St marys Dairy Farm Newsletter

NEWS LETTER Volume 1, May 2022 ST. MARY’S DAIRY AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY ST. MARY’S DAIRY and Agricultural Society Research, Training cum Production RESEARCH T E R PRODUCTION NEWSLET 2021-2023 TRAINING St. Mary’s Dairy Farm K.Gollahalli, Kumbalgodu, Bengaluru Karnataka - 560074 Mob: 6363567314 [email protected] 1

Warm greetings from St. Mary’s Farm ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ and Agricultural Society! OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON THE CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME For decades, agriculture has been Caring for ecosystems demands playing a pivotal role in sustaining life on far-sightedness since no one is looking earth. However, the agriculture sector for quick and easy profit and is truly needs a paradigm shift to meet the interested in their preservation. But the demand of the rising population. cost of the damage caused by such Holy Father Pope Francis, a strong selfish lack of concern is much greater advocate of nature, once said, “there than the economic benefits to be is no humanity without the cultivation obtained. Where certain species are of the earth, as there is no life without destroyed or seriously harmed, the good food that is produced for men and values involved are incalculable. We can women of every continent.” Following be silent witnesses to terrible injustices his footsteps, the CMI family, particular- if we think that we can obtain significant ly the Dharmaram community, has been benefits by making the rest of strongly cultivating and promoting the humanity, present and future, pay the values associated with farming amongst extremely high costs of environmental the new generation. deterioration. St. Mary’s Farm has been providing a stable, quality food supply using environmental stewardship and progressive farming practices. Our legacy is to educate and reassure the coming generations with sustainable ways of cultivation. Here are a few updates on some of the innovative farming practices from St. Mary’s Farm. Rev. Fr. Paul Chakkanikunnel CMI Director 22

VEGETABLE CULTIVATION 8. Drumstick – Moringa oleifera Precision farming has been adopted by 9. Guava – Psidium guajava farmers around the globe to optimise 10. Passion fruit – Passiflora edulis the use of resources and enhance 11. Sita phal – Annona squamosa agricultural productivity. The adoption 12. Lakshman phal – Annona muricata of precision farming using tractors and 13. Pomegranate – Punica granatum other accessories has enabled us to 14. Lemon – Citrus medica cultivate vegetables in a scientific and 15. Dragon fruit – Pitahaya cost-effective way. Precision farming (Selenicereus undatus) equipments help us in preparing the soil beds, laying mulching sheets, drip 3 irrigation, etc. with a little or no physical labour. This has also helped us to prevent soil degradation and use water efficiently. FRUIT GARDEN Planting a mix of fruits and vegetables provides optimal sustainability in a garden. Thus, we have planned to create a vibrant fruit garden within the farm premises that can offer a robust fruit harvest all round the year. As an initiative to develop a fruit garden, an area has been identified and a few varieties of fruit trees have been planted. We have chosen a mix of annual and perennial plants for the best overall sustainability in the fruit garden. LIST OF FRUIT YIELDING TREES 1. Amla – Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) 2. Jackfruit – Artocarpus heterophyllus 3. Mango – Mangifera indica 4. Avacado – Butterfruit (Persea Americana) 5. Papaya – Carila papaya 6. Jamoon fruit – Malabar plum (Syzygium cumini) 7. Anjura – Fig (Ficus arica / Ficus glomerata)

MAIZE CULTIVATION FODDER GRASS CULTIVATION Maize is one of the important fodder A large portion of our farm is used for foods and industrial crops of the world. cultivating fodder grass. Recently we It is called the queen of the cereals have also planted Super Napier Taiwan because of its higher yield among the variety of fodder grass in a few plots . cereal crops. Its high nutritional value Super Napier Taiwan variety is a fresh also makes it one of the best animal cut fodder grass and has 12% protein fodder. Providing fodder like maize can content and higher nutritional value. help in maintaining cattle health and increase the dairy production. Thus, BABY CORN CULTIVATION our farm has set apart some area to We also attempted to grow baby corn cultivate maize as a fodder with the help of Namdhari Agro Pvt. food for the cattle in the farm. Ltd. It was a maiden and experimental attempt. Baby corn can be harvested 4 in 2 months and is a rich source of fi- bre and phosphorus. If we succeed in gaining expected yields, we hope to expand the baby corn cultivation in the future.

