A dream of organic farming that started through a SALT discussion

[Shahrukh Atpade]

In the morning, I visited Shelakewadi village. I went to different houses hoping to meet some farmers. After completing one SALT activity in a house, I went to the next house.

Anil Shelke is a farmer. When I went to his house, he welcomed me respectfully, asked me to sit, and offered water. He looked very tired because he had just returned from the farm. So, I first had some light conversation with him. After he felt relaxed, I started the discussion.

He said farming is his favorite work. Since childhood, he has spent time in the fields with his parents and grandparents. From ploughing to harvesting, he has always enjoyed working in the farm. After completing school and college, he continued working in farming and dozer work.

When I asked him about the youth in the village, he said that the young people are trying to do good work for the village. But in the last two years, their participation in village activities like Gram Panchayat work and cleanliness drives has reduced. He feels their involvement should increase.

He also shared his concern about current farming practices. Many farmers use too many chemicals to earn more money, even though they know it is harmful to health. When I asked about possible solutions, he showed me a piece of land behind his house where he wants to start organic farming for his family. However, he has not started yet because he did not receive proper guidance.

I told him about farmer Anil Patil from Nandwal village, who works as a facilitator and is interested in organic farming. I informed him that Anil Patil can guide him. He felt very happy because he had wanted to start organic farming for a long time but did not know how to begin.

In the coming days, Anil Patil will visit Shelakewadi to meet him. The purpose is that nearby villages can come together, solve common problems, and find their own solutions.