Alert! : We are Cultivating a Generation who Have not felt the Process of Farming !

In my schooling, I have learned that “India is a Country of Farming and Agriculture is the backbone of our Country”. Situations have evolved (Changed) that we have almost forgotten farming and the intriguing process in it.

Recently, I were to a Vegetable Shop where 1Kg of Tomato costs 30 INR for which I was schocked. Because, I have grown tomatos in my home garden and I personally know the effort to harvest a tomato.

The Disconnect from the Soil

In this crocking hustle bustle of our lives, it’s definetely easy to forget our Agricultural roots.

As I sit and think, contemplating the profound changes our society has undergone, I can’t help but feel concerned about the growing disconnect between the current generation and the earth beneath our feet. It’s a pressing issue, one that merits our attention and reflection.

A Digital Age Distraction

In an era defined by digital screens and virtual realities, our children are increasingly estranged from the fundamental act of farming.

Traditional practices that were once at the heart of human existence are now seen as distant, archaic concepts.

This disconnect is a growing concern, and it carries significant implications for our society, environment, and the very essence of our being.

The Allure of Urbanization

Urbanization has its undeniable perks — convenience, technology, and access to a wide array of opportunities. However, in our pursuit of modernity, we have inadvertently cut ties with our agrarian heritage.

Our Children are born into a world where food magically appears on supermarket shelves, neatly packaged and sanitized, with little thought given to the labor that brought it there.

Food’s Unseen Journey

The journey from seed to table remains a mystery to many. [Quiet funny but this statement gives a strong message]

The act of planting seeds, nurturing crops, and harvesting them has been replaced by the click of an app to order takeout.

We have grown accustomed to the idea that our sustenance is delivered effortlessly to our doorsteps, wrapped in plastic and disconnected from its source.

A Crisis of Awareness

This crisis of awareness carries profound implications. When we lose touch with the origins of our food, we also lose touch with the realities of nature. This detachment breeds indifference to issues like climate change, deforestation, and the sustainable use of our resources. We become oblivious to the fact that the very earth we walk on is the source of our survival.

The Lost Connection

I often contemplate the simplicity and depth that can be found in farming. It’s a vocation that demands one’s full attention, a dance with nature that can only be truly appreciated when experienced firsthand. The peace that comes from tending to the land, feeling the soil between your fingers, and witnessing the cycle of life and death is an experience unmatched by any digital screen. I have been to the soil several morning to witness the sprouting process of Seeds. Its definetely gives an ‘Awe’ feel.

Roots Worth Reconnecting With

It’s crucial that we, as a society, rekindle our connection with the soil. We must find a way to introduce the younger generation to the wonders of farming, to instill in them a deep appreciation for the earth’s bounty.

It’s not about turning everyone into farmers, but rather about fostering an understanding and respect for the intricate web of life that sustains us.

Educational Initiatives

I very strongly believe Education can Change Anything.

One way to bridge this gap is through educational initiatives. Schools and colleges can play a pivotal role in reintroducing students to the world of agriculture. Practical courses, field trips to farms, and hands-on experiences can awaken a sense of wonder and appreciation for the land. After all, there is no better way to learn than by doing.

Community Gardens

Community gardens offer another avenue for urban dwellers to reconnect with farming.

These shared spaces provide the opportunity to get your hands dirty, plant seeds, and watch life unfold in the form of growing plants.

They create a sense of community and responsibility for the environment that is sorely lacking in many urban settings.

Embracing Sustainable Practices

Farming isn’t just about producing food; it’s also about nurturing the land. Teaching sustainable farming practices can instill a sense of responsibility in the younger generation. Understanding the importance of crop rotation, soil health, and biodiversity can lead to more informed choices in our daily lives.

A Return to Simplicity

In my quiet moments of reflection, I often find solace in the idea that returning to the soil can bring us closer to ourselves.

Believe me ! The act of farming forces us to slow down, to observe, and to appreciate the simple yet profound miracles of life.

It also gives us patience and responsibility. I have felt in my life : the slow process of Germination gives us and teaches us ‘Patience’. The mere act of watering the garden gives me ‘Responsibility.

Take Away

As I conclude this article, I am reminded of the urgent need to bridge the gap between our technologically advanced lives and the earth that sustains us.

We are indeed cultivating a generation that has not felt the earth beneath their feet, and it’s a generation that needs to rediscover this connection for the sake of our planet and our own well-being.

Let us work together to cultivate a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for farming, for the soil, and for the intricate web of life that sustains us all. In doing so, we not only reconnect with our roots but also lay the foundation for a more sustainable and harmonious future.

-Penned with Concern ‘LLL’