Smart farming is what is needed now..

There are many individuals also who are working hard to achieve good yield from farming by employing technology and traditional means of farming in a smart way. I think education is the key here, educating farmers on smarter ways of farming using less water and chemical-based fertilizers, something we can also learn from Israel.

We have had a very effective farming system where all natural resources were used to make the soil nutrient. Since I come from an agricultural background , I have seen my ancestors use dry leaves, chopped up wild vegetation, cow dung , paddy husk and all kitchen waste to make fertilizer for the fields. But unplanned urbanization and a bid to encourage chemical industries has put an end to these age old practices. 

Here in Karnataka earlier CM  Kumara Swamy did take the initiative to encourage combined harvest which has benefitted small farmers since it reduces cost thereby increasing their profit margin.This is probably the only sensible move taken by him , however it has been a very positive move.

At present farming in India is not profitable profession. To make it profitable it is necessary that farmers adopt new technology of farming. Zero cost farming is one of them.

anil wrote:

At present farming in India is not profitable profession. To make it profitable it is necessary that farmers adopt new technology of farming. Zero cost farming is one of them.

Overall it is so but that is because of increasing dependency on chemical fertilizers which has led to degradation of the soil quality through years of usage. But there are many farmers who are into organic, traditional methods of farming and are very successful at it.

anil wrote:

At present farming in India is not profitable profession. To make it profitable it is necessary that farmers adopt new technology of farming. Zero cost farming is one of them.

You can not have zero cost farming because you have to have basic amenities to grow crops. However, with skill and knowledge one can cut down on expenditure and increase profit levels. There is a lot of importance given to this particular field by private NGOs and government organisations as well

usha manohar wrote:

anil wrote:

At present farming in India is not profitable profession. To make it profitable it is necessary that farmers adopt new technology of farming. Zero cost farming is one of them.

You can not have zero cost farming because you have to have basic amenities to grow crops. However, with skill and knowledge one can cut down on expenditure and increase profit levels. There is a lot of importance given to this particular field by private NGOs and government organisations as well

True...agriculture like all other industries is also an industry and there has to be some investment. With time and experience, the costs can be cut down but I don't think absolutely zero investment farming is possible.

Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:

usha manohar wrote:

anil wrote:

At present farming in India is not profitable profession. To make it profitable it is necessary that farmers adopt new technology of farming. Zero cost farming is one of them.

You can not have zero cost farming because you have to have basic amenities to grow crops. However, with skill and knowledge one can cut down on expenditure and increase profit levels. There is a lot of importance given to this particular field by private NGOs and government organisations as well

True...agriculture like all other industries is also an industry and there has to be some investment. With time and experience, the costs can be cut down but I don't think absolutely zero investment farming is possible.

Farmers are spending hug amount of seeds, manure and pesticides.  If a farmers have their own seeds, manure and pesticides than it is like no cost farming. In my area some farmers are doing it.

anil wrote:

Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:

usha manohar wrote:

anil wrote:

At present farming in India is not profitable profession. To make it profitable it is necessary that farmers adopt new technology of farming. Zero cost farming is one of them.

You can not have zero cost farming because you have to have basic amenities to grow crops. However, with skill and knowledge one can cut down on expenditure and increase profit levels. There is a lot of importance given to this particular field by private NGOs and government organisations as well

True...agriculture like all other industries is also an industry and there has to be some investment. With time and experience, the costs can be cut down but I don't think absolutely zero investment farming is possible.

Farmers are spending hug amount of seeds, manure and pesticides.  If a farmers have their own seeds, manure and pesticides than it is like no cost farming. In my area some farmers are doing it.

Can one make their own pesticides, also own manure and seeds are okay, but still it will be a labouring work for big lands I think...?

epraneeth77 wrote:

anil wrote:

Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:

usha manohar wrote:

anil wrote:

At present farming in India is not profitable profession. To make it profitable it is necessary that farmers adopt new technology of farming. Zero cost farming is one of them.

