported from three treatments (except farmers’ practices T1), which was

434-785 kg/ha. As expected, yields resulting from the T4 treatment were higher.

Yield increments are a reflection of many factors, including fertilizer, seed, water, and other farm

management practices. Table 4 shows a 9 percent yield increment achieved under T2, 14 percent

yield increment achieved under T3, and 17 percent yield increment achieved under T4,

respectively, over farmers’ practices (T1).


Table 4. Increased Yield of Paddy from Demonstrations – T. Aman 2017

District

Farm

er

Pra

cti

ce

(T1)

Yie

ld (

kg

/ha)

Re

co

mm

en

de

d

Do

se

wit

ho

ut

Lim

e

(T2)

Yie

ld

(kg

/ha)

Incre

as

e Y

ield

(kg

/ha)

Incre

as

e Y

ield

(mt/

ha)

% Y

ield

In

cre

as

e

(kg

/ha)

Farm

er

Pra

cti

ce

(T1)

Yie

ld

(kg

/ha)

Re

co

mm

en

de

d

Do

se

wit

h L

ime

(T3)

Yie

ld (

kg

/ha)

Incre

as

e Y

ield

(kg

/ha)

Incre

as

e Y

ield

(mt/

ha)

% Y

ield

In

cre

as

e

(kg

/ha)

Farm

er

Pra

cti

ce

(T1)

Yie

ld (

kg

/ha)

OC

P C

om

po

un

d

Fert

iliz

er

+

Str

aig

ht

Fert

iliz

er

wit

h L

ime (

T4)

Yie

ld (

kg

/ha)

Incre

as

e Y

ield

(kg

/ha)

Incre

as

e Y

ield

(mt/

ha)

% Y

ield

In

cre

as

e

(kg

/ha)

Bogra 4,277 5,012 735 0.73 17% 4,277 5,278 1,001 1.00 23% 4,277 5,282 1,005 1.01 23%

Chapai

Noawabganj

5,813 6,840 1,028 1.03 18% 5,813 7,024 1,211 1.21 21% 5,813 7,238 1,425 1.43 25%

Dinajpur 4,535 4,724 188 0.19 4% 4,535 4,995 460 0.46 10% 4,535 5,002 467 0.47 10%

Kurigram 4,396 4,733 336 0.34 8% 4,396 4,762 366 0.37 8% 4,396 5,125 728 0.73 17%

Natore 4,074 4,191 117 0.12 3% 4,074 4,135 60 0.06 1% 4,074 4,468 394 0.39 10%

Nilphamari 4,079 4,270 191 0.19 5% 4,079 4,654 574 0.57 14% 4,079 4,684 605 0.61 15%

Total 4,600 5,034 434 0.43 9% 4,600 5,228 628 0.63 14% 4,600 5,385 785 0.79 17% Source: SSMC database.


Percent and Gross Margin Change from Demonstrations

SSMC has calculated gross margins from data collected from demonstration plots following the

T. Aman harvest. The results of T. Aman 2017 are presented in Table 5. The calculation includes

the price of straw taken from the sales value of the same reported by the farmers.

Table 5. Weighted Average Gross Margin for T. Aman 2017

Item

T1 T2 T3 T4

Farmer Practice

Recommended Fertilizer without

Lime

Recommended Fertilizer with

Lime

OCP Compound

Fertilizer and Other Straight Fertilizer with

Lime

Total Return per ha

in BDT 101,200 110,660 115,060 118,360

Total Cost per ha 42,372 42,725 47,432 44,847

Gross Margin

(BDT/ha) 58,828 67,935 67,628 73,513

Gross Margin

(U.S. $/ha) 735 849 845 918

Gross Margin (%) 139% 159% 143% 164%

Benefit-Cost Ratio

(BCR) 2.39 2.59 2.43 2.64

Source: 10 SSMC demonstration plots, Aman 2017.

Notes: (a) U.S. $1 = Tk 80. (b) The gross margin is the difference between total return and total cost. (c) The

benefit-cost ratio is total return divided by total cost.

* Excluding OCP fertilizer cost.

The financial realized gross margin per hectare is estimated at U.S. $918 from OCP compound

fertilizer and other straight fertilizer with lime plots, compared with U.S. $735 from farmers’

practice plots. Therefore, the incremental gross income per hectare was $183/ha. This result

shows the substantial financial benefit obtained from OCP fertilizer. The high gross margin is

mainly due to the fact that all costs are shown against purchased inputs, such as seed, fertilizer,

labor, and irrigation. Non-cash inputs have not been included in the calculation.

Increased Yield of Paddy and Yield Change from On-Farm Trials

The incremental yield arising from the trial plot crop cut was calculated. In the second half year,

for the T. Aman harvest, there was one crop cut from the trial. There were eight


treatments: (i) T1 = Agro-Ecological Zone (AEZ)-based NPKSZn; (ii) T2 = NPKSZn +

vermicomposting 0.5 t/ha; (iii) T3 = NPKSZn + Cow dung 0.5 t/ha; (iv) T4 = OCP 1 + straight

fertilizer; (v) T5 = OCP 2 + straight fertilizer; (vi) T6 = T4 + vermicomposting 0.5 t/ha; (vii) T7 =

T5 + Cow dung 0.5 t/ha; and (viii) T8 = farmers’ fertilizer dose. Treatments are threshed,

cleaned, and weighed with grain moisture measured in the field. Yield is calculated as kilograms

of paddy per hectare, which is adjusted to a moisture content of 14 percent. The incremental

yield is shown in Table 6. No target of paddy yield was set. The incremental yield data for trials

reported in seven treatments (except farmers’ fertilizer dose T8) are for paddy yield of 110-

390 kg/ha (paddy yield 0.11-0.39 mt/ha). As expected, yields were higher from the T5 treatment.

Yield increments are a reflection of many factors, including fertilizer, seed, water, and other farm

management practices. Table 6 shows a 2 percent to 8 percent yield increment achieved under

different treatments. Detailed information from BRRI is yet to be received.

