Siddhi Vinayak Drum Stick Plant - The ‘KALPAVRUKSHA’ of Mankind

Present Situation: Adverse climate conditions for the last 4-5 years i.e., extended drought periods, short duration kharif season, lack of rains in rabbi season, temperature fluctuations in winter, high temperature in summer (42°c to 46°c), problems in vegetable growing, price fluctuations (e.g., Mango, pomegranate, strawberries, veg. crops), natural calamities and other such problems have put the farmers under heavy debt from Rs.90 thousand per head to Rs. 1 to 2 lakhs in joint families.

Effect: Inability of farmers to repay this loan has led to suicides in cotton growing states e.g., Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Solution: To relieve the farmer of this serious situation farmer should transform the traditional farming to high value added cash crops which may give income of minimum Rs. 60,000/- to 80,000/- per year. Such perennial crops if taken for 10 years, it is possible for the farmer to repay the loan of last 5 years by instalments. Research on such crops along with improved cultivation practices involving new technology should be given to farmers by development workers.

Importance of Drumstick Cultivation: By our research experience drumstick is one such crop. Now coconut was considered as ‘Kalpavruksha’. But coconut has some disadvantages also, e.g., Coconut tree starts bearing fruits from 4-5 years after planting. No guarantees of fruit bearing every year, also attack from shoot borer, fruit drop are some common problems. For such reasons coconut plantation is done only in Kerala on large scale.

Such problems are eliminated by drumstick plantation. Drumstick is fast growing crop with multiple use. The most important use of drumstick is that the shade of drumstick plant does not hinder the growth of other crops. Usually 75 percent net is used in construction of green houses. If drumstick plantations are used, we could save crores of rupees. The scientists should carry out research on this and such projects should be financed by NABARD and Nationalized Banks. 25-30% growth of crops is hampered by shade (vasva in marathi) of Neem, Mango and Tamarind trees. But, drumstick plantation gives 25-30% more benefit and so farmers should plant drumstick on farm bunds e.g., in cotton growing drumstick planation and maintains their economic balance.

Reference: In this region growing 160 plants of Kagda flower on one and half bund by using Dr.Bawasakar Technology by illiterate farmer earns Rs.60,000/- in 4 months. By using the same Technology for 375 Jasmine Plants he earns Rs.60,000/- in 4 months. On similar lines by cultivation of ‘Siddhivinayak’ drumstick on the bunds, farmers worldwide could bring about a new revolution. The farmers with more land facing labour and water problems could successfully undertake drumstick plantation.

Cultivation: Soil and Climate

Drumstick can be well grown in all types of soil and climate. But light medium to deep black soil is most suited.

Varieties: Kerala (moringa) Suruchi from Konkan Krushi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli are grown commercially on large scale. We have developed ‘Siddhivinayak’ Moringa after selection which is very tasty and gives high yield during the year.

Germination: To enhance the germination, Seeds are soaked overnight in solution Germinator 25ml + 5 gm Protectant + 500 ml water for 7-8 seed packets. (100 seeds per packet) and then dried in shade and put in plastic bags. By this treatment, germination occurs 70% in 15-20 days. Seeds: Seed rate 10 packets per acre are required (680 seedling are sufficient per acre.)

Preparation of seedlings: Seedlings are raised in plastic bags of 4ʺ x 6ʺ size four holes are made on such bags. Hole should be made at One inch from bottom of bag and 1/2ʺ from top to facilitate drainage. 5-10 gm Kalpataru organic manure is added in bag with soil, watered gently, previously soaked seeds in Germinator and Protectant are dibbled horizontally to a depth of ½ cm (5 mm) , gently covered in soil and watered everyday with spraying zari. Spraying of Germinator + Thriver + Crop shiner + Ripener (3-5 ml) each + Protectant (1 gm) + water (1 liter) 3 times alternate day ensures quicker and higher germination and enhances better settlement of seedlings in bad weather conditions. Collar rot is a major problem & could be prevented by spraying Dr. Bawasakar Technology four to five times to seedling in nursery in a month.

Plantation distance: The seedlings are planted in 1ʹ x 1 ʹ x 1 ʹ pits, Application of Kalpataru 100 gm per pit is desirable. If plantation lasts for 6 to 10 years, 8 ʹ x 8 ʹ distance is recommended but as per soil type may vary from 6 ʹ to 10 ʹ.

Irrigation: Irrigation at an interval of 8-10 days since drumstick plants grows rapidly should be given on 8th day without fail during summer to get drumsticks with 1.5 to 2 feet in length. In rainy & winter season, 10-12 days at an interval of 5th day in summer when plants bear pods. If drip is used, 2 liter discharge per hour with 12-16 liter water application for 6-8 hours is advocated every 4th day considering soil moisture, atmospheric humidity & atmospheric and soil temperature and stage of plant. Please note excess water during winter and to fetch high rates in market, temptation may cause failure in flowering initiation & eventually may turn in to undue & unwanted long green vegetative growth & cause total crop failure.

Manure Fertilizers: Application of Kalpataru at an interval of every month at the rate of 100-150 gm per plant. Chemical fertilizers should be avoided. Plant Protection: Generally drumstick plant is not prone to diseases and pests. Attack of fly is overserved. For control of fruit fly use of Protectant is necessary and in rare case chlorophyriphos is effective. During the onset of monsoon in June-July, the leaf eating caterpillar eats away all tender leaves & render umbrella stick appearance to branch and whole plant. This could be controlled by Protectant. But in severe attack, Chlorophyriphos 10-15 ml/10 liter water is effective control measure.

Regular sprayings of Saptamrut renders the crop free from disease and pest and ensures quality production.

