Mayurbhanj: Bibhuti Bhusan Behera, 38, earns his livelihood through agriculture, horticulture, livestock rearing and mushroom cultivation. Like many other farmers of his village, he used to follow the traditional methods of farming.
“Fertiliser application and managing pest and disease attack was always a challenge. I would end up getting cheated by the local fertiliser and pesticide dealer. There was no one to guide me in the right farming practices, said Behera.
However, his life turned around for the better when he came across experts from Reliance Foundation. They gave him guidance on organic farming and how to avoid using chemical fertilisers and pesticides in the cultivation process.
Following their advice, he collected raw cow dung, cow urine and ash. He stored them together for a fortnight and used it as manure thereafter. For pest and disease control, he started using neem, bel and tulsi leaf juice.
The rice and vegetable which he produces using this method are very nutritious. What is more, they are produced with a low input cost expenditure.
Behera got to know about RF from Samaj newspaper about five years back. Then he started taking advice through the RF helpline and participating in digital programmes on a regular basis.
“I always prefer calling the helpline 18004198800 to speak with Reliance Foundation experts rather than going to Govt. officials for getting a solution on agricultural issues because if you go to the department office with an issue there are chances of their being busy or not available in the office at that time. But RF personnel provide an instant solution,” Behera said.
“One can even call them while working in the field and rest assured, they provide an instant solution. I like this selfless welfare service, which works in an innovative way. Their experts are very supportive and cooperative and provide a solution that a farmer can understand very easily,” he added.
Behera is also a successful mushroom farmer in his block. Although he trained at OUAT for this, he takes technical guidance like mushroom straw selection and bed infection treatment from Reliance Foundation. He earns Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 from mushroom farming for 10 months. He cultivates paddy in 2.5 acres using the organic process. Last Kharif season, besides house consumption he sold 33 quintals out of 50 quintals of paddy in LAMPS of his area. He grows brinjal, cauliflower, tomato, guava and pumpkin using organic farming for his family’s consumption.
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