Story by Bhagirath Choudhary, Founder Director at South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC)
A group of young Bt cotton farmers aged 20-25 meets, greets and hugs the members of an African Delegation visiting Aurangabad district of Maharashtra on 1st October 2015 on the eve of Gandhi Jyanti. The African delegation was surprised with the warmth and welcome extended by the young farmers in their Bt cotton fields.
Young farmer Mr Manoj Matre aged 22 grows Bt cotton on his 2.5 acre of ancestral land invited the African delegation showcasing the attributes and features of Bt cotton hybrid “Dr. Brent”, the most popular hybrid grown in his area. He talked to each and every member of delegation comprising politicians, regulators, Govt officials, consumers and media from six East and Southern African countries of Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia and Swaziland.
Mr. Manoj Matre lives with his two brothers in a joint family in Shel Gaon around 2 kms from his field. Most of the people in his village belong to Matre community and depend on farming as their sole source of income and livelihood. His father guides him and his brothers in planting, raising, harvesting and selling the produces in the market. Young farmer Manoj shared pride in cultivating Bt cotton hybrid on his small field of 2.5 acre, a complete dryland field depending solely on Monsoon rain. He planted his Bt cotton crop in June and he had not applied any irrigation to his field till now. His Bt cotton crop flourishes in rich black soil surrounded by other Bt cotton hybrids, hybrid maize, onion and pomegranate. Pigeonpea is another crop that is planted as an inter crop to raise pigeonpea pulses for domestic consumption in a vegetarian dominated society of this area of Maharasthra.
To the surprise of African delegation, young farmer Manoj shared his views and experience of growing Bt cotton that I recapture as follows;
“My family has been growing Bt cotton hybrid since last ten years. I started growing them myself since last 2-3 years. I find it convenient to raise Bt cotton crop. It yields 12-15 quintal per acre (1200-1500 kg per acre). I hardly spray pesticides, but this season was an odd season of erratic rainfall resulting in harboring sucking pests. I had to spray four times to control the menace of sucking pests compared to one/two sprays in the past. I dont spray for american bollworm, spotted bollworm and other borer pests. I harvest 50-60 bolls from one plant on average. I pick cotton bolls 5-6 times in a long duration cotton season of 5-6 months. It provides our family a consistent source of income. I support the education of my young brother who is pursuing his education in the field of Homeopathy medicine, a traditional system of Indian medicine”, said Manoj. Young farmer Manoj was very humble and courteous to the African delegation.
While the African delegation was interacting with Manoj Matre, he was joined by a group of young Bt cotton farmers from his village. All of them grow Bt cotton, inter cropping Bt cotton with pigeonpea, and also grow vegetables, and pomegranate. Another young farmer Jagdish Matre, also aged 22, was brightest young boy that I met in this study tour. He spoke fluently in English and attracted every member of delegation to him. When I asked him about his education, he replied enthusiastically “I am a young Bt cotton farmer simultaneously pursuing my Master of Commerce from a reputed institute”. He was very ambitious young boy wanted to become the Probationary Bank Officer (PO). On being asked about his fluency in English language, he said “I lived in Ahmedabad for my schooling where I learnt English language. I am proud to have lived in the State of Gujarat – our Prime Minsiter Modi is also from Gujarat”.
Young farmer Manoj and his young friends were carrying smart phones, taking pictures and selfies with the African delegation. Before departing, the politicians and Govt officials representing the African delegation were greatly impressed with young farmer Manoj, Jagdish Matre and his friends. Hon’ble Moses Mwaje, Chair of County Executive of Agriculture and Hon. Menza Mwalimu Katana, County Executive of Agriculture Kilifi County of Kenya were highly impressed with them and hugged Manoj and Jagdish Matre and wished them a very successful career and life.