One of the challenges of terrace farming is lifting heavy materials such as earth onto the roof. But Thudupuzha-born farmer SK Hari says his "light" potting soil could be one way to tackle the problem.
The former government employee and bookseller from Kerala started farming full time in 2015. His EcoThrive products, he says, can be of great help to farmers and gardeners who prefer to grow their crops in pots or bags. Potting soil is not only light but also contains a variety of organic components that promote better plant growth and health, Hari told The Better India .
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Hari worked as a bookseller for several years and says it was actually the books he read that inspired him to start farming.
He later quit due to his demanding nature and resulting health problems. “I spend about 12 to 15 hours in front of the computer every day and it's starting to take a toll on my health. To improve my health, I started growing vegetables on my land,” said the 57-year-old man.
In 2016 he became an intern in organic farming in Bangalore. “I started farming around 10 acres of a friend's land in Marayur in Idukki. I spent 8-10 lakhs to make a farm. It was a successful business and I could sell vegetables for Rs 1 lakh per month. But unfortunately they asked me to leave the country,” said Hari, adding that he had to sell his land to repay the loan.
In 2020 he took the Earth Mix concession for one person. He started selling the mix to local residents and garden centers.
“That's how I learned about potting soil and the high demand in the market. Initially the response to the product was very positive. But in the end I got complaints from consumers. Many complain that their plants are dying,” he explained.
“After doing some research, I found that the person who gave me the crock never had a permit from the Department of Agriculture. I am selling an unauthorized product. I have lost around a lakh rupees there.
Even though there were several obstacles, Hari did not want to give up. He turned to the coir board for help making a good potting mix.
“They helped me by sharing their technique of making the perfect earthen pot. Through his training, I learned the technique of composting coco peat, the main component of potting soil. The rest I formulate based on my own experience and observations," he added.
As for why she focused on light mixes, she said, “Personally, I find it hard to lift heavy things like heavy soil and pots or grow bags. For parents like us, it's often difficult to control our weight, especially in the backyard. So I really wanted the mixture to be as light as possible.
An employee of the Central Cacao Research Institute, who is part of the consulting program as training at the institute, said: "This product is based on cocoa beans, but the remaining ingredients and the proportions of the mix are formulated by Hari Even. I personally use the blend and would say it worked really well.I grew some vegetables like bell peppers and okra and they all thrived.
Rich in nutrients, fast results
In early 2021, after some trial and error, Hari was able to create the right light bio-soil mix.
“Apart from cocoa peat, the mix contains ingredients such as composted cow dung, egg shells, neem cake, shell powder, etc. Rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) which promote plant growth and development. The pH of the mix is between 6.5 and 7, which is ideal for plant growth."
“Given the geographical and climatic conditions of my region, the plants grown with this mixture grow faster than those grown in soil. They also produce faster and bigger yields,” he said, adding that this could vary from location to location depending on external factors such as soil thickness and salinity.
Hari also obtained a mixed license from the Kerala Ministry of Agriculture. A worker from the Central Coir Research Institute said: “When you apply for a permit, you have to take courses from the agriculture department. In addition, product samples must be sent to government-approved laboratories under departmental regulations. They were tested for certain parameters and approval was given [as appropriate]. »
According to Hari, the mixture is suitable for growing garden crops and vegetables and should be used without mixing it with soil.
“I found that it affects the quality of the mix that is mixed with the soil. Its best feature is that it is lightweight and therefore allows plant roots to develop properly, unlike heavy and thick soils. The mixture leaves enough air for the roots. , which leads to better growth," he said.
Hari planted a garden on his neighbor's balcony and in the same potting soil he grew vegetables such as okra, brinjal and spinach, as well as marigolds.
She recommends filling a quarter of the container with charcoal sheets, then filling the other half with this mixture.
"This will be sufficient for the plant's initial growth. Since the mixture is rich in nutrients, there's no need to fertilize it for at least a week or two. Later, you can use any type of fertilizer or the same potting soil. When the "roots are exposed to the surface, spray bitumen over them . It doesn't matter. Plants should be watered according to the water content of the mixture," he said.
Josephine Paulinose, an 81-year-old gardener from Kalamassery, has been buying potting soil from Hari for months. “Soil is very effective, especially for new plant roots. Being light and airy, the roots are very well developed and I have been observing it with my anthuriums. It is also rich in all the essential nutrients, thereby promoting better growth. It's lightweight, which makes it perfect for hanging planters," he says.
Hari said that he and his family are now actively involved in making the mix. He started selling the mix to nearby nurseries and local stores. "Due to positive feedback from my customers, we are now planning to increase production," he said.
For further information and requests, you can contact 9400313266 via WhatsApp .
Edited by Divya Sethu; Photo credit: SK Hari
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