A Journey of Sixteen Years in Natural Farming

My name is Vithaitheevu Priyaraj Narayanan. For the past 16 years, I have been practicing natural farming using traditional seed varieties. My journey began in 2007 while I was still working at a private company. It started with a desire to produce my own vegetables and evolved into a quest for traditional seeds. I traveled to many towns and diverse locations in search of these varieties. Today, I have produced over 800 traditional seed varieties. Beyond using these vegetables for personal needs, I market the surplus and disseminate the seeds to other farmers. My objective is to encourage others to produce in the same way. Over the years, I have received over 50 awards. I view these accolades not just as recognition but as encouragement to improve my work further.

Overcoming Doubts About Sustainable Food Production

Many people harbor doubts about producing their own food. They often wonder if it is too difficult or if it is even possible to achieve a good yield in the current times. Questions arise regarding whether a self-reliant food forest can only provide food for personal consumption or if it can also generate necessary income. Money is definitely essential, and it is certainly possible to earn the funds we need through a self-reliant food forest. We can generate significant income through vegetables, tubers, herbs, and fruits.

The Simplicity of Soil Fertility

We can produce everything we need, including greens, vegetables, fruits, and tubers. The process does not require complex interventions. I do not spray any pesticides or apply foliar sprays. My primary focus is simply to keep the soil fertile. If the soil is fertile, the plants will be healthy. I have created an environment where soil microbes can multiply and thrive. Nature teaches us this lesson clearly. For instance, if you observe garbage mounds, you will often see tomato plants or other vegetation sprouting on their own without human maintenance, plant growth promoters, or pesticides. These plants are healthy because the waste-rich soil is highly fertile. By understanding these nuances and ensuring plant health, we can prevent pest attacks, as pests typically target unhealthy plants.

The Strategic Advantage of Intercropping

In the current agricultural landscape, we face challenges such as labor shortages and a decrease in available farming land. To live well and continue farming successfully under these conditions, vegetable gardens offer great support. A single person can manage a significant amount of work. It is crucial to avoid monoculture, where everyone cultivates the same crop, as this often leads to high losses. Instead, I practice intercropping by growing multiple crops in the same space. If one crop fails, another will provide a good yield and ensure a profit.

Value Addition and Economic Viability

A self-reliant food forest produces nature-based goods that can be marketed effectively. To maximize income, we must give importance to value addition. If there is a surplus of brinjal, it can be sun-dried to make vathal. If there is excess okra, it can be processed or even powdered if the vegetable has matured. We provide training on these techniques to help farmers maximize their resources.

Drumstick leaves offer excellent opportunities for value addition. Beyond selling fresh leaves, one can make various types of chutney powder (idli podi). We can grind drumstick leaves into a plain powder, store it, and sell it to large hotels. It is important to educate buyers on how to use it. For example, adding two teaspoons of this powder to a curry or sambar just before removing it from the stove increases consistency and adds a strong aroma. By understanding how to add value and market these products, we can earn a substantial profit.

A Vision for a Prosperous Farming Community

If we set our minds to it, we can earn in lakhs through a self-reliant food forest. If farmers adopt these methods, market their produce effectively, and generate good profits, the entire farming community can live healthily and happily. It is possible to move beyond the narrative of loss and live with joy and financial stability. Let us all travel together on this path toward sustainable and profitable natural farming.