Diversification proves successful

摘要

S M Patil's farm in the state of Karnataka, India, is very successful. This is due to meticulous planning, mixed cropping, value addition and direct marketing reports Anitha Pailoor. "Agriculture is the most honest profession I've ever seen," says S MPatil. "It has so much contentment and happiness to offer. We should be careful enough to utilise the prosperity it offers us." In 2001, Patil, who was the village accountant, and his wife bought nine acres of land near Athani in Belgaum district with their savings. Though Patil hails from a family of farmers, he never had any farming experience. Yet, he closely followed new developments in agriculture, so when he decided to take up farming, he had some practical knowledge. Interactions with farmers and scientists helped him prepare a blueprint. Slowly, he developed a clear idea about the nature of land to be bought and the crops to be grown.