Grappling with challenges posed by labour shortage, frequent pest attack, low yield and quality deficiency in farming till 2011, J. Nagarajan, a farmer, has found a solution finally. Thanks to technology intervention by the ICAR-funded Krishi Vigyan Kendra run by Centre for Rural Education and Economic Development (CREED) at Cholamadevi in Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu. He has overcome these challenges and multiplied his farm income, besides inspiring those who have left their villages for greener pastures to return to agriculture.
Belonging to Kandira Theertham Mettu Theru village in Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu, this third generation farmer raises sugarcane, paddy and vegetables through mixed farming. He also has a seed farm, which supplies paddy, black gram and sesame seeds to farmers and the Department of Agriculture. He meets the irrigation needs through a solar-powered motor. Thus, the transformation of his farm is wholesome with technology infusion minimising manpower deployment.
On the harvest front, his sugarcane yield ranges from 90 to 100 tonnes per acre. “Earlier, it used to be around 60 tonnes. CREED-KVK advised me to switch to Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative and adopt new fertigation techniques. Now, I raise Coimbatore-Sirugamani 7 variety, which has almost doubled the yield. The total sugar content has also improved from around 12 per cent to 13.5 per cent,” says Mr. Nagarajan.
But the more important development is the raising of sugarcane through germination and not supplanting stems of the harvested cane, points out Y. Raja Joslin, Programme Coordinator (in charge), CREED-KVK. About three tonnes of sugarcane per acre is lost when stumps are used for raising a new crop. His seed farm adopts ‘pro tray technique’ that involves growing of seedlings in tray filled with coco pith.
The buds in sugarcane nodes are removed using a cutter and planted in coco pith mixed with micro nutrients. Neem oil is used as pesticide to ward off harmful pests.
Mr. Nagarajan is also involved in making jaggery and plans to start a unit to sell bottled sugarcane juice. Inspired by his success, people employed in other fields are returning to their villages to take up farming in and around Tirumanur.
Elsewhere, at Devamangalam village of Jayamkondam taluk of Ariyalur district, K. Chinnappa, retired secretary of a Primary Cooperative Agricultural Society, has ensured a sustained monthly income by raising tuberose with the assistance of CREED-KVK.
He adopts polythene mulching technique, which sustains moisture and prevents water loss, besides aiding growth of micro organisms, and sprinklers in his farm to raise groundnut, black gram and tuberose. Marigold is raised as an inter crop in tuberose.
He grows a hybrid variety provided by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research as frontline demonstration for Ariyalur district, according to A. Rajkala, Subject Specialist, CREED-KVK.
“This tuberose variety is pest-resistant and provides a better yield than native breeds. My daily off take ranges from 15 to 76 kg. The harvested flower is sent to the Kumbakonam market. I plan to increase my daily income by raising tuberose in an adjacent area also,” says Mr. Chinnappa.
For more details, contact ICAR KVK, CREED, Cholamadevi, Udayarpalayam Taluk, Ariyalur District, 612902.
Source : The Hindu
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