Organic Farming in Action: Hands-On Training, Soil Care, and Sustainable Practices

 Introduction:

Organic farming isn’t just a method—it’s a journey back to the roots of agriculture, where soil health, seed quality, and sustainable practices matter as much as the harvest itself. At Organic Mandya, we invite trainees, enthusiasts, and farmers to experience hands-on organic farming, learning techniques that benefit both the land and the community. From understanding soil quality to preparing traditional millet-based meals, every step in organic farming teaches valuable lessons about sustainability, nutrition, and teamwork.

1. Preparing for the Field: Understanding Soil and Seeds

Before getting hands dirty, the trainees were briefed on the importance of soil. Overuse of chemicals has spoiled many farmlands, but red soil offers an ideal mix of sand and nutrients for vegetables and leafy greens.

“The more you protect the soil, the more it protects you in return.”

Seed selection is equally critical. Fake seeds can ruin months of effort. Using organic manure and Jeevamrutha ensures natural NPK enrichment and healthier plants.

2. Ploughing and Deweeding: The First Step

The group worked on a 2.5-acre plot, previously used for ragi cultivation. Ploughing helped loosen the soil, and weeds were handpicked carefully.

• Bhoomi team focused on one side of the field
  

• Sanjeevini team managed the other side
  
  

Weeds like “kollare” were identified as dangerous since incomplete removal allows hundreds to regrow. Straight lines were maintained for efficient deweeding.

“Removing weeds is a heinous task, but when a farmer sees his land weed-free, it brings a unique kind of happiness.”

3. Harvesting Firewood and Village Life

After hard work, trainees collected dried sticks for cooking. This not only prepared them for communal cooking but emphasized safety and sustainability—avoiding forest encroachment and using only fallen branches.

“The best part of village life is eating food in a group. After a hard-earned day, eating together is blissful.”

4. Cooking with Organic Ingredients: Millet Bisibelebath

Instead of rice, millets were used for bisibelebath-a low glycemic, fiber-rich dish suitable for people with diabetes.

Ingredients used:

• Crystal sea salt
  

• Millets
  

• Mustard seeds
  

• Tamarind and jaggery
  

• Cold-pressed groundnut oil
  

• Organic vegetables
  

Cooking with firewood added a smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional methods. Trainees also learned innovative techniques, like using activated charcoal from cooking as a natural cleaning agent and compost.

5. Lessons in Sustainability

• Soil enrichment using organic manure
  

• Seed quality monitoring
  

• Hands-on deweeding and ploughing
  

• Firewood-based cooking and zero-waste practices
  

• Using cooking by-products as natural compost
  

These practices are designed to enhance the yield while keeping the environment safe and sustainable.

Final Thoughts:

Organic farming is more than cultivating crops-it’s a holistic approach to life. Through hands-on experience, trainees learned how careful soil management, proper seed selection, and traditional methods like millet cooking can improve health, sustain the land, and build a self-reliant community. By returning to the roots of agriculture, Organic Mandya empowers farmers and trainees to grow crops that are both profitable and environmentally responsible.

“The more you nurture your land organically, the more it nurtures you in return.”