Grow a Second Crop: Use Your Own Seeds
By utilizing old seeds from their fields and selecting water-efficient varieties, farmers in Kharod ensure food security with a vital second crop.
By RAJNIKANT RATNAKAR, Farmer · KHAROD
Responds to — Securing food supply
Here in Kharod, we've learned to make the most of our land and resources. It's about knowing what works. We cultivate a second crop, which is so important for our families. For this, we often use the pigeon pea (arhar) seeds we've saved from our own fields. It's a practice passed down, especially when we have irrigation available.
Sometimes, I'll bring additional seeds from the market to sow for that second harvest, just to ensure we have enough. We also rely on resilient crops like Tivra, Urad, and Raher – these grow well even without a lot of water. This way, we ensure our food supply, come what may.
The Recipe
You'll need
- Saved pigeon pea (arhar) seeds
- Market-sourced seeds (optional)
- Land for cultivation
- Irrigation (if available)
- Knowledge of dryland crops (Tivra, Urad, Raher)
Method
- 1
Select a suitable plot for a second harvest.
- 2
Sow old pigeon pea (arhar) seeds from your fields, especially when irrigation is possible.
- 3
Supplement with additional seeds from the market if needed.
- 4
Integrate water-efficient crops such as Tivra, Urad, and Raher.
- 5
Manage irrigation wisely to support crop growth.
In one line
“Cultivate a vital second crop by utilizing saved seeds and water-efficient varieties to ensure consistent food supply.”
Second cropSeed savingWater-efficient farmingFood securityLocal knowledge
