Gandakasala is ready for harvest, albeit 2 weeks behind schedule! A soil spoiled by nitrogen fertilizers needs time to recover and as expected, our yield is also much lower than what long-time organic farmers get. We expect about 15% crop loss due to erratic rains. But, many in the neighbourhood lost their entire crops. This only goes to show that Native varieties are the most simplest and best suited for our climatic conditions.

Since no mechanisation will be used, the harvest is expected to be more time consuming and that also translates to more cost.

Garudan samba, being a longer period crop, will be harvest in a couple more weeks.

Use native varieties of organic rice.

Record inputs costs viz

Use branches amidst the fields to attract birds

Organic pesticides

Process everything into rice, no polishing

return husk to soil

Home needs

Seeds for next cycle

There are over 10 varieties of samba native rice

Organic food has three broad principles

Plant trees for long term build-up of a eco-system involving birds, reptiles and other elements that keep pests in control

In the interim, stick 6-8 ft tall tree branches on the Varappu and in a few areas in the center of the paddy field. This will allow birds to catch insects more effectively.

Lots of varieties of other even seasonal grains must be broadcasted; Try to think “increasing biomass” than “yield”.

Given 1.5 acres total, split into meal needs + tiffin needs for a wholesome diet

vellai ponni for meal needs; Gandagasaala for tiffin

How much to grow? Thumb rule: 30 kg / acre; But it depends on understanding your soil / eco-system conditions; I typically sow much less; When you begin, there would be a lot of work to be done

Varies by variety; details when we meet

Almost the same for all; One just needs to know what to expect - for instance, Karunkuruvai will turn black but insect laden 'hybrid' varieties turn black.

Collect as much green manure as you can, outgrowth from the road side and soak in moderate quantities of water held in the land; Let it rot and decompose over the period of seedling growth; Plough a little bit before casting seeds

Cow dung + cow urine + jaggery is an excellent way to get the microbial life kick started. Same treatment as above can be done for cow manure too

Roughly 15 tonnes of biomass must be added per acre for an average modern-style farmed land that needs repair; If you grew a plant and it failed, think “I added biomass” than “I lost my crop”.

This method builds long term stability - stop thinking like the central agencies that plan our “food production” with growth based goals.

Already mentioned some aspects; We can talk about the details once we get there.