Growing ragi: Little water, low cost, high yield

Organic success

Ragi is a rain dependent crop, which is mostly grown annually or as mixed crop. But Farmer Bacchappa of Aanoor has become an example by growing 15 quintals of ragi in 30 guntas of land through sprinkler irrigation and organic way.

He got Indaf 7 species of ragi crop from Agriculture Department in November last year and transplanted it. As he has grown it with sprinkler irrigation and organic way, he is expecting good yield
on minimum expenditure.

‘Best for shortage’

This kind of farming does not demand much water and organic farming also does not need many workers. As the taluk is facing acute water scarcity, this is the best way to get a good yield.
“We brought a sack of 5 kg seeds, which does not need much water. We just spent Rs 105 for a sack and at a gap of 2 foot each, we transplanted the seeds on 30 gunta land, in December 2011,” he said.

“Earlier, we had mixed banana leaves and cabbage in the farming land, which proved a good composite. As we also made arrangements to sprinkle organic liquid with sprinkler water system, we did not need any extra fertilisers,” says farmer Bacchappa.

“We have acute shortage of water and labourers in our village. Moreover Ragi is an important crop. So, we can grow this crop through organic way at a less expense and can make good profit. This specie from Mandya also can be used for seeds,” he added.
Farmer Bacchappa can be contacted on 9731114183.