Laxman Singh and his friends resolved to bring the birds back. The first step was the regeneration of pastures through traditional water harvesting, which would also recharge the groundwater, ponds and wells. The second was to instill respect for the environment, by discouraging use of agro-chemicals and encouraging protection of trees. The third was to designate common lands as wild-life preserves, where no animal or plant would be disturbed. But first, they had to wrest the pasture back from the encroachers.
Once this was done, the rest was relatively easy. Laporiya adopted a form of water harvesting called the chauka (squares) system, consisting of a series of 9" deep rectangular pits connected by water channels. A masterly example of watershed management it ensures every precious drop of moisture is preserved. The pits fill up with rainwater and the excess flows into the water channels and thence to the village ponds. It is these chaukas which provide water and fodder for cattle. By common consent, no tree or shrub on the pasture may be disturbed, nor grass and manure collected. The rich, moist manure seeps into the soil and encourages regeneration of grasses. Laxman Singh gleefully points out 14 different varieties, some of which are medicinal in nature. The cattle of Laporiya grow strong on this grass, rarely falling ill or needing the services of a vet.
After breakfast, clad in his homespun white pajamas and shirt, Laxman Singh visits his own farm. It adjoins a tiny wood, thick with trees and undergrowth and sheltering a variety of birds. This is a village common. His fields are dotted with trees, with shallow earthen bowls of water. The birds can rest and slake their thirst. As long as the birds are around, Laxman Singh does not fear insect pests attacking his crops. Trees guard the perimeter of the field, as do rows of bright orange marigold flowers. These are trap crops, which prevent pests from entering.
Laxman's younger brother, the more enthusiastic farmer of the two, supervises the preparation of a herbal, cow-urine based pest preventive. Foliar spraying discourages pests and encourages plant growth. Before planting, he "awakens the seed" in any one of several different ways. He could soak them in a solution of cow manure, or simply in water, or rub them briskly between his palms. This ensures germination and discourages pests. Agricultural scientists call this "seed treatment". Man Singh religiously saves the best seeds from his crop for the next season, storing them in powdered ash from the kitchen to prevent infestation.
The standing crops are irrigated with water from a well located in a corner of the field. Copious applications of compost and vermi-compost have conditioned the soil and increased its capacity to retain moisture. As the water flows towards the fields, it passes over a heap of compost and carries it along, so that it is deposited in small increments. Soil fertility is built up, step by step.
Image: A glimpse of the chauka system.
Also see: Dead End! What's eating AP Farmers?
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