Farm Update 30th June, 2014

It is sometimes required to pause, re-collect all pending things and list down them as action items.  Today I had a long telephone call to Subbu and passed on the following. I read that twice to him so that he remembers. Moreover the points were delivered in such a way that we start discussing from one end of the farm and traverse to the other end. So that while looking at that part of the farm, he remembers the action item.  So we start from a corner....

1. Already the 50 Nos of  Andhra special variety Banana plants that were laid near the windmill is sprouting. Now as per our original plan, we were supposed to buy Karpuravalli banana. Subbu told we will go for 250 Nos to begin with. Presently banana samplings are rounded with mud and water is poured through hose from windmill. The bunding will be done later once it attains a height.

2. The windmill boring pipe has been extended by another 30 feet  totalling 130 feet. That involved removing entire length of the pipe including central rod from borewell and then re-fitting again with extended length with pump at the 130th feet. This was a full day activity and was done on Friday. There was a risk that if not done properly they may loose the train of pipe and it will fall down to 300 feet never to be retrieved along with pump. Anyway our guys were careful and experienced.   After this and some adjustments, the windmill is making no noise at all. It is having smooth operation. Presently the water outlet has been raised to 15 feet below  above the ground level. That means water is flowing like a shower and everyday our guys are taking bath in that shower. Great.

3. Water tank of 1000 liter capacity is being planned. It will be ready-made plastic tank to be purchased for around Rs. 6000/-.  The iron stand for that has been ordered in Valliyoor welding workshop with a simple design with 4 angle pillars. That will be 10 feet height Costing around Rs. 10000/-. Iron costs around 56 per KG.  This stand will be mounted on a cement foundation of 3 feet height totaling around 14 feet.  That must build water pressure in the hose for a gravity assisted irrigation. Our experiments that we did earlier is coming handy to take such decisions.

I must mention here that One of our friends had earlier suggested experimenting with Cement pipe to be used as raiser stand to water tank as a cheaper alternative. Mounting the pipe vertically up like a pillar can be done over concrete base. But after that placing a platform slab of 5 ft by 5 ft will be a challenge. That platform will have a water tank. There is no way such a platform can be balanced at the tip of cement pipe unless a clamp is done. Moreover cement pipes are not manufactured properly with quality cement. It cannot be safe. I guess.  But still this experiment is open and need to try later.

4. Subject to pressure, small sprinklers will be setup. Basically I told to buy two brass sprinkler guns and weld them to a tripod stand. So that it can be moved.  There will be some vegetable raised beds will be made adjascent to the tower. This is for seed multiplication only. So many varities as we collect in small place under supervision.

5. It is time now to visit Nursery at Parassala, Way to Trivandrum from Nagarcoil.  Need to buy 30 Coconut saplings and other trees. This time we want to buy useful fruit trees and few outdoor trees for roadside planting during Rainy season in July.  The neighbourhood Sastha temple will get renovated soon. It  will be good to have some trees there too.

6. We need to now put proper road inside the farm. A modest one with a width of  5 feet is enough for small tracktor and carting.  I donot know if we need to bring mud from outside to raise the path.  If we donot do this now, due to rain, there will be too much slush created making it difficult everyday to move around.

7. Need to put a dustbin inside the farm. Day by day polythene covers are getting accumulated.  They are simply thrown down by workers to be carried by wind. They are landing here and there and are also spoiling the neighbouring farms.  I asked subbu to by fence mesh and bend it and make a round shaped open holding area where people can throw all plastic bottles and bags. We can decide what we do later.

8. We will be implementing "Point Forest" Soon. I communicated what it is to Subbu. And asked him to buy concrete rings from Parappadi town.  Basically I told him it is for growing small wild bush to attract and grow spiders and other insects to act as predators for worms which will affect crops.

9. Need to plan and buy Co4 Grass cuttings. We need to grow cow-grass in one place.

10. Swale cutting and cutting of a small fish pond should be done quickly. I have explained where and how. Just need to execute. We cannot do this after rain comes. Moreoever we need to catch the rain water.

