FARMER'S NOTEBOOK
Multi-cropping, organic practices overcome soil, water problems
M.J. PRABU
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The farmer has been able to pay back his debts after turning to organic
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— Photo: M.J. Prabu
Safe & secure: The farmer, Subbaian in his lush organic farm in Tamil Nadu.
The importance of good soil and clean water for raising any crop can hardly be overemphasised.
A soil with low fertility and a contaminated water source can make life very difficult for farmers.
“When both soil and water are polluted, we farmers are left with no alternative but to either sell our land or move out and seek some other work to save our family from hunger and starvation,” says Mr. R. Subbaian of Kanakkan thottam, in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu.
Sentimental attachment
“Both these options call for tough decisions, as most us have a sentimental attachment towards our lands. To us, the fields are an extension of our family,” he says.
His entire 10 acres of land became unfit for cultivation after the water from the chemical waste seepage from the nearby dyeing factories in Coimbatore were let into the Noyyal river, which runs across his village.
Like Mr. Subbaian several farmers in and around the village faced this problem and several of them sold their lands and moved into the cities.
But with a determination to succeed and a sentimental attachment to his ancestral property, Mr. Subbaian went about hunting for information as to what crops to grow and how to do so with minimal input. After a long and tiring search he was advised to take up multiple cropping and practice organic methods.
According to experts, the multiple cropping system is ideal for farmers as it is an effective method of derisking the income loss for them. In case one crop fails, farmers need not worry but can easily tide over the financial crunch through income from the other crops.
Intercrops
Accordingly, in his 10 acres, Mr. Subbaian planted coconut in three acres, curry leaves in two acres, alfalfa in two acres and tender coconuts in the remaining three acres. He has also planted arecanut as an intercrop in the coconut garden. The crops are grown organically.
“Though I was into chemical based agriculture several years back, all that was left from it was only debts which accumulated to nearly Rs. 30 lakhs. But after I started practising organic methods, I have realised personally that my expenditure has drastically come down. In addition these organic inputs have helped raise the fertility of my soil.”
What is the reaction of the farmers who visit his farm?
“Many farmers tell me that they have faced losses in their crop yield. Some of them were even toying with the idea of selling their lands to clear their debts. When I seek the reason, they tell me that that they have used more chemical fertilizers in their land to increase the yield but were disappointed when they could not get the desired harvest.”
Personal losses
“These farmers did not realise that in addition to facing personal losses, they also had a role in spoiling the environment by dumping chemicals into their land.
In contrast organic practices are harmless to the environment. They can be practised by the farmer himself in his fields, require very little investment and are also effective. Even if the farmer uses them in more than the required quantities, they do not affect the crop yield or the environment,” explains Mr. Subbaian.
But are organic practices not labour intensive, particularly now, when there is a labour shortage in most villages?
“True, but show me a place where is there no labour shortage? Even big companies dispensing good pay packets face this difficulty. It is a global problem. If a farmer decides to go organic he must be prepared to work himself. Even if he has some work men, the farmer should be in the field to personally oversee the operations.”
Beneficial organisms
“To an organic farmer the field is his factory where thousands of beneficial micro organisms and earthworms work all through the day to improve yield and soil fertility. In fact more than the farmer, it is these beneficial organisms which play a vital role in the good growth of the crops,” he explains.
In fact much of the crop loss and farmers’ suicides happen only in areas where there is mono-cropping and excess chemical fertilizer usage. Can you ever show me an instance of failure in multi-cropping or in organic farming?” he asks. In about seven years, Mr. Subbaian has been able to pay back his debts after turning organic.
Readers can contact Mr. R. Subbaian at 4/5-A, Kanakkan thottam, A.G. Pudur (P.O), Irugur (via), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu: 641-103, mobile: 0936-3228039, phone:0422-2627072.
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