Pulse promotion in Coastal areas of West Bengal

Enhancing Food and Nutritional Security and Improved Livelihood  through Intensification of Rice fallow System withPulse Crop in South Asia  is a mega project  operating in Bangladesh, India and Nepal  jointly funded by  IFAD ( The International Fund for Agricultural Development) and ICARDA ( International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas).  Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya  is one of the implementing agencies  in India  to take care of the state of West Bengal.

Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya  has successfully completed its fourth term.  Currently  it has focused the marginalized  areas of the state ,particularly western part, Paschimanchal;  and Sudarban areas revealing much opportunity for pulse extension.  Prof. Rajibnath- the Principal Investigator has relentlessly been   organizing and co-coordinating  various institutions   to implement the mandates of the pan-project in West Bengal.    A series of seminars, interactive sessions , group discussions  at various levels  are being held at different regions  under his stewardship  to promote pulses in the niche areas.  Today, a daylong brainstorming session was held at Lake Hall,Kalyani  across stakeholders representing  Diamondharbour block and Sundarban areas.  More than 60 farmers  were sponsored by the ATMA project. Other stakeholders  were sent by JYDC organization of Sundarbans.  A team of young scientists of BCKV actively shared in the programme.

Today's program was chaired by me. Prof. Srikumar Pal, Director of Research and  Prof. Srikanta Das, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture  glorified the session as Chie-Guest and Distinguished Guest respectively.  

 In the beginning Prof.Rajib Nath  welcomed the delegates on behalf of the project as well as Viswavidyalaya.   Prof. Nath  briefed the house about the mission of the project, its   experience during the  last four years  and the future plans in the ensuing season.  Repeatedly he emphasized  for incorporating pulses  in Farming Systems  for food security and livelihood  options.

Prof. Srikumar Pal,Director of Research   followed  Prof Rajibnath.  In his impressive deliberation importance of pulses in  the country was echoed.  According  to him  growing pulses  driven  by low cost -technology  is necessitated to reduce the burden of imports on the one hand and on the other  to alleviate the negative impacts of  chemical  and cereal based farming practices.  He also stressed  for seed-conservation  at household level .

Prof.Srikanta Das  asked the delegates to share  their their pulse-experience  and interact  with the scientists   to locate  the points of intervention.  Further, he opined that a few additions and alternations  in the present  system of pulse-farming  will  improve  yield status  greatly. 

Prof. Kajal Sengupta, Head of the  Agronomy Department  discussed at length  on the possibilities of increasing yield  using Rhizobiums.  In his deliberation he pointed out  the necessity of seed-treatment, time of sowing,  depth of seeding, and  row-cultivation. 

 Prof. Raghunath Sadhukhan mentioned the varieties of  pulses  appropriate in the southern bengal and Sundarban areas.  He advocated for keeping the local  Mung-race  instead  other varieties  as it is a proven mung-cultivar in the saline prone area.

Dr.Tapas Biswas the soil scientist  urged for growing pulses in organic mode using rhizobiums, PSB.  According to Biswas  sowing Dhanicha prior to pulses will  add fertility  in the soil and reduce the cost of cultivation. 

Dr.Kalyan Jana discussed on pyra cropping and  asked the participants  to re module  present practices  of cutting down  paddy straw at the most ground level. He advised  to keep at  least 10 cm  of paddy straw at bottom  while harvesting. 

Dr Jana was followed by  Dr.Amitava Banerjee.  He precribed remedies  of pulse pests in an interactive way.  He warned the farmers for indiscriminate use of chemicals. According to him  they should use NPK in the proportion of 1:2:2 in case pulses. 

Prof. Bikash Patra in his deliberation emphasized on integrated farming systems. He advocated for crop rotation with  at least one pulse in the baskets.  He also reechoed organic based farming as far as possible. 

Dr. Amitava Biswas  discussed on  various issues relating to extension program. According to him  there is a need for communication and coordination among the the rural institutions  and farming community.  

Again, Prof, Rajib Nath  took part in deliberation. He informed the house about the forthcoming action plans  of the project,

Prof, Arabinda Mitra summarized the proceedings and gave vote of thanks.

The whole program was icely conducted by Dr. Biswajit Bhattacharyya.

