My visit to the our farms was short though, but very significant.
I decided to take a leap step forward in undertaking Organic Farming from now onwards again. My man Meghraj had attempted a pilot farming of Peas which need cold weather in between the layers of Bell Pepper under shades(to protect them from severe cold and frost)done in a proper and meticulous way. These vegetable crops will bear fruits in 60 days. The costing asper the present day prices has rewarding numbers. The bell paper will cost approximately Rs 4 per plant and will give yield up to 5-6 times
I was impressed.
As Meghraj looked nervous since he had adopted this without my permission. I was, rather, amused and felt I had the man who could fulfill my dream of such a farming. I had failed earlier when I invested for tomatoes two decades ago and my favorite cousin Roop often laughed at me. I lost all the investment, my regular crop and credibility of a city face by indulging in stupid ways.
To be sure this time, I took the opportunity to discuss the details with Happy Veer Ji a relative who is involved in Progressive Organic farming of abou 100 Acres in Raipur, Chhatisgarh. Happy Veer ji has been exporting his produce to England for quite few years by. Now.
He was encouraging and suggested many options besides Eco tourism and Horticulture. So after carefully analyzing I decided to plant Guava plantations in one Acre as a Pilot Project.
To start with, I have placed an order for 150 of such fast growing plants and scheduled them for planting in Jan 2012, which will bear fruits twice annually and will give more opportunity of employment for local residents and improve their horns for marketing the produce. The first fruits will be available for sale in 2015. Wait and have patience till then. So if you are passing on Sangrur-Barnala highway just near the Harigarh canal, just stop by during the fruit season. While you enjoy the fruits with your friends and family, you will also be helping the local residents to make their honorable living to develop their neighborhood and raise, feed and educate their kids well.
We intend to produce organic vegetables steadily and also approach the government for subsidy for drip irrigation. There is also a provision for out of turn tube well connection. The drip irrigation will go a long way in helping the water level in the area as the need for water is significantly reduced.
I also requested Meghraj to bulldoze the small hill top and grade the one acre land. He agreed to cultivate and convert that piece of land into an orchard. This piece of land has never been used for centuries, was left out when I reclaimed the remainimg 25 years back. The extra dirt will be thrown on the low level lands so as to face the flooding in rains.
We have already Jamun, banana and other desert trees which are helping in soil erosion. I remember two decades ago the entire stretch was sun soaked and availability of drinking water was a taboo. Now seeing trees and shaded plants pumps oxygen in to you lungs.
Come and enjoy!
My trip was exciting and successful.
© preet mohan singh., all rights reserved.
© preet mohan singh., all rights reserved
