After the prestigious Rajyothsava award, Papamma has become a household name in Karnataka

Most of the farmers in our country have not been to school, but some have the wisdom and indigenous knowledge that could outsmart even the highly educated minds. One among them is Papamma.
In real sense she is a Krishi Pandit (agriculture teacher). 
During rainy season, she grows as many as 20 different crops in as small as three acres of land.  
About 11 varieties of ragi (finger millet) and 50 different varieties of grains have been safely preserved by her. 
“For collecting these traditional and native seeds, I personally travel to many villages and preserve them to be used later,” she says.
But how does she manage to preserve the seeds in mud pots avoiding insect attacks or infestations?
“I use neem leaf powder to protect the seeds from insects and pests during storage,” she explains.
Expertise
By just looking at the grains, she can calculate if the seeds are good for cultivation or not.  Every year she changes the grains and preserves them safely for use during growing seasons. 
Self-sustained
She is so self-sustained, thanks to her efficient farming, that she has been consuming her farm-grown vegetables and has not spent even a penny to buy vegetables from outside for the last 20 years. 
Excess water from kitchen waste and other domestic chores are being reused to grow vegetables.
Owing to her contributions in innovative agriculture, particularly in organic farming, the Karnataka State Government Awarded Papamma Papanna, the prestigious Rajyothsava award for her work in conserving native seeds and practising organic farming,
In fact, Papamma has been responsible for motivating several villagers to grow vegetables.
“Initially when their response was not positive, I personally went to several homes, dug the soil and planted the seeds and watered them. Convinced by good yield, the neighbours started to follow my example.”
“Today almost all the homes in my village have a small vegetable garden, which caters to their personal and market demands,” says Papamma with a sense of pride.
Her sheer motivation and interest has unknowingly created a revolution by making the village self-sufficient in food. She has created an awareness on organic farming and conserving traditional seeds among the villagers.
(M.J. Prabu is The Hindu’s Agriculture correspondent. He writes the popular Farmer’s Notebook. Write to him at prabu.mj@thehindu.co.in)

ACTIVITY

  • Start growing some vegetables in pots
  • Convince your parents to set up a terrace garden
  • Encourage your friends to collect native seeds and exchange them among yourselves like stamps and old coins