Annual reviews usually are written in the first week of January. Some even do it a week or two later. I wanted to write our 2019 review at least before the new financial year came around, so here goes...
Good rains!
That's the first thing to mention about 2019.
For the last 7 consecutive years, the lower Palani hills have received just about 30 inches of rainfall per year, as against the previous average of 60 inches per year. In 2019, we were blessed with 42 inches, and we hope this will inch back to the historical average. Another 6-7 years of good rainfall, and our farm will really have a lot of green cover.
Some of the previously-seen waterfalls had begun to flow again, and the D Combai is full after almost two years.
New planting
This year, we finally managed to clear one more patch of our land, and have planted hill banana, along with jackfruit and clove saplings.
Harvests
A few of the Avocado trees gave their first yield, in their 8th year. Not only did we have our fill of avocado fruit, but we were even able to sell them.
The Amla, more than in most recent years, was plentiful. We have plucked and processed much of the harvest into pickle, candy and preserve.
Talking of selling the fruits, I must mention that the Organic Farmers' Markets (OFM) that have come up in Dindigul and Oddanchatram is a fantastic step forward. These have been set up in a way that organic/natural farmers can directly bring their produce to these weekly markets and sell it themselves. The prices are pegged to that day's prices at the Uzhavar Sandhai, which makes it a great deal for customers, and there are no overheads charged to the farmers, which makes it a great deal for the farmers!
Some more roadwork
This year, we undertook some more work on our road, leading up from the main road to the farm. Some distance was paved with stone, and some more with concrete.
Putting a face to the name
One of our many friends who visited us happens to work for a leading advt. agency, and he was kind enough to help create our logo.
And so, we look forward to another action-filled year.
Thank you for taking the time to read, hope to write again soon...
Good rains!
That's the first thing to mention about 2019.
For the last 7 consecutive years, the lower Palani hills have received just about 30 inches of rainfall per year, as against the previous average of 60 inches per year. In 2019, we were blessed with 42 inches, and we hope this will inch back to the historical average. Another 6-7 years of good rainfall, and our farm will really have a lot of green cover.
Some of the previously-seen waterfalls had begun to flow again, and the D Combai is full after almost two years.
New planting
This year, we finally managed to clear one more patch of our land, and have planted hill banana, along with jackfruit and clove saplings.
Harvests
A few of the Avocado trees gave their first yield, in their 8th year. Not only did we have our fill of avocado fruit, but we were even able to sell them.
The Amla, more than in most recent years, was plentiful. We have plucked and processed much of the harvest into pickle, candy and preserve.
Talking of selling the fruits, I must mention that the Organic Farmers' Markets (OFM) that have come up in Dindigul and Oddanchatram is a fantastic step forward. These have been set up in a way that organic/natural farmers can directly bring their produce to these weekly markets and sell it themselves. The prices are pegged to that day's prices at the Uzhavar Sandhai, which makes it a great deal for customers, and there are no overheads charged to the farmers, which makes it a great deal for the farmers!
Some more roadwork
This year, we undertook some more work on our road, leading up from the main road to the farm. Some distance was paved with stone, and some more with concrete.
Putting a face to the name
One of our many friends who visited us happens to work for a leading advt. agency, and he was kind enough to help create our logo.
And so, we look forward to another action-filled year.
Thank you for taking the time to read, hope to write again soon...