11. It was decided to put 3 stay wires to the windmill tower for additional safety.

12. I asked Subbu to plan for a main metal pipe underground from Tower to far end.  We will take lateral pipes as and we require. Presently two lateral pipes are planned one to reach near Gate and another the opposite end. The pipes if laid should look like a Cross.

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"Point Forest", creating a micro forest in farm

This fellow is after the nuts

I have this habit, while taking a walk along with my spouse every day.  Whereever I see any seeds, I pick and pocket them. Sometimes I have spoilt my pants. And seeds,  they are plenty everywhere on the road. Many a times I have been warned to behave civilized. But the sight of seeds attracts me so much, i start behaving like the scrattle (saber-tooth squirrel ) of The Ice Age.

Banyan Berries

Over a period I have accumulated different varieties of seeds, from road side, jogging park, public places and so on....  Even from fruits that we eat. They are all over my home. In cup board, inside fridge, my desk and hidden in my almairah to be forgotton.  The below beautiful berries for example were picked up near by office. They belong to Banyan trees. Ofcourse they were fresh and had some worms in it. I had to carry wrapped in table napkin paper, finally got squeezed and created mess inside my lapttop bag.  Neverthless there is a collection now of a small forest.

Different types of seeds collected

Point Forest : I would like to call this project as Point Forest, inspired by Telugu friends who open Curry Point on road side of Andhra Pradesh.  The curry points are small 10x10 shops selling all types of eatables, especially delicious curry.  "Point" because it is so small.

Carrying that forward, this Point Forest will be very small in size and sit at middle of a busy farm. To create it we will use concrete rings as shown in figure.  Put one of the rings on the mud in the farm, anywhere randomly, fill with nursery soil and spread the collection of the seeds. Water them regularly. My guess is that many of them will sprout at its own time creating small trees, bushes,  shrubs and so on.. Let it grow undisturbed in the midst the busy farm crops.

Why the Point Forest is required ?:   I presume that having such a small micro eco system within the farm, will create a resting place for small insets, birds and animals. It will increase the food chain, encourage their multiplication. What more ? if the plants are worthy, we can even replant them elsewhere and multiply. They will also add beauty and break any monotony. We can also get to grow what we want to grow.

Tailpiece: The cement rings can be painted Green.

I wanted to try this concept this month, but could not. As ground reality was different when I visited the farm which did not allow me to complete my agenda.  I cannot have spoken about these higher concepts, when basic things had to be paid attention,  I reserved it for some other time. Perhaps next month when the shower starts.  This one shown is my test PointForest that I created on a small pot in my balcony at Pune.  You can identify different trees and shrubs in their germinating stage. Nice little forest.  All these have come just by sprinkling the seed collection or throwing the seeds after eating the fruit and watering them daily.

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Is the bullock cart extinct already ?

An old unclaimed order, not for sale

As planned, last week we were heading in National Highway on a sunny day.  Myself was driving Subbu's Hero Honda bike with him seated in the pillion resting for a change. We were zooming in NH7 highway towards a small town called Panagudi.  The town Panagudi is famous for its karuppatti (a jaggery or dark candy made of palm juice). It is also the eipcentre of all wind farms which benefit through high winds coming from Kerala passing through a crevice in western Ghats.

Here we were in search of a man whom we heared is the achari (Carpenter) for making bullock cart. Like a good city guy, I was checking if I had some money in my wallet in case I need to pay advance. Finally through Subbu's intution, we found a gully having three workshops displaying wooden cart wheels. I was happy. we have spotted. But alas !


All the three shops refused to take any order. One carpenter told that it has been 15 years hence they have not made any carts.  Even if he takes order, workers or artisans will not come. He has been making few vehicles, that is for sporting. In another workshop a chief carpenter with his team was sleeping after a good night's work.

There were neatly finished wooden wheels, but with very heavy rims. The wheels were made of very thick teak wood.  Definitely not for a bullock cart.  On hearing our foot steps, he woke up and started speaking. He said he can take our order, but only on exception. The wheels he is making now is for a chariot for a temple. Of late he had been making such

Visiting Card;
Translates to S Kuppusami Carpenter,
Shivani Vehicle Work Shop, Main Road, Panagudi

chariots only and was praising himself for his unique style. He also named some rich and influential people in the locality as his close friends and said he has made sporting carts for one or two.  Period.  He said he is the last surviving carpenter who makes bullock cart wheels, at least in Tirunelveli district. His Son and wife were in abroad. He gave a visiting card too !

