Kundoji farmer shows the way in dry land farming

Gadag

In Kundoji village, Kallakappa Badigere has become a role model for other farmers by successfully cultivating horticultural crops such as mango, chikoo,  curry leaf, guava, lemon, coconut, and more on his 3.5 acres of land using just 1 inch of water from a borewell through drip irrigation. Every year, he harvests substantial profits from his crops.

Kallakappa's mixed-use land includes several unsuccessful borewells that left him with minimal water resources. However, he persevered and invested ₹10,000 over a decade ago to plant 400 mango and 400 chikoo saplings sourced from Gokak, relying on the limited water supply from a single borewell.

With the low water availability, he has utilized cement tanks to collect and distribute water through drip irrigation, ensuring the healthy growth of his plants, which now yield abundant returns.

Five years ago, in the vacant spaces on his land, he planted 500 harive saplings from the Forest Department and 60 guavas, 20 neeral, 40 coconut, and 20 lemon saplings from a private nursery. These plants have thrived and are now contributing to his income. Additionally, he planted 25 sandalwood and 50 gaudambi saplings three years ago.

Kallakappa practices organic farming exclusively, avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, he uses cow dung and organic manure. His son, Vinod Badigere, also supports these organic farming methods. After deducting all expenses, Kallakappa generates an average annual income ranging from Rs 1 to Rs 1.5 lakh.

As progressive farmer Andappa Angadi from Makalajhari remarked, Kallakappa Badigere serves as a model for farmers who are disheartened by the lack of water and timely resources, which makes agriculture unprofitable today, leading them to seek employment elsewhere.

Kallakappa’s success story encourages other farmers in the region to explore sustainable and profitable farming practices despite limited water resources.