COCONUT GROVES: The farm has a lot of coconut groves within its premises, Although the coconut farm requires large quantity of water for its normal growth and timely production, we are able to harvest coconuts through out the year. ARECANUT TREES: We also have an area full of arecanut palm trees. A few sets of arecanut palm trees were also planted last year. MANGO GROWS: We have almost a good number of mango varieties in our Farm. Raspuri, Sinshura, Tothapuri, Malgova are a few of the varieties that can be found in our mango garden. COFFEE PLANTATION: It is a rare thing to see a coffee plantation amidst a bustling city like Bengaluru. Our farm has naturally grown (without chemical manure) coffee beans that are dried and sold every year. The coffee plantation in St. Mary’s farm is a proven fact that Bengaluru land is fertile to grow coffee plantations. SAPOTA TREES: Our farm also has a lot of sapota trees around it. Sapotas are fruit trees that require less maintenance and consume less water. Our sapota trees are healthy and offer us a good quantity of sapotas during peak seasons. AGRICULTURAL SHREDDER CUM PULVERIZER:With the efforts of Dr. Fr. Thomas Mangara Director Dev dan Farm, St. Mary’s received a new farm ma- chinery- Shredder Cum Pulverizer. The shredder is very useful in managing the farm waste which includes coconut tree fronds, Tapioca, Mulberry plants, har- vested banana trees, papaya trees and arecanut trees fronds etc. The shredder waste can also be mixed with cow dung and used as nutrient rich manure. 55

PsuPsbOuprOoUppiUpllLeylLTyrcTRcchRhhYaiYaicnFiknFAienAinRnosRMou. MLur:ari:CnsiCnsottsonyittnesiutisaudtiirdtoe,ioewnrinrsnei,sngw,tgowtehotehekaerlsaoise steaxrpteedrttaodrvaiicsee fbroromileVrecnhkicaktteenssw. aLraast ayeHanbadarot,ocuwnhteeeinrdtitoeeaosgykProa.eLltdxetdpdcehafranitcrdakmdstrivnfierigcodemmlaeeSbatuorhnguoiuntdngfsea. ed aPndoutlrtierydbleirdarsnsinugchabaosubtroinilteergcrahtieckdens fsdaup3tuar8crrmkoahteftioiniatoa.gs4ns2bmhordofoeartitlytihemesorr,edctd,oshuniamrcaaskmatewitolnuyensrl3elot.8afaPkttnooiemdu4alegt2rs,eydhnnbaoaeyrimrrtsadee,tsretloy mature and generate profit. PIG FARM: Pig farming is the raising and breeding of domestic pigs as livestock for meat and sale. We currently have 200 healthy pigs and piglets in the farm. The growth, production and health of pigs depends mainly on feeding good quality feed. However, pigs can be grown in large quantities in a cost efficient way. SHEEP REARING: Goats are one of the main meat and milk producing animals. They require less space than certain other domestic animals and are easy to maintain. Our farm has a couple of Jamunapari goats, a dairy goat breed from India, which are comparatively disease resistant and high-yielding. 6

