Sehore farmer adopts multilayer farming model:Reaps bonus crops for 3 years among 5,500 trees

When a farmer chooses a new path among traditional crops, the mathematics of farming changes. The most straightforward way to increase profit in farming is to reduce expenses and create multiple sources of income. Progressive farmer Mukesh Verma from Diwadiya village in the Ichhavar area of Sehore district has done exactly this. He is practicing multilayer farming. After working in the construction field for years, he chose the path of farming, but with a different mindset. The farmer has planted approximately 3000 Nilia Dubiya and 2500 sandalwood plants on his 10-acre land in Haliyakhedi. He procured these plants from Gujarat and Chennai. Mukesh Verma planted saplings of about one foot height in June 2024, which have grown to approximately 25 feet by April. He has maintained a distance of approximately 7 feet between the plants. First, Nelia Dubia was planted and after 7 feet, a sandalwood plant was planted. With this kind of planning, not only are the trees growing well, but they are also utilizing the gap land left between the trees. Using the empty space between the trees, they have been cultivating different crops for the past three years. Drip Irrigation System in 10 Acres of Land In the first year, he cultivated lentils, from which he obtained approximately 45 quintals of production and earned around 3 lakh rupees. In the second year, he planted chickpea crop, which yielded 35 quintals of production. Currently, he is preparing to cultivate turmeric under this same model. For this, he has hired two people who have passed out from Agriculture. A drip irrigation system has been installed across the entire 10-acre area for irrigation. Apart from this, a well and borewell have also been dug in the farm for water, through which regular irrigation of both trees and crops is being done. Sandalwood sells for 15,000-20,000 per kilo Mukesh Verma says that he has planted 2500 red sandalwood trees in 10 acres. When fully grown, the height of this tree reaches up to 20 feet, which sells for 15-20,000 rupees per kilo. The weight of the tree is 20 to 30 kilos. Plywood is made from the Nelia Dubiya tree. This tree becomes ready for cutting in 5 to 6 years. Its height is 70 to 80 feet and weight is 10 to 12 quintals. One tree sells for 10 thousand rupees. Protection of trees kept in four layers Mukesh Verma explained that the protection of these trees is kept in four layers. In the first layer, a 6-feet deep drain has been made all around. In the second layer, a bamboo boundary will be made, in the third layer, wire fencing will be done. A sensor system will be installed in this, alarms will ring as soon as touched and dogs will be released. In the fourth layer, a 25-feet high watchtower-like structure will be built, on which a gunman will be deployed at all times. Mukesh Verma says that while working on road construction and other projects for years, I deeply felt one thing. That is, in this race of development, nature is being left behind somewhere. The cutting of trees, dust, pollution and increasing carbon emissions started troubling him from within. This is where an idea came to his mind. What has been taken from nature, now is the time to return it. This is not just farming, this is in a way my compensation for the carbon emissions I have done. Earlier I used to build roads, now I am growing forests and the difference between the two is that now I am giving back to nature.