Mangaluru: Suresh Balnadu, a forward-thinking farmer from Puttur, is setting new benchmarks in pepper cultivation. Managing a 12-acre farm on sloping land, Suresh avoids borewells and relies on three agricultural ponds, with a fourth under construction. His farm produces an impressive 4.5 tonnes of pepper annually from 600 pepper plants.
Suresh is known for his commitment to innovation and water conservation. Since 2004, he has been generating 2 KW of hydroelectricity and employs rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge through farm ponds. His farm features a solar dryer for arecanut and pepper and various vegetables grown for domestic use. He also uses advanced ‘doti’ technology, a carbon fibre telescopic device for spraying and harvesting areca trees.
A model of efficiency, Suresh has adopted an automated irrigation system that delivers 16-18 litres of water per hour across his farm, supported by eight solenoid valves. His farm also boasts a waterfall with a viewpoint, a concrete water storage tank holding 2 lakh litres, and a lighting arrangement.
Suresh’s innovative approach extends to using pepper cultivation alongside rubber and teak, and even on cement poles, alongside arecanut trees. His efforts have earned him recognition as a resource person for pepper cultivation by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra. He aims to double his pepper yield to 10 tonnes in the next five years.
Awarded for his advancements, Suresh’s farm attracts numerous visitors who come to see his cutting-edge methods. Mallikarjuna L from ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra praises his effective use of natural resources and high productivity.