1. Farmer Overview:

    Selvi, a 71-year-old farmer, hails from the Thondamuthur block in Devarayapuram, Coimbatore district. With a robust 40 years of farming experience, she has been cultivating on her 6-acre farm located near the foothills of the Western Ghats, a region that poses unique challenges due to its proximity to wildlife habitats.

2. Agricultural Practices

             Selvi's farm is primarily engaged in cultivating onions, a crop that thrives in the well-drained soils and favorable climatic conditions of Coimbatore. The area is known for its semi-arid climate, which is ideal for growing onions, a staple in Indian kitchens and an essential crop for both local consumption and the broader market. In addition to onions, Selvi has also incorporated innovation into her farming practices, particularly in the area of crop protection

3. Innovative Solutions

     Given the location of her farm near the foothills, Selvi faces significant challenges due to wildlife intrusion, particularly from elephants. The region is frequented by wild animals, which pose a serious threat to crops. Elephants, in particular, have been known to destroy entire fields in search of food, causing considerable economic losses to farmers. To combat this, Selvi adopted the use of a solar fence around her farm

     The solar fence is an innovative solution that uses solar energy to power a mild electric current running through the wires, deterring elephants and other animals from entering the farm. This method is not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective, reducing the need for constant human surveillance and physical barriers. The solar fence has proved successful in minimizing crop damage, allowing Selvi to continue farming with less fear of losing her harvest to wildlife.

4. Livestock Management

     In addition to crop cultivation, Selvi also rears two cows on her farm. Cattle are an integral part of her farming system, providing her with milk for household use and manure for enriching the soil. Selvi uses a portion of her land, specifically her kitchen garden, to grow fodder grass for the cows. By doing so, she ensures a steady and sustainable source of food for her livestock without having to depend on external sources.

    Growing fodder grass within the confines of her kitchen garden has multiple benefits. It helps reduce her costs by eliminating the need to purchase feed from the market, ensures high-quality nutrition for her cows, and contributes to a circular system where farm waste is used to support livestock, which in turn provides manure to improve crop yield.

5. Sustainability and Future Outlook

    Selvi’s approach to farming showcases her commitment to sustainability and adaptability. By integrating modern technology like solar fencing with traditional farming practices, she has successfully navigated the challenges posed by her environment. Her 40 years of experience, coupled with her innovative solutions, make her a model farmer in the region.

    As she continues to manage her farm, Selvi’s story is an inspiration to other farmers in similar situations. She demonstrates that with the right blend of traditional knowledge and modern innovations, it is possible to mitigate the risks posed by wildlife and sustain a thriving agricultural enterprise, even in challenging environments.