MA Jawoni blessed the Women at Kalimati, Baghmundi.

 

 

 

 

 

Baghmundi block of Purulia exhibits diverse nature and culture. One of such culture could be seen at Bandri Village beneath the Ajodhya Hills. The serene hill emerged gradually from Bandri.Bandri is the holy place of Jawoni devi. Once upon a time vast area under Ajodhya Hills and surroundings was under the control of Bhumij caste. People here lived under the umbrella of Manki-the authority of the community & territory. However, the Manki used to believe in the invisible power of local deity- the Jawoni Buri. the Jawoni Buri is the protector of kingdom and subjects. All have been keeping the same faith today.

Jawoni devi is the gatekeeper of Bandri, Kalimati,Serendra etc. She lives under a tree and she has no images. A piece of stone is her symbol and being worshiped from indeterminate period. Traditionally, Laya-the priest from a special sub-caste of Bhumij worships Her on behalf of the villagers. Strict rituals are followed . Even today no woman is allowed to observe worship-performance. The ceremony observed on the Monday of Asarmonth(Bengali calendar) is the affairs of males at the spot. Offerings of lambs, goats and cocks are done in front of the deity. The place is flooded with blood on the occasion. The date of worship is postponed to Aswin moth if some one dies or new- born comes in the Bandri village. Again the Puja is deferred if there is an outbreak small pox or alike massive disaster in the village. The Devi is a living one. Her blessings keep the villagers in peace & happy. Anyone passing near the alter of the Goddess folds hands and bow to her.

The unbreakable system is continuing still now. However a bit of addition is made to the system keeping the original mode unaltered. Three decades back Kalu Babu was heading the Bhumijs of Kalimati. The women whispered “ Jawoni is female but we are barred to see her. This is an iron rules to the weaker sex.” This words reached to the ears of Kalu Babu. One day he dreamt ,the Goddess told him “ How long I would be in the jungle? Let you bring me at Kalimati for women’s sake. I want to be worshipped by them. However, my puja at Bandri will be continued as usual. Women will not go there on the Puja-day. “. Again the deity instructed “ Let you worship me in an idol form. In Kalimati I would like to be worshipped in an image of four hands seating on the back of tiger”. This was the turning moment ,the Banabibi reached in the Kalimati on the day of Doljatra.

Thereafter, she is Ma Jaoni and the village deity of Kalimati. The deity is adorned with fan-fare. No sacrifice is made at Kalimati. People of the surroundings have strict religious faith upon her. Duration of the Puja is similar to durga-puja continuing for three days. Women devotees take Dandi from Bhagabandh to the temple.

Dr. Sadananda Mahata is an Ayurbedic physician with wide repute. Everyday he cleans the temple and seeks her blessings. According to him “ I am a means, everything is done by Ma Jaoni”.

Within three decades the popularity of Ma Jawoni spread in the hilly parts of Bangmundi. More than twenty to thirty thousands devotees visit the place during three days of worship. Now cultural outfits have enriched the glamour of Ma Jawoni.

Villagers of Bandri, Serendi, Kalimati, Parantikar. Kuchi, Khusir, Gurudi etc. are waiting for the festival.

