Grassland Research Station
Junagadh Agricultural University
Bagsara Road,
Dhari Dist. Amreli (Gujarat)(India)
Pin : 365 640
Phone No. (02797) 221117
&
Agricultural Research Station
Junagadh Agricultural University
Kodinar Road,
Dhari Dist. Amreli (Gujarat)(India)
Pin : 365 640
Phone No. (02797) 221112
 

This centre was established by Mumbai Government as soil conservation block in the year 1958-59 and transferred to the Department of Agriculture, Government of Gujarat as main station for research in grassland under rainfed conditions since 01-06-1962 with a view to conduct research in grasses, improvement of natural grassland area. In 1972 with the initiation of Gujarat Agricultural University, the centre was transferred to the university. For strengthening research work at Dhari, National Agricultural Research Project (North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone) was sanctioned in 1982 having multi disciplinary approach for planning research under specific farming situation in collaboration with All India Sorghum Research Project, Surat and All India Forage Research Project, AAU, Anand.

Two research station working under Dhari center of Junagadh Agricultural University
1. Grassland research station
2. Agricultural research station
The mandate to take up multidisciplinary Research work in various grasses and dry farming research on groundnut, cotton, sesemum, bajara and horticultural crops to meet the need of developing production technology for increasing production in Gujarat as well as to abroad. The Grassland research station is located in the village Dhari situated 3 km. away from Dhari bus stop on Dhari-Bagasara road and Agricultural research station, Dhari situated 3 km. away from Dhari bus stop on Dhari-Kodinar road. Village Dhari situated 45 km. away from Amreli.

(a)       Grassland Research Station

 (b)      Agricultural Research Station

• To take up multidisciplinary research work in various pasture grasses and forage crops.
• To take up multidisciplinary research work on dry farming research on groundnut, cotton, sesemum and bajara.
• To take up research work in arid horticultural crops.
• To generate information on sustainability of the existing cropping/farming systems.
• Evolving appropriate cropping/farming systems for different categories of soil based on land capability classification and their production technology.

1. Project for research in forage (Grasses)
   1. Objectives :
      1. Research in Pasture grasses and legume
      2. Grassland management in relation to grazing system
      3. Soil and moisture conservation
      4. Nutritional aspect of fodder crops
          
2. National Agricultural Research Project
   1. Objectives :
      1. Location specific research programme for forage crop
      2. Nutritional aspect of forage crop
      3. Breeding work in forage crop
      4. Agro-Horticultural Research
      5. Silvi-pastural Research
      6. Pathological and Entomological Research Work
          
3. Dry farming Research Project
   1. Objectives :
      1. To identify suitable agronomical and water harvesting techniques for maxi mixing yield potential in prominent dry farming crops viz, groundnut, sorghum, sesamum etc.
      2. To identify suitable crop varieties in prominent dry farming crop of the region.
      3. Major thrust areas of research in groundnut, sesamum and bajara crops.
      4. Pasture grasses and legume and forage crops.
      5. Agro-Horticultural and Silvi-pastural system.
          
4. Research on water shed management :
   1. Objectives :
      1. To identify appropriate soil manipulation technology for in-situ moisture conservation.
      2. To identify local native species for trees, shrubs and pasture grasses and legumes for conservation of moisture.
      3. Evolving appropriate cropping/farming systems for different categories of soil based on land capability classification and their production technology.
      4. To generate information on sustainability of the existing cropping/farming systems.

Projects Operating at the Research Station

1.      Collection, maintenance and evaluation of grasses and legume germplasm.

2.      Evaluation of different soil mixture palates on germination of pasture grasses.

3.      Varietal trial on Cenchrus cilliaris (VTCC-2006).

4.      Small scale varietal trial on Anjan grass (SSVTCC).

5.      Small scale varietal trial on Marvel grass (SSVT).

6.      Large scale varietal trial on Anjan grass (LSVTCC).

7.      Large scale varietal trial on Marvel grass (LSVTCC).

8.      LSVT (early) of single cut fodder sorghum (LSVT).

9.      VT in Chrysopogon fulvus (2007).

10.  VT in Dichanthium (2007).

11.  VT in Chloris gayana (2007).

12.  Large scale trial on hybrid bajara.

13.  Small scale varietal trial on sesamum.

     B. Resource Management

1. Response of fodder sorghum SRF-203 to different seed rate and nitrogen levels for higher production.

2. Bio-fertilizer and nitrogen management studies in forage sorghum varieties.

3. Evaluation of different proportions of grass-legume seed mixture on the establishment and production for their sustained productivity on marginal and sub-marginal lands.

4. Effect of nitrogen and bio-fertilizer on yield on Cenchrus ciliaris (Anjan grass).

5. Impact of land configuration on biomass yield of pasture legume and grass.

6. Evaluation of different methods for in-situ moisture on conservation in horticultural crop under dry farming conditions (Drum stick).

