For Farmers
Agricultural Boosting Seminar at Chanditara Village, Chandauli
Learnclusive organized numerous sessions for the farmers with Mr. Chandrashekhar Mishra, an agricultural expert, to discuss ways to help them with regard to funding allocation and methods to improve crop-production. The meetings were attended by over 100 farmers and Village Council Heads from the Chanditara village in Chandauli, as well as the Gram Panchayat, to discuss their complaints and issues with their agricultural and irrigation practices. When we met the farmers of Chanditara Village, they seemed discouraged to continue farming as the main occupation as they were facing problems like low crop yields, heavy expenditure on fertilizers, poor quality of soil and excessive use of water needed for irrigation.
Soil samples of various areas were sent to ICAR-IIVR for testing and results revealed they were acidic, explaining why the crop yields have been low in the area for the last few years. After engaging in numerous discussions with 3 agriculture experts, we reached the conclusion that keeping in mind the resources available in the village for farming and the condition of the soil, the best suited option was millet farming for the farmers of Chanditara village. The Village Council Head Mr. Satish Kumar allotted us 2 acres of land to start millet farming in. We distributed seeds of Pearl millet, Kodo, Barnyard and Finger Millet and sow the crops with the help of the farmers. Millet crops mature in half the time compared to traditional crops, need less water and less fertilisers and have high yield potential. They are also climate resistant and heat tolerant crops. They help restore soil nutrients and maintain biodiversity.
Gradually over a span of few months 90+ farmers started millet farming in their respective land and benefitted immensely from the cultivation of millet crops. An increase of Rs 15000-20000 in their monthly incomes was reported. We continue to raise awareness of millet farming in the village so that more farmers can benefit and utilise their land and farming potential the village offers.
Our cause was supported when The United Nations and The Food and Agriculture Organisation had declared Year 2023 as International Year of Millets to increase awareness about health and nutritional benefits of Millets. The Indian Government too recognised and supported this campaign as millet consumption has a plethora of health benefits, are good for environment with low water and input requirements and provide welfare of farmers too. India declared to provide millets by Public Distribution System to people of below the poverty line. Three millet crops Pearl millet, Sorghum and Finger Millet have also been covered under the Minimum Support Price system.
Letter of Appreciation by National Agriculture Expert, Mr. Chandrashekhar Mishra
