From innovation in traditional farming to organic revolution, Farmer Vikas Maurya has a story to tell

Traditional farming: Vikas Maurya is a young farmer who is experimenting with organic farming with his family. Vikas, a resident of Fatehpur district of Uttar Pradesh, has recently adopted the path of organic farming, and after his experience of seven-eight months, he is excited about it. While many farmers are moving towards organic farming these days, Vikas is trying to change his traditional family farming methods and convert it into a completely organic method.

The journey from traditional to modern

The journey from traditional to modern farming is not just a change for any farmer, but an intense experience, which is full of many challenges and learnings. This journey in Vikas Maurya’s fields is also a story of deep thinking and hard work. Earlier, his family used to do farming in a traditional way, in which mainly plough and bullocks were used. This method of farming was more laborious, and the production was also limited. Problems like irrigation problems, deterioration in soil quality, and uncertainties of weather always remained in farming.

In traditional farming, pesticides and chemicals were used in large quantities, due to which the fertility of the soil was gradually decreasing. Due to the increased risk of pests and diseases in crops, the cost of production also increased. Seeing this challenging situation, Vikas Maurya decided that he would have to adopt modern techniques, so that his farming could become more profitable and environmentally friendly.

Step towards modernity

Vikas Maurya gradually started adopting modern techniques. He not only started using agricultural machinery, but also adopted modern methods of water management. For example, using micro irrigation system (drip irrigation) reduced water consumption and crops started getting proper amount of water at the right time. He started using improved varieties of seeds for agriculture, which give more production and have better adaptability to the climate.

Vikas also understood the concept of crop diversification and implemented it in his fields. While earlier in traditional farming, the same type of crop was grown year after year, now he also included seasonal vegetables, pulses and medicinal plants. This not only improved the health of the soil, but also increased his income from the crops.

Use of technology

Vikas also resorted to technology to bring innovation in agriculture. Soil testing equipment was used to measure the quality of the soil, which helped him understand which crop required what type of nutrients. He started gaining latest agricultural knowledge with the help of mobile apps and online portals and took technical guidance to find solutions to farming related problems. He also ensured that he himself remained updated and also made other farmers aware.

Key aspects of organic farming

There are many important aspects of organic farming, which can be followed to make farming more sustainable and profitable. Vikas Maurya explains that the main emphasis in organic farming is on making efficient use of natural resources. In this, cow dung manure, organic manure, Jeevamrit, and natural pesticides are used instead of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which maintain the fertility of the soil and protect the environment.

Another important aspect of organic farming is crop diversification, in which different crops are grown in different seasons on the same land. This maintains the quality of the soil and gives farmers an opportunity to earn more income from different crops. Vikas explains that this method also reduces the infestation of pests and diseases, ensuring the safety of crops.

In addition, water management also plays an important role in organic farming. Using water conservation techniques reduces the cost of irrigation and prevents wastage of water. Vikas says that the irrigation requirements of farming can be met through micro irrigation method and rainwater harvesting, so that water can be used properly and balanced.

Seed conservation and use of local varieties of seeds is also one of the major aspects of organic farming. Local seeds are not only eco-friendly but also have higher immunity, which leads to better crop yield. Vikash has also shared the idea of ​​​​setting up a seed bank in his farms, where he wants to preserve traditional and indigenous seeds.

Coordination of education and farming 

Vikas Maurya believes that the right coordination of modern education and farming can take farming to new heights. He is studying agricultural science and technical subjects, which gives him information about the latest agricultural practices. According to him, education not only brings a scientific approach to farming, but it also helps in making traditional methods more effective.

Vikas says that his educational experience has helped him better understand important aspects like soil quality, water management, and crop diversification. Apart from this, he controls the cost of farming and increases productivity by adopting new techniques and organic methods.

Challenges and solutions

Although organic farming has its advantages, Vikas admits that adopting it completely is a challenge. Organic methods require more time and effort in the beginning. Some of his family members are still not fully in favour of organic methods. However, Vikas has started this work with patience and dedication and he is confident that gradually seeing the results, other family members will also support him.

Need for government schemes and support

Vikas says that he has not taken advantage of any government scheme so far, but he hopes that the government will bring more schemes to promote organic farming. Organic farming can be expensive, especially when the availability of inputs is low locally. In such a situation, subsidies and awareness campaigns from the government can prove to be a big help for farmers.

Future plans

Vikas dreams of taking organic farming further by using his education and farming experience. He wants more young farmers like him to adopt organic farming and understand its beneficial techniques. They are also planning to train other farmers in the region in organic farming and make them aware of its benefits.

Farmers like Vikas Maurya give us the message that farming is not only a traditional profession but can also touch new heights through innovation and education. Organic farming is an important step towards a sustainable and prosperous future along with raising awareness about environment and health.