From what we spoke, we heared that new Bullock cart is next to impossible to make as there are no artisans or they are no more interested. Even if we press further it may cost upwords of Rs. 60,000/-.  Plus a driver and couple of bullocks. Total would exceed a lakh.  Very costly proposition. No wonder farmers have moved out to purchase small tracktors. But how long ? Till the oil lasts in Iraq ?

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My WindPump is Up and Running

It gives tremendous pleasure to announce that the Wind Pump Project is successful!!.  Perhaps this will be the first and unique in the south part of India. We can now pump clean water using clean energy - wind.  Months of planning, meticulous execution, delays, team work, hits and misses - all of these are forgotton, once water is flowing through the pump by Natures own energy.    More stories to follow in a day or two.........Just a couple of snaps now.

( A new page has been added on the complete story. Click here)

Elegant Wind Pump against Evening Sky

Windpump is visible even from 2 Kms distance now.
It is a landmark and a life saver for the farm

And Water... Crystal clear sweet water pumped
from 100 feet below the ground, flowing round the clock.

It cannot be without grace of God. Sastha overlooking the farm.

Subbu is half wind engineer now.

The mast has been secured by welding on all three legs. Subbu called morning after consulting a welder. He said the tower is precariously bending even if they lift one leg slightly with a jack. I wonder why they lifted. But anyway they decided to weld to the foundation bolt followed by other legs also. Afternoon he called to say he is happy on the job done, me in the train.

I wanted to also put three stay wires to secure the tower. We will do that tomorrow. The wind is very high. Engineers now have to check all the bolts once again.

Then the transmission to bore well to start. Perhaps we must be able to pump water tomm evening.

The climate, hospitality and food has made our mumbai guests forget going back. I understand they are so much enjoying the place, work is going slow. ! Tomorrow I will join them.

The mast is finally upright

The windmill tower has been lifted up at around 6 pm. A big relief to everyone. The propeller is kept locked. There is high wind over there.

The tower however is not perfectly anchored. While two legs are bolted, the third one if off the mark to the foundation bolt. Presently secured through steel ropes. Tomorrow one more jugad solution is awaited from a welder. Issues and solutions are part of life.!

Windmill Installation Update and my Journey to Farm

It is since 3 days that the installation started on the ground.  I learnt that at each stage they were facing some practical difficulties that required some "Jugad" Solutions.   For example tool kit did not have all spanners. Spanner 9 and 12.  Tower assembly need to be lifted up to keep it above head for working. That was done using the grated wooden packing box that came along.   The entire 150 feet pipeline is forgotten during packing. Anyway we can use the existing pipe which is already in use for the hand-pump. The entire pipe assembly need to be pulled out, the new pump fitted at the bottom and reinserted again.

Subbu has been asked to take photos at each stage.I did not press him to send it to me which will require him to travel to nearby town.  His priority was arranging logistics for the work to progress.

It should have been a great experience for Subbu and the crew.  Working in Hot Sun, taking rest in shade, drinking local cool drinks like Bovonto  eating out chappati, biryani and having tea with masala vada.   I am missing the action. The team consists of 1 engineer, a mechanic, Subbu, his assistant, few hired workers and some friends who are curious to see the bird coming to shape. I believe the executive engineer of electricity board, the Village officer and others also came to see the action.  This will soon to become a picnic spot with a windmill rotating all round and visible from far away distances.

Yesterday they completed assembling the tower, part of transmission and the rotor.  They attempted to lift the tower as per plan. Tractor was brought at 6.30 PM to pull the rope.  Electricity board was informed in written to switch of current which flows through a nearby electric pole (not the high voltage tower, but this is for neighbouring farm).  Just for a precaution in case the tower wire snaps and catapults on to the wire.   I believe they promptly did switch off at 11 am and switched ON at 4 PM. But due to light failure and want of pukka job after welding,  the tower lifting was postponed to today.  Because A frame did not come to shape, some pipes were sent to nearby village Parappadi for welding works.

