Mandkola’s sugarcane is renowned across India for its sweetness. The secret behind this distinctive sweetness lies in the quality of the water and the natural farming techniques employed. Unlike other regions where sugarcane is often grown with canal water and chemicals, which impact both taste and yield, Mandkola farmers use tube well water and organic farming methods that lead to high yield and sweetness of the crop.
Sugarcane Delight of Mandkola
Mediram is among the farmers who only grow sugarcane as well as a variety of vegetables and other crops like okra, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, mung beans, corn, sorghum, and millet. He says, “This diversification reduces the risk but also ensures a steady income throughout the year”.
Speaking about the cultivation practices followed in Mandkola, Mediram says, “The farmers of Mandkola have shunned chemical fertilizers and pesticides, opting instead for natural alternatives that keep the soil healthy and the crops robust. This commitment to organic farming is a key factor in the superior quality of their sugarcane”.
History and More
Sugarcane in Mediram's fields stands out in the market for its taste and quality due to its irrigation with pure tube well water. Mediram says, “Earlier I relied on traditional irrigation methods, using a Persian wheel to draw water from wells. However, this labor-intensive process took about eight days to irrigate the fields. To combat this issue I decided to move towards more efficient methods and that was installing tube wells.”
His idea was further developed when the government provided electricity to the fields, enabling Mediram to install tube wells. He also secured a loan of approximately 2600-2700 rupees from the government. This significantly reduced the time and effort required for irrigation, allowing for more extensive and productive farming.
Impressively, the impact of Mediram’s success extends beyond his fields. As more farmers adopt his methods, the entire community is benefiting. The increase in productivity and profitability has brought prosperity to Mandkola, with better living standards and increased opportunities for the local population. The government’s encouragement and support played a crucial role in this transition.
Embracing Change
Mediram recalls the days when wheat bread was a rarity in his home, reserved only for special occasions due to the scarcity of wheat in the region. Instead, they relied on bread made from gram and coarse grains. Today, these grains are less common, as modern dietary preferences have shifted.
Despite these changes, Mediram’s approach to farming remains rooted in tradition while embracing modern techniques. He further encourages fellow farmers to move away from traditional crops with low profitability and high risk of diseases, like gram, to more lucrative and resilient alternatives.
