From the far-off interiors of Indore, he rode on a bike to Bhopal. Nandkishor Barhar was eager to know how to yield naturally-grown crops. Impressed by the Sri Sri Natural Farming program teachings, he took 50 kilos of Bansi gehu (a type of wheat) to sow. To everyone’s surprise, the output increased to 22 quintals in his one-acre land after a few months of natural farming practice. A record since the maximum yield using chemical farming is only between 18 to 19 quintals. Nandkishor is now determined to practice natural farming.
Importance of sustainable farming
Sustainable farming nurtures the ecosystem by conserving the natural resources and protecting the health of the ecosystem. The farmer uses natural techniques in sustainable farming that yield better quantity and quality of crops, creating a healthier community. The seeds are chemical-free, backed with natural manure, which complements the biodiversity. The food produced is safe for consumption and healthy.
A vicious cycle
The agricultural sector has seen many revolutions that have promoted chemical farming. Its long-term practice has led to an incalculable catastrophe to farmers’ futures, their produce, and even their lives. In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, farmers have thrown away urea spray cans and have switched to natural farming.
“After the use of chemicals, the water requirement of the soil increases tremendously. Chemicals and fertilizers, even under schemes, are too expensive for us. The soil does not soak water, and after some time, it becomes poisonous. So, to make it fertile again, there were no options, and we had no guidance,” says Batanlal Meena, a village’s patriarch from Chandpur village in Bhopal.
The farmers here unanimously opine that pesticides are poison. Earlier, farmers suicides in India were primarily a result of this vicious cycle of high expenses, low output and soil turning infertile. These farmers were reminded of how their forefathers used to do farming.
Miracles of an ancient technique
“We were lost and hopeless about our future. We only knew that cow dung was one of the ingredients in the ancient ways of farming, but for other techniques, The Art of Living’s Sri Sri Natural Farming program came to our rescue,” informs Deepak Meena, a farmer from a small village of Besankheda. Sri Sri Natural Farming is a program for farmers which teaches them techniques of natural farming with minimal to no-expense.
Deepak sowed 10 kilograms of wheat, describing it as “a risk to switch to natural farming.”
“The output was about 70 quintals. I believe we should neither eat poison nor grow poison. Next year, I will sow in quintals,” Deepak smiles as he shows his ready-to-harvest wheat and paddy.
In their first attempt, many farmers said methods taught in Sri Sri Natural Farming improved their soil’s texture and fertility to a great extent with bare minimum expenses. Natural Farming requires Bos Indicus (desi cow), water, and puratan beej (seeds that are saved by the elder generation) grown without using chemicals.
Meanwhile, Ravindra Srivastava, an agricultural extension officer, Bhopal, has been present fortnightly to witness the success of the project. Calling Sri Sri Natural Farming a welcome change, Mr. Srivastava said, “When chemical fertilizers are used, the soil gets its manure, but its continuous use creates a menace for the soil.”
Citing an example, he says, “Punjab was once known for its vast golden farmlands of wheat, but then it became a cancer-prone state. The farmers increased the usage of the chemicals and urea in sheer greed of more produce—a mistake.”
Natural farming - everything adds up
In the market today, everything ranging from turmeric, sesame, coriander to milk, vegetables and fruits are adulterated or unnatural. Through Sri Sri Natural Farming sessions, farmers understood manifold effects that chemical farming has, on soil and even on consumers. Now, they have agreed to give natural agriculture a shot, cultivating their trust in yet another technique once more.
“Without chemical fertilizers, crops have such good height, shine, and smoothness—it’s incredible. With this technique, all Indian farmers will have a good output, save a lot with less investment, save plenty of water, and actually generate profits from farming. And most importantly, the population of India will shine brightly with naturally-grown food,” adds Bisri Lal, a farmer from Chandpur, Uttar Pradesh.
Revolution begins with us
The farmers are on the verge of starting a new revolution that will recreate India’s lost glory as a sone ki chidiya (for farmers, this expression means the land that grows bright golden wheat).
“When farmers learn natural farming techniques taught in Sri Sri Natural Farming program and with a market for their produce, I guarantee every farmer will practice natural farming. Every household will receive urea-free food,” signs off Bisri Lal.
Our support will help these farmers to succeed. We can choose to reject an adulterated supply of milk, grains, and fruit. Instead, choose to support nutritious and wholesome meal. It all begins with our choice. Revolution starts with us.
Story credit: Monica Patel
Published on: August 16, 2013
