Farmers have minds and hearts that know the pulse of the earth. Our survival depends on their hard work.
Undoubtedly it is a thrill to sit under the shade of a tree planted and nurtured by one’s own effort. It might look impossible but each one can contribute his might that can make a difference to our surroundings. In this direction, we, friars in Chippilithode, Kerala, with the vision of Justice, Peace and Integration of Creation (JPIC) are doing what we can. We have formed two InFarM (Indian Farmers Movement) groups in Chippilithode and they are actively involved in useful and meaningful engagements. If this JPIC action of planting one tree each by each member of the community is earnestly carried out, some 200 trees will bloom around our house.
Farmers club (24 men and 12 women) is functioning as self-help groups. They are still to be registered formally. The basis for forming farmers club is the awareness that they are wise and knowledgeable people, especially on matters concerning traditional farming methods. Farmers have a mind and heart, which knows the pulse of the earth. Our survival depends on their hard work. We have envisaged a number of programs to encourage and create interest in farming activities. An increasing number of farmers are pulling out of farming sector as it is not remunerative any more, especially due to damage to crops by wild animals, changing weather conditions and increased cost of production. We are trying our own innovative ways and show that it is within our power to make situation conducive. There is a small plot of land where we do experiments and trials and make corrective measures. Jack fruit plants, rambutan plants, mango, mangostin, butter fruit, bread fruit, guava, papaya, banana, ginger, pepper, coconut, nutmeg, teak etc. are planted here in the nursery. Then they are taken by farmers to be grown in their fields. It is mainly to stop land erosion and may be after fifty years or so there will be timber for future buildings! That is a silent transformation/revolution I want to bring about. A success story is that the jack plant taken from our nursery by a farmer has already started yielding fruits. Jack trees in the friary compound are expected to bear fruits next year. Plants are distributed to people, and they plant them in their garden as per instructions. Regular and close follow up study and evaluation is done.
It is found out that the oldest tree in India is a Mulberry tree. This tree is said to be more than 1200 years old. This is found in Joshmutt valley of Uttarkhant. Shankaracharya, who brought about reform and renewal in Hinduism said to have meditated under this mulberry tree. Seeing our passion to grow mulberry around the friary, a friend presented us a Brazilian mulberry plant. We have plans of grafting mulberry and distributing them to farmers. Birds and children will have sweet mulberry at their hands reach. This will also pave way to stopping land erosion and land sliding and thus provide stability and sustainability to eco system.
Self–help group for women aim at Self-employment and income generating programs. Activities include making jackfruit chips, pickles, Indian sweets, herbal medicines, mushroom cultivation, and selling them. Finding market for their products is still a challenge. Women coming together, sharing their life problems and vision with one another is in itself a great thing. This venture is a platform for this and can generate additional income for the family. Dr Swaminathan, the father of Green Revolution in India says, 'development should be measured on how much was able to give to those who have nothing than how much more is given to those who already have.'
Bee keeping venture functioning well. This year we intend to strengthen the group of ‘beekeepers’ and double the number of beekeepers. Towards this goal training program was conducted. This is the time to split beehives and make new hives. We have already given beehives to five new farmers (complete set – a bee box with bee hives mounted on a stand). There are few more farmers who have undergone training. We will be providing them beehives in the near future. These farmers rear bees not on a commercial basis but to produce honey for own use. They do get some extra income by sale of honey too. Guarantied pure honey has great demand and is ideal gift for relatives and friends. This makes it attractive for others to get involved in bee keeping. Our motto is to make family life ever sweeter and healthier. More over honey is an integral part of any Ayurveda medicine. Fear of getting stung by bees has now given way to an interest of loving and caring for bees.
There is no limit to our dreams, We wish to have more land to take these types of work forward to create a model farm and farmers can come and cultivate vegetables and fruits for their needs.
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