Introduction
In India around 6 percent of the total geographical area is under barren or left fallow as lands are uncultivable. In India Jammu & Kashmir is having largest area of wastelands followed by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra has maximum area of wastelands. Many techniques and technologies are now available which can improve lands and can be utilized for cultivation which can contribute to the economic and social development of the country. Measures should be taken to correct physical structure and the quality of the soil, making availability of water and also preventing soil erosion, landslides by this ways such lands can be utilised in productive ways.
Overview
From past years in Kasargod district of Kerala are organising a mission through which they promotes the idea of attaining self-sufficiency in the economic and social security. Month long programme is conducted during Monsoon in which people should cultivate in barren lands sowing Paddy and other vegetables.
District mission called Kudumbashree – a poverty eradication programme ‘Mazhappolima’ is advertised as a festival rejoicing the goodness of the monsoon rains, agriculture and the collective spirit of the people. Through this mission it aims to bring sustainability in people’s lives. Mainly women are mobilised for cultivating in field during monsoon and they conduct it as festival.
For preparing lands initially as investment loans are provided from saving among Kudumbashree members. The district mission also provides monetary remuneration as encouragements for farmers depending on the area of cultivated land, for Paddy farmers they receive Rs.8, 000/- for each hectare tilled. Local organisation also makes effort in arranging a market place for selling produce of Kudumbashree members.
This year they have identified a total of 21 hectares new wasteland in the district which will be utilized for cultivation. Total 1,705 hectares of fallow land found in the district out which 1,556 hectares is now under cultivable. Mainly paddy is cultivated along with this vegetables like potatoes and fruits are also cultivated. Through members of Kudumbashree weekly markets are run by them and they have begun agricultural marketing centres in all the panchayats of district.
Through this mission last year they have converted a total 646 acres of barren land into cultivable land through ‘Mazhappolima.’ Total 11.8 tonnes of rice was harvested and sold in local markets and they have given brand name of ‘Arisree.’ ‘Ari’ means rice in Malayalam.
Conclusion
Even though India is basically an agricultural country, farmers are facing a lot of problems while sowing or it may be during selling. They can’t expect a good yield every year and cost of cultivation will also be high. These kind of schemes or mission should done to encourage farmers especially women. Women can utilize this scheme which can boost their income and make themselves financial stable and we can make sure that farmers get support in all means of farming activity. Not only boost income mainly we can convert wastelands or barren land and utilize them for cultivation. As population is increasing every inch of land matters in upcoming future as demand for food and land increases.
Source: Indian Express