Fed up with drought for the past three years, over 500 farmers of Gandasi hobli in Arasikere taluk have taken up cultivation of minor millets, thanks to the support extended by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.
Under the bank’s sustainable development initiative, the farmers have been provided financial assistance, besides technical guidance to cultivate the drought-resistant minor millets.
Jayanna, a farmer in Bachenahalli, told The Hindu: “My coconut farm has stopped giving yield owing to drought. Borewells too have dried up.” Three months ago, he sowed seeds of korale (browntop millets). “I have invested hardly ₹2,000 to grow korale on an acre of land. The yield is expected to be around 4 quintals bringing about ₹12,000,” he said.
As it was the first time he chose to cultivate millets, he limited it to only one acre. The millet is rich in fibre and many growers keep a major portion of the produce for personal consumption.
When this correspondent visited Mr. Jayanna’s farm on Friday, Korale Raghu of Sira taluk, who is known for cultivation of korale millet in Tumakuru district, was interacting with local farmers on the importance of millets. “The cultivation of korale is cost effective. With minimum investment, farmers can register maximum returns,” he said. He grows korale millet on 17 acres of land.
Earlier, G.V. Raghu, project director of Organisation for Resource Development and Environment Rejuvenation, said: “Farmers in the hobli were cultivating potato and maize. Owing to long-time mono-crop cultivation, the yield had come down. Now, hundreds of farmers have grown ragi and they are happy with the yield.” His non-government organisation has been engaged in educating farmers on the importance of millet cultivation. Similarly, many have grown foxtail millet, little millet and green gram.
The growers have formed their organisation (farmer-producer organisation) and market their products. This has helped the farmers get returns without the involvement of middlemen.
V.G. Bhat, District Development Manager (NABARD). said: “With the view of holistic development, the bank is encouraging cultivation of minor millets in parts of drought-prone taluks. The bank is happy with the response from the farmers.” The bank has spent over ₹9 lakh for starting farmer-producer organisations, besides expenses on training, providing seeds and fertilizers.