Elderly Farming Innovation: 72-Year-Old Woman from Rajasthan Develops Organic Method to Shield Crops from Destructive Termites
In the heart of rural India, Bhagwati Devi's story offers a glimmer of hope for smallholder farmers who often struggle to access costly agricultural inputs. Her innovative approach to termite control, using small pieces of eucalyptus wood, has shown promise in the face of growing concerns about chemical use in agriculture.
Bhagwati, a mother of seven and a resident of Rajasthan, hypothesised that eucalyptus wood could divert termites away from her crops. After observing that eucalyptus wood attracts more termites than other types of wood, she tested her theory on a pearl millet crop. To her delight, thousands of termites gathered around the wood, leaving the rest of the crop untouched.
This simple yet effective method has proven to be effective not only on cereals but also on pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables. The Government of Rajasthan has officially added Bhagwati's method to its recommended "Package of Practices" for farmers based on successful trials on various crops.
Traditional methods used to control termites, such as cow dung and maize cobs, have only been partially effective. Bhagwati's approach offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and straightforward method for controlling termites without chemicals.
Bhagwati's work extends beyond farming. She educates other farmers, particularly women, on organic and sustainable agricultural practices through her group "Swabhiman". Her efforts have been recognised by agricultural extension officers and senior scientists as an effective solution to a long-standing problem.
Despite lacking formal education, Bhagwati's deep love for agriculture and her farmland, where various types of trees, including Israeli acacia, are grown, have been the foundation of her innovation. Her journey demonstrates that innovation can come from living experience, keen observation, and a strong love for the land, without requiring labs or degrees.
However, it's important to note that Bhagwati's method involving eucalyptus wood as a termite deterrent is not widely documented or officially recognised in major agricultural research or government policy sources in India as of now. While eucalyptus wood has known insect-repellent properties, specific methods developed by Bhagwati Devi, their effectiveness on wheat crops, and formal endorsements remain undocumented in the accessible data.
For authoritative confirmation, one would typically look for peer-reviewed agricultural studies validating the method's effectiveness, official recognition from Indian agricultural research institutions or ministries, and government endorsements or adoption in field-level agricultural practice policies. Since no such references appear in the recent official documents or expert directories retrieved, it suggests that either the method is not yet widely acknowledged or is still under the process of scientific validation and government consideration.
For the latest updates on termite management techniques, including potential innovations by individuals like Bhagwati Devi, one may check agricultural extension service bulletins, government agricultural research bodies (e.g., ICAR), or contact local agricultural universities in India.
Bhagwati Devi's story is a testament to the unsung strength of rural women who continue to shape India's agricultural future. Her work has been featured on national and regional television networks, printed in various magazines, and distributed in videos, CDs, and photographic documentation. Despite the lack of formal recognition, Bhagwati's innovative approach offers a promising solution for smallholder farmers facing termite infestations.
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