Fakir Aul Chand & Kartabhaja Sampraday & Sati mayer Mela

'To whom I 've not seen
How could I worship her'
The singer was in trance..his melodious songs were heard off the Akhra.. He was surrounded by his fellows. I sat for a while  and listened to him. I asked one of the connoisseurs ' who is the Baul?'
- no he is not the so called Baul. He is Mahasay..
-Mahasay??
- yea.. He is our mentor ..we worship Karta (lord).. We 're Kartabhaja sect--Mahasay kindles the path.. All  Kartabhajas present here are called Barati.
I was very inquisitive to his words. I wanted more about Kartabhaja.. their customs etc. With a smile the Barati said " Apan Bhajan katha..na kohio jatha tatha"--" don't say your rituals here and there".
Kartabhaja community strictly follows the codes of Satyadharma. The founder of this religion is Aul Chand Fakir. His philosophy of religion practices has been flowing orally from one generation to next.  Aul Chand rejected Vedas & Brahminical rituals. He denied the Gurubad. To him,Lord(Karta) is the ultimate goal of ritual practices. There is no need of any mediator to reach him.  An individual can attain the state of meeting Karta in right way without any  intermediary.
During 14th century there was social crisis. There were always conflicts between upper castes and low orders  in Hindu society. Brahmical cult oppressed the lower castes. UN-touchibility , prohibition to temple by the lower strata and other forms of restriction to them became social rules.This caste division and lordship by elites to weaker groups  gradually  transmitted to the  the Muslim society. Likewise, Baisams in Bengal  also dipped into the same water. Vasnabs originating from higher castes  showed supremacy over others belonging to lower strata.   Mahaprabhu wanted to bring all human beings under a classless umbrella but followers in due course began to disobey the egalitarian concepts propagated by Mahaprabhu.
 Oppressed lower strata of both Hindus& Muslims  wanted religion and social freedom. Under this juncture Aul Chand appeared as a Savior. His simple philosophy attracted both Hindus & Muslims.His path may be called as Sahajia path.
However, the followers of Aul Chand are called Kartabhaja. They are distinguished from Brahminical society as they do not worship idols. Again they follow 10 commandants similar to Christianity. Friday is kept for special worship ,fasting etc. The date is as much as pious day of Muslims.  Kartabhajas have no mantras in Sanskrit/Arbi. Their codes are narrated in Bengali songs-easily understood by common followers.
Dulal Chand  the successor of the cult composed & codified those songs and published it as Bhaber Giti..This is the only religious scripture and religion book of Kartabhajas. The cult was named as Satya Dharma.
 Aul Chand used to meet his disciples on the day of DolYatra for Satya Dharma discourse which gradually turned to Sati Mayer Mela.
In earlier Khusivisvasi,Sahebdhani, Balamai etc sects thronged to the mela..now I see Shaktas, Nagas,Aghori sampradya etc assemble here.   The space is now enlarged, Hindu deities are seen in Akhras during the Dol festival and being worshiped.
Evolution and  transformation of religion faith is a continuous process.

SATI MAYER MELA: KALYANI

 

 

SATI MAYER MELA: KALYANI

March 18, 2014 at 7:49am

The same congregation... comes to Kalyani Ghoshpara, from different places on the eve of Holi.  Devotees are being busy in holy dip in the Himsagar pond.  They have strong belief in its holy water. They have further conviction that all misery will wind up from mind & body once they take holy bath in the pond. It’s the magic power of Satima.  More stories you will hear if you witness Satimayer mela on the day of Holi.

The entire area of Satimayer mela becomes colorful on the day. People irrespective of religion, faith, caste assemble on this day. More than lakhs visit the shrine of Satima and urge for her blessings. The mela is  as old as of-three centuries.  Originally it was the holy-day fixed by Ram Saran Pal-the chief disciple of Aul Fakir for meeting. All the followers of Aul-sect were asked to meet, and experience and renew Satya Dharma.
Aul Chand (1694-1770)  was a powerful mystic fakir. He hailed from  UlaBirnagar.  He traveled widely in East Bengal.  In search of God, he came in contact with different religion-sects. His philosophy was seeded with the finer tunes of Sufiism, Vaisabvism, Islamism although he kept his own separation.  He was against Gurubad.  His followers are called KartaBhaja. Karta means Lord.  Aul’s followers are barred not to worship Guru. They are asked to worship only the Lord(Karta).  His philosophy drew a large number of low-order people. As Aul’s new outlook outcast orthodox Hindu society. His cult sooner loved by untouchable sects.  Aul Chand had twenty two disciples they are known as Bayes Fakir. Among those the chief was Ram Swarup Pal- the then landlord of Ghoshpara.   Ram swarup’swife was Satima. Devotees regard her as a Divine personality. She had the majestic power. There were adages that deaf-and dumb, blinds and others suffering from incurable diseases got new life by the grace of her majesticpower.

DulalChand son of Ram saran Paltook the charge of Karta bhaja sect folloed by iswar Chand. Aul, Ram, Dulal and Iswar are the four Gurus of Karta Bhaja. Dual chand codified the philosopthy ofAul’s in simple poems.  These are calledBhaber Gita.

