Page 9 - Reliance Foundation - The Change Maker - Issue 45

The ChangeMaker 9

& Genetics-Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
College of Agriculture & Research
Institute-Karaikal. There are consistent
awareness campaigns run. However,
the farmers most worried about
infestation especially in the sudden
occurrence of post-rain standing crop
and do not take any chances.
The result: not only intensive
chemical use but also further income
strain for farmers through purchase
of the additional pesticides and hiring
of spraying equipment. All of these
eventually affect the profitability as well
as potentially crop and human health.
It is in this context also that
Reliance Foundation’s interventions
become crucial. They not only provide
information but also enhance the
availability of positive appropriate
technology and the right resources
for farmers to act. Among various
innovations that the team suggested, unseasonal flooding, it also managed to distance the air is rent with another dull
one specific follow up was introducing stay clear of pests,” says Ramalingam. rumble. Rains, sigh the group of farmers.
a new variety to the paddy cultivators. Kuppuswamy who had a similar “We have tried to keep pace with the
The new paddy variety introduction positive experience plans to expand the climate changes. We hope our labour
to farmers of Kurinjipadi fits that area under this variety further in the and new approaches will stand in good
gap. Identified by the alert Reliance next season. “I felt a little anxious about stead. We just hope to sleep a good night
Foundation team as a potential the pricing and lifting of a new variety,” through to see our crops safe, healthy
response to the farmer concerns here, he says. “The buyer market has been and just as ready for us tomorrow.”
this new variety has been developed positive though. I am confident that The Reliance Foundation team that has
by the agricultural research institute in the next season we will feel more taken notes, recorded the insights takes
of the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College confident to push this for a better price.” leave to do their homework and identify
of Agriculture and Research Institute – Others noticed, of course and more any further gaps to be bridged. There is a
Karaikal (PAJANCOA). Their advantages farmers have been now engaging lot of work, which means sleepless nights
were explained to the farmers along with Ramalingam and Kuppuswamy. for the team. However, if that work can
with their method of cultivation and “Things have changed a lot,” says farmer just help the farm families sleep better, it
potential benefits. Gopalakrishnan, Vattathur. “We have not will be just so worth it.
Cautious but willing, Ramalingam and been able to predict the system whether
Kuppuswamy decided to implement the rains, pests and diseases or even Reliance Foundation’s Information
this new variety in ½ acre of their land. as a result, the soil health. We need a Services programme has been working
They tried out the new seed through support system that keeps us updated in Cuddalore district since 2013. Their
Reliance Foundation’s support. The with the changing scenario. That’s what services reach close to 22,000 farmers in
results were convincing and they were we find most appealing in the consistent this region. Besides farming communities,
elated at the end of the season. work that Reliance Foundation does”, he the services also reach out to fishing
“The crop continued to stand in says. Adding, “Over 10 years now while communities along these coastal
spite of water flooding in the region. many things have changed and lots of villages. With the district prone to floods,
Compared to other farmers in my players also come and go. However, we Reliance Foundation is working towards
vicinity I got 40% more yield and also did find the way Reliance has been with us mitigation meaures so that farming
not need to spray pesticides. I see the throughout is something unique. This is can be sustainable. Promotion of new
alarm bells going off as pests appeared why we also readily take up new ideas improved variety of seeds that can stay
in my neighborhood fields. However, that they suggest.” future-ready, is yet another step towards
this variety has not only withstood As the drone sounds subside in the sustainable farming.