Tips & Techniques for Demo Plots on Fertilizer Use in India

The next film to be added to the Potash for Life film collection is the one that demonstrates why and how we run potash fertilizer demonstration plots for farmers.

With 1400 demonstration plots across nine states of India, at Potash for Life we have a lot of expertise on how to set up a successful demonstration plot.

In the film (Tips & Techniques for Demo Plots on Fertilizer Use in India), Potash for Life agronomist Anirudh Namdev and host farmer Sohan Singh from Madhya Pradesh are at work on the plot. They share their tips and techniques to choose the site, work with host farmers and run an example of what happens to the crop with and without potash fertilizer.

Demonstration sites attract interest

Like all the demonstration sites, this Potash for Life demonstration plot attracts a steady stream of interest from passersby – whether on bus, bike or on foot. While we were making the film about the soya bean demo plot at Piploda near Ratlam in the state of Madhya Pradesh, one passing farmer introduced himself and wanted to find out the demo plot story.

Anirudh Namdev, Potash for Life Agronomist

Village headman and farmer Raghubir Annjana was even happy to be in the film as well. He shares his thoughts on how the demo plot will help him to grow better crops with the use of potash.

The idea is that a good demo plot pulls together agronomist, host farmer and local farmer. The plot featured is this film is doing exactly that. Not just when we visited to make the film but on every other day in the growing season.

Anirudh Namdev: “As the Potash for Life Agronomist in this area I have 50 roadside demo plots this year. 48 demo plots showing potash use for soybean and 2 for onions. I really enjoy this part of my work. It gives me lots of chances for conversations between me and farmers from lots of different villages. The demo plot is the key way to raise awareness and then we can follow up with farmer meetings and even visits to individual farms. But it starts with a well run demonstration plot like this one.”

Sohan Singh: “I was very happy to give over one acre of my land close to the road for this demonstration plot. Everything was very clearly explained by Agronomist Anirudh and together we have run the treatment to show the difference an application of potash makes to the soybean crop, even in a dry year. I really enjoy being able to show something useful to my neighbouring farmers. We can look, discuss and share ideas. I am happy to have this demonstration plot on my land as a service to my community.”

Evidence you can see with your own eyes

Host farmer Sohan Singh, Madhya Pradesh

Raghubir Annjana: “I was just passing and saw the information boards and came to take a closer look. There is a lot to learn from this demonstration plot on Sohan Singh’s farm.

With the crops in the field showing the difference with and without potash application this is evidence you can see with your own eyes. And you can ask the host farmer questions about when he applied potash and how much.

I am definitely interested to try using potash in my own fields. I am very happy that this demo plot is just by the roadside here so we farmers can see and learn.”