Tidy Rows and Rich Yields: M.K Choli’s Art of Systematic Farming

Geethalakshmi K

"For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned." - Benjamin Franklin

Mahadeva Choli’s farm

Step onto Mahadeva Choli’s farm: You will be wonderstruck by its immaculate appearance. Choli's commitment to symmetry is everywhere on his farm, from his meticulously organized cattle shed to his diligently tended fields. Everything and everyone has a distinctive place, reflecting his belief in finding order amidst the chaos in this universe.

Mahadeva Kariyappa Choli resides in a  tranquil village named Hosur in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. He is an experienced agriculturist with over two decades of experience in farming. The main crop for MK Choli is Sugarcane similar to farmers belonging to this region. Sugarcane might be known as the "lazy crop," taking its sweet time to grow and be ready for harvest, but Choli opposes it. Unlike his main crop, he is the epitome of hard work and dedication, tirelessly toiling on his farm.His fields are not limited to one crop. He grows diverse crops such as maize, wheat, coriander, turmeric, brinjal, watermelon, cucumber, cauliflower, garlic onion etc. He also practices intercropping to increase the productivity of the land. 

The highlight of Choli's farm is that there is not even a single weed plant to spot as proof of his attentiveness and care. When asked about the cost of his farming operation, Choli reveals that it amounts to 40 lakhs per year. However, his hard work and dedication pay off, with a profit of 10 lakhs annually, resulting in a turnover of 50 -55lakhs.

Choli's family members

But for Choli, agriculture is more than just a business—it's a way of life deeply rooted in tradition and family values. Coming from a joint family of three brothers and seven sisters, Choli cherishes the bonds forged through generations of farming together. His tidy farms have brought him rich yields and earned him recognition and accolades at the district and state level  including the reputed “Krishi Pandita Award.” Yet, what truly inspires Choli to continue farming is the joy of sharing his knowledge and welcoming visitors to his farm, where their wishes and blessings fuel his passion. For him, the true reward of agriculture lies in the peace and tranquility of being close to nature. As he tends to his beautiful garden, adorned with plants lovingly named and accompanied by nameplates, Choli finds solace in the simple joys of life, where money may come and go. Still, the nurturing embrace of nature remains constant.