Somprakash (1864) pointed that more than 65000 devotees assembled in Ghoshpara.

The same tradition is going on.

Today Satimayer mela is more than a religion-oriented mela.  Time has added new ingredients to the event.

Success Story of MNREGA : Khatra,Bankura,West Bengal

Success Story of MNREGA : Khatra,Bankura,West Bengal

December 24, 2013

My recent visit to Khatra Subdivision  is a windfall  to my experience.  The panoramic views of Mukutmanipur and surroung hills .hillocks and dam has  undeniably  smoothened my mind. However I got much more than expectation while visiting success  of MNREGAs here. On other days whenever I roamed Jungle Mahal  I had been skeptic as well as pessimistic about MNREGA.  I saw scattered ,unplanned and unproductive works done with the support of this mega project.  Community as a whole harvested little from it. Sporadic ventures failed to make it sustainable and productive.  Multiple positive buds from MNREGA did not come out.  Seldom people felt it their project. This very impression   pained me  every time. However, after visiting  orchard rearing under the umbrella MNREGA in Khatra sub-division changed my mind set. Now I am hopeful with the inherent power of the project  on seeing some of those brilliant works.

The sole objective of the project is not to  give jobs to the odds in any way but to create social assets simultaneously.   It must be productive and bear fruits continuously. Community must share fruits equally. Another point is important to its mission is of social participation, social inclusion  and social resource preservation. Equally important is of incorporation of bio-diversity, which is economically, ecologically vibrant. 

One of the poor blocks in Khatra sub-division is Indpur. The block is dominated by tribal and scheduled castes. Those  low-order people are landless or owner of a bit of lands. Topographically the entire area is undulating, rain-fed and terrain of infertile soils. Paddy is the single crop of the region barring some patched areas.  Vast barren lands are there with out greens.  The poor groups have to migrate other parts in search of jobs. Poverty and misery made them depressed and cynical. Tribals and other SCs lost their confidence burdened with shocks and stress all the time.

 Under above situation Dr.Babulal Mahato- a young block level administrator of Indpur block  saw hope within MNEREGA project. With his agricultural background  he wanted to experiment his earned technology blending with administration and people’s participation. He wanted to make them involved in  mango orchard farming. Initiall it was not an easy job. However, ultimately he managed to bypass negative thoughts. Landowners of the community agreed to his ideas of leasing lands to the SHGs teamed by tribal and SCs.  Under Mnrega    he flowed funds for best utilization of fallow lands with potential ventures. He has shown Orchards prospects in many parts of the block. I have already written the success story of Lipidiri. He has already set up 130 gardens. The new venture is now at Brahmandiha,gram panchayat, in Bhalukbhasa village in Phhlkhusma mouza.

Under Babulal’s stewardship  seven SHG-groups have been formed. One of those group is of Sardars who are tribal. These seven groups have taken lease land of 250 bighas of in a compact block. Groups have been tied with local panchayats. Input costs like fertilizer,compost,saplings and other contigent materials are supplied by the Panchayats. Lease sharing is on the basis of 40:50:10 among  SHGs, Landholder and Panchayats . Landholders  and Panchayes will receive share after the  garden starts harvesting.  This project came into operation from 8^th August 2013. They have already sown abot 10000.00 plants. Works is on full swing. Groups have cultivated  seasonal vegetables. We were offered  tasty cucumber while on the field.  Priyotosh Pathak a rural youth is  monitoring the whole program. Pathak’s sacrifice moved me. I apprecaiate his challenge  change in this drought prone area. 

Babulal accompanied me the spot. We shared and discussed a lot. We came to conclusion of refinement of the project incorporating diversification of crops and adding non-crop segments.

Unbelievale experience I got in Indpur.

This model is best suited in Junle Mahal. Institutional arrangements  of the project can be developed in other parts of India.

MNEREGA  is a sharpen weapon , it can  weed out all evils if properly used.

