Hamid Larijani, faculty member of Islamic Azad University, Varamin Branch
Content of this article
- Introduction
- Determining the cultivation pattern:
- The most important strategies to change the planting pattern
- Conclusion
Introduction:
Water scarcity is one of the factors that limit agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions. And are considered semi-dry. The average annual rainfall in Iran is 273 mm, which is less than the global average rainfall. Therefore, the problem of water shortage is one of the most important problems in Iran’s agriculture. Therefore, one of the most basic needs for conserving resources and institutionalizing sustainable agriculture is to determine the planting pattern in the country.
Determining the cultivation pattern:
Planting pattern means the ratio of the area under planting of different crops in an area that varies according to time and place. Planting pattern is influenced by factors such as climate, resources, culture and society, the needs of each region and economic and political factors (Hussain, 1996).
Determining the planting pattern is essential for deciding on long-term rotation and planting plans, developing the area under cultivation, and designing irrigation systems. Therefore, to determine it, you need information in the field; Topographic map of the area, soil condition, water resources, rainfall status, skilled and unskilled manpower, machinery, silo and warehouse capacity, livestock and poultry breeding units, processing and conversion factories and the amount of return on investment from each crop should be collected. In many cases, environmental conditions limit the choice of some crops and the area under cultivation. In addition, it remains to be seen what products the market demand will include and what products will be allowed to be planted under natural conditions. For example, in an area where livestock is thriving and at the same time has a dry climate, plants should be planted that produce more forage with less water, such as sorghum instead of corn. According to Sanchez-Diaz (1971), sorghum is more resistant to water stress than corn. But in changing the planting pattern in an area, it should be noted that the material and spiritual rights of individuals in the community are guaranteed. In such a way that the changes do not cause shortages, unemployment and reduced incomes of agricultural workers. The best example in this regard is what is happening to the paddy fields in the north of the country. Factors such as high prices of agricultural inputs, high prices of tools, high wages of workers, the presence of brokers and intermediaries, low performance and lack of adequate support have turned paddy fields into citrus and kiwi orchards in Mazandaran province and it is expected that more rice imports Provides. In contrast, the emphasis on the development of wheat cultivation in a short period of time caused farmers to be dissatisfied with the increase in feed prices and, consequently, the increase in meat prices, which directly affected people’s lives.
The most important ways to change the planting pattern:
– Selection of cultivars compatible with climatic conditions and soil of the region. Such as planting cultivars that are tolerant to stress, mid-clay and early maturing
– Production in controlled spaces (greenhouse, tissue culture)
– Increasing plant diversity and crop rotation
– Use of low and no tillage systems
– Use of precision agriculture. Including the use of fertilizers and irrigation when the plant needs.
– Targeted inputs and guaranteed purchases by the government
– Land integration
Conclusion:
In general, changing the planting pattern should lead to; Preservation of water and soil resources, reduction of consumption of pesticides and chemical fertilizers and food diversity and of course community health, yield stability, production boom and improving the economic situation of farmers and related occupations. Hoping for more attention from agricultural policymakers to this important issue.