Farming is the backbone of many economies. If farming would be removed from our economy then just assuming the condition is terrible - right. On the other hand increasing population demands more production but the land farming is descreasing by increasing poulation. To increase production is also important step for survival of farmers specially farmers having small lands. This article written by Prabhu Dev, deals with this situation. Whether you are a small farmer with limited resources or a large farmer looking to optimize your processes, this article will provide you with actionable steps to increase your agricultural yields using accessible and affordable methods. Each section includes helpful references so you can have detail knowledge of each section. Let's START!
To increase production, proper methods should be followed we know this thing. But which methods, how it will help you, their discussions are below. Let's start the list of methods for each important part.
Efficient Use of Water Resources
Water is essential for crop growth, and efficient use of water can make a great difference in agricultural productivity, especially in water-less regions. Talking about most common and best methods, drip irrigation and rainwater harrvesting are important practices.
1. Drip Irrigation Systems
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots which minimise wasting of water. It's highly effective for both small and large farms. And can be adapted based on available resources.
How Farmers Can Benefit: Drip irrigation systems can be customized to fit small-scale farms at a low cost or more automated for larger farms. This will help them by perfect growth of each plant and also avoid wasting of seeds and water.
2. Rainwater Harvesting
For regions with perfect rainfall, capturing and storing rainwater can be like a supplement for irrigation. This practice is affordable and sustainable for small farmers.
Abroad, many areas specially of developed nations are following this method. This is the most effective way for farmers for irrigation because this reduce the charge they have to pay for water for irrgation.
Improving Soil Health
Going after irrigation techniques, soil is important matter to be discussed.
Healthy soil is the foundation of productive farming. Farmers should focus on improving soil fertility through natural and cost-effective methods. In my opinion, the pesticides and fertilizers are damaging the soil and population. Use of these things are a real threat as the reason is gathering of toxins in human by eating this farm food. To handle soil health here are some methods.
1. Organic Fertilizers and Compost
Using compost and organic fertilizers boosts soil fertility without harming the environment. Small farmers can create compost at home, while large-scale farmers can adopt organic farming techniques. You don't know that today many farmers have got a perfect earning method by making compost by themselves and selling it to the required ones.
How Farmers Can Benefit: Organic compost improves soil health over time and is affordable for farmers of all scales. It have a become a source of earning for many farmers.
2. Crop Rotation
Crop Rotaion is a very and very important method which should be perfectly used by specially small farmers. By this way farmers earn my more than 1 crop and other thing, it prevents from the loss of quailty of soil. To understand this perfectly here is a short story by which after reading - you will feel something different with different mindset.
In a small village in Madhya Pradesh, India, a farmer named Ramesh was struggling to make ends meet. He had been growing wheat on the same piece of land for several years, but over time, he noticed that the yields were decreasing. The soil seemed to be losing its fertility, and pests were becoming more and more of a problem. His income was dwindling, and he didn't know how to fix the issue.
One day, a local agricultural extension officer visited Ramesh's village and introduced the concept of crop rotation. The officer explained that growing the same crop repeatedly depletes specific nutrients from the soil, while rotating crops helps restore soil health and breaks pest cycles.
Ramesh was skeptical at first but decided to give it a try. He began by planting legumes like pulses after his wheat harvest. Legumes are known to fix nitrogen in the soil, replenishing the nutrient levels naturally. The next season, he planted mustard, which has different nutrient needs and helped improve the soil structure.
After a year of practicing crop rotation, Ramesh noticed a remarkable difference. His wheat yield the following season was higher than it had been in years. The soil had regained its fertility, and pest issues had dramatically reduced. His crops were healthier, and his farm was more productive.
By alternating between wheat, legumes, and mustard, Ramesh not only restored his land but also diversified his crops, giving him better financial stability. The crop rotation method allowed him to become more resilient to environmental changes and more sustainable in his farming practices.
Today, Ramesh is an advocate for crop rotation in his village, sharing his success story with other farmers who are facing similar challenges. His small decision to rotate crops transformed his farming business, and now many in the village follow the same technique to ensure long-term soil health and productivity.
Learn More About Crop Rotation: USDA Crop Rotation Guide
Till now we have discussed many important methods. These should be used by all farmers, I think. Below are some methods which require investments in starting. But these are too effective as methods you have read above.
Affordable and Efficient Machinery
Farming with machinery doesn't have to be expensive. Small farmers can benefit from simple tools, while larger farmers can invest in advanced equipment. We have discussed for both.
1. Small-Scale Mechanization in Farming
Farmers with limited budgets can use small scale tools for farming like motorized tillers or hand-held tools for efficient farming. This helps save time and reduce labor costs.
How Farmers Can Benefit: Small-scale tools are affordable and easily accessible to small farmers. They don't have to depend on big - land farmers.
2. Large-Scale Machinery and Automation
Larger farms can utilize tractors, automated harvesters, and drone technology to cover large areas efficiently. These technologies save time and optimize crop management.
Precision Agriculture
Precision farming uses data to optimize field management. This method is scalable, benefiting both small and large farmers by reducing input costs and maximizing output. This method rely on data. Listed below some practices are being followed by many farmers (small and large both) in present.
1. Use of Mobile Apps and GPS Technology
Farmers can use mobile apps and GPS devices to monitor weather conditions, soil moisture, and crop health. Small farmers can start with free or low-cost apps.
You can have the list of useful and important farming apps on this page :- Important Farming Apps
2. Drone Technology for Monitoring
This is for large farmers. Larger farmers use drones to survey crop health, identify pest outbreaks, and monitor soil conditions in real time. This is effective but not so much like that small farmers should invest on it.
Till now we have seen what farmers can do, now let's move on farmers and government should do in combination and what should be done.
Government Support and Subsidies
Governments often provide support to farmers through subsidies, training programs, and advisory services. Farmers should take full advantage of these opportunities.
1. Subsidies for Small and Large Farmers
Both small and large farmers can benefit from government subsidies for seeds, fertilizers, machinery, and irrigation systems. Local agricultural offices often provide details. They should search for what government are doing and their subsidies.
2. Advisory and Training Services
Many governments offer free or low-cost agricultural advisory services to farmers, providing training on modern techniques and how to apply for subsidies.
What's Next ? - Unlocking the Future of Farming with Knowledge and Innovation
Farming in today's world is not just about growing crops - it is about livelihoods, feeding nations, and building a future where agriculture is in harmony with the environment. Whether you're a small-scale farmer working with limited resources or a large-scale producer looking to optimize yields, the right methods, tools, and knowledge can transform your farming practices.
From adopting advanced technology and precision farming to implement sustainable practices like crop rotation and efficient irrigation. Each step toward rebuilding your farm is a step toward higher productivity and long-term success.
At WonderAce, we are committed to raise societies with valuable insights and actionable strategies that help them grow - like for farmers not to just only scale their crops, but their potential too. The journey to better yields starts with understanding the techniques that work. Remember, no farm is too small to benefit from modern practices, and every farmer has the potential to thrive with the right approach. Hope, I have given my best presentation to you.
Our goal is to bring you knowledge backed by research, inspired by the success stories from around the world. We believe that with the right support, every farmer can achieve more, no matter where they are or what they grow. Keep exploring, keep innovating, and keep trusting in WonderAce for insights that will positively effect your journey.
add your comment