Table 6. Increased Yield of Paddy from On-Farm Trials – T. Aman 2017

Treatments

T1 =

AE

Z-B

ase

d

NP

KS

Zn

T2 =

NP

KS

Zn

+

Ver

mic

om

post

0.5

t/h

a

T3 =

NP

KS

Zn

+

Cow

Du

ng 0

.5

t/h

a

T4 =

OC

P 1

+

Str

aig

ht

Fer

tili

zer

T5 =

OC

P 2

+

Str

aig

ht

Fer

tili

zer

T6 =

T4 +

Ver

mic

om

post

0.5

t/h

a

T7 =

T5 +

Cow

Du

ng 0

.5 t

/ha

T8 =

Farm

ers’

Fer

tili

zer

Dose

Yield (kg/ha) 5,020 5,060 4,860 5,200 5,250 5,130 4,970 4,860

Increase Yield of

Paddy (kg/ha) 160 200 - 340 390 270 110

Increase Yield

(mt/ha) 0.16 0.20 - 0.34 0.39 0.27 0.11

% Yield Increase

(kg/ha) 3% 4% 0% 7% 8% 6% 2%

Farmers Using Improved Nutrient Management Technology and GAPs

This information was collected from the weekly report and village survey conducted by SSMC

field staff. Against the target of 400, a total of 590 farmers (148%) have used improve nutrient

management methodologies in the first year of SSMC.


Activities

The SSMC program focused on: (i) evaluating the role of secondary and micronutrients,

including the application of different compound fertilizers, on crop productivity as affected by

soil acidity, and (ii) working through extension workers to promote balanced plant nutrient

management solutions for improving crop productivity, crop profitability, and soil fertility. The

number of activities and the intensity of engagement vary by season. According to the approved

annual work plan,4 the SSMC program required implementation of activities during Year 1, all

attributed to both T. Aman and winter 2017-18 crop seasons, to achieve the two objectives of

SSMC. Table 7 highlights the progress of project technical activities. Of the seven activities, five

activities met or exceeded the target, and the remaining two could not. The reason is mainly

because the project started field activities following the crop calendar during T. Aman, and the

winter crops could not be harvested yet. The winter crops are still in the field, and harvest will be

completed in March 2018. The field day will be conducted at the harvest time, followed by

farmers’ training.

4 Table 1 of the approved Work Plan of Year 1..


Table 7. Activity Accomplished Against Targets for the Period January-December 2017

SL. # Deliverables Target

Achievement (Year 1)

% of Target

First Half (Jan-Jun

2017)

Second Half (July-Dec 2017) Total

1. Baseline survey 1 1 1 100%

2. Formulate ISFM, farm

demonstration protocol, and farmer

training modules

2 2 2 100%

3. Orientation of UAOs and SAAOs for

establishing demos of rice and non-

rice crops

2 2 2 100%

4. Farmers’ training

Pre-sowing rice 5 3 8

Pre-sowing non-rice 20 20

Field days cum training rice 5 5

Total 60 5 28 33 55%

5. Field days 40 5 5 13%

6. Conduct training, demos with

DAE

T. Aman 10 10

Lentil 10 10

Maize (winter) 10 10

Potato 10 10

Wheat 10 10

Total 60 50 50 84%

7. Conduct on-farm or on-station

trials with BARI

Lentil 3 3

Maize (winter) 3 3

Potato 3 3

Wheat 2 2

Conduct on-farm trials with BRRI

(T. Aman) 2 2

Total 15 13 13 87% Source: SSMC database.


Second Steering Committee Meeting and Field Visits of SSMC Project

The second steering committee meeting

of the SSMC project was held at the

IFDC office in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on

November 21, 2017. The meeting was

chaired by Md Abu Bakar Siddique, Joint

Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture,

Government of Bangladesh. Attendees

included: IFDC Deputy Director for

Asia, Ishrat Jahan; Rouini Imadeddine,

Project Manager, OCP Foundation; EL

KANIT Abdelmonim, Senior Manager,

OCP Group; Tarik Boudiar, Senior Sales

Manager, OCP Group; and focal points

Dr. ASM Mahbubur Rahman, Chief

Scientific Officer, OFRD, BARI; Dr.

Aminul Islam, Principal Scientific

Officer (PSO), BRRI; Dr. Md. Gazi

Zainul Abedin, PSO, SRDI; Kazi Md Saiful Islam, Adl. Director, DAE; and Dr. Md Isbat,

Manager (Sales) and Dr. Md Shafaet Hossain, Deputy Manager (SSP), BADC; Dr. M. Akkas

Ali, PSO, OFRD, BARI; and senior staff of the SSMC and AVPI projects and Senior Soil

Scientist, IFDC Asia. The IFDC Deputy Director for Asia briefly informed the members about

the major activities accomplished and opportunities of the SSMC project. A progress report on

SSMC activities (from January to mid-November 2017) was presented by three senior staff

members of IFDC. All the members took part in the discussion and appreciated the outcome of

the activities achieved so far. The team traveled to the project areas, particularly Bogra, Natore,

and Rajshahi, from 21-23 November 2017. They interacted with researchers, DAE officials,

fertilizer retailers, and local farmers and shared their observations and experiences while visiting

the following: (i) On-Farm Research Division (OFRD), BARI, Research Station, Bogra;

(ii) farmers’ training program at Shahjahanpur, Bogra; (iii) established demonstration sites at

Second Steering Committee Meeting

Field Visit by Steering Committee Members


Shahjahanpur, Bogra; (iv) summer rice (T. Aman) crop cut and field day program at Natore; and

(v) BRRI Regional Research Station at Rajshahi. The members expressed their high satisfaction

on overall programs of the project as well as efficient and effective management by IFDC to

open a new technological avenue by linking research, extension, fertilizer retailers, and farmers

for sustainable soil management in Bangladesh. The minutes of the steering committee meeting

is presented in Appendix 1.

Upazila Agriculture Officers and Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officers of DAE Orientation Program

The main objective of holding only this program was to acquaint the participants, including

farmers, about the different activities of SSMC and introduce them to the SSMC work plan. The

focal point, concerned deputy directors, upazila agriculture officers (UAOs), horticulturists, and

relevant sub-assistant agriculture officers (SAAOs) attended the orientation program.

Participants were briefed about the guidelines regarding farmers’ training and the establishment

of demonstration plots, field days, and crop cuts, etc. Modules followed during training programs

were PowerPoint and oral presentations, group discussions in a participatory approach, and

practical demonstrations on identification techniques of adulterated fertilizers. In the second half

of 2017, no orientation program was conducted with UAOs and SAAOs of DAE on SSMC

activities. The number of participants in the orientation program is presented in Appendix 2.


Technology Transfer

Farmer Training

Farmers’ Selection

The farmer training5 programs are

designed to improve farmers’

knowledge on improved nutrient

management with emphasis on

increasing awareness and knowledge

about GAPs, the importance of liming in

acidic soils, and the role of

micronutrients and compound fertilizers.

