TEZPUR, May 31 � The Sonitpur Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) with its 14-member dedicated staff, led by Programme Coordinator, Dr PC Deka, is doing yeoman�s service for local farmers in the greater Napam area near here. It needs mention here that the this KVK, which came into existence in 1981, has been in the forefront in trying to bring a radical change in the agrarian sections of the society by implementing various projects and conducting many training programmes, dealing with farmers� problems, various new policies, frontline demonstration touching upon the issues of crop, animal husbandry, fishery, etc., capacity building among farmers, rural youth and extension workers at the ground level.
In an exclusive interview, the programme coordinator of the agro-agency, Dr PC Deka mentioned that this KVK is very much serious about carrying out the above-mentioned activities under various departments. It has been trying to give a renewed focus on the farming of banana, paddy (ahu), groundnut, poultry farming (chicken and duck) and piggery farming.
More importantly, when there is a growing reluctance towards practising agriculture, a group of local farmers of the greater Napam area under Sonitpur KVK have scripted success stories proving that farming can definitely ensure security of livelihood.
Jalaluddin Munchi of Punioni area, Azad Akhtar and Md Abdul Kalam of Baghsung area, Abdul Malek of Napam Rupkuria area and Madan Murari Prajapati of Napam-Kachakoni area and many others have been practising organic farming in the fertile lands in the villages of Napam, Napam Chapori, Amula Pam, Punioni, Baghsung, Bhitor-Porua, Kurukani, Dikoriajan, etc., under Rangapara and Tezpur LACs, motivated by the Sonitpur KVK.
The point to be noted here is that the agricultural land of the greater area, which was once naturally fertile, became unproductive following siltation by the Bharali river. However, despite all odds, including financial hardship and meagre facilities, the farmers started cultivation of different kinds of crops turning the silted barren lands into verdant fields.
Apart from paddy cultivation, farming of crops like mustard, potato, cabbage and cauliflower, and cattle rearing, etc., banana cultivation is done on a large scale in the organically managed lands. Presently one can easily notice hectares of lands teeming with a rich growth of various crops including bananas and ahu paddy. In this area, each farmer has a holding of four to 25 bighas of lands on an average.
During a recent visit to the area, this correspondent accompanied by a team of KVK (Napam) scientists, a farmer of the area, Jalaluddin Munchi said that adopting multiple cropping ideas from his nearby KVK for the last many years, he has been cultivating bananas with other cash crops like pumpkin, peas, beans, etc. Munchi, who earlier had a banana garden on only 1.5 katha lands is now owner of four bighas of banana garden earning a good amount of annual income.
�I manage to meet the much-needed expenditure of my family through cultivation only. We feel it is a recognition of back-breaking labour of farmers like us by the Napam KVK, as their frequent visits and suggestions have added to our efforts to prove ourselves that if done well, farming can also be a convenient way of livelihood,� the farmer said, adding that his long cherished Haj would be fulfilled this time as he has already managed to deposit a sum of Rs 2.5 lakh to the Haj Committee.
Munchi, who even got a chance to go for an exposure trip and received honours from the KVK for his outstanding achievements in the agricultural field, also said that as organically-produced things have a good demand in the market he does not need to go outside for selling his produce.
Another farmer, Abdul Kalam of Punioni area said that he was earlier a daily wage earner and had to face tough economic challenge to run his eight member family, but is today able to earn a good livelihood by adopting backyard poultry farming and duckery. �I came into contact with Napam KVK in 2013 to avail every required facility including training on various agricultural fields. It has helped me to find a new way of life,� he said with satisfaction.
On the other hand, Madan Murari Prajapati, who has been able to stand against the present tough situation of earning a livelihood by sincerely getting involved in farming of various items including sugarcane, corn, mustard, wheat, gram, etc., in Kachakoni area under Napam KVK, said that as the Assam is an agro-based State and its economy is basically based on agriculture, one should get involved in it for with the help and ideas provided by the scientists of agencies like the KVK.