MODERN DAIRY FARM Around the globe, numerous advancements in dairy and agricultural farming techniques have been introduced in recent times to improve the efficiency and effec- tiveness of agriculture and dairy farming. As a step towards upgrading, modernising and professionalising the St Mary’s dairy farm we have been taking certain initiatives. The foundation stone for the Modern Dairy Farm was blessed by Rev. Fr. Paul Achandy CMI, Rector Dharmaram College on 19th February 2022. The construction work of the new hi- tech dairy project will be led by Fr. Joy Kizhakkeyil CMI and this well-planned concept will make our Farm financially feasible and sustainable within a few years. Currently we have almost 200 cows, including calves, heifers and adult cows. Based on the new project, the number of cows will be reduced and the optimum num- ber of cows will be 150 including calves, heifers and adult cows. The existing breed will be upgraded and it is decided to sell the less yielding cows for high yielding cows. The resources will be made use to make the farm sustainable as well as do the function of a learning centre. We continue to strive and remain as a solution for growing environmen- tal problems and safeguard the ecosystem. St. Mary’s Farm will transform into a model farm, a learning Centre and an eco advocate for the society. FSSAI LICENSE We are glad to inform you that St. Mary’s Farm has successfully obtained the State FSSAI License (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) for our Milk pasteurisation unit. FSSAI is a premier government body that underpins standards for selling, packaging, or storage of food items in India. To ensure utmost food safety, the FSSAI has mandated every food business operator to secure an applica- ble food lcense. FSSAI functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Government of India. FSSAI ensures that the drinks and food products sold in the market are safe and reliable for human consumption. Our FSSAI License number is 11221302000819 and this has provid- ed us rights to sell our dairy products and gain consumer trust. Quality Legal Right Up-Gradation Benefits of FSSAI Registration Expansion Public Trust of Food Network Increase your Goodwill 7

MILK PASTEURISATION UNIT EXPANSION OF MILK SUPPLY Since October 2021, our farm has been A good quantity of our farm fresh milk is able to pasteurise the milk produced. being supplied to one of the reputed Pasteurisation has helped in increasing hospitals in Bangalore City. After a the quality and durability of the milk scientific study of the dairy market, supplied. Currently, we are able to we were able to locate high potential for pasteurise the whole 750 litres milk milk sale in St. John’s medical college produced in the farm and suply dietary and St. John’s hostel, Bengaluru. pasteurised chilled milk in the It is a breakthrough moment in the institutions and other outlets. history of St. Mary’s Dairy Farm. Current- ly, we are supplying 440 litres of milk per day to St. John’s medical college, Ben- galuru. 88

FISH FARM (PISCICULTURE) On 5th February 2022, Rev. Dr. Fr. Thomas Chathamparampil CMI Prior General in the presence of General Council and Farm Council members, and Professors from Department of Life Sciences, Christ (Deemed to be University) inaugrated the fish farm project. The first phase of the fish farm project has been completed successfully under the guidance of Fr. Joby Thottankara CMI, and his team from Life Sciences Department, Christ (Deemed to be University). As of now we have built two new natural fish ponds within the farm premises and 3000 fish seeds of GIFT Tilapia (Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia) variety has been put in the ponds for rearing. Fish farming also improves water management and its byproducts are useful for fruit and vegetable cultivation. 99

GARDEN NURSERY JONAS MEMORIAL PARK A Garden Nursery has been set up at To recall and share the memories of late St. Mary’s Campus with the help Bp. Jonas, the Architect and visionary of of Christ (Deemed to be Univer- Dharmaram College, Bengaluru, a park sty). The purpose of this Garden was blessed and inaugurated on 8th nursery is to develop many varieties of December 2021. The magnificent view of plants both ornamental and floral for Jonas Park is open to all, It is a quiet and transplanting and supplying in our safe place where guests, staff and Campuses in Bengaluru. We also students can elicit positive vibration and plan to convert the nursery into a appreciate all that you see and feel place where people can buy different around; the fresh air that soothes, the varieties of ornamental and fruit plants. calm mental state, the serenity felt within. 10

ORGANIC PRODUCTS ON SALE With an aim to be an inspiring, trustworthy and innovative farm that provides genuine organic products that support healthy living, we have been attempting to produce some organic products in the farm. We ensure that all the products from the farm are grown in a natural way without use of any fertilisers or pesticides. Currently we are able to sell our own grown, farm produced chilli powder, turmeric powder, vegetable and coconut oil to the staff in our own institutions as per the order placed by them. 11

