Silvester D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Sep 29: Young people showing interest in other sectors including agriculture has become a trend now. Agriculture opens up various opportunities and those who have a long range vision can do wonders in agriculture. The success story of Ravi Poojary from Soorikodlu in Machchattu village near Amasebail in the taluk appears as an example for this success story.

Ravi Poojay belongs to a family of agriculturists. After education, he chose to become a volunteer in Dharmasthala Rural Development Project. However, agriculture was his first interest. Later, he bought an auto-rickshaw and started to operate the same at Amasebail. Having been encouraged by the thought of becoming a model farmer, he has raised areca nut plantation. He has planted Inter Mangal, Mohit Nagara species of areca nut saplings duly taking care to make sure that each of the trees are kept 8.5 feet apart and from anywhere the trees are seen in a single file. This plantation, standing by the already existing local species of areca nut garden, has been providing a beautiful sight. Because of efficient and planned maintenance and conservation, anyone who sees them will be awestruck by the richness of crop in such a hilly area.

Ravi Poojary has undertaken integrated system of farming. He has planted black pepper in the old areca plantation and also has installed honey boxes. He has grown 50 coconut trees and started cashew cultivation afresh. He also undertakes dairying and has been raising mixed breed of cows. During summer, he undertakes vegetable cultivation and raises paddy crop during kharif season. He also has vanilla, mango and papaya trees in between.

Ravi is always very busy. He has earned love and respect of the people being a auto-rickshaw driver. There are occasions on which he had to take sick people by auto rickshaw at night to distant Kundapur. He follows sprinkler irrigation and drip irrigation. Even though he has two wells, as he is aware that irrigation is very important, he has brought water from rivulet located seven km away through pipeline. He has found that insects affecting coconut trees can be kept away by keeping an electric bulb on over the open well.

Ravi says he was inspired to undertake agriculture because of his experience as a secretary of Pragatibandhiu self help group under Dharamsthala Rural Development Project. He is thankful to agricultural officer Chetan Kumar and zone supervisor Deepak, who have been supporting his effort to become a model farmer.

Ravi Poojary also has learnt the art of Bhagawathike in customary way and has a good voice. He can present Yakshagana lyrics in a beautiful way and has already won lot of appreciation in the field. He also has trained students of local school in Yakshagana.