Malleshappa Gulappa Biserotti, a farmer from the village of Hiregunjal in Dharwad, Karnataka, is making a significant impact with his dedication to sustainable agriculture. At 53 years old, Malleshappa has spent over half his life farming, with the past two decades focused on zero-budget natural farming. Guided by ancestral wisdom, he has transformed his 20-acre farm into a thriving example of ecological balance, becoming an inspiring figure for both farmers and environmental advocates.
A Humble Beginning
Malleshappa’s journey into zero-budget farming began under challenging circumstances. Twenty years ago, his village faced a severe drought that left farmers struggling to access even drinking water. With his dry land barren and unproductive, Malleshappa’s future seemed uncertain. During this difficult period, an agricultural officer introduced him to the benefits of using earthworms to rejuvenate soil health. Around the same time, Malleshappa came across Subhash Palekar’s philosophy of natural farming, particularly using Jeevamrutha, an organic fertilizer.
However, Jeevamrutha required significant amounts of water, which was already scarce. Reflecting on how his ancestors managed farming with minimal water, Malleshappa began researching cow dung, a cornerstone of traditional farming techniques. This research led him to develop Ghana Jeevamrutham, an organic fertilizer enriched with earthworm larvae. This innovative approach not only required less water but also significantly improved soil fertility.
Building a Diverse and Sustainable Farm
Today, Malleshappa’s farm is a model of integrated farming. While spice crops such as dried chilli, carom, and mustard remain his primary focus, he also cultivates field crops like gram pulse, wheat, jowar (sorghum), and groundnut. His horticultural ventures include areca, custard apple, guava, curry leaves, amla, and neem. Additionally, he raises nine desi cows, one bull, and two oxen, which form the foundation of his farming philosophy.
“Agriculture cannot exist without cows; they are essential to the land and life itself,” Malleshappa emphasizes. By leveraging these animals, he creates compost, vermicompost, and organic fertilizers, ensuring a self-sufficient farming ecosystem. His use of Ganajeevamrutha and earthworm larvae eliminates the need for commercial fertilizers, enhances soil health, and produces high-quality, nutrient-rich crops.
Overcoming Challenges with Innovation
Despite the challenges posed by water scarcity, Malleshappa’s determination has borne fruit. He prepares approximately 5,475 kilograms of solid Jeevamrutha annually and creates 200 kilograms of neem cake using seeds from his 17 neem trees. Neem leaves are also used in vermicompost production. His commitment to utilizing locally available resources has not only improved his farm’s productivity but also inspired other farmers in his region.
Malleshappa’s annual income varies depending on rainfall, ranging from Rs 3-4 lakhs in years of water scarcity to Rs 7 lakhs in years of adequate rainfall. His sustainable practices have ensured that even during tough times, his farm remains productive and profitable.
Vision for the Future
Malleshappa’s vision extends beyond his farm. He dreams of creating a sustainable environment for future generations, free from harmful chemicals. His goal is to provide society with healthy, chemical-free food while restoring balance to the earth. He firmly believes modern agriculture must reconnect with traditional practices to ensure ecological harmony.
“We must prioritize the quality of the food we make for our customers and concentrate on the knowledge passed down to us by our ancestors,” he says. “Farming should sustain livelihoods and protect the environment for future generations.”
Recognitions and Achievements
Malleshappa’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2021, he was honored with the Dhari Mitr Award at the Dada Saheb Phalke International Film Festival. Bollywood actress Lara Dutta and Col. Tushar Joshi presented him with the second prize, worth Rs 3 lakhs, recognizing his contributions to sustainable agriculture.
A Message to Fellow Farmers
Malleshappa’s message to farmers is clear: trust your instincts and ancestral wisdom. He encourages farmers to adopt traditional, sustainable practices that focus on producing high-quality food and preserving the environment. “Farmers know everything on their own,” he says. “By focusing on ancestral knowledge and sustainability, we can ensure a brighter future for agriculture and the planet.”
Malleshappa Gulappa Biserotti’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering faith in nature’s ability to sustain life. By reviving ancestral farming practices and adapting them to modern challenges, he has transformed his dry land into a thriving, sustainable farm. His journey serves as an inspiration to farmers and environmentalists, proving that with dedication and respect for nature, it is possible to cultivate not just crops but a better future for all.