You can not have zero cost farming because you have to have basic amenities to grow crops. However, with skill and knowledge one can cut down on expenditure and increase profit levels. There is a lot of importance given to this particular field by private NGOs and government organisations as well

True...agriculture like all other industries is also an industry and there has to be some investment. With time and experience, the costs can be cut down but I don't think absolutely zero investment farming is possible.

Farmers are spending hug amount of seeds, manure and pesticides.  If a farmers have their own seeds, manure and pesticides than it is like no cost farming. In my area some farmers are doing it.

Can one make their own pesticides, also own manure and seeds are okay, but still it will be a labouring work for big lands I think...?

Yes making pesticides is possible. Some farmers using it. It is made with Neema, Dhatura, Cow urin, garlic and some other local available plants. Here in my area one farmers have a garden of Kinooh. Suddely plant begins to dry. He consulted with agricultural Scientist and spend hug amount on pesticides. When problem continue he prepare solution From Neema, cow urine and some other local plant. He saved his garden with it.

epraneeth77 wrote:

anil wrote:

Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:

usha manohar wrote:

anil wrote:

At present farming in India is not profitable profession. To make it profitable it is necessary that farmers adopt new technology of farming. Zero cost farming is one of them.

You can not have zero cost farming because you have to have basic amenities to grow crops. However, with skill and knowledge one can cut down on expenditure and increase profit levels. There is a lot of importance given to this particular field by private NGOs and government organisations as well

True...agriculture like all other industries is also an industry and there has to be some investment. With time and experience, the costs can be cut down but I don't think absolutely zero investment farming is possible.

Farmers are spending hug amount of seeds, manure and pesticides.  If a farmers have their own seeds, manure and pesticides than it is like no cost farming. In my area some farmers are doing it.

Can one make their own pesticides, also own manure and seeds are okay, but still it will be a labouring work for big lands I think...?

Yes, they can. Traditionally, farmers made their own pesticides using the urine of cows along with mixture of other ingredients like neem leaves and oil derived from its seeds, lime, jaggery etc. So why can't they make it now? The fact is that, Nehru and subsequent others who wanted to start industrialization, promoted and allowed foreign chemical fertilizer companies and seed producers in  India and encouraged farmers to use only those due to which traditional methods were forgotten. I think it happened more so when Sharad Pawar was the minister for agriculture. But now, more farmers are exploring and using these old methods to get fruitful yield/

anil wrote:

Kalyani Nandurkar wrote:

usha manohar wrote:

anil wrote:

At present farming in India is not profitable profession. To make it profitable it is necessary that farmers adopt new technology of farming. Zero cost farming is one of them.

You can not have zero cost farming because you have to have basic amenities to grow crops. However, with skill and knowledge one can cut down on expenditure and increase profit levels. There is a lot of importance given to this particular field by private NGOs and government organisations as well

True...agriculture like all other industries is also an industry and there has to be some investment. With time and experience, the costs can be cut down but I don't think absolutely zero investment farming is possible.

Farmers are spending hug amount of seeds, manure and pesticides.  If a farmers have their own seeds, manure and pesticides than it is like no cost farming. In my area some farmers are doing it.

Even here manure and pesticide is made using what is easily available. In my ancestral home they use neem oil, cashew oil made from its outer hard skin and  wood ash 

Actually we the Indians do not believe in experimenting. We follow the easy ways out and fail to take the advantage of innovative ways. We are still using urea and other chemical based fertilizers to increasing the produce which in turn lessen the productivity of the land. We shall have to adapt to multiple crop trend which gives extra income and keep the fields productive too. Governments will also have to support farmers by providing good quality seeds and also local methods of making traditional fertilizers. Giving cash, waiving loans and freebies to farmers is not the solution but giving them more facilities by way of good seeds and fertilizers will change the life of farmers. Better still if the produce is picked and paid at the spot instead of farmers taking their produce to market and play into the hands of mediators.

suni51 wrote:

Actually we the Indians do not believe in experimenting. We follow the easy ways out and fail to take the advantage of innovative ways. We are still using urea and other chemical based fertilizers to increasing the produce which in turn lessen the productivity of the land. We shall have to adapt to multiple crop trend which gives extra income and keep the fields productive too. Governments will also have to support farmers by providing good quality seeds and also local methods of making traditional fertilizers. Giving cash, waiving loans and freebies to farmers is not the solution but giving them more facilities by way of good seeds and fertilizers will change the life of farmers. Better still if the produce is picked and paid at the spot instead of farmers taking their produce to market and play into the hands of mediators.

