By N. Niranjan Nikam
Plant, nourish and flourish’ is the mantra of this 80-year-old former Forest and Environment Secretary A.C. Lakshmana. The multi-pronged and highly beneficial project to the State that he advocates especially in the wake of farmers’ loan burden, increasing poverty and suicides is very important to overcome these tragic conditions. Speaking to Star of Mysore, Lakshmana said, “I strongly advocate ‘Agri-Silvi-Horticulture’ method which I have successfully experimented since the last 22 years.” Pointing to the tree in the park in front of his house in Gokulam, he said, “This tree Hebbevu (Melina Dubia) was planted six years ago and see how tall it has grown. I am now encouraging the farmers all over the State to grow this species along with other crops.” Asked about the Israeli method of farming that the present government is flaunting as the panacea for all farmers’ problems, he said that micro and drip irrigation has been practiced in a few regions in the Nagarhole and surrounding Hunsur belt for many years already. For instance, the growing of tobacco is banned from 2019, bamboo can be grown as one of the components that will help in 33 per cent increase in water for borewells apart from other benefits, he said.
