Prema, a tribal woman from HD Kote, Karnataka, transitions from growing traditional cotton and corn to cultivating chia, boosting her income significantly.

Prema, a tribal woman from HD Kote taluk, Karnataka, had long depended on forest resources for her livelihood. However, after being relocated from Nagarhole forest to the Sollepura reserve forest by the state government in 2007, her life took a turn. The government suggested she pursue farming, despite her lack of experience in the field.

Determined, Prema sought training from JSS Krishi Vignana Kendra and Organic Krishi Kendra. She initially cultivated a range of crops, including ragi, custard apple, cotton, and corn, as well as other commercial varieties. Unfortunately, traditional farming methods brought limited returns, and her 3-acre farm suffered heavy losses due to wild animals, like elephants, raiding her fields and consuming the harvest.

In recent years, Prema shifted her focus to growing chia, a South American millet that has gained popularity as a highly sought-after superfood. This change has been transformative for her, as chia cultivation has significantly boosted her income, earning her thousands of rupees. Additionally, Prema has become a source of inspiration and support for others in her community, helping them adopt chia farming and prosper alongside her.

Prema shared that her cotton yield from the 3-acre land previously brought in just Rs 20,000 per acre. However, with chia cultivation, she now earns upto Rs 1.20 lakh from the same area. With guidance from agriculture experts, Prema embraced organic farming methods and began growing chia. Her chia seeds are sold for Rs 280 per kilo, significantly increasing her earnings and improving her livelihood.

Chia seeds have a high demand in the urban market, Prema explained. I realized this when organic retailers from Bengaluru approached me to buy the crop. I sold the harvest directly, without any transportation costs or middlemen, which helped reduce my marketing expenses. This direct-to-consumer approach has been a key factor in boosting her profits.

Prema shared, that 30 farmers in her community initially adopted chia farming, but only six of them succeeded. She was the only one to achieve a bumper harvest, earning over a lakh of rupees.

Prema emphasized that, in addition to being a highly profitable crop, chia is also easy to grow in her region, making it an ideal choice for local farmers looking to improve their livelihoods.

Chia is not only a lucrative crop but also well-suited to the climatic and soil conditions in Premas area. Its cultivation is similar to that of ragi and requires even less water. Prema plants the chia seeds in September-October, and the retreating monsoon provides sufficient irrigation for the crop. Within 40 days, the chia plants begin to flower, marking a quick and efficient growing process. This makes chia an ideal crop for the region, both in terms of profitability and environmental compatibility.

Prema also highlights an added advantage of chia farming: the crop does not attract wild boars, elephants, or other wildlife that could damage her fields. With her first chia harvest, she earned Rs 1.20 lakh, a significant sum that enabled her to purchase a two-wheeler for her husband, Dasappa. This made commuting easier and allowed them better access to the city, further improving their quality of life.

Premas Journey from Traditional Farming to Chia Cultivation

Prema and her husband, Dasappa, travel by bike to neighboring villages, offering lessons on chia cultivation to other farmers.

Dasappa explains, Growing chia has been a great help to us, and we want to support others in earning more. Sometimes, we travel up to 50 km to distant villages to guide farmers. He adds that they also sell chia seeds to other farmers, which contributes to their overall income. So far, Prema and Dasappa have successfully helped 15 farmers grow chia.

However, with an increase in supply, the price of chia has dropped. Prema explains, As more farmers took up chia cultivation, the overall production in this region increased, which led to a price drop. Our income has reduced to Rs 80,000 per acre. But we are not discouraged, as this is still three times higher than what we used to earn from cotton farming.

Model farmer Prema inaugurating the Krishi Mela in Bengaluru 

Reflecting on her journey, Prema shares valuable insights for other farmers. Every farmer should be progressive. It is essential to stay updated with new techniques and understand changing market demands. I also learned from other progressive farmers in the village and adapted their techniques to suit my needs. Embracing change and adapting to a dynamic environment is key to progress and higher earnings, she concludes.

Edited by Gayathri