Mangaluru: A high school teacher, which turned into a progressive farmer During lockdown In May this year, all set for organic harvest Ginger Of glory variety, that he has grown on a property of four acres Kanyadi-II, about six km from light up In Belthangady of Dakshina Kannada.
Joseph KJ, who teaches at St Thomas’ High School, Neria, said the lockdown was a perfect opportunity for him to use his free time productively and learn more about agriculture. “A lot of people started cultivating vegetables and fruits during this period, but I wanted to do something different. About a decade ago, there were farmers who used to cultivate ginger, but since the region receives heavy rains, many gave up.
Describing his agricultural journey, Joseph said, “I bought a four-acre property on lease, and spent around Rs 5 lakh to level the land and make it suitable for growing ginger. This variety is mainly used for medicines. Since my parents are farmers, I sought their guidance. This was challenging, as the ginger crop is vulnerable to diseases. I used only neem oil and organic manure, and the crop will be harvested in January. Also, since May, I have been able to harvest about 50 quintals of yam and three quintals of turmeric. Normally, each ginger plant has about 25-35 stems, but farm-grown plants have 50-70 stems,” Joseph said.
He has also grown tapioca, taro and sambharani. “Since school has resumed, I am on the plantation between 5.30 pm and 12 am and 5 am to 8 am. It has been a refreshing experience, and horticulture officials have visited the farm and appreciated my initiative,” he said. He has put up a banner explaining the health benefits of the plants he has grown. His wife Trisa, a schoolteacher, and children Anson, a fourth grader, and Anshita, a seventh grader, help him on the farm.
“Ginger cultivation is very less in Belthangadi. He has cultivated ginger scientifically with good drainage and bedding. The first crop looks good,” said senior assistant director, horticulture, Belthangadi, Chandrashekhar K S.
Joseph KJ, who teaches at St Thomas’ High School, Neria, said the lockdown was a perfect opportunity for him to use his free time productively and learn more about agriculture. “A lot of people started cultivating vegetables and fruits during this period, but I wanted to do something different. About a decade ago, there were farmers who used to cultivate ginger, but since the region receives heavy rains, many gave up.
Describing his agricultural journey, Joseph said, “I bought a four-acre property on lease, and spent around Rs 5 lakh to level the land and make it suitable for growing ginger. This variety is mainly used for medicines. Since my parents are farmers, I sought their guidance. This was challenging, as the ginger crop is vulnerable to diseases. I used only neem oil and organic manure, and the crop will be harvested in January. Also, since May, I have been able to harvest about 50 quintals of yam and three quintals of turmeric. Normally, each ginger plant has about 25-35 stems, but farm-grown plants have 50-70 stems,” Joseph said.
He has also grown tapioca, taro and sambharani. “Since school has resumed, I am on the plantation between 5.30 pm and 12 am and 5 am to 8 am. It has been a refreshing experience, and horticulture officials have visited the farm and appreciated my initiative,” he said. He has put up a banner explaining the health benefits of the plants he has grown. His wife Trisa, a schoolteacher, and children Anson, a fourth grader, and Anshita, a seventh grader, help him on the farm.
“Ginger cultivation is very less in Belthangadi. He has cultivated ginger scientifically with good drainage and bedding. The first crop looks good,” said senior assistant director, horticulture, Belthangadi, Chandrashekhar K S.
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