Integrated farming a way to success

At a time when farmers have been getting less yield and low income, a farmer has found success through integrated farming techniques in Suntikoppa. H D Ramaiah of Emmegundi in Suntikoppa GP jurisdiction, has cultivated coffee and medicinal plants. He has been engaged in organic farming and grows Arabica, Robasta coffee, arecanut, black pepper, coconut and cardamom.

He also cultivates sapota, papaya, pomegranate, pineapple, gooseberry and oranges. Ramaiah treats people with native medicines and has a garden of medicinal plants like Shankha Pushpa, Garuda Patha, Bilo Dasavala, Lavancha, Tulasi, Kesuvina Soppu, lemon grass, Chitra-moola and others. He has also been involved in pisciculture and rears fish in a fish pond.

“Adequate quantity of water is essential for a good yield. The use of organic manure also increases the yield,” he said. He has won ‘Nati Vaidya’ award from Dharmasthala SHG and other voluntary organisations.