More than 6 thousand farmers participated in the conference organized on Food Forest and Tree Based Farming under Sadhguru’s ‘Kaveri Calling’. A major conference and exhibition titled “Food Forest Cultivation and South Indian Fruit Festival” was organized by Sadhguru’s ‘Save Soil-Cauvery Calling’ movement at SRM University campus in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu yesterday on Sunday. This program received an overwhelming response from the people and along with farmers, a large number of common people also participated in it.
Scientists and progressive farmers who came to the conference said that food forest farming and tree-based farming are one of the most effective ways to improve farmers’ income and people’s health. Tamilmaaran, coordinator of ‘Caveri Calling’, said, “Due to the Cauvery Calling movement, there has been an increase in awareness among farmers about tree-based farming, which has led to a rapid increase in the demand for saplings from our nurseries. This model improves soil fertility, water retention capacity, river health and the income of farmers.”
‘Soil gets spoiled due to excessive use of fertilizer’
He further said, “Recently at a farming event held in Hosur, we had requested Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to change the name of ‘Agroforestry’ to ‘Tree-Based Agriculture’. He accepted the request and announced that the decision to change the name will be implemented. This is in recognition of the growing recognition and acceptance of tree-based farming among both farmers and policy-makers. Shows.”
Dr. Selvarajan, Director of the National Research Center for Banana, said that due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers, the condition of the soil has deteriorated and productivity has declined, hence tree-based farming has become necessary. He further said that the Center has developed a new variety of banana ‘Kaveri’, which is sucrose-free and is very good for diabetic patients.
Large number of conference attendees
Farmers benefit from ‘Save Soil’ movement
He also said that farmers can also increase their income through value-added products made from bananas. Talking about setting up ‘food forests’ in coconut plantations, Bala Mohan said, “A large part of the land in a one-acre coconut farm remains unused. That space can be used to create a food forest and grow a variety of crops in multiple layers. This system makes efficient use of sunlight, and leaves and plant remains are used as ‘mulch’ to retain soil moisture. Can be done as.”
“This process also increases the level of organic carbon in the soil and promotes beneficial microbial activity. The resources present in the root zone are used more efficiently. Therefore, planting food forests in coconut farms provides farmers with additional and reliable income.”
Valluvan, a renowned UN Award winning farmer, said, “When Sadhguru’s ‘Save Soil’ movement first introduced me to tree-based farming, I was only into coconut farming and didn’t have much faith in the concept. But, he helped me understand the importance of organic matter in the soil and taught me ways to improve it. Under his supervision, I am now able to grow 14 different crops in my coconut farm, including Apart from mango and jackfruit, banana, sapota, nutmeg and black pepper are also included.”
Taught tricks from scientists of ICAR-NIFTEM
He further said, “Today, I thank Isha and Sadhguru for taking me on a journey from an ordinary farmer in Coimbatore to a farmer recognized in the United Nations.”
Scientists from 4 agricultural research institutes including ICAR i.e. National Institute of Horticultural Research gave technical information on the cultivation, market opportunities and management methods of mango, jackfruit and avocado in the conference. Scientists from National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Thanjavur explained about technology for value addition and marketing in fruit products.
‘Mango Man’ Kaleem Ullah Khan also joined
Progressive farmers from 5 states who came to the conference also shared their experiences. Ramana Reddy, a farmer from Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, talked about the successful cultivation of apples in the plains. Agricultural scientist Saravanan explained about the technology for profitable cultivation of papaya, while former deputy director of the agriculture department, Haridas, gave information about more than 100 varieties of jackfruit and their characteristics.
The main attraction of the program was the presence of Padma Shri awardee Kaleem Ullah Khan, who is known as the “Mango Man” of India. He has grown more than 300 varieties of mango on a single tree. He shared his experiences and methods of success in mango farming. Also, more than 60 varieties of banana and 100-100 varieties of mango and jackfruit were shown in this exhibition. Saplings of mango, jackfruit, apple and many other fruit trees were also made available at subsidized prices, which showed great enthusiasm among the farmers and the visitors.
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