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agosto 28, 2023
De tierra dura a altos rendimientos: la historia de un agricultor de caña de azúcar
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Shivling Chowgla, a farmer from Belgaum district in Karnataka, India, lives in a bustling joint household with his wife, parents, and brother’s family. Farming serves as the family’s primary source of income, with sugarcane as their primary crop. Shivling has implemented an intercropping system on their three acres of land where he cultivates cabbage, chili, and millets between the sugarcane. Three years ago, the family made the transition to organic farming. Shivling discovered that organic farming isn’t merely about avoiding synthetic inputs; it involves building a symbiotic relationship with the soil. By enriching the soil’s microbiome, he has improved its structure and water-holding capacity.

 

Shivling recalls how the soil was hard and unyielding prior to changing practices. This compacted soil limited both air and water flow, causing low land productivity and reduced crop yields. Since the transition, he has noticed improved soil texture, structure, and porosity, increasing crop productivity.

 

“It is difficult to preserve soil when we do not know what it needs,” Shivling shared, articulating a challenge many farmers face. However, la aplicación digital para agricultores de Boomitra provides him and over 10,000 other Indian farmers real-time soil health insights. The app delivers essential data on moisture and plant health directly to farmers’ phones, free of charge. “The app has empowered us to manage our land more effectively and optimize its productivity,” Shivling added.

 

Shivling enfatiza el papel instrumental que su socio local, Subhiksha, ha desempeñado en la transición a prácticas de agricultura orgánica. Subhiksha realiza sesiones de capacitación de una semana cada trimestre en Cowjalli, atrayendo a agricultores de varios distritos. La sinergia entre las perspectivas digitales de Boomitra y la formación práctica de Subhiksha ha sido transformadora, equipando a agricultores como Shivling para navegar las complejidades de sus tierras.

 

These days, Shivling employs a range of improved practices. One such practice includes the application of Jeevamrutham, a chemical-free, zero-waste liquid fertilizer made with cow urine and dung. Jeevamrutham fortifies the soil with nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and calcium while stimulating microbial activity to boost soil fertility. “We apply neem tree oil to the crops to combat pests and insects without harmful pesticides,” Shivling noted, adding that both practices are particularly effective during India’s hot months.

 

Shivling tiene grandes esperanzas para que las futuras generaciones de su familia se dediquen a la agricultura. "Las granjas son un excelente lugar para trabajar. Trabajamos duro por la salud de nuestra tierra y cultivos, y el esfuerzo físico que requiere hacerlo también nos ayuda a mantenernos saludables", dice.

 

Shivling dijo que la agricultura le llegó de forma natural y confía implícitamente en la tierra y sus procesos. "A través de la agricultura, se nos dio la oportunidad de cultivar alimentos saludables y nutritivos para personas de todo el mundo. No hay un propósito más grande que este".

 

Shivling and his family.

 

 

Pooja Sreenan
Socio Senior de Comunicaciones
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