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Daring to dream...& succeed too |
| Anitha Pailoor | |
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Farmers resist change for the fear of failure. Yet, there are a few farmers like Satyaprasad Kanjarpane who dare to explore new opportunities in farming by experimenting different methods and crops.
R S Patil in Gadag is an expert in vermicomposting. When Satyaprasad Kanjarpane, a farmer in Kukkujadka of Sullia Taluk learnt this, he immediately requested his friend to accompany him and drove to Gadag, 500 km away from his place. This is one of many such expeditions Prasad has undertaken in the last 6 years. Two week-long tours along with a few unplanned trips a year help him take decisions on a new crop or a method. Half-baked information on a method or a crop, which eventually leaves the farmers at a loss, has made them fear change. Few crops which were introduced with much hype couldn't sustain due to a lack of demand. Farming is not a profession that can afford subsequent failures. At a time when most farmers stuck to their conventional crops, very few searched for solutions. Forty one-year-old Prasad belongs to the new generation of farmers and has learnt from his experiences. Before introducing any new crop, he works out its investment-profit ratio, studying its method of cultivation, value in market, demand in the next few years and production cost. This has helped him sustain whenever he has introduced a new crop in his farm. Diversity in farming He has experimented with a number of crops in his 35-acre farm. Arecanut and coconut are the major crops mixed with cashew and banana. In the last five years, he has successfully grown tissue cultured banana. Rubber, vanilla and spices like cardamom, pepper and nutmeg are a few other crops he has put his hands on. He processes vanilla to increase its shelf-life and stores it till he gets a reasonable rate. He is slowly turning to organic methods of farming now, with 60 per cent non-chemical inputs and 40 per cent chemical. In fact, his garden is home to over 100 varieties of medicinal and exotic plants from various places. Prasad is also into beekeeping, which is no more a farmer's choice in Dakshina Kannada, thanks to Thai sak brood disease. After visiting R S Patil, he studied Radha Kale's book on vermicomposting and approached a few other farmers who were into vermicomposting. Soon, he ventured into vermicomposting commercially. His authority over the subject has taken him to schools and colleges, guiding students and faculty on the methods of composting. When he learnt that goats were reared in that climate during the sixties and that they vanished due to some disease, he wanted to give it a try. He surveyed the demand for goats in the area and studied their utility value for farmers. He has now taken up goat rearing commercially and knows the features and behaviour of each and every goat in the herd. Apart from their market value, goats help him in pruning farm weeds too. Prasad, who is also into cattle breeding, earns a substantial amount from his tall, healthy Geer breed of cattle, which he has brought all the way from Gujarat. Knowledge farming Whenever he begins with a new crop, he collects all necessary information pertaining to that particular crop through internet, TV programmes, books and exposure trips. His farm tours are well-planned and properly executed. Before setting off, he studies various farm-related activities in and around that place and requests a friend who is familiar with the region to accompany him. For instance, if it is information on spices that he is looking for, he travels to Kerala and for fodder-related information he approaches farmers and research stations in North Karnataka. “Usually, we farmers limit ourselves to a certain region and don't try to explore the outside world. But my temperament doesn't allow me to stick just to my farm and continue managing it. During our trip, we meet resourceful people and develop contacts. A lot can be learnt from one's experiences. Now I know the sources of information and can access it whenever I want.” He is a regular visitor to various farm fairs. He has also approached agricultural universities, research stations and various farmers exploring various crops and farming practices. Two long farm trips a year are a must for Prasad. Wherever he goes, he picks up some information or brings back a new variety of plant. Exposure to different experiments has helped him to attempt utilising rich natural resources in and around his land at the base of Bantamale. He has constructed a tank 55 feet long, 45 feet wide and 6 feet high to store water that flows down through natural streams in the hill. This tank, with a capacity of 40,000 litres, is situated at the top of his farm. To cut down expenditure, he has covered the inner walls with thick plastic. The height automatically drives water down to the plantation and can be controlled using a gate valve. Disseminating information A well-informed Prasad is aware of the latest in farming sector, right from the availability of seeds to the market for the produce. Prasad's passion for collection and dissemination of knowledge made him moot a forum called Jananai Savayava Krishikara Balaga, in association with other farmers. Under this banner, he organised several farm workshops and seminars where farmers and scientists were given a common platform to exchange their experiences and expertise. As co-ordinating the forum was no mean task, he finally closed it down. Prasad’s brand of ‘Knowledge Farming’ has earned him the ‘Distinct Farmer of the District’ award from the Agricultural University, Bangalore, in the year 2005. Due acknowledgement of his efforts has given him strength to continue learning. Address: Courtesy: Deccan Herald Anitha Pailoor is a freelance journalist based in Dharwad. |
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