A talk on Unified battle against odds. 22 December, 2013

They are Savars- a primitive tribal community mostly found in Jharkhand, Oddisha and West Bengal states of India. They are forest people living on hunting, forest food-gathering and forest animals. During Brtish period, they were notified as criminal tribe. However, after independence it was lifted & de-notified. These are all paper works. Savars still remain beyond the orbit of civilization. People are afraid of them as because they bear the dark spot of 'criminals". They are not given jobs locally. Again, they are land less thus unable to harvest food for themselves. Their food habit is different from other castes. Society see them in a low profile. Illiteracy,poverty, migration have made their livelihood hell. Their life style is aggravated by addiction to liquor &drug. Their starvation story - death of five Savars under malnourishment & starvation in Amlasole wake the nation a few years back. Time has changed a few women of Lipidari village in Ranibandh united to fight against poverty. They took a vow to eradicate poverty. They wanted a smooth living. They formed Self Help Groups took barren, fallow lands from others. With the administrative support they converged MNEREGA schemes to productive occupation. Beautiful mango orchards sprang up with their collective action. A revolution occurred in Lipidari village. They got employment. Now there is no migration from the village. Women are sending their children to schools. They have harvested tons &tons mangoes.They are growing vegetables. Their action has been credited by the Government. Their success story reached other down-villages. Dr.Babulal Mahato, Dy.Magistrate of Khatra is happy with the Savars of Lipidari.

My Tripura Visit: Udaipur,Tripura Sundari & Bhubaneswari Temple

On 27^th  we visited Kasba , saw the border  and took a glimpse of Comilla soil.  Our next program was fixed to Udaipur by Ratan Da.  We were told to sleep early and get up in the very morning. Udaipur is about 55 kms. from Khayerpur where we are staying.  However, we did not  sleep early but  got up at the dawn.  The old lady- ninety five year old ,Ratan Da's mother & watchful guardian  blessed us morning. She also repeatedly told  “ Go to Mata Bari in the morning otherwise you can not see the deity at ease..Every time there is crowd.. Take her blessings”—With her kind wishes we started.. The same team comprising Ratan da, Sweta & their daughter ,me along with Krishna & Sanchari  plus the eldest sister of Sweta.

On our way  I looked at the Hoara Nadi..a lean stream.. we crossed.. the top of the Chaturdas Dev temple was visible from the windows of the car.. everybody folded hands and saluted the tutelary devis of Tripura king.   As we move forward we were looking at the hillocks..locally called tillas.. the road was carved with green plantations ,,obviously natural.   Morning journey through the Assam road is indeed charming.  We saw vally lands in between tillas. Farmers were busy in growing crops. There were lush green patches  all through.  Side by side  man’s overpowering nature was seen. Tills were  being cut to flat lands by giant macine.. old trees are cut down  here and there.. space for urbanization  is the top activity in Agratala and surroundings.

While moving,  Ratan Da  drew my attraction to the splendid building. It was Tripura University. I got down and took a few shots.  Near to the University I saw a Palash tree –it was full bloomed.. its colour reminded me Paschimanchal.  The color of soil was keen to lalmati (red soil).

On the way we were looking at the tea-gardens. Vast areas are carpeted with tea. It was the off season  and tea-plants were uniformly pruned.  Tea  played a big role in the economy of Tripura. British  factories sprang in Tripura owing to much availability of rolling lands and cheap labours. However, Ratan Da mentioned “ lot of your people originating from Chotonagpur were  hired   for tea plantation.. they are settled now.  In those days  (1860s).. Kukmis of tribal hills frequently invaded tea gardens and invaded tea colonies..However, later it was settled with the intervention of British Government.’.  Ratan Da  is an encyclopaedia of Tripura. I was listening to his story. The rest co-passengers were enjoying nab.  I asked why did Kukmis were arrogant to the others?-I asked.

Ratan Da smiled and answered “ All about the battle of throne.  Whenever there was rivalry  within the Raj family the contender  used to disturb the sitting king.. It also happened.  Many villages near Udaipur were plundered..many huts were ablaze  ..many were made captive by the Kukis.  Kukis were hill tribals .  Tripura was divided into two parts. One is Plain Tripura. This part was governed by the Brtitish ruler and the other part is Hill Tripura. Hill Tripura was independent and was under the control of Tripura king, however he had to pay  taxes to the Government.  Commilla was the capital of Tripura which was again named as Rosaland. Udaipur was the old capital of Hill Tripura. “

