Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (MS)

Puttur, Jan 28: Sathish and Timmappa Gowda of Balnadu village in the taluk have made their livelihood through vegetable farming. They grow spinach, ladies finger, cucumber, beans, ridge gourd etc and supply to the local market.

The duo used to grow vegetables in their own land earlier. Now they have taken the land for lease and are growing vegetables there. From the past 15 years they are into this farming and have made good profit. In the two acre land which they have taken on lease, they have earned Rs 10 lac by growing around nine type of vegetables.

Sathish says, "It is natural to come across obstacles when we get to vegetable farming. Inexperience in growing the vegetables also is the reason for this. Sometime natural calamities also destroy the crop. However, if one has dedication and interest the loss can be recovered. Only by sowing the seed the job of a farmer is not over. The plants should be observed very minutely as we take care of our children. When pests attack the plant they should be removed in time. Then the yield will be bountiful. It will make way for a living too."

There is great demand for the vegetables that are grown by this young duo. Many people from throughout the district and neighbouring state of Kerala arrive at their farm and take vegetables directly. Mostly organic manure is used in the production of vegetables. Only sometimes to prevent the insects, chemicals are used. The duo is expecting an average income of Rs 10 lac per year. Already they have sold 40 quintal aubergine, 35 quintal cucumber and 25 quintal gherkin. They are expecting more harvest in coming months.

These youths have shown how agriculture can be profitable to those agriculturists who say that nowadays farming is not profitable.