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Raipur : Farmers in the state are getting a new direction due to the farmer-friendly policies of the government and proper guidance of the Agriculture Department. Similarly, Santosh Sahu, a progressive farmer of village Akalwara of Bemetara district, has taken a commendable, visionary and exemplary decision in the field of farming this year and has proved that by adopting correct crop selection and scientific farming methods, more profit can be earned even with less resources. Sahu, who traditionally cultivates paddy in summers, has taken an important initiative in the direction of water conservation, cost control and income increase by growing gram (pulses) crop in 5 acres of area instead of summer paddy.
Summer paddy cultivation requires a large amount of water, electricity, diesel and labour. Keeping in mind the continuously falling ground water level, increasing production costs and limited resources, Santosh Sahu decided to change the crop. Inspired by the advice of Agriculture Department officials and agricultural scientists, as well as crop diversification and pulses promotion schemes run by the government, he adopted the gram crop which gives better production in less water.
Farmer Sahu says that modern and scientific agricultural techniques were properly used in the cultivation of gram crop, which mainly included timely sowing in an area of about 5 acres, selection of improved and certified gram seeds, use of chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers in balanced quantity, limited irrigation as per requirement, which saved water, regular monitoring and timely treatment for prevention of pests and diseases. As a result of these scientific measures, the growth of gram crop in the field is very satisfactory and considering the present situation, there is every possibility of getting good yield of high quality.
Adoption of gram crop, on one hand, has resulted in huge reduction in water consumption as compared to summer paddy, while on the other hand, irrigation, electricity and labor costs have also reduced significantly. Since gram is a legume crop, it is also helpful in increasing the fertility of the land by fixing nitrogen in the soil. Considering the demand and good price of gram in the market, Santosh Sahu is hopeful of getting more net profit this year.
This effort of Santosh Sahu is becoming an example of inspiration for other farmers of the area. This initiative gives a clear message that if farmers replace traditional crops with pulses and low-water crops as per the conditions, they can not only contribute to water conservation but can also strengthen their economic condition.
Santosh Sahu has expressed gratitude for his success to the farmer-friendly policies of the Chhattisgarh government led by Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, the guidance of the Agriculture Department and the cooperation of the district administration. He said that due to the technical advice, training, seed availability and information about schemes being given by the government from time to time, farmers are getting new direction and they are moving towards modern and sustainable farming. This success story of farmer Santosh Sahu of village Akalwara proves that farming can be made profitable and sustainable with proper crop selection, scientific management and judicious use of resources. By adopting pulse crops like gram in place of summer paddy, he has presented an excellent example of water conservation, cost reduction and better income. This effort is inspiring not only for the farmers of the district but the entire region and is a strong step towards sustainable agriculture.