Training takes place in batches of 30 farmers; each batch consisted of 25 progressive farmers,

including demonstration farmers and five fertilizer retailers. Farmers were trained by Deputy

Directors, UAOs, SAAOs of DAE, and senior staff and field coordinator (FC) of SSMC. A total

of 33 batches of farmer trainings were conducted. The division of training is as follows: five per

crop before planting (5 x 6 crops in Year 1 = 30 trainings) and five at harvest, combined with

field days (5 x 6 crops in Year 2 = 30 trainings). The remaining 60 will be conducted from

mid-Year 2 to mid-Year 3 in the same format.

Training Program

In the second half of 2017, 28 batches of training were conducted with 838 participants (men,

women, and fertilizer retailers). The training was conducted differently in upazilas. Of the 838

trained participants, 700 were progressive farmers, including 28 demonstration farmers, and 110

(13 percent) were women. In addition, 138 agro-input retailers were also present. Modules

followed during training programs included PowerPoint and oral presentations, group

discussions in a participatory approach, and practical demonstrations on identification techniques

of adulterated micronutrient fertilizers. The number of farmers attending the training is provided

5 In Year 1, SSMC planned to conduct 60 farmers’ trainings. Thirty farmers’ trainings will be conducted before

planting for six crops, and the remaining 30 farmers’ trainings will be at harvest time and combined with field days.

In Year 2, 60 farmers’ trainings will be conducted.

Farmers’ Training on Increasing Awareness and Knowledge About GAPs


in Table 8. The number of participants in the training program is presented in Appendix 3.

Figure 2 shows the location of farmers’ training venues.

Table 8. Farmers’ Training Conducted in Year 1

Reporting Year Batches

Farmers

Fertilizer Retailers

Total Participants Male Female

Total Farmers

First Half (Jan-June 2017) 5 119 21 140 9 149

Second Half (Jul-Dec 2017) 28 590 110 700 138 838

Year 1 33 709 131 840 147 987

The Deputy Director/District Training Officer/Additional Deputy Director, the respective

UAO sand SAAOs of DAE, and SSMC staff were present during the training programs as

resource persons or facilitators.

For SSMC farmer training programs, five flyers (English and Bangla versions) were

developed for rice (T. Aman and Boro) and non-rice (potato, maize, lentil, and wheat) crops.

One thousand copies of color leaflets (Bangla version) for rice crops (T. Aman and Boro) and

non-rice crops (maize, potato, lentil, and wheat) were printed for SSMC farmers’ training

programs. To create awareness on GAPs among the farmers, fliers (Bangla version) were

distributed to the trainee farmers and SAAOs.


Figure 2. Location of Farmers’ Training Venue


Field Demonstrations

The project will support a series of on-

farm demonstrations that display the

highest yielding and/or most cost

conserving practices as compared to

current farmer practices. In particular,

demonstrations will focus on improved

soil management and GAPs.

Technology/methods results demonstration is an important activity of the SSMC program. The

demonstration plots consist of four plots, each measuring 200 square meters. Treatments include:

T1 – farmers’ practice; T2 – recommended fertilizer dose without lime; T3 – recommended

fertilizer dose with lime; and T4 – OCP compound fertilizer + straight fertilizer with lime,

keeping other management practices constant. In Year 1 of SSMC, 50 demonstrations were

established out of the targeted 60, among which 10 were in the 2017 T. Aman season, and 40

(non-rice) were in winter 2017. Appendix 4 provides the details of demonstrations by crop.

Status of Rice Demonstrations

There were 20 rice field demonstrations planned in Year 1. Out of 20, 10 demonstrations were

established in Year 1. Another 10 demonstrations will be established in January 2018 due to the

cold weather. The status of demonstrations is presented in Table 9. Figure 4 shows locations of

10 T. Aman demonstration plots using a global positioning system (GPS) device.

Table 9. Status of Rice Demonstration

Reporting Year Demonstration

Crop Target Established Harvest

Completed First Half (Jan-June 2017)

Second Half (Jul-Dec 2017) T. Aman and Boro 20 10 10

Year 1 20 10 10

GAP Demonstration Plot at Saidpur


Results of Rice Demonstrations

In T. Aman 2017, SSMC-IFDC

established 10 demonstrations in 10

upazilas in six project districts. In

these demonstrations, the project used

only two modern high-yielding

varieties, BRRIdhan49 and

BRRIdhan51. Due to excessive rain

and devastating flood, almost all the

demonstrations were affected and

incurred serious damage.

The data show that OCP compound fertilizer + straight fertilizer with lime performed better than

all other treatments used in the demonstration plots. Average yield increased 17 percent for OCP

compound fertilizer + straight fertilizer with lime over farmers’ practice and 7 percent over the

recommended dose without lime. Also, the data indicated that balanced fertilization with and

without lime performed better than the farmers’ practice.

Table 10 also shows that within a column, average values followed by the same letters are not

significantly different, but a significant average incremental yield of 785 kg/ha was achieved in

the OCP compound fertilizer plot over farmers’ practice plot. The average numbers of tillers/hill

and panicles/hill have also shown no significant difference between the treatments, but the

average yield difference was more economically profitable for the T. Aman farmers. Appendix 5

provides additional details by upazila. Figure 3 shows the average yield by treatment, and Figure

4 shows locations of 10 T. Aman demonstration plots using a GPS device.

Figure 3. Average Yield by Treatment (mt/ha)

4.6

5.03

5.235.39

4

4.5

5

5.5

T1 T2 T3 T4

Average Yield by Treatment (Mt/Ha)


Table 10. Effect of Different GAPs Used in SSMC T. Aman Demonstration Plots on the Performance of Tillers, Panicles, and Grain Yield

Items

Average Number of

Tillers

Average Number of Panicles

Average Yield

(kg/ha) Farmers’ Practice (T1) 14.3 a 13.6 a 4,600 c Recommended Dose without Lime (T2) 12.6 b 12.0 b 5,034 b Recommended Dose with Lime (T3) 12.7 b 12.2 b 5,228 ab OCP Compound Fertilizer+Straight Fertilizer with Lime (T4) 13.3 ab 12.9 ab 5,385 a

Mean 13.2 12.7 5,062

CV 9.7 9.7 5.3

LSD (0.05) 1.2 1.1 246

Difference (T4-T1) 785

Difference (T4-T2) 351 Source: SSMC 10 demonstration plots, T. Aman 2017.

Status of Non-Rice Demonstrations

There were 40 non-rice field demonstrations

planned in Year 1. Out of 40 demonstrations,

all demonstrations were established on time.

