Horticulture Promotion
The Diya Foundation is at the forefront of promoting horticulture as an intensive agricultural practice. Through their efforts, crops such as arecanut, banana, lemon, and pineapple are being cultivated in this domain. Horticulture plantations primarily take place in homestead lands, where intercropping with spices and sericulture is also practiced. The Foundation’s initiatives have successfully influenced 2500 households to embrace this technique, leading to 300 farmers transitioning into forward-thinking cultivators of commercial crops like bananas, arecanut, and lemons. Furthermore, 500 farmers have incorporated interpolating of spices such as ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and others into their horticulture plantations.
Horticulture as an Intensive Agricultural Practice
Horticulture is an agricultural practice that focuses on the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. It involves careful management of crops, utilizing specialized techniques to maximize yields and maintain high-quality produce. The Diya Foundation recognizes the potential of horticulture as a sustainable and profitable method of farming.
Crop Diversity in Horticulture Plantations
The Foundation’s efforts have resulted in the cultivation of a diverse range of crops in horticulture plantations. Arecanut, banana, lemon, and pineapple are the primary crops grown, each offering unique benefits and economic opportunities for farmers. These crops have been chosen based on their suitability to the local climate and market demand.
Intercropping with Spices and Sericulture
To enhance the productivity and profitability of horticulture plantations, the Diya Foundation promotes the practice of intercropping. In addition to the main crops, farmers are encouraged to plant spices such as ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and others alongside their horticulture crops. This intercropping approach not only diversifies the income sources for farmers but also optimizes land utilization and improves soil health.
Adoption and Transformation of Farmers
The Diya Foundation’s efforts have resulted in significant transformations within the farming community. With the Foundation’s guidance and support, 300 farmers have transitioned from traditional farming practices to becoming forward-thinking cultivators of commercial crops like bananas, arecanut, and lemons. This transformation has not only increased their income potential but has also equipped them with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in modern agricultural practices.
Socio-economic Impact
The embrace of horticulture by 2500 households has had a positive socio-economic impact on the community. The increased cultivation of commercial crops and intercropping with spices has provided additional sources of income for farmers, contributing to poverty alleviation and economic growth. Furthermore, the integration of sustainable agricultural practices has enhanced the overall environmental sustainability of the region.