Well, it is few years now that I have started my initiative. What is that which is running in my mind. Let me try to capture with all sincerity in an unbiased manner. This will help myself for introspection and others to know if I am fairing well or not. I imagine someone asking these questions and answer that.
Am I exited doing farming ?
Yes, I eagerly look forward every day to hear some or other news about the farm. There is a farm in my mind, ever growing. There is a farm out there physically, also growing.
Do I hear good news or bad news ?
Most of the time bad news. One or other problem / issue to be sorted out. Even yesterday there was a problem with the pump which got choked. But these are good mechanical problems and food for thought. Solution always comes in a day or two, and keeps the team engaged.
However solving problems is not farming. Only doing farming will grow farm. Therefore it becomes difficult to get back the attention the farm deserves in growing crops.
What is happening in the farm ?
Nothing. Apparantly nothing. However it is like a ship moving to dock. You see the ship, coming coming coming slowly testing the patience. But one day it is there right in front of you. Similarly growing plants is very slow process. But cumulative effect is wonderful, irreversible and magnificent.
So what is the achievement ?
Grown Bananas - very successfully and sold also. Grown sweet potatoes and sold. Price is not much but learnings are plenty. Growing jasmine flower. Growing various trees. growing fence. Many other botanical specimens like Henna. But they are so small in quantity, it is not commercial success, but adds to bio-diversity.
Where do you find challenge ?
Many things. In my dream I had a big farm, with bullock or tracktor ploughing the farm. Workers wearing uniform assigned with duties. They take rest have tea and lunch breaks, chat, be happy. There are lorries coming in to move the produce. I visit often to discuss new plans. Professsors visit, seasoned farmers visit and students visit my farm. I have grown a network of organic retail network to deliver goods at home. Cowdung and vermicompost are cured inside the farm. There is grass cutter which cuts feed for cows. We have regular customer meet at the farm.
In reality however, my farm greenery is now confined to only few meters around the water source - the only source which is the wind pump. Wind pump is also not working continuously all the time, therefore we borrow water. Currently we have reached a zero sum Game in water production and consumption. I cannot increase one more crop now. Rest of the farm is looking barren, empty and in-fertile. I cannot increase the soil fertility without investing heavily. It also requires a purpose, which is cropping. Planting further would require more water which is just not available with one bore and one windmill. There is no, rain no rain at all in this region and only sunshine. Employees have not multiplied. Existing ones are sticking with a distant hope of prosperity.
What is the plan next ?
I need to produce more water now. Need one more boring. Need to bring new source of energy to pump water. Wind mill experiment is over. One more windpump may do the job. But I want to try differently. This time a hand built solar concentrator - steam generator - dynamo. I want to be the model farm for non-conventional energy sources put to use with low cost setups. That will engage the workers further.
Will this fetch profit ?
No.
Will it fetch business ?
Yes. It will. It will attract more and more visitors to witness how farming can be done in a dry desert. How non-conventional captive power can be generated. How we can have ENERGY FREEDOM.
Will it be possible to do ?
Yes. Definitely. The same manpower would construct it. Paramu and Subbu are enough. they have gained enough experience. They can fabricate structures, move them, think of erection, execute mini projects and so on.. I am preparing many education videos for them. Mostly they will be youtube clips downloaded and packed in VCD for them to see. They donot have computer nor internet. Even if they have, they cannot search right clips to view.
So what is your farming future ?
Perhaps I may get into this business of consulting for energy or farming or something else. Just to hang on and further untill I develop agriculture to give enough returns for my livelihood. Presently I have a job and doing it, but far away from farm. I am still here only for sake of children and future savings. I may have to quit this job if something else picks up or I get sufficient income to support family.
Are you missing your farm from far this away ?
No. My remote farm management is a success. I have no issues at all. My farm supervisor is very sincere and truthful. I also participate much in the farm growth. I has definitely taken shape according to my will and vision.
But I do miss the actual experience - of working in the farm, being in commune with nature, watching birds, applying my thoughts immediately, save money, produce more and sell everything.
So net net will you recommend agriculture for others ?
Yes definitely. Where there is enough water.
Will organic farm produce enough food ?
Definitely. Plenty and variety.
Why don't you quit now and take a plunge ?
I wish. But my wife has a different opinion. She wants me to work for some more years as children are small. But of late she has realised that nature is the way to go. She is getting fed-up sooner as Global warming with modern life.
What if you change your mind and indulge into urban comforts for-ever ?
Impossible. My company will anytime throw me away. I am also investing in a house in a village to live later. My children also like animals and nature more than current life style. Therefore in all likelihood if my land is not grabbed by Government or Gundas I will be in a village within 5 years. Lock stock and barrel.