The status of demonstrations is presented in

Table 11. Figure 5 shows locations of 40 non-

rice demonstration plots using a GPS device.

Table 11. Status of Non-Rice Demonstrations

Reporting Year Demonstration

Crop Target Established Harvest

Completed First Half (Jan-June 2017) - - - -

Second Half (Jul-Dec 2017) Maize 10 10 -

Potato 10 10 -

Lentil 10 10 -

Wheat 10 10 -

Total 40 40 - Note: Harvesting of non-rice demonstrations will start from the first week of March 2018 and will be

reported in the next first half year of the second-year report.

Potato Demonstration


Figure 4. Location of Established SSMC T. Aman 2017 Demonstration Plots


Figure 5. Location of Established SSMC Non-Rice 2017-18 Demonstration Plots


Field Trials

Establishment of Rice and Non-Rice Trial Plots

SSMC/IFDC prepared research protocols on macronutrient and micronutrient omission trials and

the establishment of balanced fertilization trial plots for rice and other non-rice selected crops

(maize, potato, lentil, and wheat). The project consulted with BARI and BRRI scientists and

maintained continuous liaisons with them. Both research institutes provided thoughts and ideas

for better understanding and outcomes. Some modifications on balanced fertilization using

integrated soil fertility management (ISFM)-related trial programs were made based on

suggestions from BARI’s On-Farm Research Division (OFRD) and BRRI’s Soil Science

Division. Different grades of OCP compound fertilizers have been considered during selection of

fertilizer treatments. After a series of discussions and review, trial protocols for all crops have

been finalized and handed over to BRRI as well as to BARI. Final trial protocols were also sent

to OCP Foundation.

On-Farm Trials on Rice Crops

Before establishing the trial plots, the Deputy Director for IFDC-Asia attended a meeting with the

principal scientific officer and head of the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), OFRD

Rangpur of BARI. During the discussion, she emphasized the importance of on-station and on-

farm SSMC non-rice trial activities in different locations. The scientists shared their experiences

and views with her. They were also advised to maintain liaison with the focal point of BARI.

Senior staff of SSMC and other scientists also attended the meeting.

The trial sites are under AEZ-3 (Tista Flood Plain) and AEZ-25 (Level Barind Tract). The selected

varieties were BRRIdhan 49 and BRRIdhan 52. The seedling age varied between 31 and 33 days.

Total treatments were eight with three replications. Total plots were 24. Layout, land leveling,

fertilization, and transplantation were done properly. Table 12 provides the status of on-farm field

trials. Figure 6 shows the location of on-farm field trials on rice.


Table 12. Status of Established On-Farm Field Trials on Rice

Sl. No. Upazila District Target Achievement

Date of Establishment

1 Kurigram Sadar Kurigram 1 1 July 21-22, 2017

2 Pirganj Rangpur 1 1 July 23-24, 2017

Total 2 2

The field trial site at Kurigram Sadar was inundated by floodwater in August 2017. In the

trial plot at Kurigram Sadar, submergence-tolerant BRRIdhan 52 variety was used, and after

13 days of inundation, floodwater receded from the trial plot. The crop was affected but it

recovered from submergence stress quickly. Necessary gap filling and ail/field bunds

reconstruction work were done properly. Crops in field trial sites at Pirganj of Rangpur were

in the tillering stage and in good condition in August 2017. Treatment effects were

observed in different subplots of two trial sites. BRRI scientists in both the trial sites

placed signboards and plot labels properly.

On-Farm and On-Station Trials on Non-Rice Crops

IFDC signed a grant agreement with

BARI’s OFRD on August 3, 2017, to

collaborate for the activity for sustainable

management of soil to enhance yields

and farmers’ incomes under resilient

production systems, which contributes

to the overall goal of OCP’s Agricultural

Development Project for Bangladesh.

The focal point of BARI informed that,

based on crop suitability, OFRD has selected 11 on-station and on-farm non-rice crop field trial

sites by October 2017. Table 13 provides the on-farm and on-station trials of non-rice crops.

Figure 6 also shows the location of non-rice field trials.

On-Station Trials

OFRD Rangpur Station, BARI (2) – Maize, Lentil.

OFRD Bogra Station, BARI (2) – Wheat, Potato.

On-Station Trial at Bogra


On-Farm Trials

Domar, Nilphamari (2) – Potato, Maize.

Ulipur, Kurigram (2) – Lentil.

Dinajpur Sadar, Dinajpur (2) – Potato, Maize.

Amnura, Chapai Nawabganj (1) – Wheat.

OCP visiting team members; IFDC Deputy Director for Asia; focal points of BRRI, BARI,

DAE, SRDI, and BADC; senior staff of SSMC, and FC of SSMC visited OFRD at the BARI

Regional Research Station in Bogra on November 22, 2017. The Chief Scientific Officer

(CSO), OFRD, BARI, Gazipur, briefed the visiting team about OFRD activities. All the team

members visited two potato and wheat on-station field trial plots established at the Bogra

Research Station. Two on-station field trials on potato and wheat were established on

November 19 and 20, 2017. In the case of potato, the variety was Asterix, and for wheat, it

was BARI Gom 30. Detailed interactions about the field trial program were held with OFRD

scientists at the trial sites. Staff in charge of the OFRD Research Station, Bogra, also

delivered a brief presentation on SSMC research activities at the Bogra Research Station.

All the steering committee members, BADC representatives, senior staff of SSMC, and FC

of SSMC visited the BRRI Regional Research Station at Rajshahi on November 23, 2017.

The CSO in charge of the BRRI Research Station in Rajshahi briefed the group about BRRI

activities and characteristics of modern rice varieties developed by BRRI. During the visit,

scientists discussed on-station trial activities. The interaction occurred after the presentation.

Two balanced fertilizer and macronutrient and micronutrient omission trial plots on Boro rice

will be established in the coming Boro season at the BRRI Research Station, Shyampur,

Rajshahi. In each trial, eight treatments and three replications will be followed.

Four on-station field trials on maize and lentils were established at OFRD, BARI Research

Station, Bogra, and Rangpur on November 16 and 20, 2017.

Seven on-farm field trials on potato, maize, and lentils were established at Ulipur of

Kurigram, Domar of Nilphamari, Sadar of Dinajpur, and Amnura of Chapai Noawabganj

during November 16-30, 2017.


