Beed (Maharashtra): Human existence depends on the existence of soil as people can only survive if the soil survives.
With this in mind, Shivram Ghodke, a young man from Beed started organic farming since the age of 21.
He started organic farming by producing vermicompost from cow dung and other wastes.
Not only this, Beed's vermicompost has made a name for itself in 7 different countries around the world.
Ghodke also imparted training in organic farming techniques to 5 lakh farmers in Maharashtra.
Currently, as many as 40,000 farmers in Beed district have joined hands with this young man to experiment with organic farming.
After Ghodke graduated with a BSc degree in Agriculture from Parbhani University in 2002-03, his family wanted him to work for an agriculture company. However, he decided to work differently in the field of agriculture without taking a job.
He undertook the task of making vermicompost for organic farming. In the early days, he went to the farms of the other farmers and started making vermicompost on the cow dung heap.
The Maharashtra government also honoured Ghodke with the Krishi Bhushan Award in 2010 for his consistent work and study of organic farming.
Started from his own 20 acres of farmlands
For other farmers in Beed district to realize the importance of organic farming, Ghodke was the first to grow in his 20 acres of farmlands using organic manure.
This organic farming was initially opposed even by Ghodke's family too.
"If chemical fertilizer is not given, how will crops grow?" such was the view of his family as well.
However, he proved with great difficulty that farming can be done using vermicompost instead of chemical fertilizers.
Following this, farmers started coming to his farm to see Ghodke's experiments.
The Department of Agriculture also took note of Ghodke's work. The administration assisted him to organise a training in organic farming for farmers under Baliraja Krishi Vigyan Mandal.
Beed's vermicompost is famous abroad
The samples of vermicompost made by were also sent to seven different countries around the world.
Speaking on this, He said that Peter Pocter, who works in the field of biodynamics, had come to visit the vermicomposting project constructed under Baliraja Krishi Vigyan Mandal at Loladgaon.
"Peter took vermicompost from Beed and sent across 7 countries. Peter also sent a letter saying that the vermicompost of Beed is better than others. This is a matter of pride for Beed district," he added.
Ghodke hopes that there will be credibility in organic farming.
"If we want to increase the immunity of people in the future, it is necessary to maintain the health of the soil. Fruits or grains used using chemical fertilizers are harmful to the human body. Organic farming is the only effective solution. Therefore, emphasis will have to be laid on organic farming in the coming time." he said.
Ghodke also aims to provide vermicompost to farmers. He has made vermicompost available at a very low rate of Rs. 200 to 250 per quintal for farmers.
Also Read: This Uttarakhand farmer produces organic mangoes, sets an example!