Am I exited doing farming ?
Yes, I eagerly look forward every day to hear some or other news about the farm. There is a farm in my mind, ever growing. There is a farm out there physically, also growing.
Do I hear good news or bad news ?
Most of the time bad news. One or other problem / issue to be sorted out. Even yesterday there was a problem with the pump which got choked. But these are good mechanical problems and food for thought. Solution always comes in a day or two, and keeps the team engaged.
However solving problems is not farming. Only doing farming will grow farm. Therefore it becomes difficult to get back the attention the farm deserves in growing crops.
What is happening in the farm ?
Nothing. Apparantly nothing. However it is like a ship moving to dock. You see the ship, coming coming coming slowly testing the patience. But one day it is there right in front of you. Similarly growing plants is very slow process. But cumulative effect is wonderful, irreversible and magnificent.
So what is the achievement ?
Grown Bananas - very successfully and sold also. Grown sweet potatoes and sold. Price is not much but learnings are plenty. Growing jasmine flower. Growing various trees. growing fence. Many other botanical specimens like Henna. But they are so small in quantity, it is not commercial success, but adds to bio-diversity.
Where do you find challenge ?
Many things. In my dream I had a big farm, with bullock or tracktor ploughing the farm. Workers wearing uniform assigned with duties. They take rest have tea and lunch breaks, chat, be happy. There are lorries coming in to move the produce. I visit often to discuss new plans. Professsors visit, seasoned farmers visit and students visit my farm. I have grown a network of organic retail network to deliver goods at home. Cowdung and vermicompost are cured inside the farm. There is grass cutter which cuts feed for cows. We have regular customer meet at the farm.
In reality however, my farm greenery is now confined to only few meters around the water source - the only source which is the wind pump. Wind pump is also not working continuously all the time, therefore we borrow water. Currently we have reached a zero sum Game in water production and consumption. I cannot increase one more crop now. Rest of the farm is looking barren, empty and in-fertile. I cannot increase the soil fertility without investing heavily. It also requires a purpose, which is cropping. Planting further would require more water which is just not available with one bore and one windmill. There is no, rain no rain at all in this region and only sunshine. Employees have not multiplied. Existing ones are sticking with a distant hope of prosperity.
What is the plan next ?
I need to produce more water now. Need one more boring. Need to bring new source of energy to pump water. Wind mill experiment is over. One more windpump may do the job. But I want to try differently. This time a hand built solar concentrator - steam generator - dynamo. I want to be the model farm for non-conventional energy sources put to use with low cost setups. That will engage the workers further.
Will this fetch profit ?
No.
Will it fetch business ?
Yes. It will. It will attract more and more visitors to witness how farming can be done in a dry desert. How non-conventional captive power can be generated. How we can have ENERGY FREEDOM.
Will it be possible to do ?
Yes. Definitely. The same manpower would construct it. Paramu and Subbu are enough. they have gained enough experience. They can fabricate structures, move them, think of erection, execute mini projects and so on.. I am preparing many education videos for them. Mostly they will be youtube clips downloaded and packed in VCD for them to see. They donot have computer nor internet. Even if they have, they cannot search right clips to view.
So what is your farming future ?
Perhaps I may get into this business of consulting for energy or farming or something else. Just to hang on and further untill I develop agriculture to give enough returns for my livelihood. Presently I have a job and doing it, but far away from farm. I am still here only for sake of children and future savings. I may have to quit this job if something else picks up or I get sufficient income to support family.
Are you missing your farm from far this away ?
No. My remote farm management is a success. I have no issues at all. My farm supervisor is very sincere and truthful. I also participate much in the farm growth. I has definitely taken shape according to my will and vision.
But I do miss the actual experience - of working in the farm, being in commune with nature, watching birds, applying my thoughts immediately, save money, produce more and sell everything.
So net net will you recommend agriculture for others ?
Yes definitely. Where there is enough water.
Will organic farm produce enough food ?
Definitely. Plenty and variety.
Why don't you quit now and take a plunge ?
I wish. But my wife has a different opinion. She wants me to work for some more years as children are small. But of late she has realised that nature is the way to go. She is getting fed-up sooner as Global warming with modern life.
What if you change your mind and indulge into urban comforts for-ever ?
Impossible. My company will anytime throw me away. I am also investing in a house in a village to live later. My children also like animals and nature more than current life style. Therefore in all likelihood if my land is not grabbed by Government or Gundas I will be in a village within 5 years. Lock stock and barrel.
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