Table 13. Status of On-Farm and On-Station Field Trials on Non-Rice Crops

SL. # Location Name of the Crop

Category of Trial

Number of Established

Trials Date of Sowing

1. OFRD, BARI Research

Station, Bogra Potato On-station 1 November 19, 2017


Station, Bogra Wheat On-station 1 November 20, 2017


Station, Rangpur Lentil On-station 1 November 16, 2017


Station, Rangpur Maize On-station 1 November 20, 2017

5. Ulipur, Kurigram Lentil On-farm 2 November 16, 2017

6. Domar, Nilphmari Maize On-farm 1 November 30, 2017

7. Domar, Nilphmari Potato On-farm 1 November 30, 2017

8. Sadar, Dinajpur Potato On-farm 1 November 22, 2017

9. Sadar, Dinajpur Maize On-farm 1 November 23, 2017

10. Amnura,

Chapai Nawabganj Wheat On-farm 1 November 23, 2017

Total 11


Figure 6. Location of Established On-Farm and On-Station Trials on Rice and Non-Rice 2017-18 Demonstration Plots


Harvest Report on On-Farm Trials on Rice Crops

The T. Aman crop from two on-farm field trial plots was already harvested by BRRI scientists

with the help of trial farmers on November 14 and 27, 2017, respectively. Table 14 provides the

yield of BRRIdhan 49, and Table 15 shows the effect of different fertilizers. Figure 7 shows the

yield of BRRIdhan 49 under different treatments, and Figure 8 shows the effect of liming and

omission of macronutrients and micronutrients on grain yield under different treatments.

Table 14. Yield of BRRIdhan 49 Under Different Fertilizer Management Packages Under Pirganj, Rangpur

Treatment Grain Yield

(t/ha) T1 = aAEZ-based NPKSZn 5.02

T2 = NPKSZn + vermicompost 0.5 t/ha 5.06

T3 = NPKSZn + cow dung 0.5 t/ha 4.86

T4 = bOCP 1 + straight fertilizer 5.20

T5 = cOCP 2 + straight fertilizer 5.25

T6 = T4 + vermicompost 0.5 t/ha 5.13

T7 = T5 + cow dung 0.5 t/ha 4.97

T8 = dFarmers’ fertilizer dose 4.86

CV 3.30 a. NPKSZn at 90-15-40-12-1.5 kg/ha; b. OCP compound fertilizer (P2O5 = 45%,

Zn =1%); c. OCP compound fertilizer (N = 12%, P2O5 = 45%, S = 5%, Zn =

1%); d. NPK at 104-15-45 kg/ha.

Figure 7. Yield of BRRIdhan 49 Under Different Treatments at Pirganj, Rangpur

5.02 5.064.86

5.2 5.25 5.13 4.97 4.86

1

2

3

4

5

6

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Ton

ns/

Ha

Treatment

Grain Yield (mt/ha)


Table 15. Effect of Liming, and Omission of Macro and Micronutrients on Grain Yield of T. Aman Rice (BRRIdhan 52), Farmer’s Field at Kurigram

Treatments Grain Yield (t/ha)

T1= NPKSZn (-lime) 4.89 ab

T2 = NPKSZn (+lime) 5.18 a

T3 = OCP compound fertilizer (N-P2O5-S-Zn

[12-45-5-1]) + straight fertilizer

4.26 bc

T4 = PKSZn (-N) 4.21 c

T5 = NKSZn (-P) 4.16 c

T6 = NPSZn (-K) 4.47 bc

T7 = NPKZn (-S) 4.35 bc

T8 = NPKS (-Zn) 4.79 abc

CV (%) 4.97

Figure 8. Effect of Liming and Omission of Macro and Micronutrients on Grain Yield Under Different Treatments at Sadar, Kurigram

Remarks and Observations

Balanced Fertilizer Trial at Pirganj

Some plots of the trial at the Pirganj site were lodged due to a storm that occurred at the

ripening stage.

Cow dung and vermicompost application rate should be increased.

4.895.18

4.26 4.21 4.164.47 4.35

4.79

1

2

3

4

5

6

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8

Ton

ns/

Ha

Treatment

Grain Yield (mt/ha)


Grain yields of BRRIdhan49 under different fertilizer packages were almost similar.

Comparatively, some higher grains were produced when OCP compound fertilizers were

used with straight fertilizer.

The use of OCP compound fertilizer replaced the use of triple superphosphate (TSP) and

reduced the use of urea by 12 kg/ha, gypsum by 5 kg/ha, and zinc sulfate by 1 kg/ha in T.

Aman season. However, this formulation is not farmer friendly until there is need to apply

straight fertilizer. Potash should be included in compound fertilizer.

Macronutrient and Micronutrient Omission Trial at Kurigram

The trial at the Kurigram site was submerged with floodwater for about two weeks starting

on August 12, 2017.

Rice plants recovered after submergence but after some days, this trial was affected by

bacterial leaf blight disease. Necessary measures were taken, but again at the ripening stage,

grain spot disease was observed.

Grain yields of the recommended dose with and without lime (T1 and T2) are statistically

identical.

OCP compound fertilizer + straight fertilizer (T3) produced 4.26 mt/ha grain, and it was

statistically identical to grain yield of 4.89 mt/ha, which was recorded in the recommended

dose when no lime was added (T1).

Recommended fertilizer dose with liming produced the highest grain yield of 5.18 mt/ha, and

it was significantly higher than the yield of OCP compound fertilizer + straight fertilizer

treatment.

The omission of N (T4) and P (T5) from the recommended fertilizer dose without liming

significantly reduced the grain yield while the omission of K (T6), S (T7) and Zn (T8) had no

significant effects on grain yield.

It is notable that omission of all nutrients except Zn from the recommended dose with lime

significantly reduced the grain yield of BRRI dhan52.

It can be concluded that liming might have some effect on nutrient availability for wetland

rice. However, it will be cleared after a trial in the dry season.


OCP Company Gifted Compound Fertilizers

SSMC senior staff of IFDC received the required amount of OCP fertilizers (800 kilograms

or 16 bags) from BADC, Mirpur Seed Multiplication Farm, Dhaka, on July 3, 2017. As per

demand from BRRI and BARI, 175 kg of all the OCP fertilizers were distributed to BRRI

and BARI for use in different rice and non-rice trials. Of the 175 kg, 25 kg were given to the

Focal Point of BRRI. He confirmed receipt of the desired amount of TSP Zn and 12N-45P2O5-

5S-1Zn categories of fertilizers. The remaining 150 kg were given to the Focal Point of BARI.