7. Impact of land configuration on yield of groundnut crop.

8. Comparative studies of P & S on yield and quality of forage sorghum Var. SSG-59-3

9. Response of Stylosanthes hamata and Clitoria ternatea to various levels of spacing and fertilizers.

10. Response of various grasses to different levels of fertilizers.

11. Effect of mulching on yield of ber cultivars.
    C. Crop Protection

    1. Development of low cost protection technology for sorghum shoot fly [Atherigona soccata (R)].

    2. Population dynamics of Atherigona soccata and Chilo partalus on forage   sorghum in relation to abiotic factors in
       north Saurashtra agro-climatic zone.

    3. Management of sucking pests in coriender through newer insecticides
    4. Chemical control of thrips (Thris tabaci) in onion through newer insecticides
    5. Management of gram pod borer through newer insecticides in chickpea

Research Recommendations made for the Farmers (Approved in Joint AGRESCO )

Following varieties of different spices have been developed by this station and released for different production conditions in the state.

1. Agronomy:
   1. The recommendation of 40 kg/ha nitrogen fertilizer for obtaining maximum economic grass yield (64.51 q/ha) from sowing of perennial pasture grass Sehima nurvosum (Shaniyar) during kharif season under rainfed conditions.( 1984 -85).
   2. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro Climatic Zone are recommended to apply 60 kg N and 20-30 kg P2O5/ha to obtain the highest dry fodder yield in forage sorghum var. GUNDHARI or SSG-59-3. However, marginal farmers are advised to apply 20 kg N and 10 kg P2O5/ha for good harvest of these sorghum varieties(1988-89).
   3. The farmers are recommended to keep the seed rate of 80 kg/ha and apply 40 kg N/ha to obtain economic return of green fodder yield of sorghum var.GFS-4 during kharif season under rainfed conditions(1992-93).
   4. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro Climatic Zone are recommended to cultivate forage cowpea var. GFC-1 which gives maximum green fodder yield (301 q/ha) along with maximum profit (Rs. 9100/ha) (1996-97).
   5. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro Climatic Zone are recommended to grow sorghum var. GJ-37 fertilizing the crop with 80 kg N/ha and 40 kg P2O5/ha for obtaining the maximum yield (70.84 q/ha). Whole quantity of phosphorus and 50% of total nitrogen should be as basal dose and remaining 50 % of nitrogen should be applied as a top dressing after 30 days of sowing(1996-97).
   6. The farmers are recommended to 60 kg N/ha, 50% at sowing time and 25% of the dose after 30 days and remaining 25% dose after 45 days of sowing( no phosphorus application) for realizing higher fodder yield (137.28 q/ha) and grain yield (31 q/ha) in sorghum var.GSH-5 (1996-97).
   7. The farmers are recommended to grow sorghum var.-GJ-37 with the seed rate of 40 kg/ha at intra spacing of 30 cm for obtaining maximum yield of 92.4 q/ha (1996-97).
   8. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro Climatic Zone are advised to adopt silvi- pastural system of growing subabul + Cenchrus ciliaris + Clitoria ternatea fodder tree,perennial pasture grass and pasture legume, respectively. Mix cropping for obtaining higher green (156.7 q/ha) and dry (101.66 q/ha) biomass yield under rainfed condition (1998-99).
   9. The farmers are advised to grow the horticultural ber crop var. GOLA along with arable crop of groundnut var. JL-24 or ber variety Umran along with groundnut crop var. JL-24 for obtaining higher monetary return per hectare (Rs.18477/ha) (1998-99).
   10. The farmers are growing maize as a green fodder under dry farming conditions are to be advised to use 60 kg N/ha (50% N as a basal dose and 50 % N at 30 DAS ) for securing optimum green fodder yield of maize var. Guj. Maize-2. Response of phosphorus application was not found beneficial.(2002).
   11. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-Climatic Zone-VI (Dhari Region)growing hybrid cotton var.G.Cot. Hy.8 under dry farming condition in kharif season at 120 cm distance are advised to grow sesamum as a intercrop between the cotton rows for getting higher net return.(2003).
   12. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro - Climatic Zone-VI who growing grasses are advised to grow marvel grass and to adopt earthing up treatment at 25 DAS on marginal lands for obtaining economically optimum biomass production under rainfed conditions.
   13. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone-VI who are growing forage sorghum as a green fodder crop during Kharif season are advised to use 10 % higher seed rate than recommended seed rate for effective and economical (CBR 1:2.90) management of shoot fly.
   14. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone-VI who are growing forage sorghum as a green fodder crop during Kharif season are recommended to apply 120 kg N/ha (60 kg as a basal dose and 60 kg/ha as a top dressing at 30 days after sowing ) to sorghum crop with keeping the seed rate of 50 kg/ha for getting economically optimum green and dry fodder yield. Application of phosphorus @ 40 kg/ha should be applied.
        
