Mangaluru: A high school teacher, who turned into a progressive farmer during locking in May this year, was all regulated to harvest organic ginger of the Mahima variety, that he has grown in the four-hectare property in Kanyadi-II, about six km from Ujire in Belthangady in Dakshina Kannada.
Joseph K J who taught at St Thomas High School, Neriya, said that the Kuncian was the perfect opportunity for him to use free speech time, and learn more about agriculture.
“Many people began to grow vegetables and fruits during this period, but I wanted to do something different.
About a decade ago, there were farmers used to grow ginger, but because the area received heavy rain, many gave up for years , “he said.
Explain his agricultural trip, Joseph said, “I bought a four acre property on rent, and spend almost 5 Lakh Rs to raise the land level, and make it suitable to grow ginger.
These varieties are mainly used for medicines.
Because my parents are agricultural experts , I am looking for their guidance.
It is challenging, because ginger plants are susceptible to disease.
I only use neem oil and organic fertilizer, and plants will be harvested in January.
In addition, since May, I have been able to harvest around 50 yam and three Kuintus Kunyit .
In general, every ginger factory has around 25-35 stems, but plants planted on farms have 50-70 stems, “Joseph said.
He has also grown tapioca, taro and slambani.
“Because school has been continued, I was on the plantation between 5:30 pm to 12 in the morning and 5am to 8 in the morning.
It has become a refreshing experience, and horticulture officials visit agriculture and appreciate my initiative,” he said.
He has installed banners, explaining the health benefits of plants cultivated by him.
His wife, True, a school teacher, and Anson’s children, studied in class IV and Anshita, studied in class VII, helped him on the farm.
“Ginger is rarely cultivated in beltangady.
He has cultivated ginger scientifically, with a good drainage and bed.
The first prayer looks good,” said Director Assistant, Horticulture, Belthangady, Chandrashekar K.