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Agricultural Portfolio

Dr. Vijayalakshmi Veeramachaeni's agricultural journey began in her childhood, growing up in a farming family in Gantasala, Andhra Pradesh. After marrying another agricultural family in Bethuru, Karnataka, she continued to be involved in farming activities.
Over time, she expanded the family's agricultural pursuits by:

  • Diversifying crops: Introducing new crops like maize, sugarcane, and pulses to ensure a stable income throughout the year.
  • Implementing sustainable practices: Adopting organic farming methods, rainwater harvesting, and crop rotation to maintain soil fertility and reduce environmental impact
  • Rearing livestock: Starting a dairy farm and poultry unit to provide an additional source of income and improve the family's nutritional well-being.
  • Value addition: Establishing a processing unit to convert farm produce into value-added products like jams, pickles, and spices.
  • Marketing and sales: Developing a marketing strategy to sell the farm produce directly to consumers, reducing dependence on intermediaries and increasing profit margins.

Through these initiatives, Dr. Vijayalakshmi Veeramachaeni has not only ensured the economic sustainability of her family's farm but also contributed to the local agricultural ecosystem and community.

Dr. Vijayalakshmi Veeramachaneni and her husband, Raghavendra Prasad, have established a thriving agricultural enterprise on their 140-acre farm. The farm's location along the Tungabhadra backwaters provides a natural source of irrigation, supporting their crops throughout the year.

Agriculture Details

  1. Paddy: 85 acres, which is a significant portion of her farmland.
  2. Sugarcane: 10 acres, which provides a steady income stream.
  3. Mixed crops: 10 acres, featuring Ragi, Maize, and Black gram. This diversification helps to maintain soil fertility and reduces dependence on a single crop.
  4. Arecanut and Banana: 20 acres, which provides a lucrative income stream.
  5. Mangoes and Papaya: 2 acres, which adds to the diversity of her farm produce.
  6. Vegetables and green leaves: 2 acres, catering to the local demand for fresh produce.
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“ Leading with Passion : Driven by a fierce commitment to creating positive change and fostering a brighter future for rural women and their families. ”

By adopting traditional farming methods, they have created a sustainable agricultural model that benefits both their family and the local community. The farm provides employment opportunities for casual waged laborers from nearby villages, contributing to the local economy and community development.

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V. Vijayalakshmi Machaneni has 40 years of experience in agriculture, managing 140 acres of land independently. This is a remarkable achievement, considering she has built her agricultural empire without any family background support.
Their farm focuses on cultivating a mix of major food crops, commercial crops, and plantation crops, including:

    Paddy: A staple food crop in India, providing a reliable source of income.

    Sugarcane: A commercial crop with high demand, generating significant revenue.

    Coconut: A plantation crop with multiple uses, including food, oil, and fiber production.

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FARM LOCATIONS


Her farms are strategically located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Mundargi Taluk, Gadag district, and in Maganahalli, Putaganahalli, Davangere Taluk. The proximity to the river ensures a reliable water supply, which is essential for farming.

CROP DIVERSIFICATION:


V. Vijayalakshmi Machaneni practices crop diversification to minimize risks and maximize returns. Her crops include:

  1. Paddy: 85 acres, which is a significant portion of her farmland.
  2. Sugarcane: 10 acres, which provides a steady income stream.
  3. Mixed crops: 10 acres, featuring Ragi, Maize, and Black gram. This diversification helps to maintain soil fertility and reduces dependence on a single crop.

HORTICULTURE:


In addition to traditional crops, V. Vijayalakshmi Machaneni also practices horticulture, focusing on:

  1. Arecanut and Banana: 20 acres, which provides a lucrative income stream.
  2. Mangoes and Papaya: 2 acres, which adds to the diversity of her farm produce.
  3. Vegetables and green leaves: 2 acres, catering to the local demand for fresh produce.

