Enabling Farmers’ Capacity for
Millet Farming in Niwari

In Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, farmers have to depend on rainfall for their farming, and there are no arrangements of green fodder for landless farmers. During the summer months, with acute water scarcity, it becomes difficult for them to procure fodder for the cattle. As a result, milk production falls during summers.

Is there a way out? Hydroponics technology can be helpful in such circumstances. So, Development Alternatives provided them resources for hydroponics to produce green fodder. One unit consisted of seven trays (for seven days of the week) and one stand. The outcome was that 5 kg of fodder could be produced every day, and the milk production increased by 2 litres even during the summer months, as the health of the cattle improved with fresh, green fodder. Appreciating the benefits of this technique, farmers are adopting it quickly.

Each unit of the hydroponic kit had (1) seven trays, costing approximately Rs 4,250, which would run for three years, (2) 3.5 kg seeds of maize for a seven-day cycle, costing Rs 35, and 2-3 litres of water per day that can cost Rs 5. This gives an output of about 5-6 kg fodder per week.

The organization also provided milk-giving cattle to landless farmers at 30% cost under the TDF NABARD WADI Phase 1.

To put this experience in writing, an activity was held in April 2021 on the theme of ‘Enabling farmer’s capacity for production of millet farming in Niwari’, under a Marico India project. A hundred people participated in it – 52 women and 48 men – at Paraha Piparkhad, Chopan, in Sonbhadra district. It was supported by TDF NABARD WADI Phase 1. The participants were asked in advance to prepare a write-up of about 550-600 words and also provide photos.■

Lalit Kumar Gangwar
lkgangwar@devalt.org