Daijiworld Media Network - Belagavi (SP)

Belagavi, Nov 10: In recent years, people have been distancing from undertaking farming. Many are of the opinion that men alone can undertake agriculture. But a woman here has indulged in farming and has earned the title of being an agricultural expert. She earns on par with software engineers. Her achievements are such that they have the power to attract people who have settled in cities to return to their roots. She is Prema, originally from Sunadholi village in Mudalagi taluk, Belagavi district.

Prema is into agriculture from the last 12 years and has achieved expertise in an integrated method of farming.

Prema grows sugarcane, banana, sapota, and other crops and her monthly income matches well with those of software engineers. She studied up to the fifth standard and married her maternal uncle's son when she was very young. She has two specially-abled children. Prema initially was totally devastated at the situation her children were in but came out of depression after a lot of struggles.

Her family members, concerned by her condition, had inspired her to do some work. As her education was meagre, she had no option of bagging a good job. She chose agriculture. During the last 12 years, her sincerity has taught her so much that she now visits agricultural universities and trains farmers about agriculture. Students pursuing degrees in agriculture from Dharwad, Bagalkot and Vijayapura visit her farm to practically learn the nuances of farming. Prema's mother, Gangamma, says that her daughter's achievements have made her happy and proud.

Prema never uses chemical insecticide. She wholly relies on agriculture based on 'Jeevamrutha', an organic concoction, for raising crops. She has become successful in integrated farming and has bagged several awards.

Prema has been providing information to hundreds of women from her organization and helping them to grow and become like her. She is a living example to prove that hard work can tide over problems in life and anything is possible if one is determined.