The success of 28 farmers from Kanakapura Taluk, who took to organic farming in a big way, today stands testimony that it pays rich dividends to do so.
Bharani Naati Beeja Samrakshakara Sangha, a self-help group, promoted by these farmers, with the support of the State government and an NGO, embarked on organic farming seven years ago, and according to K M Nagaraju Palagondanahalli, its head, they will continue with it.
The farmers’ group grows one crop each on rotation. “We decide on what to grow and take turns and ragi is our primary crop. We also grow country bean, mustard, hucchellu, jowar and paddy. Lately, we grow millet, navane (a type of jowar) because we are told that it is good for people with diabetes,” he added.
The group mostly consists of independent farmers, most of whom have not received formal higher education.
“We have gained knowledge either practically or attending sessions the government conducts,” he said. The farmers use bio-wastes from farm instead of fertilisers.
“We either use cow dung or vermi-compost. The government has provided us with an indigenous breed of cow and also poultry. Fifteen of us have got goats,” he added.
Each of these farmers have about three acres of land, from where they get six quintals of agriculture produce fetching them at least Rs 5,000 a month.
The harvested items are sold at Jana Dhaanya Raitara Okkoota. Nagaraju, who is the director of the same, said that prices are fixed for each crop on mutual consultation among themselves to ensure that no farmer goes under loss. Further, these crops are exported to other states.
“I do not just grow crops and sell them. We keep a few to distribute it to farmers who wish to take to organic farming. Farmers with more than five acres find it easy to get equipment at subsidised rates, but for small-time farmers like us, it remains a challenge,” Nagaraju said.