Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)
Kundapur, Feb 9: Atul Kumar Shetty from Jannadi here, who cultivates areca nut and coconut, is now grabbing the eyeballs with his papaya cultivation. He hit on papaya cultivation after witnessing the rich growth of the fruit in shorter stems during his visit to the Agricultural Science Research Station, Brahmavar. He received cooperation and support from the Dharmasthala Rural Development Project. As papaya cultivation was new to this area, he received the supporting information and technical advice.
He created an 18 inches canal in a level field near his house. He filled the trench with organic compounds.to the level of the land and planted 60 seeds of Taiwan 60 variety which he brought from Brahmavar Agricultural Science Research Station. His also being a dairy farmer came handy to him and he used the manure from the cattle shed. The trees began yielding starting in the sixth month.
"Papaya cultivation relatively has less risk of diseases or insect infestation. It can be grown with a limited amount of water. During the rainy season, precautions must be taken to ensure that water is not retained at the bottom, by increasing the level of the edges. If water gets accumulated, its base rots. Wind can also play havoc. It is necessary to provide support with sticks. Papaya is a profitable venture if one can handle the monkey menace," Shetty says.
"Papaya trees start yielding in the sixth month. We can harvest the yield for up to three years. Maintenance cost is less. It can be grown even with less water. Papaya suits this kind of soil and climate and therefore its yield is good. The size of the fruit is also good, weighing about three to four kilograms each. Per kilo one gets a price of Rs 25 to 30. The fruit is very tasty and therefore customers ask for them."
Atul's wife, Susheela is a member of the Dharmasthala Rural Development Project's Jittigeshwara self help group. She has availed loan facility from the project and also grants. The couple has received information and guidance for further improving their performance in agriculture.
Atul, who has recorded good progress by cultivating papaya in a rural place, plans to further expand his horizon. Many interested farmers have visited Atul Shetty farm to practically understand it. The way he has cultivated papaya is also inspiring many other farmers to try their hands at this kind of farming.