2. Plant Breeding:
    
   1. New high yielding perennial grass, Dharaf (Chrysopogon montenus) var. G.A.U. D-1 has been identified (clonal selection) during the year 1979.
       
3. Agri. Entomology:
    
   1. In forage sorghum, plant damage by shoot fly was in the range of 3.3 per cent at 28 DAG to 5.0 per cent at 21 DAG. Whereas, due to stem borer plant damage was 12.90 per cent at 48 DAG, leaf damage score was 2.7 at 44 DAG and stem tunneling was 8.3 per cent at harvest time.
   2. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone-VI who are growing forage sorghum as a green fodder crop during Kharif season are advised to use 10 % higher seed rate than recommended seed rate for effective and economical (CBR : 1:2:90) management of shoot fly.
       

Seed Production for the year 2004-05

• Kharif Krushi Mahotsav-2005 was organized during 11/05/2005 to 11/06/2005. Area specific agricultural new technologies and techniques were provided to the farmers by with collaboration of Department of Agriculture, Gujarat State. All the scientist and other technical staff members were participated in this programme. Soil Health Cards also distributed to the farmers during this programme.
• Rabi Crop Campaigning -2005 was also organized in three villages of each taluka. The scientists of this center transferred new technologies for Rabi crops of this area.
• Eighth Plan on Cereals, Cotton and Pulses Development Training Programmes conducted by Department of Agriculture, Gujarat State were also participated by the scientists of this center and provided new agricultural guidance to trainees.
• Two NGO/GSFC farmer’s meetings also guided by the scientists of this center.
• Agricultural technology and guidance also given to the farmers by farm visit.

1. Publications Useful to the Farmers:
   1. Suitability of planting of ber varieties with arable crops under rainfed conditions.
   2. Response of forage maize to nitrogen and phosphorus levels
   3. Response of forage sorghum Var. GJ-37 to nitrogen and phosphorus levels.
   4. Effect of land configuration on forage yield of pasture grasses.
   5. Response of forage sorghum to seed rate and nitrogen levels.
   6. Response of various grasses to different level of fertilizers.
   7. Seasonal incidence of major insect-pests of forager sorghum, bajra, maize, cowpea, bean, stylosanthes and clitoria.
2. Publications Useful to the Farmer (Gujarati article):
   1. Developed pasture grassland in rainfed forest area
   2. Cultivation of Dharaf grass.
   3. Recommendation released by the grassland research station, Dhari.
   4. Cultivation of Saniar grass.
   5. Cultivation of grasses under rabi season.
   6. Effect of poisonous grasses on the helth of animal and their remedies.
   7. Cultivation of Anjan grass.
   8. Cultivation of marvel grass.

The technologies developed at this research station is being discriminated to the various extension agencies, N.G.O's, farmers and students in the following ways.

• Kharif Krushi Mahotsav-2005 was organized during 11/05/2005 to 11/06/2005. Area specific agricultural new technologies and techniques were provided to the farmers by with collaboration of Department of Agriculture, Gujarat State. All the scientist and other technical staff members were participated in this programme. Soil Health Cards also distributed to the farmers during this programme.

• Rabi Crop Campaigning -2005 was also organized in three villages of each taluka. The scientists of this center transferred new technologies for Rabi crops of this area.

• Eighth Plan on Cereals, Cotton and Pulses Development Training Programmes conducted by Department of Agriculture, Gujarat State were also participated by the scientists of this center and provided new agricultural guidance to trainees.

• Two NGO/GSFC farmer’s meetings also guided by the scientists of this center.

• Agricultural technology and guidance also given to the farmers by farm visit.

• Educating students during Kendra Nivas and to farmers during visit of this station

• Through TV, Radio broadcasting, literature, press note, personnel / spot field diagnosis and letter etc.
   

1. Yield enhancement and stability in production of grasses.
2. Research in arid horticultural crops like ber, pomegranet and aonla
3. Research in water shed management
4. Research in groundnut, coton and wheat

1. Development of high yielding veirieties of pasture grasses.
2. Production technology for pasture grasses.
3. Seed production programme of groundnut, cumin and gram for farmers.
4. Develop horticultural nursery.

1. Development of high yielding veirieties of pasture grasses.
2. Production technology for pasture grasses.
3. Seed production programme of groundnut, cumin and gram for farmers.
4. Develop horticultural nursery.

CONTACT

Dr. RAMDEVPUTRA MANOJKUMAR VASANTDAS
ASSOCITE RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Grassland Research Station,
Junagadh Agricultural University,
Bagsara road,
Dhari - Dist. Amreli(Gujarat)
Pin 365 640

FARM MAP OF GRASSLAND RESEARCH STATION, DHARI

FARM MAP OF
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH STATION, DHARI