Over last 18 months; were able to slowly grow from 400 kg per acre/per month to >2T PA/PM and have a decent volume on our Shadnagar Farms to build Hyderabad market.
The battle for being an in-transition farm away from Chemical Farming & yet to get to Certified Organic that takes 3 years; starts taking its toll. There is no price differential from Chemical Farming to an In-Transition farm while Certified Organic is at the other high end; that’s a major disincentive to encourage farmers to shift. If our18-month efforts of being away from Chemicals-Free farming is NOT rewarded in market & it takes 3 years for getting Certified Organic stamp from Govt; it’s NOT encouraging to shift.
Despite strong promotion from PM & FM backed by Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi report on benefits of Natural Farming, the on-ground reality is a complete different story and doesn’t give confidence to shift for small holder farmer. The lack of a safety net or organized ecosystem for Natural/Organic Farming that is essentially on price discovery for growing crops Chemical-Free is still NOT available.
To avoid distress sale, enhance shelf life & explore value-addition; we have five 20-kg solar dryers and used for our in-house farm produce. With market price of Rs. 3-4 per kg for our Chemical-free tomatoes, Rs. 5-6 for okra & carrots; it’s very depressing and hence used solar dehydration for now. Second stage is find market for solar dehydrated products from leafy greens, veggies & fruits that curbs F&V wastage, enhances shelf life & most importantly helps avoid distress sale.
Hoping to find a sweet spot for our Chemical-Free | Nutrition-Rich fresh produce of 15T per month of leafy greens, veggies & fruits at Hyderabad.
Contact us info@maruthivillage.com to know more..
