by Vinayak Lokur
A sustainable agricultural life is ideally lived on a self-sufficient and local farm, where the farmer adds continually to the health of the soil by closely mimicking the ways of forest in nature & minimizing physical farming inputs from outside the farm.
Shri Kallapa says a lot has been said about the importance of cow, its products and benefit to the environment. However, unless it is demonstrated and proven, not many pay attention to the fact. Knowing the current situation of the farmers and the challenges they face, Shri. Kallapa Tarale decided to make a model “Back Yard” farm in the 1.5 Gunta land behind his house & raise multiple vegetables using Cow products. He wants many to take inspiration, do away with commercial farming & reap the direct & indirect benefits of Organic Vegetation.
An ardent devotee of Iskon, Kallapa says, self-reliance comes from using the cow-dung as a source of fuel, bio-gas, clean energy, and organic manure; cow-urine as bio-pesticide. Cow dung is a valuable by-product and has multifarious uses. It keeps the environment free from pollution, clears the air of germs and does not allow any radiation effect. It turns rotting vegetation from spoiling and turns it into compost. Covering of seeds with dung before sowing improves their germination.
In agriculture, cow urine is a valuable bio-pesticide, and unlike the chemical pesticides, it doesn’t accumulate in the food chain. Also, it prevents the possible health hazards to human beings, which would otherwise be caused due to chemical fertilizers.
This is the second season he has taken the crop. The crops include Turmeric, Fenugreek (Methi), Raddish (Mula), Lady’s finger (Bhendi), Cabbage, Cauliflower, Navalkol, Red Leaf vegetable (Lal Bhaji), Brinjal, Chilli, Tomato & Coriander. In addition, he also grows Cucumber, Drum Stick, Pumpkin & Ridge gourd (Dodki).
He said initially after planting the seeds/saplings he sprayed Gomutra & Gobar Gas Slurry 3 to 4 times with 4 days gap. The spray of a mixture of Gomutra boiled with Neem leaves, Lal Mirch powder, Hari Mirch Powder & Buttermilk (old) ensure the crop will not be affected by any bugs (Diseases).
He says the cow on the farm makes the farm pure & takes one close to nature. It is important to maintain the health of the self and the motherland (soil). By use of Gomutra spray, the weed doesn’t come-up & every inch of the farm is used.
In the last month about 350 to 400 people from nearby towns/villages, including people from Agriculture universities, have visited the farm to study the concept. Kallapa was proud to say that he was able to prove to the people from Agriculture university Dharwad that one can grow crops without fertilizers and pesticides, just due to the power of Go-Mata & that they were also surprised at the fascinating results & quality of the crop.
Shri Kallapa has been the recipient of Karnatak Rajya Vibhushana Prashasti Puraskar for his noble work on Cow-research, Gomay Paint, Medicines from cow products, Gomay Adhyatmik Sheti (farming) & Iskon Adhyatmik Bhakti.
The Shree Mata Society Ganesh Mandal has recently rewarded him for his efforts with Krishi Ratna Puraskar. His cow was recognised as the best cow by Guru Siddheshwar Mutt, Kadoli last year. He has also received several other accolades for his innovation in Gomay Paint
A handicraft artist (wooden door frame carving) by profession, Kallapa is associated with Go-Seva for the last 10 years & wants to dedicate his time to encourage masses to realise the unmatched significance of this “Holy Gift of God” to our life.
I was fortunate to witness the success story today along-with my family & Shri Abhay Mutalik Desai, who is also a recipient of the prestigious Dharati Mitra Award & Mr. Satish Nilajkar.
I am sure if everyone takes inspiration from such proven initiatives, it would not only make one self-sufficient but also would be an invigorating experience!
Congratulations
Good move ………………..God Bless