Farm Visit of Family around 1st week of May, 2016

In front gate

Last week my wife and children had visited the farm for a very brief period (30 minutes). They had been accompanied by relatives and hence could not spend more time. Later attempt to come back failed as there were various functions.

Feed back from spouse was "Disappointed".  Their auto had travelled through lush green farms enroute with ample of water. They were having huge expectations. Once they reached our farm, they were visible upset on the dry desert like appearance.  To add to woos, there is no standing crop now. Onion and paddy had been removed. Shrub and grass were allowed to grow as ground cover (which is mistaken for ill maintenance). Water was scarce and there was no time to visit corners.

Whew ! some green

One of the learning from my own earlier visits is also this. That at first sight you see nothing. Your eyes are deceiving and is used to seeing large buildings in cities.  Once you start walking towards various spots in the farm, they come alive, fulfil your vision and satisfy your needs. The farm structures are seldom protruding. A large lake for example can simply be hiding from your vision unless you go near it.

In any case this was followed with debates with spose on where the money is going honey. Luckily not much heat. She understand the practical difficulties too.  Perhaps I had to remind her of she being the reason for under development (not allowing free hand to spend) !. The argument worked looks like.  (Well the snaps were taken by my wife through her cellphone to show me there is nothing).

The following important decisions have been taken in consultation with spouse and subbu.

Mistaken for banana farm.
This is discarded area with sick
plants not removed

1) Water is inadequate to run the farm. we need more water pumped. While wife was having impression water is not there, I had to convince that ground water is not a problem. Pumping is.

2) Therefore decided to put one more borewell.  Wife seems to have suggested Subbu and he inturn exchanged his views on digging a farm well. But that will cost a bomb - around 7 lacs. I am not for it.  I therefore convinced them we will go for another borewell which will cost under 25K.

3) And put one dieseal motor with compressor - the most unwanted thing that i wanted to avoid for pumping.  This will cost around 30K.  I need to replace this pumping with some Solar Power (CSP) that I am experimenting.

Daughter is plucking Jasmine Flowers

4) Plough the land as soon as one rain comes.

5) Start taking bigger risks. Fill the nursary with seedlings.