The Emotional Professional

Its early july, peak time for Agricultural activities in india. Ashwini Chouhan wakes up by a ringing phone. It is only 6.40 and mobile shows unknown cllaer.  He picks to find someone greeting him aloud . “Sir, I am Krishna Rahtia of taraimaar village ...” “Sir, we are going to sow soya-bean and waited long for you yesterday, you won’t come. Will you please come today??”. Krishna tells he is already at field.

Ashwini answers him apologetically. Yesterday was very hectic, he counseled farmers in different places. But Heavy rain in evening stopped his way to krishna’s filed. He quickly assures that he will be there in one hour and attend his field first thing of day.

A Scholar of Agriculture, Masters in Horticulture, and Lecturer of five years Agriculture collage, now Ashwini chouhan is working in janMitram’s programme named as “Agriculture Development Initiative in Tribal Areas.” The programme is meant to improve land and water usage of farmers, infusing new techniques, changing cropping pattern etc.

We use convergence of government schemes for benefit farmers i.e. MGNREGA, Watershed development, Prdahanmantri krishi vikas yojna, Shakambhari schmes and many other.

Credit support through KCC and and institutionalization through producer’s organization, farmer’s club and Self help groups are important element of program. The program has successfully added 3000+ farmers and help them improve their productivity, soil health, Farm calendar and land use.

Ashwini Chouhan indeed arrived at krishna’s farm. He speaks to his family about sowing of soyabean and other crops. He inspects vegetable and finds pest attack. So He calls neighbouring farmers  and collectively they are advised to use appropriate pesticide.  He collects soil sample and readies to move ahead. His next stop will be Ambetikra village where a group of farmers are already waiting to learn seed intensification in rice.

He recalls his first day in JanMitram headquarter, when he came to see one senior member. “During my interview, I emphasized my knowledge and flaunted difficult agriculture terminologies. What i received was forewarning- First; Make it simple for farmers to understand. Second, we need more emotionals and less professional. The second part he didn’t understood.  

“Today I understand what it means to be an emotional professional”- Ashwini says. “Success of my farmer have become my own success and their plight my own. After spending years teaching books of Agronomy, I now really able to use my knowledge for benefit of fellow citizen. This satisfaction is greatest reward.

He smiles, so does the family of Krishna Rathia. At the moment, sun suddenly came out of clouds and their faces glitter with blessing of god.