He confirmed receipt of the desired amount of TSP Zn (50 kg), 12N-45P2O5-5S-1Zn (50 kg),

and 19N-38P2O5-6S-1B (50 kg) categories of fertilizers.

For use in rice and non-rice demonstration plots, 475 kg of OCP fertilizers were sent to the

FC of SSMC at Bogra. An additional 150 kg of fertilizer has been kept at IFDC’s office in

Dhaka. It will be used as per the demand of the DAE field officials and BRRI and BARI

scientists.

The senior staff and FC of SSMC completed re-bagging of different categories of OCP

compound fertilizers by crop at Bogra for 54 demonstration plots to be established in 2017.

These will be gradually distributed among the demonstration farmers through DAE and FC

of SSMC.

The IFDC Deputy Director for Asia attended a meeting with the BADC Chairman at his

office. She discussed the current SSMC activities as well as a future work plan. She extended

her thanks to the Chairman and other officials for their cooperation in providing OCP gifted

compound fertilizer to IFDC. As per requirement of BADC, OCP also provided a boron-

containing compound fertilizer, APS- (19N-38P2O5-6S-1B).


Demonstration Crop Cut and Field Days

Field days were mainly organized on the day

of crop cut of demonstration plots so that

participating farmers can observe the method

and results of GAP technology in the

particular demonstration. In addition, the

yield and profitability results of improved

nutrient management and GAPs applied in

the field were highlighted. They also shared

their experiences through question-and-

answer sessions with demonstration farmers as well as SSMC senior staff and DAE field

officials. In Year 1 of SSMC, five field days were held during T. Aman season. A total of 518

participants attended the five field days, of which 157 were women farmers (30 percent); 361

other participants included male farmers, DAE field officials, media personnel, local leaders, and

other project staff. The status of field days

is presented in Table 16. Appendix 6

indicates the total number of field days

organized by upazila. OCP steering

committee members also attended one

crop cut and field day program at Natore

Sadar of Natore District during their field

visit.

Table 16. Participation of Demonstration Field Days

Reporting Year Number of Field Days Male Female Total

First Half (Jan-June 2017) - - - -

Second Half (Jul-Dec 2017) 5 361 157 518

Total Year 5 361 157 518

Participants Attend a Demonstration Field Day

Steering Committee Members Attend a Demonstration Field Day


Monitoring and Motivational Meetings with Progressive Farmers and DAE Officials

The IFDC Deputy Director for Asia attended seven gatherings of SSMC-trained and non-

trained farmers near the demonstration sites at Nageswari, Chirirbandar, Saidpur,

Shahjahanpur, Natore Sadar, Nachole, and Gomostapur of Kurigram, Nilphamari, Dinajpur

Bogra, Natore, and Chapai Nawabganj districts. She exchanged views with the farmers on

sustainable soil fertility management and informed them about OCP fertilizers. Farmers have

shown interest in using compound fertilizer if the quality of the product and supply chain are

ensured. The farmers also showed interest in adopting sustainable soil management practices

in rice and non-rice crops.

The IFDC Deputy Director for Asia also attended three meetings with deputy

directors/district training officers of DAE, Kurigram, Nilphamari, and Dinajpur at their

offices. She discussed current SSMC activities as well as the future work plan. She extended

her thanks to DAE officials for their cooperation in carrying out SSMC activities.

The senior staff of SSMC regularly monitored all the field activities as part of their routine

work. They also maintained liaison with extension, research, fertilizer retailers, and farmers

for achieving the project activities and goals.

Collaboration with Development Partners

Collaboration with Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI)

Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BARI and IFDC, signed

on January 8, 2012, the SSMC Component of OCP Foundation’s Agricultural Development

Project in Bangladesh, implemented by IFDC, entered into an agreement with the OFRD of BARI

on July 3, 2017, to collaborate for sustainable management of soil to enhance yields and

farmers’ incomes under resilient production systems, which contributes to the overall goal of

OCP Foundation’s Agricultural Development Project for Bangladesh.


The major collaborations are:

1. Establishment of 11 on-station and on-farm field trials with four non-rice crops (maize,

potato, lentil, and wheat).

2. Handover of various categories of 150 kg OCP compound fertilizers for field trials.

3. Joint field visit and monitoring of OCP activities and the exchange of ideas about field trials

with SSMC, IFDC senior staff, and OFRD scientists.

Collaboration with Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI)

Under the terms of the MOU between BRRI and IFDC, signed on December 19, 2011, the SSMC

Component of the OCP Foundation’s Agricultural Development Project in Bangladesh,

implemented by IFDC, entered into an agreement with the Soil Science Division of BRRI to

collaborate on project activities.


1. Establishment of two on-farm rice crops (T. Aman and Boro).

2. Handover of different categories of 25 kg OCP compound fertilizers for field trials.

3. Joint field visit and monitoring of OCP activities and exchange of ideas about the field trials

with SSMC, IFDC senior staff, and scientists of Soil Science Division, BRRI.

Collaboration with Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE)

DAE is the major collaboration of the SSMC project. The MOU signed between IFDC and DAE

allows for technical assistance and facilities of IFDC to be shared to strengthen the capacity of

DAE. The DAE Director of Field Service issues a letter in SSMC project areas to establish

demonstrations in collaboration with IFDC and DAE.


1. Orientation of 53 DAE field officials about SSMC programs in the respective project areas.

2. Assistance provided to SSMC-IFDC in implementing farmers’ training programs,

establishing rice and non-rice demonstration plots, crop cuts, and field days, and collecting

GPS data.


3. Promotion of SMC project goals.

Collaboration with Soil Resources Development Institute (SRDI)

SRDI is a collaborator of the SSMC project. The MOU signed between IFDC and SRDI allows

for technical assistance and facilities of IFDC to be shared to strengthen the capacity of SRDI.


1. Assisting the farmer in analyzing soil samples of the farmers in the project areas.

2. Supplying quality chemicals for identification of adulterated micronutrient fertilizers.

3. Working as a resource person in the training program.

Collaboration with Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC)


1. Supply of 800 kg OCP Foundation compound fertilizer to SSMC-IFDC.

2. Participation in field visit and steering committee meeting.

Media Coverage

The project regularly invites members of the electronic and print media to different events for

wider coverage. These events are reported and/or broadcast on several television channels, in

local/national newspapers, and online. Details on media coverage of the SSMC project are

provided in Appendix 7.

