Agriculture needs to become an industry. Scientific agricultural practices need to be promoted” says former IIT – an turned “farmer, Mr. Madhavan.

The IIT educated mechanical engineer turned “farmer” is a sensation in the surroundings of Padappai, a small town 40 km from

Mr. Madhavan in his experimental farm

Chennai. R. Madhavan who quit his job with ONGC to pursue his passion – agriculture, is of the firm opinion that India could attain self – sufficiency in agricultural production provided we resort to scientifically proven methods.

The first step to scientific cultivation is soil analysis he recommends. Ascertain the properties of the soil, add proper fertilizing elements in the right proportion and other things fall in place is his formula. Indeed it did work out miracles. Farmers in and around Kancheepuram, Thiruvalluvar and Perambalur districts are now cultivating broccoli, tim tomatoes, asparagus, red and yellow pepper and such exotic vegetables, which until now were thought could only be cultivated in cold climates.

Imparting scientific knowledge on agriculture, Madhavan often visits the local farmers practically infusing confidence in them about the new practices. He recommends a 3 month rotational cultivation, with paddy in monsoon, vegetables in winter and pulses or oil seeds in autumn. The average yield per acre through the existing practices was 250 kg per acre, but Madhavan assures them of 700 – 800 kgs per acre through scientific farming. Those who dared to try out his methods are now earning more than Rs. 50,000 per annum against Rs. 6,000 in the past.

“When I visit these villages I see most children suffering from malnutrition. Some statistics say that 49 % of our child population below the normal nutrition levels. This is absurd considering how rich we are in resources,” anguishes Madhavan. One can sense the determination in his voice to put an end to such dismal conditions.

To the question on how he intends to market his exotic products he replied, “We cannot afford to export and should not until we make food cheaper in India (nutritionally). Once our demand is met we have the potential for feeding the world.” Madhavan is set on improving the conditions of our rural masses and certainly has no personal inclinations to become a future entrepreneur.

However, when asked about what goal he has set himself for the coming decade he explained his target in clear terms. “Agriculture must become like any other industry. Only then can we achieve self – sufficient productivity levels. Scientific methods of agriculture can be more formalized when agriculture develops as an industry. For that we have to convince entrepreneurs to invest in agriculture. We have to prove them that agriculture is a profitable area to invest. I have talked to a few entrepreneurs through my friends who were interested in my work. As a start I am on the lookout for concerned NGO’s who are willing to collaborate with me in imparting training to the farmers and future entrepreneurs.”

Agriculture achieving the levels of industry is a big dream indeed. But one that our policy makers, and planners must give heed seriously if their real focus is on the rural masses.

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This “story” – as its is called in journalistic jargon was ‘covered’ for “Dainik Bhaskar” the No. 1 Hindi Daily in the North Western states. It is published here with permission from “Dainik Bhaskar”. The Hindi version of the article can be read here: page 17, Jaipur e-paper edition, Jan 8, 2010.