Shailaja
I am an organic farmer and I’m practicing zero-budget farming technology in my farm. My husband is a government employee and has no time to do the farming. Both my husband and I come from families of farmers. Initially we were practicing chemical farming, since 1998. But in the meantime, I read a lot about the side effects of chemical fertilisers and the damage they can cause to our health and the soil. I discussed this with my husband and we agreed to gradually start introducing organic fertilisers and other natural techniques. I also observed the practices of our neighbouring tribal community, the Kurichiya community, who were already practicing traditional organic methods and were enjoying a life free of diseases. This was a great motivation for me to start using their traditional practices.
Once I started using organic methods, I watched closely as the soil and my plants slowly became healthier. With the encouragement of my family, I also bought a local cow and moved to zero-budget farming, a practice now widely used in Wayanad. I have also had a lot of support and guidance from Organic Wayanad / Vanamoolika, especially in the complex certification processes. We are now cultivating fruits and vegetables for our own consumption. We also grow cash crops, such as pepper, for generating our income. My family and I are now very satisfied. Not only do we get to eat good food, we can give to others.
Once I started using organic methods, I watched closely as the soil and my plants slowly became healthier. With the encouragement of my family, I also bought a local cow and moved to zero-budget farming, a practice now widely used in Wayanad. I have also had a lot of support and guidance from Organic Wayanad / Vanamoolika, especially in the complex certification processes. We are now cultivating fruits and vegetables for our own consumption. We also grow cash crops, such as pepper, for generating our income. My family and I are now very satisfied. Not only do we get to eat good food, we can give to others.