ADDITIONAL VENTURES


V. Vijayalaxmi Machaneni's agricultural endeavors extend beyond traditional farming:

      Poultry farms: With 40 years of experience, her poultry farms produce 3 lac eggs daily, making it a significant contributor to the local egg market.
      Native cow farming: She maintains a herd of nearly 100 native cows, featuring breeds like Gir, Ongolu, Shayiwala, HF, Jersey, and Murra.
      Sheep and goat farming: V. Vijayalaxmi Machaneni also practices sheep and goat farming, adopting self-organic feeding practices to ensure the health and well-being of her animals.

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FISHERIES


Dr. Vijayalakshmi Veeramachaneni's pioneering work on the Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) has revolutionized the aquaculture industry. Here's an in-depth look:

    Key Components of RAS:
      Water Recirculation: Water is continuously recirculated, reducing consumption by up to 90%.
      Mechanical Filtration: Particulate matter and waste are removed through mechanical filters.
      Biological Filtration: Beneficial bacteria convert ammonia into nitrate, maintaining optimal water quality.
      Aeration and Oxygenation: Oxygen levels are maintained through aeration systems
      Heating and Cooling: Temperature control systems maintain optimal temperatures.

    Species Suitable for RAS: Crayfish, mussels, and oysters can also be cultured using RAS.

    ADVANTAGES OF RAS(Recirculatory Aquaculture System):


      Water Conservation: RAS reduces water consumption by up to 90%.
      Improved Water Quality: Advanced filtration systems maintain optimal water quality.
      Increased Productivity: High-density culture enables higher yields and improved efficiency.
      Reduced Waste: RAS minimizes waste generation and environmental impact.
      Improved Biosecurity: RAS reduces disease transmission and escape of aquatic species.

AQUACULTURE:


Dr. Vijayalakshmi Veeramachaneni's groundbreaking work on RAS has paved the way for sustainable and efficient aquaculture practices, minimizing environmental impact while promoting food security. Dr. Vijayalakshmi Veeramachaneni's work on Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) can be applied to various fish species, including:

  1. Katla (Labeo calbasu): A popular freshwater fish in India.
  2. Rava (Labeo gonius): A medium-sized carp species.
  3. Gowri (Labeo kontius): : A minor carp species.
  4. Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix): A filter-feeding fish species.
Dr. Vijayalakshmi Veeramachaneni's work on RAS has the potential to transform the aquaculture industry, enabling sustainable and efficient production of various fish species, including Indian major carps and other pond fishes.

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Detailed version of Mr. Raghavendra Prasad's initiatives:

Empowering Farmers through Affordable Equipment Mr. Raghavendra Prasad, driven by his concern for the welfare of farmers in his community, took a bold step to support them. He decided to purchase agriculture equipment and spare parts at retail price, making them more accessible and affordable for the farmers.

Reaching Out to Neighboring Villages

Through this initiative, Mr. Prasad was able to reach out to nearly 100 to 150 Kamble nearby villages. His efforts not only improved the livelihoods of the farmers but also fostered a sense of community and cooperation.

Family Support and Expanded Agricultural Activities

Mr. Prasad's family, including his wife, were instrumental in supporting his initiatives. Together, they involved themselves in various agricultural activities, expanding their support to include poultry and fisheries. This diversification not only enhanced their farm's productivity but also contributed to the local food security.

Promoting Venkatama Automobiles

Mr. Prasad's passion for empowering farmers led him to promote Venkatama Automobiles at Davanagere. He sourced automobile spare parts from major cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, and Vijayawada, ensuring that farmers had access to high-quality equipment.

Tractor Spare Parts at High Subsidy

One of Mr. Prasad's specialized aims was to provide tractor spare parts at a high subsidy. This initiative enabled farmers to maintain their tractors efficiently, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. By making these spare parts more affordable, Mr. Prasad helped farmers save money and invest in other essential agricultural inputs.

AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATIONS

V. Vijayalakshmi Machaneni is also involved in several prestigious farmers associations, including: As the Voice of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Mrs. V. Vijayalakshmi Machaneni has been appointed as: General Secretary, Women Wing In charge of Karnataka and Goa States - CONSORTIUM OF INDIAN FARMERS ASSOCIATIONS (CIFA).