VILLAGE NEWS
Amma has blessed seedlings from the second crop of organic rice our farmer’s group in Sadivayal, Tamil Nadu is growing. This week, two of the members brought her some of the first results so Amma could assess what is happening.
“Last year we showed Amma the first results of crop, and we got a very good yield,” says Rangaswami. “Last year we did 35 acres of organic rice. This year we are doing 40 and we are even more confident.”
Rangaswami adds with a big smile, “Today Amma gave us a big encouragement. When we told her our plans, she danced in her chair!”
Vallingiri is another farmer from Sadivayal who came for the visit with Amma. “Getting Amma’s darshan, we are very confident,” he says. “We can do much more.”
There has been one challenge so far this season. Some wild pigs came and destroyed about two acres of sprouting seeds. The farmers, though, are not worried, as their seedlings are now growing well and they can replant there.
“If we get extra seedlings, we will give to our neighbouring farmers too,” says Rangaswami. “They also had a lot of their seedlings destroyed by the pigs. We can share.”
Sreeni K.R. is Amrita SeRVe’s village coordinator in Sadivayal, He explained that government officials are now visiting Sadivayal every week to monitor and support what is happening with the organic farming.
“For example, an official from the state forestry department came this week and said that trenches will be built to protect the farmland from wild elephants,” says Sreeni. “Meanwhile, panchayat officials have come to check on the village’s two bore wells and will begin repairs of damage that started ten years ago.”
The Sadivayal farmers group is also holding sessions with neighbouring villages to share with them what they have learned about how organic farming works and the positive impact it has on health and the environment.
“Our hope is that all will begin this practice,” says Rangaswami.