Natural Farming in Sundargarh
In the picturesque region of Sundargarh, located in the eastern state of Odisha. Sundargarh is known for its rich natural beauty, abundant mineral resources, and diverse tribal culture. The significance of tribals in the Sundargarh district is immense, particularly when it comes to traditional agriculture. Agriculture has been the primary occupation of these tribal communities for generations. Their unique farming practices passed down through oral traditions, have contributed significantly to sustainable agricultural practices and biodiversity conservation.
Natural farming has emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional agricultural methods. In an era marked by ecological concerns and declining soil health, the adoption of natural farming in Sundargarh promises a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature while ensuring food security and economic prosperity for local farmers.
Understanding Natural Farming:
Natural farming is a farming approach that seeks to mimic nature’s balance and rhythms, rather than opposing them. It draws inspiration from indigenous knowledge from indigenous people and traditional farming practices that have sustained societies for generations. Natural farming is a system where the law of nature is applied to agricultural practices. This method works along with the natural biodiversity of each farmed area, encouraging the complexity of living organisms, both plants and animals that shape each particular ecosystem to thrive along with the food plants.
Pillars of Natural Farming:
1. Beejamrit:
Beejamrit is essentially a natural way for seed treatment solution made from cow dung, cow urine, and edible lime, that helps improve seed germination, protect seeds from pests and diseases, and enhance the overall vigor of the seedlings.
2. Jeevamrut and Ghana Jeevamrut:
Jeevamrut and Ghana Jeevamrut are two essential components of natural farming. These substances are used as natural microorganism cultures and soil conditioners to promote natural agriculture without relying on synthetic chemicals.
A . Jeevamrut:
Jeevamrut is a liquid natural culture of beneficial micro-organisms made from natural ingredients like desi cow dung, cow urine, etc
The preparation of Jeevamrut involves mixing cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour (like gram flour or chickpea flour), water, and soil from an existing fertile farm. The mixture is left to ferment for a specific period, during which beneficial microorganisms multiply and enrich the solution. The final product is a nutrient-rich liquid that helps improve soil health, promotes plant growth, and enhances the soil’s ability to retain moisture.
B. Ghana Jeevamrut:
Ghana Jeevamrut is a more concentrated and potent form of Jeevamrut.
Ghana Jeevamrut is typically used to mix with the soil. This method ensures that the nutrients and microorganisms are directly absorbed by the plants, leading to faster and more targeted results in terms of growth, resistance to pests, and overall plant health.
Both Jeevamrut and Ghana Jeevamrut play a crucial role in natural farming by enriching the soil with organic matter, enhancing soil fertility, promoting beneficial microbial activity, and reducing the dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These practices contribute to sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture, supporting the long-term health of the soil and ecosystem.
3. Mulching:
Mulching is a fundamental practice in natural farming. It involves covering the soil surface around plants with a layer of live mulching, straw mulching, or soil mulching to provide feasible conditions for microorganisms along with conserving soil moisture, suppressing weed growth, improving soil fertility, and protecting the soil from erosion.
4. Whapasa:
Whapasa is a term used in natural farming to describe the ideal moisture content of the soil. It is a condition where there are both air molecules and water molecules present in the soil. This is important because it allows the roots of plants to breathe and take up water and nutrients efficiently.
Project on Natural Farming in Sundargarh:
During the Kharif season of 2022, the KISAN SATHI FOUNDATION collaborated with ITDA, Sundargarh, and DMF, Sundargarh to undertake a Natural Farming project in Teleghana village, Kutra block, Sundargarh. In this Natural Farming Project, 55 tribal farmers were selected covering 80 acres of land from Telighana village of Kutra Block, Sundargarh. Everything provided that was required for Natural Farming to farmers like indigenous seeds, Beejamrut, Ghana Jeevamrut, Natural Pest repellent, Natural Plant Nutrition, 200 liters Plastic Drum, a Water Drencher, a Power sprayer, etc. As this project was for the Kharif season in 2022, it was started with paddy, and groundnut was taken according to the land type.
The vast majority of farmers claim that switching to natural farming practices has significantly lowered their cultivation costs and improved both the quality and output. Additionally, this has led to higher pricing for this naturally occurring output. The cultivation and consumption of natural, chemical-free crops have also been shown to significantly benefit both farmers’ and customers’ health.
Impacts and Benefits of Natural Farming in Sundargarh:
The adoption of natural farming in Sundargarh has showcased several positive impacts, both on the environment and the livelihoods of farmers:
1. Enhanced Soil Health: By eschewing chemical fertilizers and embracing organic practices, natural farming leads to improved soil structure, fertility, and nutrient retention.
2. Reduced Production Costs: One of the main advantages of natural farming is that it does not require expensive chemical inputs, allowing farmers to save on production costs.
3. Demand increased for agro-produce: The demand for naturally grown products has witnessed a significant surge, primarily because of their retained nutritional value, natural taste, and superior quality.
4. Climate Resilience: The diversity of crops and the incorporation of traditional techniques bolster the resilience of farms against climate change-related challenges such as droughts and floods.
5. Increased Biodiversity: Natural farming encourages the growth of diverse crops, promoting habitat for beneficial insects and animals, which contribute to natural pest control.
6. Sustainable Livelihoods: With reduced expenses and higher yields, farmers practicing natural farming in Sundargarh experience improved incomes and greater economic stability.
Conclusion:
Natural farming presents an opportunity to shift agriculture towards a more sustainable and ecologically conscious future in Sundargarh. As farmers and policymakers recognize the potential of this approach, efforts must be made to promote knowledge-sharing, improve market linkages, and incentivize the adoption of natural farming practices. By reviving ancient wisdom and embracing modern innovations, Sundargarh can lead the way in redefining the relationship between agriculture and nature, setting an example for the world to follow.
Author: Amulya Pratap Lakra, Founder & President, Kisan Sathi Foundation, Sundargarh