Programs

Fencing  The land was a graze –land for feeding the cattle in the past. Our primary aim was to raise seeding and planting trees. And there was a need to fortify the boundaries. Stone pillars were erected at uniform distance and barbed wire [metallic] was fixed. It prevented entering of livestock and generated a well structured outlook. It was planned earlier to raise live-fencing. But, more number of gardeners and meshes made of steel were required. Assessing the cost differences, it was fenced alternately. The entire work was completed in the beginning which enabled us to start farm activities.

Earth Works  Whereas various kinds of crops were decided to rise, the land was allocated according to the requirements. Bunts were promoted to 2 to 3 feet’s height which separated the field one another. It also would allow the water to get stagnated for raising crops for days and more. In addition, mud-canals were also promoted for collecting water from the main source [bore-well/mini-tank]. Making bunds adjacently also became canals. For planting trees, earth work was done to 1-2 feet’s [example; coconut plant] and water storing embankments at smaller circular size was made. We used manpower locally for all these works giving employment for the poor farmers.

Land Treatment  The agriculture expert’s suggestions were followed to bring the PH level of the soil better. Our pre-project work of soil tests, scientific analysis and studying for planting suitable crops were more useful. Some area was found with sandy soil. Firstly, the overall land was ploughed for several times and red-soil having fertility was mixed. We used the red-soil for tree –planting also and water now rests around the plant and directly absorbed by the root without wastage. Organic manure spread over the ploughed land. This treatment was repeated until good results availed suitably for cultivation.

Materials and equipment All the farm implements for gardening works were bought to the estimated level. They are used for watering, earth-work, weed management, harvesting etc., for irrigation purposes, PVC pipes and tubes were purchased. The PVC pipes were connected to various fields in the farm from the bore-well. The tube was used to take water to interior area for garden and trees. A bore-well was erected after appropriate geological tests. The working of sinking the bore-well was successful and water is available throughout the year. A motor-engine was installed for pumping the water. Electricity facility was made available and this unit is maintained safe in the motor-room.

Rain water harvesting source  Three number of farm ponds were promoted within the farm. Its size and structure was designed by the experts and located under their supervision. As monsoon failure was frequent, these ponds were useful for strong water in the rainy season, keeping soils moisture-condition or water-level conducive for the farm and aquaculture.

Water would be plumbed out from these ponds as necessary and over use of bore well was reduced. They were not only cutting down the charges for current supply but also continuing cultivation in summer and keeping the geological condition favorable.

Cultivation We purchased seeds seedling from the authorized sources. It was also possible to avail subsidy facilities. Starting in a portion of land with cultivating paddy, the cropping activity flourished effectively. The important varieties such as, food, fruit, flower, vegetable, green, pulses, medicinal pant ect., are being grown. Gardener is employed on daily wages basis from the local villages. The harvesting of agro-products has being to yield some income for re-cultivation and farm management activities.