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Organic farming takes root in tribal hamlet

By Gollapudi Srinivasa Rao

PARVATHAGIRI (WARANGAL DT.), NOV. 16. While scores of farmers in the district are agitating over failure of crops, the tribal farmers in this mandal set an example by opting for organic farming, a long forgotten practice.

Over 80 farmers in tribal hamlets of Kambalakunta thanda, Sadya thanda and Ghanya thanda reaped good harvests without using pesticides and fertilisers. In place of pesticides, they sprayed extracts of neem seed kernel, tobacco, chilli and garlic besides practising other traditional methods.

"These practices were there for long, but farmers started using pesticides and fertilisers to double the profits. That resulted in huge losses," said Mudu Tukya who had been into the organic farming for the last four years.

More yield

According to him, traditional methods required hard work, but yielded good results when compared to modern ways. On an average, the investment per acre worked out to Rs. 742 as against Rs. 785 with pesticides and fertilisers. The net income for organic farmers stood at Rs. 10,882 while those who used pesticides gained Rs. 9,770 per acre. "It is not just the income. Use of organic manures enhances the quality of produce and conserve the soil fertility," Tukya explained.

Experimental basis

Encouraged by the Modern Architects for Rural India (MARI), an NGO, 88 farmers in these tribal hamlets began organic farming on an experimental basis four years back and found it profitable. "These methods are good for health and conserve environment too," said MARI secretary, R. Murali.

Good demand abroad

According to Oxfam project coordinator, Ch. Ramesh, more farmers from neighbouring mandals were frequenting the tribal hamlets to know about organic farming. "Cotton produced through organic farming commands high price in international market and hence farmers need not depend on local market and agitate for minimum support price," he pointed out.

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