Learning's from Farming

 The pandemic has wreaked havoc on life as we knew. But at the same time, it has taught us to seek contentment in the smallest of things. We have learned to appreciate and to be grateful for the things that really matter. Although I understand, in this tsunami all are not in the same boat as some have a ship, some have a yacht, some have a boat or some are just staying afloat on a plank. But believe me, you are privileged enough if you made it safe and sound this far.

Confined in our places, we have found new hobbies and things to do. Not just for the gram but engaging in activities that interest you will keep your spirits up in these unprecedented times. One such activity our family started is farming. Fortunately, at our new place in Mysore, we had land to spare which was unused for many years and manure from accumulated leaves and weed was an added advantage. The idea was to make ourselves self-sufficient in vegetables. At first, it seemed pretty challenging as we are no skilled farmers or agriculturists. Still anyhow, we started with our limited knowledge from YouTube and plowed the land to prepare beds for planting. Tomato, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Chillies, Eggplant, and Okra was the first set planted in mid-February. We tried using water judiciously and installed sprinklers as well. Mulching with uprooted weeds also aided to reduce moisture loss from soil.

Plants require adequate moisture, warmth, and humidity level during the initial germination stage which is fulfilled by a greenhouse chamber. But instead, we devised our own jugaad and used transparent plastic bottles as a little greenhouse chamber, added holes to it and it worked perfectly well to give more than 90 percent germination rate. We watered, de-weeded, sprayed insecticide, and took care of the plant every day. It was just in a matter of two months, we tasted our homegrown tomatoes, and guess what they tasted juicy sweet of success and hard work.

With the arriving monsoon, we are now preparing for the next planting season. This time, we started with climber plants such as bottle gourd, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, pumpkins and spinach (red and green), and French beans. The saplings are growing and watering them is a morning and evening routine for us. Walking through the garden, inspecting each plant for progress does give a feeling of contentment, and the joy of harvesting and foraging food every morning is pure bliss.

Plants are as much alive as humans. Indeed, a lot can be learned from them like all seeds and plants don’t grow at the same pace. Keep looking out for them and they will flourish like no other. Just don’t lose hope. Once the fruits are ripe enough, the plants drop them before it starts rotting. The same goes for us too. Once matured, parents should leave the kids to be their own responsibility. When the storm comes, only the flexible/adaptable ones and the ones with strong roots survive. Utilizing your resources wisely as, during the hot summer days, the stomata in plant leaves reduces to prevent water loss. The creepers and climbers have their own stories to tell. They grab on to any possible support or opportunity in the vicinity to flourish. And when it rains, all these plants are dancing and singing, thanking almighty for this wonderful life.

Another, learning from our attempt at farming is that it made us value the importance of farmers. They are the backbone of the nation. They grow their crops with the utmost care, like their own child but the sad reality is they are not paid enough for the produce; not even sufficient to meet break-even point. Just as the farmers we too spent enough resources to develop our kitchen garden; probably five times the vegetables could have been purchased from the market for that amount. Nevertheless, learning’s from farming is of much value and it is a great way to digital detoxification.

Anupama Shaw