HYDERABAD: Tharis from the village of Malhor Vena who had migrated to other parts of the area for food, fodder and water were seen returning to the village with their cattle as recent rains helped greenery thrive in the area. It was a pleasant scene as children made traditional canopy huts called ‘chanuro’ out of wet sand and the gates of the huts were decorated with broken bangles. Some Thari farmers were cultivating their crops while others weeded theirs. The villagers looked happy and content after the rains brought them much-needed relief from a long drought.
A local woman named Seeta told the Daily Times that life in the village is entirely dependent on monsoon as the village’s crops depend on rains for irrigation, and once monsoon is over their survival depends on preserving and storing these crops.
Seeta pointed out that it was very difficult for women to do the housework along with cultivating the land so they grew their crops in small gardens in their homes. They do this without any formal training in agriculture or horticulture, but Seeta expressed her belief that by dedicating themselves to “dharti mata” or “beloved land” their efforts would come to fruition.
However, the task of preserving crops remains difficult because of lack of proper training or resources.
Bharat Shivani, a human resource management graduate, informed Daily Times that villagers also have to sell a share of their crops to obtain cash for other needs.
The scenario brought to mind a quote from Andrea Gibson; “Remind me the most fertile lands were built by the fire of volcanoes.”
Published in Daily Times, September 10th 2017.
