Potato Cultivation in Dona Eco Farms:
At Dona Eco Farms, we believe in cultivating diversity to enhance productivity and ensure the proper utilization of nutrients in the soil. This approach has been at the core of our farming practices since the farm’s inception. It is one of the ways we maintain a sustainable, balanced ecosystem on the farm while trying new crops each season. Last year, for the first time, we embarked on a journey of potato cultivation during the Kharif season.
Located in Koraput, a picturesque region in Odisha, Dona Eco Farms is blessed with a unique climate and soil conditions that make potato cultivation during the rainy season possible. While potato is traditionally a Rabi crop grown in winter, the farmers in Koraput have long recognized the potential for growing potatoes during the Kharif season as well. It’s not a widely known fact, but the climatic and soil conditions in Koraput are ideal for potato cultivation even during the monsoons. Last year, we decided to take the leap and grow potatoes organically, inspired by our commitment to sustainable agriculture and the desire to explore new opportunities.
Selection of Seed and Organic Treatment:
One of the first and most crucial steps in potato cultivation is selecting high-quality seed material. We took great care in choosing the best quality potato seeds, ensuring that they were disease-free and capable of yielding a good crop. Once the seeds were selected, we carried out a treatment using Trichoderma viride, a naturally occurring fungus known for its ability to control soil-borne diseases. This organic treatment ensured that the seeds would be protected from fungal infections and would grow into healthy plants.
Our approach to farming at Dona Eco Farms is always organic, and this potato crop was no exception. We believe in nourishing the soil and plants using natural methods, avoiding harmful chemicals that could damage the environment and the produce. We used Farm Yard Manure (FYM) as the basal dose while planting the potatoes, enriching the soil with essential nutrients. FYM not only provides the plants with the nutrients they need to thrive but also improves soil texture, water retention, and overall fertility.
The Joy of Watching the Plants Grow:
As the days passed, we eagerly watched the potato plants take root and begin to grow. There’s something truly magical about witnessing the first shoots break through the soil and reach toward the sky. Each stage of growth was a reminder of the resilience and vitality of nature, and we were filled with a sense of pride as the plants thrived under our care.
One of the most beautiful moments in potato cultivation is when the plants begin to flower. The delicate white flowers of the potato plant are a sight to behold, adding a touch of grace and beauty to the fields. Walking through the rows of flowering potato plants at Dona Eco Farms was a truly serene experience. It’s hard to describe the feeling of connection to the land at that moment—the knowledge that we were nurturing life and cultivating something that would soon nourish others.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey was witnessing the natural balance of the ecosystem at work. Since we did not spray any chemicals or pesticides, we were able to observe nature taking care of itself in the most beautiful way. We noticed ladybird beetles flourishing in our potato fields, serving as natural protectors against pests like aphids and jassids. Watching these tiny, vibrant creatures move across the leaves, diligently controlling the pests, was a humbling reminder of the power of organic farming. It felt as though nature itself was thanking us for choosing to farm in harmony with the environment.
This experience reaffirmed our belief that when we work with nature rather than against it, the earth rewards us in ways that no chemical could ever replicate. The sight of those ladybirds in our field was a moment of pure joy and connection to the land, something that filled our hearts with gratitude and pride.
The Harvest: A Day of Celebration:
After months of hard work, the day of harvest finally arrived, and it was nothing short of a celebration at Dona Eco Farms. This was our first time cultivating potatoes, and the excitement and anticipation were palpable. We gathered early in the morning, tools in hand, ready to unearth the fruits of our labor. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the simple act of harvesting, digging into the earth and pulling out plump, golden potatoes. It felt like uncovering hidden treasure, each potato a testament to the effort and care we had put into the crop.
The harvest yielded an impressive 20 quintals of potatoes, far exceeding our expectations for our first Kharif potato crop. As we gathered the potatoes, we couldn’t help but smile with pride. These weren’t just any potatoes; they were grown organically, with love and dedication, during the Kharif season in Koraput—something that not many can claim.
Sharing the Harvest:
We decided to keep some of the potatoes for our own consumption, eager to taste the fruits of our labor. There’s something incredibly special about eating food that you’ve grown yourself, knowing the journey it has taken from seed to plate. We also shared some of the harvest with our friends and family, giving them a taste of the only potatoes grown in Koraput during the Kharif season.
The rest of the harvest was sold at the farm gate, where local vendors arrived to buy the fresh produce. We were able to sell the potatoes at Rs. 23 per kilogram, a fair price that reflected the quality of the crop. It was a rewarding experience to see the fruits of our labor being appreciated by others, knowing that the potatoes would go on to nourish many people in the community.
Gratitude and Inspiration:
As we reflect on this journey, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who helped us along the way. From the farmers who shared their knowledge and experience to the laborers who worked tirelessly during the planting and harvesting, this crop was a true team effort. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the natural elements—the rain, the soil, and the sunshine—that made this harvest possible.
Our success with potato cultivation during Kharif in Koraput has inspired us to continue exploring new possibilities for growth at Dona Eco Farms. We encourage others in Koraput and regions with similar climates to consider growing potatoes during the Kharif season as well. It’s a rewarding and sustainable crop that can thrive in the right conditions, and we hope our story inspires others to try their hand at it.
Recent Post: The Journey of Dona Eco Farms: From Barren Land to Lush Green Paradise
The Future of Potato Cultivation at Dona Eco Farms:
Last year’s potato harvest was just the beginning for us. We’ve learned a lot through this process and are excited to continue refining our techniques and expanding our potato cultivation in the coming years. Our dream is to not only grow potatoes but to inspire others in Koraput to adopt organic and sustainable farming practices, ensuring that future generations can continue to cultivate the land in harmony with nature.
At Dona Eco Farms, every crop we grow is a reminder of the beauty and potential of nature. We feel deeply connected to the land, and with each harvest, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing that connection. Whether it’s growing potatoes, millets, or other crops, our goal remains the same: to cultivate a diverse, sustainable farm that provides nourishment for both body and soul.
If you live in Koraput or a similar region, we invite you to try growing potatoes during the Kharif season. It’s a unique and fulfilling experience that brings with it the joy of discovery, growth, and harvest. Let’s work together to build a future where sustainable farming practices are the norm, and where every harvest is a celebration of nature’s abundance.
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