Posted in Events on 17. Feb, 2010
On the 16th of February NABARD conducted its annual State Credit Seminar. At this seminar NABARD outlines its plans for the coming financial year.
Like last year, members of the Chorao Farmers Club were asked to make a presentation of our activities. Presentations included experience sharing from the Club’s President, the Branch Manager of the Central Bank (to which we are linked) and from TERI (the organisation which we work with).
(click here for TERI’s presentation [PDF- 4.3MB] )
Following the presentation, officers from NABARD, the Central Bank Regional and Branch Office visited the Farmers Club. Discussions with the 11-Member Committee were followed by a visit to farms nearby where some farmers are involved in an experiment on growing exotic vegetables (broccoli, Chinese cabbage and capsicum).
NABARD and Central Bank officials visit Madel Fields
On the 19th of January members of the Chorao Farmers Club participated in the taluka-level Krishi Mela organised by the Department of Agriculture at Ela, Old Goa.
Chorao Farmers Club stall at the Tiswadi Krishi Mela - Ela
This was an interesting opportunity for us to showcase our work and also directly sell produce to other farmers and residents from the taluka.
Thanks to the Department for organising an interactive session where we could address our concerns directly to the Directors of relevant departments, the ZAO and Ministers present (unfortunately, the Agriculture Minister was not present).
Farmers participating in the Q & A Sesion organised by the Department
We think such forums are an important space for farmers to raise issues of concern directly with authoroties. We hope the Department makes this an annual affair AND takes action on issues discussed.
We are particular about how we pack our rice. Not only do we want the entire package to look pleasing, we also take care that the rice is free of stones, bugs and all other things that do not belong in a bag of rice.
Learning to tag the bag
On the 14th of December 2009, we conducted a workshop where 8 new suppliers were inducted. Because we do not conduct centralised packaging, it is important that each and every supplier of rice (and these are all farmers too) know how to pack the rice the ‘correct’ way.
Always a little more, never a gram less...
We plan to conduct similar workshops every few months so as to induct new suppliers regularly.
As a follow-up from our Workshop on Growing Exotic Vegetables in Goa (conducted in September this year), ICAR’s Program Coordinator, Dr. Rajnarayan demonstrated the setting up of a vegetable nursery for broccoli, capsicum and Chinese cabbage, on the 30th of November, 2009
Beds are made, approximately 1 meter wide. They can be as long a desired
A clear walking path between two beds is important to access beds on both sides. Vermicompost and well-decomposed cow-dung are mixed into the beds
The compost and dung are worked into the soil and large, hard chunks of soil are either broken down or removed so that the bed is fine and powdery. Using a stick, furrows are made along the with the of the bed, leaving a gap of approximately 5cm or as wide as four-fingers
Seeds are sprinkled in a straight line into the furrows
Farmers giving a hand at sowing seeds into the furrows. Once seeds are sown, the furrows look like in the photo above (right)
After sowing seeds, sprinkle a thin layer of soil and compsot mix on the seeds (traditionally, several women simply take a stick and mix the soil around in a random manner, thereby sending the seeds under a few layers of soil. Namita brings in the hay that will be used to mulch the beds
Straw is then used to cover the beds (mulch) to keep the seeds warm and allow them to germinate. The straw can be removed as soon as the seeds are seen to sprout.
The beds are then watered. Farmers are adept in using their hands to create a light sprinkle (else the seeds will scatter); Sometimes a water can is recommended for a similar effect
Given the stray-cattle menace in Goa, it is advisable to ensure cattle cannot reacht he beds, otherwise the tender shoots will make for tasty meals! Using sticks and branches, a fence is made to secure the beds.
Officers from the ZAO had planned to inspect damaged crops and fields on the 1st of December, after coordinating time and date with the Village Talathi (Mr. Kedar Bhandari).
During the inspection farmers are expected to be present so that the officers can be taken to the fields in question. The Talathi put up a notice on the Village Panchayat bulletin board announcing the date and time. The Farmers Club informed the relevant members about the date.
Talathi's announcement on the Village Panchayat bulletin board and a gathering of farmers awaiting the Zonal Agricultural Officers at the appointed date and time for the inspection to commence
Besides the 22 farmers that submitted applications through the Farmers Club, the Mamlatdar bunched another 35 applications that were received individually, for inspection as well. All these applications were forwarded to the ZAO.
With a total of 57 applicants to deal with, a route was planned that made visiting the fields easy.
Collectively, a logical route is decided upon and everyone sets out for the inspection (by car, motorbikes, bicycles on foot....)
Each individual farmer was asked a few key questions (amount and variety of seed planted). Plots close to the roads were visually inspected, those with no accessible road were not. Yet, each applicant’s complaint was dealt with.
Next Steps
The ZAO will now compile a technical report with recommendations that will be sent off to the Mamlatdar. The Mamlatdar will eventually make the decision and the funds will be disbursed through him.
Stay tuned for progress on the matter.
Posted in Events on 20. Nov, 2009
Cyclone Phyan that struck the western coast of India caught several farmers unawares. November is no time to be expecting thunder storms! But the rains came and stayed for several days after that.
Harvested paddy that awaited threshing got innundated
Harvested paddy that was lying in the field awaiting threshing got caught in the downpour. Low-lying khazan areas were inundated for several hours and this led to rotting of the harvest
Inspecting losses and salvaging what can be salvaged
In some cases it was possible to salvage a part of the crop and let it dry
Sitting in water for several hours, the paddy has resprouted!
In many cases, the dampness and the heat resulted in the paddy sprouting seedlings again! This is of no use to the farmers. It can certainly not be eaten and replanting these is not possible for most, as there is a shortage of water in the later months when water is needed for the rice.
