Greetings,
After all these years of reading, research on net, the blogs and other web based information, Now I am stepping into real world of agriculture. I just bought 25 acres of agriculture land near Hyderabad city (about 70 Km) . The farm land has black cotton soil and ground water is about 250 meters deep. There is one existing bore well in the farm and thinking of having 2-3 more bore wells. right now they have some cotton and pulses, mostly rain dependent crops. I need to get in touch with Hydrologist first to get some points, if it fails I will go with traditional village priest or whoever predicts the points(BTW I myself was geologist long time back and Hydrology was one of main interest during study years).
Let me give you some brief about myself, As I mentioned I did my masters in Geology and worked as exploration geologist for few years in various parts of Gujarat, I had great memories of Gir forest (Lion Sanctuary) and Kutch area. Along with the Trend, I moved towards the software and worked in Mumbai and Calcutta for couple of years (Two completely different city life styles and cultures). Last 13 years I am here in USA and now started moving back to India. May be in next few months I will move for good. As a Matter of fact I haven’t seen the land physically at, of course I have seen photos and videos. Some of my friends and family members visited the farm land and gave positive feedback. I myself nor my family roots, as I know, never had any agricultural experience or farm lands. Somehow I developed this interest and decided to move on.
I know it is very hard work and less returns compared to anything else I can do. I do realize that it is very expensive and the returns depends lot on external factors, in which you don’t have much control. Certainly it’s a choice and I made this decision. I am willing to take this challenge and succeed. I am optimistic and very positive attitude guy, I don’t believe in luck rather I believe in Time and way you execute things. If you do things in timely manner with dedication, determination and discipline you will succeed, even if you fail you will have satisfaction and gain experience.
let’s get back to farming.
I wanted to start integrated/Mixed farming which includes Animal husbandry like cows, buffalos, sheep and chicken, long term wood trees like Teak and Neam on the borders and short term like flowers and vegetables. Up to 5 acres of flowers for cut flowers which could be short term. Up to 5 acres of Vegetables which could be also short term, Up to 5 acres of Grass for animals. 2 acres of water pond for rain water harvest and fish. Up to 5 acres of mixed fruits thinking of four to five verities. 1 acre for guest house and servant quarters.
I learned few things about Cheese making and trying to attend some more classes of Dairy farming in USA. I also tried and learned hydroponics and aquaponics, I want to implement these in later stage. I have few more ideas and interest on Agro-tourism, we can discuss as we progress.
As a First step, I wanted to plant some trees around the fence and start fruit garden. Could someone suggest, which type of trees are useful and less maintenance to plant around the fence? Also I am interested in starting the 5 acres Fruit garden, I need some suggestion on plant selection and availability in and around Hyderabad. If someone can provide the price list and good time or season to plant different fruit trees that would be very helpful. Also I am looking for Persimmon trees, does anyone tried this tree around this area?
Right now, I am looking for Persimmon trees and Jack fruit trees; if any has these trees for sale please let me know with plant details and prices.
Any Ideas, information, suggestions or comments are very welcome.
Thanks
Sekhar