The car moved and reached BishalGarh district. I enjoyed the beauty of tea gardens.  Ratan Da pointed to  the trees which I have  never seen earlier. “ These are rubber plants. Now Tripura is the second state after Kerala in terms of rubber production. Every inch of soil would be covered by rubber trees. Tea planters  also tried to switch over to rubber plantations. However, public hue & cry and Government intervention stopped it. Rubber cultivation is a profitable enterprise.  “. He also lamented that bio-diversity of Tripura is threatened by extensive rubber cultivation.  By this time we crossed a semi-town named Charilam.. a beautiful name.  Gradually ,we crossed the reserved forests..saw the natural treasure of Tripura and crossed the Gomati river. Gomati is the Ganges of Tripura. In those days it was the only means of communication.  Gomati has gone to the Bangladesh.  Finally we came to Udaipur. A serene town  obviously.  We got down at the bank of Rudrasagar. Oh..while entering Udaipur city we found numerous lakes, and temples. Bijoy Sagar,Jagannath Dihi,Amar sagar and Kalyan sagar are a few lakes  to mention. All these were  made by the then Tripura Rajas.

We reached to Tripureswari temple around 9.30.  by this time there were queues of devotees. This temple is a famous pilgrimage destination of Hindus. However, tribal of Tripura show great reverence to the deity. . Popularly  the temple is known as Matabari. . it  was constructed by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya Debbarma in 1501 Mythology  says, Sati’s  right foot fell here during Lord Shiva’s Dance. Krishna ,Sweta were well prepared in worshiping the deity. This is one of the 51 sakti piths. Tripura was known by the Tripureswari devi from time immemorial. The temple is situated in a gentle hillock.  The hill is just a replica of Tortoise and people call the holy place as  Kurma Pitha. Every year on Diwali, a famous Mela takes place near the temple which is visited by more than two lakhs pilgrims. I made a round the temple.  I saw many devotees have brought animals for sacrifice. Animal sacrifice is a common way of pleasing devi here. Ratan da told me “ Human sacrifice was in vogue  in the princely state. I will show you the spot at Bhubaneswari temple.”

Tripura kings shifted to Khayerpur (old Agartala) during 1760 and took their tutelary Goddess Chaturdash Dev there but did not move the deity  of Tripura sundari. Till date the deity is worshiped by the red-lobed priests who happened to be the descendants of Raj-purohits.

Krishna ,Sweta  and didi were satisfied after seeing the deity and offerings to the Goddess. We came down the tilla and took a bit rest at Kayan sagar beneath the temple. It is splendid  and another attraction of Udaipur.   It was also crowded. Many were feeding the fish & tortoises.  At present the number of tortoises have come down . The banks were made of briks and cements and the pretty tortoises feel it uncomfortable to stay.  We were talking about human and animal conflicts.  A mid aged tribal women intervened and said ‘  The deity is living one..a few days back a giant tortoise went up to the temple and unnoticed..finally it died better say sacrificed for our welfare”.—The strong belief  - I can not explain or she will not listen to otherwise.!!

Now our destination is  Shanti’s residence. 2 Kms. Far from the temple. Shanti arranged stupendous lunch for us. I was moved with their hospitality. After lunch and a short break we moved towards Bhubaneswari temple. The temple reminds me Rabindranath Tagore. His famous Bisarjan or Rajharshi  come to my mind as  I feel Bhubaneswari temple. The excitement went up when  I saw a beautiful building named after Rajharshi while crossed Shanti’s house.

Again we have to ride tillas and cross magnificent slopes of Udaipur to reach the temple. the Bhuvaneswari Temple Tripura is a rare specimen of temple architecture. The temple of Bhubaneswari at Tripura was built by Maharaja Govinda Manikya, is located near the old Royal palace of Maharaja Govinda Manikya constructed during 1660-1675 A.D. The palace is is ina dilapidated condition.  Recently archaeological department unearthed many aretefacts, historical documents etc.  Again we saw the Gomati river.  A statue of Rabindranath here  witnesses the great poet, his love for Tripura and Tripura people. I saw the dreaded spot where human sacrifice used to be done to appease the Goddess.

It was evening , we  started for Khayerpur with memory and joy.