Estimated Budget and Actual Expenditure

SSMC is incurring costs as planned. Although the SSMC activity began in January 2017 after the

appointment of all staff, the actual field program started in June 2017. Therefore, the project’s

program activity expenses started in June 2017, and the expenses reported here are for 11 months

through November 2017. In Year 1, the budget for the project was estimated at U.S. $200,435.

Of this, the actual expenses incurred totaled the U.S. $188,094.75 through November 2017, or

94 percent of the Year 1 budget. Details of the expenses are provided in Table 17.


Table 17. Financial Achievement Against Estimated Budget in the U.S. $

Line Item Year 1 Budget

Year 1 Expense Through

November 2017

Percent Achieved

Personnel, fringe benefits, and allowances 95,480.00 93,037.91 97%

Travel and transportation 24,480.00 14,966.55 61%

Program Activities 49,000.00 44,264.67 90%

Office Operations 9,760.00 14,926.20 153%

Total direct costs 178,720.00 167,195.33 94%

Overhead 21,715.00 20,899.42 96%

Total SSMC Activity Amount 200,435.00 188,094.75 94%


Appendix 1. Minutes of Second Steering Committee Meeting





Appendix 2. Number of Participants by Gender in the Orientation Program in Year 1

Sl. # District Host Upazila

First Half Year (Jan-June 2017)

Number of Batches Male Female Total

1 Nilphamari Saidpur 1 23 3 26

2 Natore Natore Sadar 1 26 1 27

Total 2 49 4 53

SSMC First Annual Report | January-December 201743

Appendix 3. Farmers Trained in Year 1

District Upazila

First Half Year (Jan-June 2017) Second Half Year (July-Dec 2017) Total Year 1 Number

of Batches

Male Farmer

Female Farmer

Fertilizer Retailers Total

Number of

Batches Male

Farmer Female Farmer


Number of

Batches Male

Farmer Female Farmer


Bogra Gabtoli 0 2 38 12 10 60 2 38 12 10 60

Shajahanpur 1 24 4 2 30 2 41 9 10 60 3 65 13 12 90

Sub-Total: 1 24 4 2 30 4 79 21 20 120 5 103 25 22 150

Chapai

Noawabga

nj

Gomostapur 0 3 67 8 15 90 3 67 8 15 90

Nachol 1 24 5 1 30 2 43 7 10 60 3 67 12 11 90

Sub-Total: 1 24 5 1 30 5 110 15 25 150 6 134 20 26 180

Dinajpur Chirirbondar 0 3 70 4 15 89 3 70 4 15 89

Dinajpur Sadar 1 24 4 2 30 2 40 10 9 59 3 64 14 11 89

Sub-Total: 1 24 4 2 30 5 110 14 24 148 6 134 18 26 178

Kurigram Kurigram

Sadar

0 3 63 12 15 90 3 63 12 15 90

Nageswari 1 23 5 2 30 1 22 4 4 30 2 45 9 6 60

Sub-Total: 1 23 5 2 30 4 85 16 19 120 5 108 21 21 150

Natore Lalpur 0 1 20 5 5 30 1 20 5 5 30

Natore Sadar 0 4 84 16 20 120 4 84 16 20 120

Sub-Total: 0 0 0 0 0 5 104 21 25 150 5 104 21 25 150

Nilphamari Nilphamari

Sadar

1 24 3 2 29 2 42 8 10 60 3 66 11 12 89

Saidpur 0 3 60 15 15 90 3 60 15 15 90

Sub-Total: 1 24 3 2 29 5 102 23 25 150 6 126 26 27 179

Grand

Total:

5 119 21 9 149 28 590 110 138 838 33 709 131 147 987



Appendix 4. Demonstration Established for Rice and Non-Rice in Year 1

Districts Upazilas Block

Rice Non-Rice

Total T. Aman Potato Maize Wheat Lentil Bogra Gabtoli Domor 1 1

Noruya Mala 1 1 1 3

Sub-Total: - 2 1 1 - 4

Shajahanpur Domonpukur 1 1

Gharna 1 1

Subrul 1 1 2

Sub-Total: 1 2 1 - - 4

Total: 1 4 2 1 - 8

Chapai Noawabganj Gomostapur Chotodadpur 1 1

Jenarpur 1 1

Rahonpur 1 1 2

Sub-Total: 1 - - 1 2 4

Nachole Baghrail 1 1 2

Lakhmipur 1 1

Najampur 1 1

Vatsha 1 1

Sub-Total: 1 - - 1 3 5

Total: 2 - - 2 5 9

Dinajpur Chirirbondar Auliapukur 1 1

Fotejonpur 1 1 2

Jot Satnala 1 1

Sub-Total: 1 1 1 1 - 4

Dinajpur Sadar Chehelgazi 1 1

Ramnagar 1 1 2

Sundarbon 1 1 2

Sub-Total: 1 1 2 1 - 5

Total: 2 2 3 2 - 9

Kurigram Kurigram Sadar Horishor Kaloya 1 1

Kahlisha Kaloya 1 1

Palash Bari Bel 1 1

Sub-Total: 1 1 1 - - 3

Nageswari Balorampur -

Bodijomapur 1 1 1 3

Payradanga -

Sub-Total: 1 1 1 - - 3

Total: 2 2 2 - - 6

Natore Lalpur Duplia 1 1

Gopalpur 1 1

Walia 1 1 2

Sub-Total: - - - 1 3 4

Natore Sadar Baro Horishpur 1 1 2

Dastanabad 1 1 2

Hazratpur 1 1 2

Sub-Total: 1 - 1 2 2 6

Total: 1 - 1 3 5 10


Districts Upazilas Block

Rice Non-Rice

Total T. Aman Potato Maize Wheat Lentil

Nilphamari

Nilphamari Sadar Itkholla 1 1 2

Kishamotdalua 1 1

Polasbari 1 1 2

Sub-Total: 1 1 2 1 - 5

Saidpur Bromouttar 1 1 2

Kamarpukur 1 1

Sub-Total: 1 1 - 1 - 3

Total: 2 2 2 2 - 8

Grand Total: 10 10 10 10 10 50



Appendix 5. Detailed Data by Upazila for SSMC Demonstrations in T. Aman 2017

District Upazila Block Village

Farmer Practice (T1) Yield (kg/ha)

Recommended Fert Dose

without Lime (T2) Yield (kg/ha)

Recommended Fert Dose with Lime (T3) Yield

(kg/ha)

