Soil fertility restored and people's health improved
The switch from cotton farming to chickpea growing not
only benefited the farmers of Guntur and Prakasam district, but also restored soil health
which has been spoilt by indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers over the years. Being a legume, chickpea produces nitrogen-fixing root nodules. Scientists reckon that it could enrich the soil with at least 50 kg of nitrogen per hectare every season. There are less pests because the crop rotation has averted the build-up of pests, and the use of pesticides has been lowered. Some progressive farmers have even resorted to ecologically sound integrated pest management strategies. The environmental dividends are immeasurable. There is no more resurgence of insect pests. Natural enemies of crop pests are back in place. The villagers no longer suffer from the health hazards of the persistent use of insecticides required for cotton. Gone, they say, is the nauseating smell which gave them headaches and respiratory problems. Thus people's health is improved. |
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