A Farmer's Testimonial: Reaping Rewards Through Tree-Based Agriculture
Meet Kumaravel, a farmer from the Kallakurichi district, whose shift from sugarcane to tree cultivation completely transformed his 25-acre farm and his income. With teak, mahogany, and rosewood trees, he has seen remarkable growth and recently received a significant payout from the Electricity Board for tree removal from his farm. His diversification into red sanders and cassava intercropping has brought in profits that surpass his original income from sugarcane. Now, with 1,600 trees, his plantation is valued at an impressive Rs. 1.6 crore. Kumaravel credits Cauvery Calling's saplings and the team’s expert guidance for his success.
Kumaravel, from the Palayasiruvangur village in the Kallakurichi district, is a farmer with a remarkable story of transformation. His 25-acre farm once predominantly yielded sugarcane, but with a budding passion for tree cultivation, his land is now home to hundreds of trees of varying species as well as growing profits.
Upon returning from time abroad in 2009, Kumaravel decided to plant 350 teak trees, which have since matured impressively. Later, he added 150 mahogany and rosewood trees, creating a total of about 500 trees on his farm. When the Electricity Board had to cut down 25 teak trees to make way for a tower, Kumaravel received Rs. 6.25 lakhs as compensation. He believes trees will be valued at double the price in the next 10-15 years, motivating him to plant more.
Kumaravel's diversification of his farm continued as he replaced more sugarcane with 1,200 red sanders trees across 3 acres, intercropping these new trees with black gram and groundnut. Cassava, despite his initial doubts, thrived among the trees, delivering profits two to three times higher than the sugarcane that used to inhabit the majority of his farm.
With 500 sandalwood trees and additional intercropped cassava, Kumaravel's tree count is now at 1,600. If each tree brings in Rs. 10,000, as it stands in the current market, the total value of the trees on the farm is an impressive Rs. 1.6 crores, a significant addition to his regular income.
Kumaravel attributes much of his success to the planting of Cauvery Calling's saplings on his farm. These trees are not only cost-effective at Rs. 3 each, but also provide reliable growth. Cauvery Calling’s district coordinator, Ayyanar, has been a valuable source of farming knowledge to Kumaravel, solidifying his belief that tree-based agriculture can offer tenfold returns in 10 to 15 years compared to traditional farming approaches.
Kumaravel extends his heartfelt thanks to Cauvery Calling for this opportunity and hopes his journey inspires others to explore the potential of tree-based agriculture as well.
