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 Dear Panditji,
In the October 31, 2005 issue, the page on solar energy and photosynthesis, 'Why cant we
eat the sun?' made a very interesting read. But I would take this opportunity to point out
one aspect that is often overlooked by the plantation planners. This is that the
photosynthetic efficiency of younger trees is ten times more than an old tree. A programme
of reforestation is not being pursued so that more carbon dioxide could be absorbed to
reduce its level and reduce global warming in the tropics.
The issue may be different with regard to deciduous trees. The new leaves generated
annually in old deciduous trees can give results at par with young trees of other species.
Do share views on this. They will surely interest me and many other GT readers.
KVS Krishna,
Plantation Crops Agri Agency,
Chennai
Dear Panditji,
We are writing in response to your issue of April 30, 2005, where you have shown a farmer
in tattered clothes with two bullocks and the traditional plough. In this regard we want
to say that it is probably time to change this old perception we have about farmers. And
our organisation has devised a machine that can change this image.
 The Bullock Drawn Tractors have
mitigated the trails of farmers in India to a great extent. These new tractors have been
included in the Uttar Pradesh Programme for Rabi ,2005.
The Bharatiya Cattle Resource Development Foundation has developed Kamdhenu Bullock Drawn
Tractor (KBDT), which is an intermediate technology between tractors and traditional
plough. And this promises to be a boon for the farmers in many ways.
We would like to point out that the new tractor promotes organic farming and enables the
farmers to save on agro-chemicals and diesel. The productivity of the soil improves as the
micronutrients and organisms present in the soil are revived and the moisture retention in
the soil is boosted. The dung and urine are used for as manure, which discourages the use
of fertilisers and pesticides. It reduces irrigation and electricity consumption. This
tractor is easy to use and provides comforts such as umbrella, self-cooling water bottles
and filters and additional offers to the farmers. Even women and aged farmers can operate
it without any hassle.
So KBDT is eco-friendly, cost-effective and provides greater employment opportunity. They
also encourage organic farming and increase the productivity of land.
Laxmi Narain Modi,
Managing Trustee,
BCRDF |
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