Cauvery Calling’s Tree-based Agriculture Training Empowers Farmers in Hassan for a Prosperous Future
A mega training event titled "Tree-based Agriculture for a Prosperous Future” was organized by Isha's Cauvery Calling on May 25, 2024, in Hassan, Karnataka. The training raised awareness about the success of the agro-forestry model, allowing participating farmers to listen to and interact with successful farmers and experts, encouraging them to adopt the model.
Addressing the gathering of around 450 farmers, Sri Thamizhmaaran, the field coordinator of the Cauvery Calling Movement, introduced the basic concepts of tree and soil suitability and plantation layout details to the farmers. Expanding on the benefits of the model, he shared, “The Cauvery Calling Movement encourages farmers to plant native and non-invasive timber trees on agricultural land, paving the way for the economic development of farmers while also enhancing the soil organic matter.”
“Farmers are like gods who can save us from current problems like soil degradation and climate change by adopting a tree-based agriculture model,” he opined.
Sri Shivananjayya Balekayi, a successful farmer from Tumkur, shared, “Tree-based farming is the best farming for earning a good income. In a year, I spend only 60 to 70 thousand and earn 15 lakhs from tree-based farming." Sri Balekayi delved into the details of using sunlight to grow different crops with the timber trees on the farm borders during his address.
Sharing his journey into tree-based agriculture, Sri Dayanand revealed, “I planted 100 teak trees 40 years back. I harvested 6-8 trees a few months ago worth 10 lakhs. I gifted these trees to my daughter for constructing her new house. I still can earn 1 crore from the remaining trees.”
Smt Hema Ananth remarked, “When I wonder about the reason for my success, I can say it's only because of these trees on my farm. I earn at least 4-5 lakhs a year from the trees I harvest, like Melia Dubia.”
The technical training session was led by Dr. Rama Krishna Hegde, Head of the Silviculture Department at the College of Forestry, Ponnampet who discussed the scientific methods of pre- and post-plantation of timber saplings. Dr. Hegde, informed, “The demand for timber in the Indian market is too high; we are short in providing for this demand. Farmers can only supply this demand.”
“Following the scientific methods in tree-based farming can result in earning a profitable income,” he added.
Dr Kencha Reddy gave a detailed talk on honey bee farming with wild trees and other crops.
Envisioned by Sadhguru, the Cauvery Calling movement enabled the plantation of 2 crore saplings in the Cauvery basin in 2023-24. To date, the movement has enabled the planting of 10.9 crore saplings and supported 2,13,000 farmers’ transition to tree-based agriculture. The movement aims to revitalize Cauvery River – the lifeline of 8.4 crore people – and significantly improve the economy of farmers by enabling the planting of 242 crore trees on private farmlands.
Contact 80009 80009 for more information on Cauvery Calling.
