On August 20, 2024, the first-ever Agribusiness Forum titled “Crop Clinic” was held at the Dambulla Agri Information Hub & Seeds Sale Center, Department of Agriculture, with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through the JICA SHEP&SSC Project. The workshop focused on one of the most pressing issues faced by vegetable farmers in Sri Lanka: Pest and Disease Management in Vegetable Cultivation, with particular emphasis on Bacterial Wilt Impact on Tomato and Brinjal.
Key Topics and Presentations
The forum attracted 25 local farmers from the Dambulla region, who were eager to learn about the latest agricultural practices to combat bacterial wilt, a disease that severely impacts crops like tomato and brinjal, reducing both yield and quality.
The event was graced by Ms. Yoko Ngata, a JICA Expert in Horticultural Cultivation from the SHEP&SSC Project, and Ms. Dayani Karunananda, a Principal Agriculture Scientist (Agronomist) from the Department of Agriculture, Horticultural Research and Development Institute (HORDI). These experts led the session, offering farmers practical and research-based insights into managing bacterial wilt in vegetable cultivation.
The Impact of Bacterial Wilt on Tomato and Brinjal
Bacterial wilt, caused by the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum, is a devastating disease that affects the vascular system of plants, causing wilting and eventual death. The disease is particularly severe in tropical and subtropical climates like Sri Lanka, where humidity and temperature favor the bacterium’s growth.
Tomatoes and brinjals (eggplants) are highly susceptible to bacterial wilt, making it crucial for farmers to adopt effective disease management strategies to protect their crops. Ms. Dayani explained how bacterial wilt spreads through contaminated soil and water, and how it can remain dormant for long periods, complicating its management. She stressed that timely intervention is key to reducing the impact of the disease.
Best Practices for Preventing Bacterial Wilt in Brinjal
During this Crop Clinic workshop, Ms. Nagata shared several best practices practiced in Japan to prevent and manage bacterial wilt in brinjal, highlighting the importance of crop rotation, soil sterilization, and resistant varieties. Additionally, she introduced grafting techniques, particularly Pin Grafting, as an innovative solution to minimize bacterial wilt outbreaks in tomatoes and brinjal.
Grafting involves combining the rootstock of a resistant plant with the scion of a susceptible plant, offering increased resistance to soil-borne diseases like bacterial wilt. Farmers at the workshop were given the opportunity to participate in a practical session where they learned different grafting methods, a skill that is relatively new to Sri Lankan farmers.
Practical Sessions and Farmer Engagement
One of the highlights of the crop clinic was the on-the-spot practical session, where farmers had hands-on experience with grafting techniques under the guidance of the experts. This crop clinic provided them with step-by-step instructions on Pin Grafting, which can significantly reduce the impact of bacterial wilt on tomato and brinjal crops.
The interactive nature of the workshop allowed the farmers to ask questions and share their experiences, making it a valuable learning platform for all participants.
A Step Towards Sustainable Agriculture
The Crop Clinic Workshop not only educated farmers about the management of bacterial wilt but also laid the foundation for future collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and JICA. By equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills to adopt sustainable pest and disease management practices, the workshop contributed to the broader goal of improving agricultural productivity in the Dambulla region.
The crop clinic was deemed a success, and farmers left with a deeper understanding of how to protect their crops from bacterial wilt using modern techniques. As part of the ongoing efforts by the JICA SHEP&SSC Project, more forums like this are expected to be held in the future, addressing key challenges faced by farmers across Sri Lanka.
For more information on future workshops and initiatives, stay tuned to updates from the Department of Agriculture and the JICA SHEP&SSC Project.
