Joining the Demand-Supply dots

The paradox that exists in trying to encourage the growing and consumption of organic food in Goa is this — farmers unwilling to grow because they are afraid of decreased yields causing income loss while simultaneoulsy consumers are unaware about if and where they can purchase organic food on a regular basis, and whether it is geniuinely organic.

This creates a sort of chicken-and-egg situation when we are trying to promote the idea of organic.

Step 1: Supporting  farmers as they switch

We decided that the best way to encourage our farmers to take the leap is by handholding them through the growing process (so that their yields are protected) and helping them sell their produce to the consumers that really care about organic food.

Step 2: Ensuring that we are 100% organic

Miguel and Yogita have closely overseen the experiment by the three farmers for the last 8 weeks to ensure that the right methods are being followed. The next step would be to get PGS certification once there is a group of at least 5 farmers who are willing to do this. Because there is complete transparency and a very short supply chain, you can actually identify where the food you buy has been grown.

Step 3 : Creating a direct distribution channel to fans of organic

We have also created direct access to consumers by approaching them (by phone, email and SMS). Consumers have been happy and supported the initiative while the farmers are able to have their produce sold. Since the transport of vegetable is currently being subsidised, prices are on the lower side. However, in the coming seasons this would also need to be reflected in the pricing of the food.

Here is how our order fulfilment works (click image to enlarge).

This experiment to provide city folks with season vegetables (primarily in Panjim because of the proximity)  — shall continue and hopefully give other farmers’ confidence to provide local, chemical free, seasonal vegetables in their localities.

Week #7 – 100% Chemical-free Harvest!!

Bags full of 100% organic, farm fresh veggies

We’ve begun harvesting the vegetables from our plot.  There’s a steady stream of radish, knol khol, tambadi bhaji, coriander, methi, spinach and the occasional pumpkin form the last monsoon that was also grown 100% without chemicals. We are selling these vegetables in Chorao and also in Panjim.

Knol khol or gadde

Week #6 – Pump-house Complete

Pump-house ready to be used

The pump-house is now ready to be used. Laterite stones that were removed form the laat structure have been used to build this.

Week #5 – Panchgavya, the plant tonic

Panchagavya - an effective plant growth promoter

Panchagavya, a preparation of 5 cow products (dung, urine, milk, ghee and curds) is abound with microorganisms – the ‘cooks’ that make the food present in the soil available to plants – and thus promotes growth and builds resilience of plants.

Typically Panchagavya can be made on-farm, but for this experiment we are using readymade Panchagavya. Jafar and Salma Ali of AgriHelp in Pallakad, Kerala make, bottle and send it to Goa (now available at Green Essentials). Detailed instructions on how to make Panchagavya can be found in  Dr. K Natarajan’s book available at the Other India Bookstore in Mapusa.

Spraying a diluted solution of Panchagavya on all plants

For each 1 ltr of water, 30ml of Panchagavya is used. A foliar spray of this helps provide leaves a boost and thus promotes vegetative growth, besides acting though increasing microbers in the soil.

A watering hole

The well being in one corner of the plot makes waterring difficult at the other end of the field. Thus, a water reservoir was made in the middle of the field where water is pumped and stored. From heere the water is further distributed to plants in the other half of the field. Panchagavya can also be added to water in this reservoir before watering the plants. LOTS of chillies are seen growing around this watering hole.

Week #4 – Movement Forward

Pump-house getting ready

The pump-house is being worked on this week. The pump-has been bought – it is a 1.5HP Villers kerosene pump. The pump-house will have a cover and a door that will help us lock up the pump so we don’t ave to move it back and forth.

Crimson tide.... Tambadi Bhaji growing great guns

The tambadi bhaji (red amaranth) is doing really well, although we seem to have planted it too close together. We can expect a LOT of this in the coming weeks.

Aphid attack on the cluster beans plant

We noticed that the cluster beans plant seems to have attracted aphids. Miguel suggested we use Vikarsha (made from fermented leaf-extracts) as a pest repellent to keep these nasty fellows out.

Week #3 – Nutrients available around the farm

Some germinate others don't

In the 3rd week now, we find that some seeds have germinated, others not yet. Some plants seem to strain to grow, while still others are doing just fine.

We put together a chart to understand how we can get nutrients, especially the N, P and K from around the farm and what are the sources if we need to buy them.

Where to get your plant's nutrients from

We see the green growing each week as the nursery and the area sown expands. The growth is visible even from a distance.

Brown gives way to green

Weekly meetings are used to troubleshoot and plan for the activities for the coming week. Simple documentations techniques are discused. The farmers are encouraged to maintain farm diaries to record regularly, valuable information about sowing, germination, nutrients added etc.

Planning for next week