Despite advancements in food production in India, persistent food shortages prevail due to the continuous rise in population. Therefore, there is a crucial need for a shift towards more productive and prosperous farming practices among those involved in agriculture. To make farming profitable, there are two key strategies – increasing production and reducing costs. To control the cost of agriculture, essential inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, crop protection chemicals, and irrigation systems should be used judiciously through balanced and modern methods. Utilizing each agricultural component at the right time and in the right manner, while preventing wastage, is essential to making farming profitable.
The saying, 'As you sow, so shall you reap,' holds true in agriculture, emphasizing the critical role of seeds in ensuring prosperous farming. It is essential to use certified superior seeds for crops, fruits, and vegetables, possessing characteristics such as high yield potential, adaptability to irrigated and drought-affected areas, and resistance to diseases. While these seeds may come at a slightly higher cost, their utilization significantly boosts productivity and quality. Investing approximately 10 to 15 percent of the total cost in seeds is crucial for obtaining a good harvest. It is imperative to choose advanced varieties and provide favorable conditions for their growth to achieve optimal results.
If the field is not leveled properly, seed germination and plant development may be adversely affected. Zero tillage is a method where the farmer does not plow the entire field from scratch but rather sows seeds on the same field after harvesting the previous crop. This technique not only saves the farmer expenses on diesel, time, and labor but also preserves essential nutrients, moisture, and beneficial microorganisms in the soil. Early planting through this method provides an excellent medium for seed germination while controlling weed growth. Additionally, it helps in reducing expenses and maintaining the natural structure of the soil, crucial for soil conservation and environmental protection.
The correct application of fertilizers in crucial stages of crop development is essential. Farmers should conduct soil tests and use fertilizers in balanced quantities as recommended to minimize costs. Techniques such as controlled-release fertilizers (CRF), which assist in providing the required amount of nitrogen to the crops, can be beneficial. Similarly, the use of phosphorus solubilizing bacteria can enhance the capacity of phosphorus, ensuring the right balance of fertilizers. Indiscriminate use of nitrogen-enriched fertilizers not only leads to soil water pollution but also adversely affects the ozone layer, which protects us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
Utilizing Organic Fertilizers: Following the Green Revolution, the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers has gradually diminished soil fertility, significantly impacting productivity. Now is the time for farmers to shift their focus back to organic fertilizers. For instance, farmers can use dung cakes made from cow dung as a fuel source, and after using it in the form of biogas, the residue can be employed as organic fertilizer for even better results. Organic fertilizers like manure from cow dung, compost, or vermicompost have proven to be beneficial for the soil. In addition, the use of microbial cultures (rhizobium) or azotobacter enhances crop yield. Organic fertilizers are not only cost-effective but also provide more significant benefits compared to their chemical counterparts. After harvesting the crop, farmers often burn the leftover residues in the field, leading to the loss of valuable nutrients and beneficial microorganisms in the soil, contributing to pollution. Instead, farmers should plow the field once after crop harvesting, incorporating the leftover residues into the soil to improve nutrient content and promote the right moisture levels. This practice contrasts with burning residues, as it helps in the proper decomposition of the residues through adequate moisture in the soil, ensuring a more sustainable and nutrient-rich environment for the next crop.
Use green manure on crops: Green manures are those crops which are planted between two crops and grow very fast. These crops not only increase the nutrients in the soil but their use also prevents soil erosion, reduces water leakage, improves soil structure and helps in moisture storage. Joe, leguminous crops, sage etc. can be used as green manure.
Adopting Intercropping and Advanced Irrigation Techniques: Intercropping refers to the practice of cultivating two or more crops in the same field simultaneously. This method, known as intercropping, brings several benefits, including increased income per unit of land, protection against losses in one crop by another, and enhanced nutrient uptake from the soil. Farmers can make agriculture more profitable by intercropping crops like chickpeas, lentils, and pigeon peas along with main crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and cotton. The utilization of advanced irrigation tools allows farmers to save time, labor, and water. This, in turn, promotes better plant development. Employing techniques such as alternate furrow irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, and using technologies like barrier (mulch) between crop rows can significantly enhance the efficiency of irrigation. These practices contribute to water conservation, reduced labor efforts, and improved crop yields.
Adopting Plant Conservation and Integrated Farming: In this approach, the goal is not complete eradication of pests, but rather maintaining them at a level that prevents them from causing significant damage. This system not only reduces agricultural costs but also ensures environmentally sustainable practices. To control pests, practices like organic farming, using beneficial insects and predators, and applying fungi and viruses harmful to pests are employed. In addition to these methods, the use of neem, asafoetida, garlic, intercropping, traps, and light traps are alternative means to reduce costs and increase productivity. This kind of system not only includes agricultural production but also integrates animal husbandry, fish farming, forestry, sericulture, etc. Integrated farming benefits farmers by eliminating the need to purchase fertilizers and fodder since these resources are generated through their agricultural activities. Timely Harvesting, Proper Grading, and Storage Harvesting crops at the right time ensures that they are properly ripened, fetching good market prices and saving the farmer's efforts and costs in drying and preserving. Farmers can enhance their earnings by grading and selling their produce in various categories. Improper storage can lead to a decrease in the quality of the product, and as a result, it may not command a favorable market price.
Agricultural Technology and Pure Farming: Precision farming is security management based on the use of satellite, computers, mobile and other information technology devices. For its use, one can get correct information about the correct amount of nutrients and the prescribed time. With this we can experiment with industries and other partners.
Crop Insurance: Agriculture in India is often affected by natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and other calamities, significantly impacting the farmers' crops. Crop insurance provides a viable solution to compensate for losses incurred due to natural reasons. With crop insurance, farmers can also experiment with new crop varieties and agricultural techniques, as the associated risks are covered by insurance. Crop insurance is essential for safeguarding farmers from natural disasters, ensuring their protection, and securing their eligibility for credit in the upcoming seasons. To fulfill this purpose, the Indian government has initiated various agricultural schemes nationwide, such as the Comprehensive Crop Insurance Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Agricultural Income Insurance Scheme, National Agricultural Insurance Scheme, and more.
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