Retrospective  Experience:

My  itinerary  in Paschimanchal  symbolizes four C’S.  The father of modern agriculture Swaminatham often quotes 4 Cs in the context of sustainable agriculture.  It stands for conservation. Cultivation, consumption and commerce.

Conservation of quality seed is a  must for propagating a cultivar. BCKV scientist,Dr.Dipak Ghosh searched for varieties suitable to Paschimanchal. Local  cultivars from  Baghmundi Ajodhya Hills were collected for future. Similarly varieties from different parts of Paschimanchal  as well as from turmeric dominant areas were trialled.   I can recall Manik Lal de- a true turmeric cultivator  having three decades experience using an improved variety. However, after several trials on the soil of Paschimanchal  one or two were selected . Criteria were of yield, time, suitability in agro-climatic condition, its colour  and cur cumin content. On screening one of the best variety which is almost local is conserved and served.

 Cultivation  program  in easier form was undertaken. Farmers were given training, in-situ demonstration, they were taken to university farms  and other means. Media also supported my journey in various ways.  Cutivation through Self-help Groups, Farmers’ clubs yielded good results.  Cultivation technique   differed  place to places,farmers to farmers according to suitability. In Ajodhya hill I had been within the newly set up WADI projects. GVT supported me there. My harvest in recent agricultural fair drew attention of many.

Similarly, Kalimati of Baghmundi saw a high yielding variety.  Fulkumari of Purulia-ii, Dumurdaha took a challenge to extent turmeric cultivation through women-run sHGs. She wanted to make a turmeric seed village. I appreciate her.

Raghunathpur-ii showed tremendous results. They harvested beyond our expectation. SHGs are doing well here.

In Bankura , Sabars sowed me  in the mango orchards. In Ranibandh,Raipur i was placed within vegetables. They say my presence in brinjal field and  saved their pesticide cost to some extent. My performance in West Midnapore,viz; Binpur, Kapgari, Belphari  etc. inspired tribal a lot.

Turmeric based cultivation has attracted Paschimanchal and ushered in a new hope.

I am happy that my followers are consuming pure turmeric. They now can distinguish between purchased materials and home based material.

 Now my future depends on commerce. I need more number of  entrepreneurs. However,  a few have come up. I want many more.

Processing and marketing is the current issue along with extension program.