Drip irrigation system was adopted to ensure optimum utilization of water, conserve energy, reduce weed growth, increase efficiency of applied fertilizers and enhance yield. The drip irrigation system was laid out in the applicant’s plantation as early as in 1998, when many of the farmers were unaware of this system. The system was laid out using the subsidy provided by the State department of Agriculture under the scheme for promoting drip irrigation. The system is still working properly and successfully
There is a pond in the Kallingal farm to supply irrigation water, with automated system to operate the pump. Irrigation starts in the months of Nov – December and lasts till April – May. Approximately 150 L of water is being provided to one palm in one irrigation which is repeated once in every 4 days. To minimize moisture loss, mulching with organic material is adopted. To enhance moisture retention, the coconut basins are covered with coconut husks
Renovation of water source for irrigation
Every effort is taken by the farmer to develop water resources for ensuring steady supply of irrigation water. A discarded pond in the farm was renovated in a cost effective manner using indigenous technology using old roof tiles. This technology aided to increased recharge of rain water in the pond through percolation,
Contour terrace cultivation is adopted in the entire farm to prevent soil loss and to conserve rain water.
Rain Water Harvesting
Rain water from the roof of the house is collected in a tank of on the terrace of the house, The overflow water is directed to a fish pond constructed at the ground level. The overflowing water from the fish tank is directed to the fruit garden