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. We all know that we face big challenges in today’s world: poverty, hunger, inequality and climate change are just some of the issues we need to address urgently. Big challenges need bold action to overcome them, and that is where the Global Goals come in. WHY IS AGRICULTURE SO IMPORTANT TO THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS? Investments in agriculture have no parallels in other sectors in terms of the potential to promote food security, nutrition, human development and sustainable economic growth. Farmers in the developing world can become as productive as those in the developed world while supporting continuous gains in sustainability for all. Farmers need to be empowered through greater knowl- edge sharing and through delivering accessible, quality extension in farm management and marketing. Agriculture requires supportive frameworks for investment in infrastructure and inclusive markets. If given the right support, farmers and other stakeholders across the value chain have great potential to address food waste and food loss. 122

BACKGROUND STUDY FOR THE UPCOMING PROJECTS A good number of fathers from Dharmaram College - Farm Council committee visited a few Hi-tech Dairy Farms around Bengaluru and under- stood the feasibility of upgrading the existing farm to a Hi-tech dairy farm. A lot of meetings were initiated with consultants and experts from the field of dairy farming. Recently with the support of the Life Sciences Department of Christ University, many scientists and experts visited our farm and gave us beneficial propos- als. They also identified the need for modernising and professionalising the dairy farm to make it financially feasible and to convert it into a center of learning and a research wing of the Christ (Deemed to be University). A topographical survey was also done on the proposed plot for the dairy farm. 13

Christ (Deemed to be INSTITUTIONAL University) Bangalore COLLABORATION Department of Life sciences, A creative strategy of Christ (Deemed to be University) collaborating with institutions that aim to transform our farming practices is in progress. Under the able guidance and support of Fr. Paul Achandy CMI, Rector and Fr. Paul Chakkanikunnel CMI, Director the farm is opening up new horizons of technology-enabled sustainable agriculture. We are collaborating with: Christ PU residential College, Christ Group of Schools Kengeri Campus Networking with Indian Institute of Horticulture Dairy Engeenering Consultants (IIHR) Farm Council members 14 14

ST MARY’S HITECH DAIRY FARM PROJECT AT A GLANCE SPECIAL FEATURES OF MODERN DAIRY FARM Our modern dairy farm will include a new cowshed modelling the loose housing concept put forth by AfiMilk, Israel. As the new model gives high importance to the cow’s comfort for better milk production and reproduction (Calves), the cow shed will have separate calf sections. The shed also includes Feed Silage Bunkers which provides 24/7 feed avail- ability. The feed will be supplied using Tractor driven TMR Feed Mixer Wagon which will reduce physical labour required in mixing and supplying feed to the cattle. Manure will be removed by using manure scrapers. Daily milking will be done in the latest milking parlour where the milk from cow’s udder goes to the BMC (Bulk Milk Chiller) untouched. The diary farm also includes Manure Handling Pits, Stainless Steel Water Trough and bowls with 24/7 water availability, Swinging Cow Brushes, Hoof Trimming Travis, Dairy Fans and an Exit Alley. 1155

PROPOSED FUTURE PLANS OF ST. MARY’S FARM LEARNING AND RESEARCH CENTRE: As per the original vision of St. Mary’s Farm we all visualise it as a Learning and Research Centre. The collaboration with Christ (Deemed to be university) has literally initiated this vision to be a reality. With further technological and expert assistance we will be able to ensure that the farm supports developments in the farming sector. EXPOSURE PROGRAMME FOR STUDENTS: Students from different schools could be invited to experience eco friendly learning provided in St. Mary’s Farm. A hands on experience about Diary farming, Poultry farming, Piggery farming, sheep rearing, fish farming, bee keeping, cereculture and cultivation etc could be gained from the exposure. PRECISION FARMING: Precision farming is an approach where inputs are utilised in precise amounts to get increased average yields, compared to traditional cultivation techniques. Precision farming increases agriculture productivity, prevents soil degradation, reduce the of chemical application in crop production and enables climate-smart agri-business. DEVELOPING NEW LABS FOR HORTICULTURE: Horticulture labs are essential in ensuring the quality of farming products and the nutritional status of plants. With horticulture labs we will be able to test the water, soil and also develop bio fertilizers and vermi compost. These can help in integrating our farming practices and ensure the availability of the best resources for our fruits and vegetables. 16 16

