Innovativefarming teamtist 2112012

TEAMTISTASHOK P DAYALBINOY BENJAMIN Presents….

Review on….Innovative Farming

In an era ofgrowing scarcityof water andsuicidingfarmers…

A couple of farmers called the “GANDHI BROTHERS”chose to be different….

They thought NEW!!They though BIG!!

….which eventually lead them to the idea of DRIP IRRIGATION

OF THEDRIP CONCEPTIRRIGATION

DRIP IRRIGATION is an irrigation method that saves water and fertilizer by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants , either onto the soil surface or directly onto the root zone , through a network of valves , pipes , tubing , and emitters. It is done through narrow tubes that deliver water directly to the base of the plant.

THE GANDHI BROTHERSRakhesh Bhai Gandhi Bankim Bhai Gandhi

The Gandhi Brothersstarted this project about10 years ago. Initially , theywere supported by theGovernment - for the first5 years. Later on, theygot support fromNETAFIM, the globalleader in smart drip andmicro - irrigation solutions.

Now , they own a totalof 70 acres land , onwhich they growpotatoes and plantainusing drip irrigation…

About the farm On their 70 acres of land they didn’t go for traditional Indian crops such as rice , wheat etc. Instead, they grow potatoes and bananas.

Net spending per unit area: Rs.40000/-Net return per year: Rs.40000 +

They use an underground drip irrigation system for providing plants with adequate amount of water and fertilisers.

Although the farm and the irrigation sytem is not fully automatic, the amount of labour required is very less.

Only Bio-fertilisers are used.The amount of fertilisers and water provided to each plant is determined only after careful research and inspection of soil.Intercropping is also done.

How they differ fromothers:i)QualityThe output produced is of high quality because only bio- fertilisers are used and and only adequate amount of water is provided to each plant.

ii)QuantityCompared to other methods of irrigation, the total output of drip irrigation is far greater.EX:- Each pototo plant in their plant produces an average of 10 potatoes.

iii) Labour: Amount of labour required is very less compared to other methods of irrigation.iv)Environment-friendly: Wastage of resources is very less and bio – fertilisers do not effect the environment in a any harmful way.

NET-HOUSEThe Gandhi brothers also have a net- house.The net-house is a place where seedlings, produced by tisssue culture are grown into saplings.Manure used is organic waste, poultry waste , cow dung.Net spending/area: Rs.400/-Each sampling is sold for Rs: 13/-

FUTURE PLANS:They are also designing a green house.The main plant grown in it will bepotatoes. According to them potatoeswill be hung in air and necessaryatmospheric conditions required for itto grow will be provided inside thegreenhouse.

Our Thoughts:They have achieved this much only due to the support of the Gujarat government. The Government gives them 50% subsidies!!In Gujarat, the GGRC(Gujarat Green Revolution Co.Ltd) provides support and awareness to farmers.

• This system is not implemented anywhere else in India due to lack of support from the government.• If this system is implemented everywhere in India, enough food will be produced to feed the whole population of India and export too.

Fertilizer and water loss is minimised.Soil erosion is minimised.Weed growth is minimised.Water distribution is highly uniform and can be controlled.Labour cost is less compared to other irrigation systems.Usually operated at lower pressure than other types of pressurised irrigation, reducing energy costs.

Drip systems are expensive , especially for initial setup. Not affordable if land available is less. The tubes can clog frequently.Drip irrigation might be unsatisfactory if herbicides need sprinkler irrigation for activation

FINAL RATING: 3.5/5

Innovativefarming teamtist 2112012

by Nidhin Krishnakumar on Nov 02, 2012

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