Of fertilizers and Mushrooms

Krishik Vigyan Kendra in kattupakkam , is a government agri-based training centre. Here the doctors and professors train people on the new techniques that are prevalent in agriculture. They organize a number of training programs throughout the year for farmers on various topics ranging from animal rearing to fisheries to farming techniques. 

A training in KVK was organized through Mrs. Savitha for some people from Mullikulathur who were interested in starting some agri-based activities in their village.

The one day training consisted of two sessions - the morning session was on creating organic manure and the post-lunch session dealt with mushroom farming.

The trainer was a professor from KVK who demonstrated each process and explained in detail what needs to be done for each activity.

The trainings were so designed that it could be easily implemented in the villages. Everything was explained in tamil in such a way that a common man could easily understand.

All details such as where the raw materials will be available, where the produce  can be sold were provided. In order to help anyone start with the activity a number of references of people who are successfully implementing the techniques were also given.

Impact

We are trying to get at least a few members from the self help group to implement the training. Hand-in-hand micro-finance is active in the village. Among the first few steps would be a visit to those farms where mushrooms are currently cultivated. If successful, this could lead to increased finances for the households and a definite increase in self efficacy.

Organic Growth

Traditional methods of farming  involved using a number natural methods to ensure proper growth of crops. Mrs. Savitha  of  Neikuppi village is a practising organic farmer. She attended trainings  at Krishik Vigyan Kendra in this farming technique and has been successfully practicing it for quite some time.Mrs. Savitha conducted a session on organic farming in Mullikulathur village.The session was largely attended by the women from the village’s self help group and a few farmers .

In the session, Mrs. Savitha introduced the organic approach to farming. She discussed the use of freely available neem leaves, cow dung an cows’ urine in farming and how they can reduce the usage of fertilizers and pesticides. Further she suggested a few home remedies for curb common insects that harm the crop. The talk was also supplemented by a video which demonstrated the various techniques that were discussed.

Mrs. Savitha also answered queries regarding organic farming and her farming experience.The women were interested in the biogas plant that has been set up in Mrs. Savitha’s farm and asked for details regarding it.

Impact

Such trainings have created awareness among the villagers about alternative methods of farming. Though many are reluctant to try it out, the fact that somebody in the nearby village has successfully implemented it has motivated them. After introducing Mrs. Savitha to the Self Help group, we have also encouraged them to directly contact her for any doubts. 

The villagers now contact her for farming doubts and have even planned for a visit to her farm to observe the biogas plant. Due to the interest generated from the training, the villagers are now also open to other agri-based trainings.