In India, agriculture has always been the epicenter and the steering wheel of the economy. Since independence, India has been an agrarian economy and we have sought to give a great boost to farmers and farming. Even in today’s world, farming happens to be one of the most rewarding professions. Nothing is more crucial to a farmer’s work than the right tools to improve one’s yield. While there are many dimensions, aspects and factors that determine one’s yield, there are always guidelines one can follow for a grand harvest. Here are some quick and handy tips to make the best use of resources and increase produce:
1. Managing one’s cash flow: It’s very important to have a firm grip on every aspect of the costs involved, including income and expenditure. Keep all your receipts, invoices and all other relevant documents related to income and expenditure on your farm and record every expense pertaining to the resources to maintain the same. This is extremely essential to track your financial progress and understand various expenses to ensure a good yield. Additionally, through this one can also track which months have the highest income and adjust cashflows accordingly.
2. Planning & Research: Farming is an extremely fulfilling profession, but requires thorough planning and execution, coupled with research. It is important to research the latest trends, scientific methods, as well as boosters that can help give a boost to one’s farm. Everything right from soil measurement, to the right amount of fertilizers or manure must be ensured for the best results. The key to succeeding in farming is to realize that it is ultimately an operational business with several processes, not just a financial opportunity.
3. Optimal utilization of conditions for yield: Healthy growth of crops is directly linked to healthy atmospheric conditions. Proper utilization of natural resources such as air, water,soil, nutrients helps in growing quality crops. Most of the farmers rely on the ecosystem which is a better practice for growing healthy crops.
4. Ensure proper water drainage: Water management is one of the most crucial factors that contribute to and ensure essential crop survival. It plays an integral role in maximizing While it is imperative that enough watering of the field is done, overwatering has to be studiously prevented. Developing a drainage system in the field can help prevent waterlogging and salinization of the soil, resulting in soil conservation. It also prevents from the land becoming barren and unsuitable for cultivation.
5. Building a strong network of long-lasting relationships with other stakeholders in the agricultural sector: Like any other field of work, it is always essential to maintain a strong set of relationships with people who work in every sub field in the agricultural sector. It is a healthy practice to have a network of relationships with vendors, agricultural researchers, other farmers, as well as with suppliers of raw materials such as seeds, fertilizers and farm equipment. It is a crucial aspect of knowing the latest developments in one’s line of work and can really help extend and build one’s expertise further. It also helps one get a firm grip of the job, as well as help build connect to expand and grow one’s reach. Mutual trust between various stakeholders can really boost farming endeavor as a whole. Relationships take time and effort to develop, but they always are fruitful in the long run.
6. Weed early and often: Weeds are a major drawback and obstacle for a lot of farm lands, and if not tackled early on they can compromise your yields and field. Weeds are invasive and siphon nutrients away from the crops you are trying to grow. Weeds must be taken off and dealt with as early and often as possible. One must frequently and actively scout the fields, as it gives you the opportunity to see if any weeds are cropping up. This will help get rid of the problem before it becomes major or unstoppable.
7. Intercrop to protect soil and generate more income: Soil erosion is another major issue that can largely reduce yield in successive croppings. An effective and proactive method to curb this menace is switching from mono-cropping to modern and traditional inter-cropping, permaculture and agro-forestry. Intercropping also reduces dependence on a single season, single crop income for the farmer. It allows the farmer to generate income in non-seasonal periods.
These are some tips that can come in handy for every type of soil and crop. While the world depends on the farmer for food, farmers depend on the produce our fields provide. Hence, it is always a great idea to do one’s best to take proactive steps to ensure the same and reap the rewards of a great harvest.
Author: - Rajiv Kumar, Head- Agri Sales (Domestic Business), BKT
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