GREEN HOUSE: Green House and Poly House are modern ways to grow organic crops. We hope to workout those facilities with the help of government schemes so that we can extend our organic farming. MAIZE CULTIVATION AND SILAGE MAKING UNIT: Silage making is a tool for dairy farmers to achieve whole farm management goals. Silage making has some distinct advantages compared to grazing or hay making. It allows storage and preservation of feed resources for months. Also, forage preservation as silage is a key component of high input systems. It has helped farmers to intensify the productivity of the land and the productivity of the cows independently from each other. Thus, we cultivate maize to maximise yield of digestible nutrients (energy, protein, etc.) and maximise milk production per cow throughout the year. WAYS TO ADD VALUE TO OUR PRODUCTS: Value addition involves transformation of raw products into higher value goods. For example, processing maize into flour and packing it, drying herbs and grinding them into powder, pasteurising milk, drying and packaging products. Value addition of a product can be done by increasing the product’s shelf life, brand creation, and increasing brand loyalty. Value-added agriculture provides an alternative growth strategy that offers the opportunity to expand by moving upward in the food chain rather than expanding horizontally. FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE GROWTH: The global population continues to expand and pressure continues to build in the agriculture industry. By adopting sustainable practices, we will be able to reduce the reliance on nonrenewable energy, reduce chemical use and save scarce resources. Proper planning and implementation will help us to reduce costs and focus on profits. 17

A WORD OF GRATITUDE We are indebted to the visionary leaders of Dharmaram College and CMI Congregation who aim to build a greener, fairer and a better society. We express our sincere gratitude to Rev. Dr. Fr. Paul Achandy CMI, Rector Dharmaram College for his inspiration behind all our initiatives. We also acknowledge Rev. Fr. Mani Kadaplackal CMI Administrator Dharmaram College and Rev Fr. Joy Kizhakkayil CMI, Asst. Administrator who have been providing guidance throughout our journey. The wholehearted support of Rev. Dr. Fr. Abraham Vettiyankal CMI, Vice-Chancellor Christ (Deemed to be University) is also praiseworthy. We appreciate the leadership of Rev. Dr Fr Joby Thottankara CMI, Head of the Life Sciences Department and the Team of Faculty who have been laying stepping stones for research and development in the farm. We express our wholehearted gratitude towards Rev. Dr Fr. Thomas Mangara CMI, Principal, Christ Residential College and Rev Fr. Jiby Edappallikunnel CMI Academic Coordinator, Christ Kengeri Campus for their constant assistance and motivation. We would also like to thank the inspiration provided by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Elenjickal CMI, Coordinator and Fathers of Christ Group of Schools. Lastly, we are also grateful for the help and support provided by Rev. Dr Fr. Augustine Paimpallil CMI, Principal Christ School Kengeri Campus and the faculty members. As a whole, the Dharmaram college community and Farm Council members have been able to understand the need of the time and extend wholehearted support for all the ventures of St. Mary’s Farm. We hope the concerted ef- forts along with God’s grace will make our future endeavors rewarding. 18

Opening ceremony of Bp. Jonas Park Blessing of the Foundation stone for Modern Dairy Farm Pasteurization process of milk Processing of raw milk 19

Visit of Fr. Prior General Inaugural ceremony of Bp. Jonas Park Fruit tree plantation by Fr. Martin Mallath CMI, General Councillor for Education Fathers of Dharmaram College attending the Blessing ceremony of laying the foundation Stone of Modern Dairy Farm Printed and Published by (For Private Circulation only) Fr. Nijo Palatty CMI, Finance Administrator Design : Ashwin Joseph, CASE Designs St. Mary’s Dairy Farm K.Gollahalli, Kumbalgodu, Bengaluru Karnataka - 560074 Mob: 6363567314 [email protected]