JOIN USTrainings and workshops provide opportunities to understand the various facets of farming, particularly supplementary activities. We farmers should engage in such activities to make the occupation sustainable,” says Nagaveni, a farmer of Vaddikere village in Hiriyur taluk, Chitradurga district.
She and her husband Lokanath have taken up integrated farming in their 5-acre farm. The water requirement of this dry land farm was met by a borewell. Five years ago, water level depleted and the couple had to suffer losses. Though they planned to migrate to a nearby town to earn their livelihood, they found it hard to leave their village. They discussed with like-minded farmers and decided to stay in the village and continue with farming activities.
They decided to look at the root cause of the problems that were affecting farming and solve them, one step at a time. Nagaveni, who was an active participant in trainings and workshops organised in the region, took the lead and got soil and water tests done. The results suggested deficiency of micronutrients and poor quality of water. She approached scientists, visited different farms and interacted with experts to understand the process of rejuvenating the farm. Organisations like Krishi Vijnana Kendra, Babbur and Myrada supported the couple’s activities with necessary inputs.
Looking at the dearth of water for farm activities, the couple dug a farm pond. The couple have even taken steps to recharge the borewell with guidance from groundwater recharging specialist N Devaraja Reddy. Water harvesting has improved the groundwater level and quality and the freshwater collected in the pond has been found to be potable. It could be used by other people also when there is water scarcity, says Lokanath.
As a second step, the couple opted for multiple cropping with focus on both food and cash crops and grew cotton, finger millet, onion, sunflower, sorghum and tur dal. Crop rotation helped restore necessary micronutrients to the soil. Vermicomposting, beekeeping, ornamental fish farming, value addition to farm produce are some of the enterprises that have helped them sustain their occupation. Dairy is also a major contributor to family’s health and wealth.
“Gobar gas slurry is used for vermicomposting. Mixed cropping and crop rotation have proved beneficial for beekeeping. We also grow certain crops like drumstick, pongemia and sunflower to enhance the production of honey,” opines Nagaveni. Most of the farm work is done by family members and they hire people only for ploughing, sowing and harvest.
Nagaveni, who used to participate in most of the farm-related programmes, specifically training sessions, has grown to be a resource person at such events. Both the State government and other organisations have recognised her work and honoured her with awards.