I told safety is most important. Ask the tractor or the workers to pull it inch by inch. No hurry. No team spirit.  That will pump in more energy.  We need slow process.  Better to be pessimist.

Subbu told they have found a solution not to remove the existing Handpump base.  He explained me, I did not understand. I need to see what they did on my visit to my Native place to see my mother and to the farm, which I am scheduled to do day after tomorrow. My journey towards the farm will start today afternoon through Mumbai-nagarkoil express which will reach there day after tomorrow early hours after travelling 1800 Kms. I will utilize the time in train to read books and plan for a packed agenda of 3 days with family visit, temple visit, farm visit and so on.

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Finally, the windmill installation starts today

After many months of anticipation, finally the work has started on installation of wind pump.  Yesterday night two ABS engineers have landed in train travelling around 1800 kms for the installation.  The fun is they know only Hindi and our friend Subbu knows only Tamil.  I had to translate for few calls right from guiding them through my mobile to a hotel, to reach the nearby town from where Subbu would pick them up.  I was astonished to find during one of the conference calls that Subbu is speaking Tamilish Hindi, good enough for both to understand.

The fun started with Subbu reaching  a town called Valliyoor today morning promptly at 7 AM to receive them, unaware that the engineers have alighted in Tirunelveli, both being around 40 Kms apart.  later both were made to travel to Nanguneri and shook hands. The city folks from Mumbai thought that places that I mentioned are at commutable distance by auto rickshaws.  They are unaware that in rural places, the distances are very large and people travel great distances every day easily through public buses.  With so much of oxygen around, you donot get tired in country side even if you travel for 100 kilometers. Rather you get much refreshed.

Today they have completed assembling a portion of tower, I learned. The boring well is now covered with hand pump. That need to be cut and removed.  Since there is no electricity, we need to call a gas welder to cut the cylinder, which is fixed in concrete. That work will be done tomorrow.  The work stopped at evening 6.30 when light fall.  The engineers will now be put in hotel at Valliyoor so that tomorrow they can be picked up again.

 They have to come to Nanguneri for taking lunch.  How do they travel?    Subbu told, sir that is easy.  We go thribles in my bike.  Why waste money sir on auto.  They are very comfortable on my bike.

Subbu mentioned he will make them stay in Farm itself. No bed, no pillow, no cover.  I asked him to put them in a hotel in Valliyoor so they get some rest. One must be used to staying in open farm without any facilities. Villagers would have grown a taste for it watching the open clear dark sky with studded stars.  You can see every constellation of stars that you every have heard off. You can even see The Milky way and Andromeda Nebula M31 if your eyes are keen.  Sometimes a passing jet will blink.  A satellite can be seen. International space station can definitely be seen as a Dot.  There is no city light anywhere near my farm. Ideal place for practicing astronomy.  (not the colourful morphed photos of Hubble telescope, but a real visual observation).

Of late Subbu likes to stay back in my Farm.  He likes the fresh air which is matchless.  When I go to my native place, I used to think if only I can package this air and take with me. So much refreshing the breeze will be which is coming from western ghats reserve forest.

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Planning for Monsoon and a Big Wish List

The monsoon rains have already started in western coastal area starting from Kerala upto Mumbai. It has come on 5th June, with a delay of 5 days as per Met Dept. In Pune it started from yesterday night. Suddenly there was a heavy gush of wind from all directions. All roads were filled with tree sheddings, dry leaves and spring flowers. Then the rain like a white screen......

Far away in my farm down south,  it is still dry. I asked Subbu what is going ON today noon.  He said workers are taking rest after lunch. They will water the plants as usual between 3 PM to 5 PM. While talking to him I got a train of thoughts which I conveyed to him as action points. He may remember some.   These are things I need to do before and after rains to prepare for a full fledged agricultural activity. My farm had not had any crop so far. For the past many months, i was busy just fixing the fundamental things. Water being one of them.  But it (the hardwork) is not showing anywhere. Now is the time or never.