Proper Pruning of Drum Stick Plants: After transplanting of drum stick saplings, timely & often pruning of saplings is necessary. When they attain height of 2’ to 3’, pruning should be done of parrot color shoots borne on all sides of plants including one at the top (apical); regularly for getting early flowering and fruiting till you see five to six flowering shoots coming from each node of the main branch. When you see distinctly these flowering shoots (see the photograph on the cover) then stop pruning of leafy shoots. The pods will be formed in bunches within 1 to 2 months of flowering.

After transplanting seedlings, first flush of pods is borne within 7-8 months. After complete harvesting, do light pruning so that new flowering starts again and second yield of drumstick pods are ready within next 2-3 months.

Economics: Within 8-10 months a single plant yields 300 to 350 drumsticks. After harvesting the plants are pruned retaining only pencil size thick branches. Plants again start flowering from 11-13th month onwards again giving yield of 200-250 drumsticks/plant. Annual net profit to the tune of Rs.60,000/- to 80,000/- per acre. Farmers from Solapur district (Maharashtra) by using Dr.Bawasakar Technology on half acre planting distance 6’ x 6’ and 50 paisa/drumstick have earned Rs.150/- tree during the initial first season. In other states the market rate was Rs.15-20 /k.g. of drumsticks. From drumstick a minimum of Rs.80,000/- acre can be obtained by making use of Dr.Bawasakar Technology.

Due to unfavorable climatic conditions farmers have to incur heavy losses up to Rs.50,000 to 1,25,000 on crops like grapes etc. Due to such conditions prevailing for past many years, area under such crops has decreased. Bitter gourd, bottle gourd and other cruciferous crops are replacing grape orchards. Such crops always have fluctuating market. Drumstick plantation shows a new light to farmers to bring him out of this darkness of unreliable market and climate. As drumstick market is always steady ranging from a slow as 10 Rs./kg. to as high as 60 Rs/kg. for than 25 years.

Market: Gujarat state provides a large market for drumstick. All districts in Maharashtra, Indore, Gwalior, Madras, Kerala whole of South India, Uttar Pradesh provide a good potential for inland Market. Export of drumsticks to UAE and such other Western countries can fetch Rs. 50 to 70 per kg. of drumstick form local exporter. But care has to be taken to use Dr.Bawasakar Technology and to avoid an excess use of artificial fertilizers and toxic pesticides to ensure the complete absence of harmful residues.

Agriculture Marketing Federations, Marketing Board, should do planning of sale for this crop. Fresh drumsticks should be strictly sold at wholesale rate to Rs.15-20 per k.g. Since customers purchase from retailers at a price not less than Rs.20-25 per kg.

Ayurvedic and Processing Importance of Drumstick: Fever, joint pains, diarrhea, eye sight problems, hunger problems, heart diseases and other such illness could be cured by drumstick. Leaves of drumstick, flowers in mortars and pestle, powder from dried seed are used in medicine preparation. Oil extracted from seeds is used in repairing wrist watches, powder from dried seeds to purify water from water pollution. Due to its NABARD, of nationalized banks should promote this project by issuing loans at 4% interest so that money would start flowing within 10-12 months onwards for the next 10 years and this would serve as a helping hand in rural development.

Important Aspect: Drumsticks in Bihar cultivated on 10 acre as sole crop could be used for rearing honey bees for honey purpose. (In Bihar honey bee rearing is done in plantations of Madhubani, Mustard, Jamun, Litchi and Drumstick) 60-100 per kg honey is obtained from an acre every season. Further honey bees increase the rate of pollination indirectly increasing the yield of drumstick by 25-30%.

Export: Drumsticks can be exported to tropical countries and temperate countries. Drumstick can provide a good remedy against eyesight problems and if more research is carried out in this aspect, 20% patients of the world and 3-4% of our country related to eyesight problems could be cured. Thus the expenditure on allopathic medicines could be saved and economy would improve immensely. Drumstick shall be a ‘Revolutionary Crop of 21st Century’ per capita income will increase providing economic, social and moral stability.

Drumstick cures fever, constipation, loose motion, headaches, T.B patients, heart attacks, B.P. It is solace to diabetic patients. In few cancer cases it has shown a ray of hope.

This ‘Siddhivinayak’ seed variety of drumstick is master crop that would revolutionize the world’s health & hygiene and give fitness to all sections of mankind. All parts of plants including tender leaves, flowers, the powder, the gum occasionally oozes from branches has a high medicinal value and should be collected as these have a sizable market in ayurvedic pathy. Drumstick is an substitute to sandalwood and used in watch making industries.

It is a good water purifier and is extensively used in African countries to get clean drinking water.

Moral Responsibility of Govt. and Banks: Different state banks, NABARD Rural development banks, Co-operative banks, Nationalized banks should grant loans @ 4% interest under this project. Project should be referred as ‘Farmers SOS Project’ giving it recognition among all categories of people. If Govt. Officers handle this project with due importance, within 2-3 years such projects shall make the farmers debt free and our country could repay its debts within 5 years and progress rapidly without the fear or threats from developed nations.

Success of ‘Siddhivinayak Moringa’ Plantation

‘Siddhivinayak’ has been widely successfully adopted and acclaimed by different Govts. Socio, NGO Govt. Organizations and is accepted as high return crop by many progressive farmers in different states of India.

Siddhivinayak Plantation is Versatile

The ‘Siddhivinayak’ drumstick models (about 20,000 and more) in all districts of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Bihar, Chattisghad, Bengal are doing successfully and their ideals & interviews have been included elsewhere as guideline.

It is really interesting to note that the Chinese visitors when made commercial visit to Pune in 2006 enjoyed ‘Siddhivinayk’ drumstick, vegetable in Maharashtrian Thali so much so that they took 2 seed packets of ‘Siddhivinayak Moringa’ for plantation in China.