Farm Wise: 72-Year-Old Woman from Rajasthan's Innovative, Organic Approach to Safeguard Crops from Termite Threats
Dr. Rameshwar Shukla, a humble farmer from Rajasthan, was honoured with the title 'Kheton ki Vaigyanik' by the then Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar in 2011. This prestigious recognition came in acknowledgement of his eco-friendly and successful method of termite control in agriculture.
Shukla, who lacks formal education, has a deep love for agriculture and owns farmland where various types of trees are grown, including Israeli acacia, eucalyptus (safeda), and others. His innovative approach to farming has been featured on national and regional television networks and in various magazines.
Shukla observed that eucalyptus wood attracts more termites than other types of wood. He hypothesized that using small chunks of eucalyptus wood could divert termites away from his crops. To test his theory, he placed a eucalyptus piece in each area occupied by a sprinkler nozzle during the entire wheat crop season.
To his delight, Shukla saw no activity of termites on any part of the wheat crop. Encouraged by these results, he further tested his method in a pearl millet (bajra) crop, placing eucalyptus wood between rows of crops. Once again, the termites were successfully diverted away from the crop.
The Government of Rajasthan officially added Shukla's method to its recommended "Package of Practices" for farmers based on observations from a highly significant trial on barley. The method was tested on various crops and yielded consistent and favorable results.
Senior scientists at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Fatehpur Shekhawati scientifically validated and declared Shukla's method highly effective, cost-effective, and straightforward. Shukla's approach has been applied to pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables, not just cereals.
Shukla's work has been a beacon of hope for smallholder farmers who may not have access to costly inputs. He has established a group called "Swabhiman" to inspire and educate farmers on organic and sustainable practices. His story offers optimism for those who seek to farm in a way that is both environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Shukla's budget-friendly method costs around Rs. 100 per acre per crop, making it accessible to many farmers. Termites are a significant threat to his crops, causing losses of 10 to 50 percent or higher. By employing eucalyptus wood, Shukla has paved the way for a more resilient and profitable agriculture.