1. Wind Mill Installation:  One after another the engineers are taking to vacation at ABS, dragging the project timelines. Welders went on leave followed by painter, then the packer and finally now the installation engineers. They are finally scheduled to arrive on Monday to start the installation. 
2. Banana : Assuming water will start flowing, we need to prepare the soil for banana beds we intend to have quickly for Karpuravalli plantations in July.  Already coconut waste is procured and stored on the farm. Recently I have ordered 1 tonne of vermi compost and a lorry load of cow dung compost. totally it costed 16000/- plus around 4000 for the lorry transport from outskrits  of Tirunelveli. I hope this stuff is good enough to condition 1 acre of soil.
3. Change of Plan: I have changed the plan of spacing between saplings.  Inspired by success story of a farmer, we will now plant banana with wide gap in between. As per that natural farmer, we need to give enough gap for an elephant to play.  In between banana rows, we will have another crop preferably pulses like green gram which will fix nitrogen to the soil. That will benefit the banana. Think organic !.

A  Big Wish List

The following is the wish list of me that I communicated to Subbu who said yes yes  for everything. Where will the money come from?. This may remain as wish list or will get executed, depending on if I get my income tax returns and the bonus in time.

1. Shed for Vermi Compost.   My friend who supplied vermi compost mentioned that the compost will contain earth worm eggs, which may hatch and re-generate. That is a good news. Therefore he advised to keep the compost in shade till application. Now I donot have any shade. So i have asked subbu to cover the compost heap with Palmyrah Leaves, which promptly my team has  done. The Palmyrah dry leaves were removed from trees in neighborhood by Kandan. Later I intend to create a long shed. Inside the shed, using bricks, create a number of rectangle shaped compost holding tanks. The tanks should be build with bricks using cement to bind each other not tight, but very loosly with a wide gap in between them for air circulation. Hmmm. I want to try my hands on this masonary work if I visit the farm.
2. Water Pond:  It is important to store rain water and run-off water in the farm. The existing shallow point where water naturally gets accumulated will be deepended further. all other gutters will be directed towards this. This will also be the fish pond.
3. Farm lighting:  It costs around 16000/- per pole for solar lighting. Too much to spend now. Therefore planning to put one unit in the small room adj to gate with a roof top solar panel and wall mounted LED lamp.  From this point we can draw wire and extend to just two more poles. This will bring the cost down. However still the total outlay for 2 + 1 lighting may cost around 30000/- or more. Not a priority now.  Till this, currently planning to manage with Torch lights and hurricane lamps.
4. Water Tank:  Not clear what size and shape still.  Only after wind mill installation and depending of quantity of water, will this be decided. This will cost lot of money, atleast above 60000/- minimum.  presently the wind mill will pump the water above 10 feet and leave it to shower through a pipe. From this we will attach a flexi pipe and irrigate where required.
5. Bullock Cart : Have found an artisan who manufactures wooden bullock cart. Need to meet him on my visit to the farm which I am  planning in 10 days. No Idea how much it will cost. Without showing my ignorance on this subject, I want to ask that carpenter if he can use SKF ball bearing for the cart.
6. Cow Shed: A nominal Cow Shed with Tin Sheet roof and Palmyrah leaf top dressing.  The tin roof should create a neat atmosphere and prevent fire accident. The coconut or palm leave should additionally make it cool.   In preparation for the first cow & bullock which will come anytime in 2 months.
7. Multi Purpose Meeting Hall:  A large hall with wooden pillars, star shaped roofing made of tin and dry coconut leafs is required. Must be artistically done.  With flooring at 3 feet height and laid with kadapa stone or local granite.  This will serve as holding, resting and meeting place for workers and  the like. I may have to make this like a training hall also with a projector later.  This should cost around 30000/- to 50000/-
8. Pandal for Vines;  7 to 8 feet high stone pillars, tie wires are required to build a small 20 cent pandal for starting all vegetables which grow as vines like bitter guard, wine yard.  This should cost around 10000/-
9. Big platform for grain drying:  A large square flat platform with smooth surface to be built to dry the harvest. Things like drying pepper etc. This will also double up as bed to sleep in the night or storing packed material before transport arrives.
10. Victorian style lighting lamps and Park benches in the farm are taking back seat for next year.

I wonder, all the above are looking very ordinary and taken for granted for any farm. There are many farms which has all of the above facilities and more. Sure they must have accumulated over the years.

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