Ishaan Mahajan
Jammu and Kashmir is a nature’s paradise, blessed with abundant natural resources and diverse climatic zones, making it an ideal region for agriculture. Despite being the backbone of the Union Territory, providing employment directly or indirectly to around 65% of the population, agriculture has not reached its full potential. Organic agriculture, in particular, has been lagging behind.
Amidst this backdrop, Talwara village in the Reasi district of J&K emerges as a beacon of untapped potential. Talwara remains largely unexplored in this regard, and with its organic and natural farming practices deeply rooted in tradition, it offers a unique window into the world of sustainable agriculture that has yet to be fully explored and documented. This article will help bring Talwara to the forefront, ensuring recognition and benefits to the farmers.
Exploring Talwara
Talwara is a village situated 8 kms from the main town of Reasi. It is well-suited for organic agriculture because chemicals and other synthetics have never been used for farming practices for generations, making the soil rich in organic matter. It translates to healthy crop production and sustainable agriculture. A wide variety of crops are being cultivated here, including cereals (maize, wheat, and paddy), pulses (urad and mung), vegetables (potato, cauliflower, knol-khol and onion) and fruits (mango, citrus), but spices (turmeric, ginger, garlic) being the most famous. Irrigation in this area is primarily dependent on rainfall, but during dry periods, canals and tube wells supplement water needs.
Organic Farming Practices
For the farmers in Talwara, sustainable agriculture has become a way of life. They are wholeheartedly embracing organic farming practices, which shows their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture. Looking towards the practices they employ for efficient farming; nutrient management of soil is key. Every farmer has a compost or a vermicompost unit in his field where all the raw materials are used for preparing nutritious organic matter. Farmers also produced farm-made Jeevamrit which is cow dung and urine, jaggery, besan and water, providing better results. Green manuring is another common practice followed, where crops like dhaincha, and sun hemp are grown and then ploughed back into the soil to improve soil fertility. Some farmers also use greenhouses to grow crops, extending the growing season and protecting plants from adverse weather conditions. Additionally, farmers have implemented an integrated farming system, which includes elements like livestock and poultry, providing double income sources and a better living. For disease and pest management, farmers used farm made Beejamrit, cow urine and some bio-extracts like Neem Seed Kernels Extract, and Lemon grass oil. As far as weed problems are concerned, due to no standing water, weed management isn’t a major issue.
Problems & Solutions
Despite organic farming being highly impactful and environment friendly, it presents many challenges to the farmers in Talwara. One major issue is the lack of awareness, many people in nearby towns are unaware of the organic farming practices being done. This lack of awareness has limited the growth and potential impact of organic farming. Another challenge is the certification process, which is costly, time-consuming, and complex. This discourages small-scale farmers, who lack the resources and knowledge to navigate the certification process effectively. Additionally, the marketing of organic produce is challenging due to limited demand and access to nearby markets, leading to lower prices and difficulties in sustaining organic farming practices.
To address these challenges, increased government training programs, and educational initiatives can raise awareness about the benefits of organic farming and new technologies. Reforms to the current certification process and adopting alternate methods like the Participatory Guarantee Scheme (PGS) can make certification more accessible to farmers. Improving marketing and distribution channels for organic produce is crucial to increasing demand and making organic farming more economically viable for the farmers in Talwara and beyond.
The Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji has emphasized the importance of organic farming, recognizing its potential to boost self-reliance and prosperity in one of his speeches. Local institutions like SKUAST-J (Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu) and Krishi Vigyan Kendra Reasi also play a vital role. They are directly involved with the farmers by providing training, connecting them to technologies, assisting with certification, and aiding in the marketing and distribution of the products. This involvement is instrumental in promoting organic farming in Talwara, ensuring farmer well-being, and fostering agricultural sustainability in the region.
So, at last we can say that despite the remoteness and small area, Talwara offers a powerful example of organic agriculture’s potential. Committed to sustainable practices, Talwara’s farmers pave the way for a more prosperous and eco-friendly agricultural future in India. With broader support, their model can inspire and guide the nation on this path.
(The author is from Masters Scholar (Organic Farming) SKUAST-J
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