Every start have seed corporation, which are developing seeds. But it is not enough. Major expenses of farmers is on fertilizers and pesticides. Government is giving subsidy to fertilizer manufactures. If government divert this subsidy to farmers for making traditional fertilizer and pesticides, farmers will attract to make it. Removing mediators is not easy task. State like Punjab have system of buying crops at villages. 

Recently I watched a program on growing aloe vera which is very profitable because it has medicinal and cosmetic use. Apparently many farmers in Rajasthan are growing Aloe Vera in a portion  of their land and reaping good profit .One of them has even managed to start a processing center and lab  with the profit he got.

usha manohar wrote:

Recently I watched a program on growing aloe vera which is very profitable because it has medicinal and cosmetic use. Apparently many farmers in Rajasthan are growing Aloe Vera in a portion  of their land and reaping good profit .One of them has even managed to start a processing center and lab  with the profit he got.

It is right that many farmers are growing aloe vera. It needs less water and less care. Animals don't eat it. In coming days farming of this type of plant gets more popularity. Some plant of this family may be proved best alternate of plastic. 

usha manohar wrote:

Recently I watched a program on growing aloe vera which is very profitable because it has medicinal and cosmetic use. Apparently many farmers in Rajasthan are growing Aloe Vera in a portion  of their land and reaping good profit .One of them has even managed to start a processing center and lab  with the profit he got.

Its good to read about cutivators experimenting with new plants and new technique and getting success. Internet has brought people closer and farmers are no longer afraid of trying something new when they see people doing the same in other parts of the world. 

jabeen wrote:

usha manohar wrote:

Recently I watched a program on growing aloe vera which is very profitable because it has medicinal and cosmetic use. Apparently many farmers in Rajasthan are growing Aloe Vera in a portion  of their land and reaping good profit .One of them has even managed to start a processing center and lab  with the profit he got.

Its good to read about cutivators experimenting with new plants and new technique and getting success. Internet has brought people closer and farmers are no longer afraid of trying something new when they see people doing the same in other parts of the world. 

Here in Mangalore , farmers owning small sized farm , besides growing two crops of paddy in a year , also grow other crops in between like pulses , vegetables, chilies etc. Almost all privately owned farm lands are lined by coconut and arecanut trees. In our district we have never had any farmer committing suicide since they are self sufficient and most of the produce is for home consumption and whatever extra there is would be sold. Arecanut is a cash crop , which brings in revenue for their needs.

usha manohar wrote:

jabeen wrote:

usha manohar wrote:

Recently I watched a program on growing aloe vera which is very profitable because it has medicinal and cosmetic use. Apparently many farmers in Rajasthan are growing Aloe Vera in a portion  of their land and reaping good profit .One of them has even managed to start a processing center and lab  with the profit he got.

Its good to read about cutivators experimenting with new plants and new technique and getting success. Internet has brought people closer and farmers are no longer afraid of trying something new when they see people doing the same in other parts of the world. 

Here in Mangalore , farmers owning small sized farm , besides growing two crops of paddy in a year , also grow other crops in between like pulses , vegetables, chilies etc. Almost all privately owned farm lands are lined by coconut and arecanut trees. In our district we have never had any farmer committing suicide since they are self sufficient and most of the produce is for home consumption and whatever extra there is would be sold. Arecanut is a cash crop , which brings in revenue for their needs.

Here in my area situation of farming is not much better but it is rare that any farmers committed suicide. Here size farms are large. Here focus of farmers are on commercial crops. But now peoples are also doing farming vegetables, fruits and flowers.