In Junawadia, a village in Gujarat India, the precarious life of forest dwelling small farmers is far from risks, but the newly introduced blended methods of seed harvesting with organic fertilizer and crop spacing, is transforming the lives of many families.
“Farming has been my main source of livelihood since time immemorial; I have seven bighas of land and are into subsistence farming only during the rainy season”.
“My farming was the same for several years, until I joined the Aranya Agri Forest Producer Company as a member one year ago”, says Manyabhai Puniyabhai Sangada.
He lives in Junawadiya village of Limkheda block in Dahod district. His family consists ten members, including three sons, a daughter in-laws and grandchildren.
“In November, Aranya provided me desi-high-quality wheat seeds to grow. I sowed 20kg of seeds. I saw that this seed variety required 3-to 4 times watering; and one seed contained 8-10 nine branches. The wheat crop looked so promising, that my friends and relatives asked me about them.
The results of my crop yield are phenomenal. Earlier I used to get around 2 to 3 q wheat. This season my production has increased to 6.6 quintals. I am expecting a good income from this yield”.
We sold our wheat at Rs 2000 q last year, while this year I will get a double price for the exact quantity”.
What I appreciate the most about Aranya is its commitment to sustainable farming practices. They have helped me understand the importance of preserving our seeds, land, water, forests and the environment. I am grateful to Aranya for their support and guidance.
This Holi season, I plan to plant Moong (Lentils) on my land, after harvesting the wheat crop. Aranya has promised to supply the seeds. I am excited as I think this crop yield will be as bountiful as my wheat crop.
We were not sure how a seed can bring such remarkable change in the income of these 40 farmers. Aranya had given 1 ton seeds to 40 farmers in November and the total production of wheat is 1200 ton.