A Friend in Need… is a Friend
indeed…!!
Introduction
Azolla is a floating pteridophyte of
Azollaceae family, forms a symbiotic relationship with the cyanobacterium
Anabaena Blue Green Algae, which fixes atmospheric nitrogen, giving the plant access
to the essential nutrients.
This has led to the plant being dubbed a
"super-plant", as it can readily colonise areas of freshwater, and
grow at great speed - doubling its biomass every two to three days.
Important Charactaristic
C It
is particular to increase the efficiency of nitrogen fixation (2-3 Kgs/ha/day)
replacing Urea almost within two years and concomitantly to reduce water
pollution, by changing strategies of mineral use and by integrating organic
fertilizers in the rice production system.
C Due
to its ability to fix nitrogen Azolla used as a bio-fertilizer for wetland
paddy - either incorporated into the soil before rice transplanting or grown as
a dual crop along with rice. When rice paddies are flooded, they can be
inoculated with Azolla: -
ü Quickly
multiplies to cover the water,
ü Suppressing
weeds.
ü Rotting
plant material releases nitrogen to the rice plants,
ü Fixing
Nitrogen about 150 – 200 Kgs/ha/year
C Significant
role to control ecology support system for its strong photosyntheic oxygen
releasing capacity.
C Azolla
having higher crude protein contain, almost 25-35% on dry weight basis.
C It
is also found to contain essential minerals like Iron, Calcium, Magnesium,
Potassium, Phosphorous, Copper, Manganese etc. apart from appreciable
quantities of Vitamins A and Vitamin B12.
C The
above mentioned bio-chemical constituents along with the rapid multiplication
rate makes Azolla an ideal organic feed substitute for livestock, apart from
its utility as a bio-fertilizer for wetland paddy.
C Feeding
azolla to dairy cattle, pigs, ducks, and chickens, with reported increases in
milk production, weight of broiler chickens and egg production of layers, as
compared to conventional feed.
Looking to the above facts and benefit,
we conducted an on-farm orientation cum demonstration training program at
Orbenga villege with farmers at the backyard of Mr. Prabal, shared the
importance of Azolla in Paddy Cultivation and its various aspects. Farmers are
highly motivated and determined to have one Azolla tank each at their backyard
based on the above facts and benefit.
Input Cost for Azolla – Rs. 400.00 (LS)
one time investment.
Appendix: At Orbenga Village
