Eight things you need to know
before you become a farmer, according to Venkat Iyer, author of Moong Over
Microchips
Many of us dream of living on a
farm someday. A small house overlooking a pond, land where you grow your own
food, no traffic jams and no deadlines to meet. While most just dwell on it,
techie-turned-farmer, Venkat Iyer, made it happen. We have heard his story: he
quit IBM in 2003 and moved to Peth, a village near Mumbai, a year later.
“Farming was a new skill that I had to learn from scratch and, unlike software
or hardware, there were no manuals or help buttons to guide me,” he says.
Fifteen years and many harvests later, Iyer reveals what it takes to make the
switch in his recently-released book, Moong Over Microchips. He shares
with Weekend his step-by-step guide to being your own farmer:
1. Search for soil
The first thing to look for is
land, says Iyer, who was lucky within a few months of his search. “Check the
soil. Is it clayey or loamy? That will determine the kind of crops you can
grow. There is no point in having a thin layer of soil on top and a rocky
ground underneath. All you will get are a few weeds.”
2. Water woes
Next on the checklist is water.
In Iyer’s case, his land’s location was a huge blessing. “The river was flowing
so close to my land that all I had to do was pump it to irrigate my fields.”
When buying a farm, it is important to look at the source of water. “Ask these
questions,” he says, “If you’re depending on a river or lake, how far is it?
Will you be able to bring the water to the land? Is it enough for what you want
to do?”
3. Power play
Soil and water might get priority
but without power, you cannot do much. “You have to draw and pump water to
irrigate your crops.” The problem does not end with getting the electricity
connection; you have to deal with fluctuation and erratic supply. “Alternate
energy sources are still not a viable option,” says Iyer, explaining how the
initial investment for a solar plant is pretty high and they play no role
during the monsoon. “When I wanted to switch the lights and fans to solar a few
years ago, the estimate was ₹45,000, which was
not possible on my budget.”
4. Market meter
Once you are done setting up the
basics, it is time to understand the logistics of marketing. In his chapter,
Market Initiatives, Iyer explains supply chain issues and his attempt at direct
marketing. “You need to look at it logically. The farmer cannot sell directly
to the consumer as the farms are
far away. So if we want to remove the middlemen, we need another model,” he
says. While groups such as Bio Basics and Kaatu Unavu (in Coimbatore) are
experimenting with various marketing models across the country, Iyer is yet to
come across one that can be applied pan-India. “We have to continue working
with the existing model involving wholesale vendors. Smaller vendors buy from
the market and, at every stage, a few rupees are added to the costs, leaving
the farmer at the bottom of the chain,” explains Iyer, adding how he was
offered ₹4 for a kilo of his organic okra when it was
selling for ₹20 a kilo in Mumbai.
5. To grease or not
Iyer’s book made waves for his
account of dealings with corrupt officials. “The only way is to be patient and
persevere,” he says, adding, “They cannot refuse you a permit. You will get it
eventually but it will take time.” Iyer went to Dahanu (a coastal town) 26
times for a permit and probably spent more money than the official was asking
for. “That doesn’t matter. It’s the principle that does.”
6. Building relations
For those keen to tap into the
local knowledge bank, establishing a connect with the rural community is a
must. “It takes time,” he says, “but I cannot emphasise how essential it is.
Once you have established a bond, they will help with labour, advice, seeds…”
7. Patience is key
Everything about organic farming
takes time. “You need patience,” says Iyer. It takes five years before the
fruit first appears, and that is assuming all has gone well in the interim.
There is a lot one has to get used to: from housework and repairs to weeding,
watering and dealing with snakes and insects. It is doable, provided you have
the 5Cs: courage, commitment, conviction, cooperation and capital. Family
support is essential. “A friend from Mumbai bought a farm but did not have the
support of his friends and family. Eventually, he had to sell the land and move
back to the city,” he adds. A few years into organic farming, Iyer found a
variety of insects, birds, and reptiles around his farm. “I have always loved
the outdoors and enjoyed going on treks and bird watching trips. Now I don’t
have to go anywhere now. This afternoon, for instance, there was a birdcall
that we had never heard before and we’re trying to identify the species.”
8. Money matters
Before you take the plunge, be
aware that farming will not generate large amounts of money that most people associate
with a ‘satisfied’ life. Iyer’s return on investment is approximately ₹60,000 a year. This, of course, could vary depending on the yield,
which in turn depends on climatic conditions. He stresses on reduced purchasing
power and the need for careful spending. An extract from the book reads:
“The fact that we now lead healthier lives is in itself a major return.”
Published by Penguin, Moong
Over Microchips hit the shelves on March 19. ₹499 on
amazon.in, flipkart.com.
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