Jatin Sonowal, a 45-year-old farmer from Silapathar in Assam, lives with his wife, son, and parents. He cultivates betel leaves on a small one-bigha plot using organic methods, earning a profit of 3 lakhs last year. Alongside his betel leaf farm, Jatin also owns a 15-bigha rice field, which he grows primarily for his family’s consumption. He has set up bamboo poles to support the betel leaf climbers and is keen to share the Indigenous Technological Knowledge (ITK) that has played a significant role in improving his betel leaf production.
Techniques Used for Successful Betel Leaf Cultivation
As an expert in betel leaf cultivation, Jatin Sonowal shares some critical tips that have helped him achieve success. He stresses the importance of selecting the right bamboo for the poles, advising that slippery bamboos should be avoided as they don’t allow the climbers to adhere properly, which could eventually cause the plants to die.
Instead, he recommends using bamboo with a rough or dry texture, as these give the betel leaf climbers better grip, allowing them to grow more effectively. Jatin also highlights the importance of soil quality, mentioning that the land should have a sandy loam texture and be free from waterlogging, as excess water can lead to the death of the plants.
When it comes to spacing, Jatin advises against the common mistake of planting poles too closely together, as this does not necessarily result in higher production. He recommends installing poles at least 3 feet apart to allow ample space for the climbers to spread out and produce dense foliage. Crowding the plants too closely together can lead to lush growth at the top and bottom of the climbers, but it may result in sparse foliage in the middle areas, thereby limiting overall production.
Natural and Organic Pest Management Practices
Jatin is a strong proponent of organic farming methods, relying on natural fertilizers such as vermicompost and cow dung to nourish his betel leaf plants. When dealing with pest outbreaks, he avoids chemical pesticides, instead opting for natural solutions like lime water sprays and the smoke of hay and stubble, both of which are traditional, yet highly effective, methods for keeping pests at bay. Jatin also emphasizes the importance of vigilant observation and timely intervention to reduce the likelihood of significant pest infestations.
Irrigation Challenges and Reliance on Natural Water Sources
One of the biggest challenges Jatin faces in his betel leaf farming is the lack of reliable irrigation. Since he does not have any infrastructure in place for artificial irrigation, he relies entirely on natural rainfall to water his plants. However, this becomes a significant problem during periods of prolonged dry spells when the nearby ponds, which he also depends on for water, dry up. This lack of water supply poses a considerable risk to his betel leaf cultivation, as the plants require a consistent and adequate water source to thrive.
Market Insights and Profitability of Betel Leaf Farming
Jatin Sonowal's annual profit from cultivating betel leaves on just one bigha of land amounts to 3 lakhs after accounting for his input costs. He sells his betel leaves at a retail rate of 25-30 rupees per 20 leaves, while in the wholesale market, he receives 20-22 rupees for the same quantity. However, Jatin notes that his earnings are sometimes affected by natural calamities, which can reduce the quality of the betel leaves and consequently limit the prices he desires in the market.
Future Plans: Expanding Betel Leaf Cultivation
This year, Jatin plans to expand his betel leaf plantation by another bigha, and he has already begun preparing the land for the upcoming cultivation season. He intends to complete planting the cuttings by April, as the period from February to April is considered ideal for planting to achieve maximum foliage.
Jatin’s approach to betel leaf cultivation, using organic and natural farming methods while incorporating Indigenous Technological Knowledge (ITK) sets a powerful example for sustainable agricultural practices. Reflecting on the negative environmental impacts of chemical usage, Jatin has made a personal commitment not to use chemical fertilizers in both his betel leaf and rice cultivation.
His dedication to sustainable farming practices and his willingness to contribute to a healthier planet show that we need more farmers like Jatin, who are committed to improving agriculture in an eco-friendly and sustainable way.
