India is the key element in the world agriculture and food scenario. Agriculture and allied sectors accounts about 50% of the total workforce in India. On the contrary, it is a quite shocking fact that more than 180,000 farmers have committed suicide over the last few decades.
This interview portrays the life of a small scale farmer who dwells in the outskirts of Kerala, South India.
Interview by Robin Joseph.
Q. Sir, will you
please introduce yourself?
A. Myself Jose. (Imaginary
name. The interviewee doesn’t want his name to be published.). I am 55 years
old.
Q.I would like to
know about the farming methods and crops you cultivate.
A. Well, I own ½ acres
of land in which I cultivate Tapioca. This land was inherited by me from my
father. My wife joins me after finishing her household chores. Farming season begins by the first rains after
summer. The land is thoroughly tilled. Then, soil along with ash and dung powder
is piled up. The piles would be about 50 centimeters apart from each other. Then
Tapioca stems of approximately 2 meters of length are partly buried in the piles.
For the first few weeks the stems are protected from pests and animals by
covering the piles with twigs and small branches. After a few weeks the stems
begins to grow. The Tapioca will be fully matured by January. The roots will be
dug up. Usually I manage to have an output of about 5 kg per stem. The market
demand for Tapioca is not quite good these days. However, I can earn about
Rs.60 per Kg.
Q. Is your family
entirely dependent on the income you earn from cultivating Tapioca? Are you
contented with the current financial status of your family?
A. It used to be,
but these days we are better off. My son has completed his graduation and have
secured a good job in Dubai. This has eased the financial burden of our family.
I am very proud of my son. (Contented smile)
Q. What are
fertilisers you use in order to improve the produce? How do you keep pests away?
A.I use NPK
mixture in order to improve the fertility of the soil. I also use ash and dung
powder to stimulate the growth. Rats are the most common pests in our region. I
use traps to catch them. Besides, our cat keeps them away. (laughs)
Q. Farmer suicides
are increasing day by day. What are the essential steps to be implemented for
the redemption of the agriculture sector in which is currently in jeopardy?
A. I would blame none
other than the government for the hiking frequency of farmer suicides. The
government should provide adequate infrastructure and irrigation facilities in
rural areas. It should also provide agricultural credits at cheaper rates. However,
the callousness and corruption in our
systems has increased the grievances of
our farmers.
“Bowed by the weight of centuries he leans upon his hoe and
gazes on the ground, the emptiness of ages in his face, and on his back the
burden of the world.” » Edwin Markham
wow !!!
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