OCP Compound Fertilizer+Straight

Fertilizer with Lime (T4) Yield

(kg/ha) Bogra Shajahanpur Subrul Subrul 4,277 5,012 5,278 5,282

Chapai

Noawabganj

Gomostapur Rahonpur Bangpur 6,167 6,560 6,774 7,275

Chapai

Noawabganj

Nachol Baghrail Benipur 5,459 7,121 7,274 7,201

Dinajpur Chirirbondar Fotejongpur Kamarermore 4,212 4,336 4,530 4,209

Dinajpur Dinajpur

Sadar

Ramnagar Ramnagar 4,859 5,112 5,460 5,796

Kurigram Kurigram

Sadar

Palash Bari

Bel

Nilkantha 4,954 5,274 5,442 5,728

Kurigram Nageswari Badijamapur Badijamapur 3,839 4,191 4,082 4,521

Natore Natore

Sadar

Baro

Horishpur

Hazranatore 4,074 4,191 4,135 4,468

Nilphamari Nilphamari

Sadar

Polashbari Polashbari 4,790 4,818 5,221 5,138

Nilphamari Saidpur Bromottore Aisdhal 3,368 3,723 4,086 4,231

Average: 4,600 5,034 5,228 5,385 Source: SSMC 10 demonstration plots, T. Aman 2017.


Appendix 6. Field Days Organized (July-December 2017)

District Upazila

Second Half Year (July-Dec 2017) Number

of Batches Male Female Total

Chapai Noawabganj Gomostapur 1 98 4 102

Sub-Total: 1 98 4 102

Dinajpur Chirirbondar 1 46 60 106

Sub-Total: 1 46 60 106

Kurigram Kurigram Sadar 1 46 60 106

Sub-Total: 1 46 60 106

Natore Natore Sadar 1 79 27 106

Sub-Total: 1 79 27 106

Nilphamari Nilphamari Sadar 1 92 6 98

Sub-Total: 1 92 6 98

Grand-Total: 5 361 157 518



Appendix 7. Media Coverage of SSMC Activities in Year 1

Sl. No. News Heading Media Date/Time Remark

A. Electronic Media

1 Organize field day at Natore Sadar, Natore BTV 17:00

2 Organize farmers training at Shajahanpur, Bogra NTV 17:00

B. Print Media

Local Newspaper

1 Organize farmers training at Nilphamari Sadar, Nilphamari The Daily Khola Kagoj 23-May-17 A hard copy of news documented.

2 Organize farmers training at Dinajpur Sadar, Dinajpur The Daily Uttarbangla 24-May-17 A hard copy of news documented.

3 Organize farmers training at Shajahanpur, Bogra The Daily Alo Protidin 25-May-17 A hard copy of news documented.

4 Organize farmers training at Nageshwari, Kurigram The Daily Bangladesh

Shomoy 26-May-17 A hard copy of news documented.

5 Organize farmers training at Nachole, Nawabganj The Daily Gour Bangla 05-Jul-17 A hard copy of news documented.

6 Organize farmers training at Nachole, Nawabganj The Daily Chapai

Chitro 05-Jul-17 A hard copy of news documented.

7 Organize farmers training at Nachole, Nawabganj The Daily Natun

Provat 05-Jul-17 A hard copy of news documented.

8 Organize farmers training at Nachole, Nawabganj The Daily Soner Desh 05-Jul-17 A hard copy of news documented.

9 Organize farmers training at Gomastapur, Nawabganj The Daily Chapai

Chitro 28-Sep-17 A hard copy of news documented.

10 Organize farmers training at Gomastapur, Nawabganj The Daily Gour Bangla 28-Sep-17 A hard copy of news documented.

11 Organize farmers training at Nachole, Nawabganj The Daily Gour Bangla 29-Sep-17 A hard copy of news documented.

12 Organize farmers training at Nachole, Nawabganj The Daily Natun

Provat 29-Sep-17 A hard copy of news documented.

13 Organize farmers training at Lalpur, Natore The Weekly Padma

Probaha 01-Oct-17 A hard copy of news documented.

14 Organize farmers training at Kurigram Sadar, Kurigram The Daily Songbad 19-Oct-17 A hard copy of news documented.

15 Organize farmers training at Kurigram Sadar, Kurigram The Daily Sakaler

Kagoj 19-Oct-17 A hard copy of news documented.

16 Organize farmers training at Gabtali, Bogra The Daily Mukto

Zamin 23-Oct-17 A hard copy of news documented.

17 Organize farmers training at Gabtali, Bogra The Daily Bangla

Bulletin 23-Oct-17 A hard copy of news documented.


Sl. No. News Heading Media Date/Time Remark

18 Organize farmers training at Gabtali, Bogra The Daily Kaler

Khabor 23-Oct-17 A hard copy of news documented.

19 Organize farmers training at Gabtali, Bogra The Daily Shokoler

Khobor 23-Oct-17 A hard copy of news documented.

20 Organize farmers training at Gabtali, Bogra The Daily Muktobarta 23-Oct-17 A hard copy of news documented.

21 Organize farmers training at Gabtali, Bogra The Daily Mukto

Sokal 23-Oct-17 A hard copy of news documented.

22 Organize farmers training at Gabtali, Bogra The Daily Chadni

Bazar 23-Oct-17 A hard copy of news documented.

23 Organize farmers training at Gabtali, Bogra The Daily Shokoler

Khobor 08-Nov-17 A hard copy of news documented.

24 Organize farmers training at Gabtali, Bogra The Daily Mohasthan 08-Nov-17 A hard copy of news documented.

25 Organize field day at Chirirbandar, Dinajpur The Daily Vorer

Dorpon 14-Nov-17 A hard copy of news documented.

26 Organize field day at Natore The Daily Uttar

Kantho 25-Nov-17 A hard copy of news documented.

27 Organize field day at Natore The Daily Lal Golap 25-Nov-17 A hard copy of news documented.

28 Organize field day at Shahjanpur, Bogra The Daily Vorer

Dorpon 24-Nov-17 A hard copy of news documented.

29 Organize field day at Natore The Daily Natun

Provat 24-Nov-17 A hard copy of news documented.

30 Organize farmers training at Nilphamary Sadar, Nilphamary The Daily Khola Kagoj 20-Dec-17 A hard copy of news documented.

31 Organize farmers training at Kurigram Sadar, Kurigram The Daily Sakaler

Kagoj 20-Dec-17 A hard copy of news documented.

Documents

Sustainable Soil Management Component (SSMC) of OCP ... · Table 14. Yield of BRRIdhan 49 Under Different Fertilizer Management Packages Under Pirganj, Rangpur.....29 Table 15. Effect