2.
Fuzz: Light, fine, or soft hair or fibres covering the surface of something.
3.
Harvest: The process of gathering mature crops from the fields.
4.
Pesticide: Chemical substances used to control or kill pests and insects that
harm crops.
5.
Hybrids: The offspring resulting from the crossbreeding of two different
varieties or species.
6.
Insipid: Lacking flavour or taste; dull or uninteresting.
7.
Lamented: Expressed deep sorrow or grief.
8.
Insatiable: Impossible to satisfy; having an unquenchable appetite or desire.
9.
Reminiscing: Recalling past events with fondness or nostalgia.
10.
Ramshackle: In a state of severe disrepair; poorly constructed or maintained.
11.
Hamlet: A small village or settlement, usually in a rural area.
12.
Dialect: A particular form of a language spoken in a specific region or by a
particular group.
13.
Elusive: Difficult to find, catch, or achieve; evasive.
14.
Biodiversity: The variety of life forms, including different plant and animal
species, in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
15.
Unspoilt: Not spoiled or damaged; in its original or natural state.
16.
Foliage: The leaves of a plant or tree, considered collectively.
17.
Exhilarated: Feeling very happy, animated, or thrilled.
18.
Sarpanch: The head or leader of a village council or local governing body in
some South Asian countries.
19.
Aroma: A pleasant, distinctive, and usually fragrant smell.
20.
Alluring: Highly attractive, enticing, or captivating.
21.
Tremble: To shake involuntarily, usually due to fear, excitement, or weakness.
22.
Incharge: A person responsible for a particular area or task; in this context,
it refers to the person in charge of agricultural matters.
23.
Receded: To move back or withdraw; in this context, it refers to the water
level going back to its normal position after a flood.
24.
Hamlet: A small village or settlement, usually in a rural area.
25.
Nestling: To be situated or settled comfortably and securely, like in a nest.
26.
Hustle and bustle: Busy and noisy activity, usually associated with a crowded
and lively urban environment.
27.
Biodiversity: The variety of life forms, including different plant and animal
species, in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
28.
Unspoilt: Not spoiled or damaged; in its original or natural state.
29.
Foothills: The base or lower slopes of a mountain or hilly area.
30.
Nestling: A young bird that has not yet left its nest.
"The
Call of the Soil" by Venket Iyer, the following places are mentioned:
1.
Surat: Surat is a city located in the state of Gujarat, India. In the passage,
the protagonist visits Surat to buy moong (green gram) seeds for planting on
the farm.
2.
Peth: Peth is a village in the region where the protagonist's farm is located.
The village and its surrounding areas are significant to the story as the
protagonist seeks to find a traditional variety of rice called Kasbai.
3.
Kosbad: Kosbad is likely a nearby town or administrative area where
agricultural officers are based. They recommend the GR4 variety of rice, which
the protagonist grows in the first year but later seeks a traditional variety.
4.
Asarvari: Asarvari is another village or settlement close to Peth. It is
mentioned in connection with the Adivasis who still grow the traditional
variety of rice called Kasbai.
5.
Boripada: Boripada is a sleepy hamlet located in the hills near Asarvari. Here,
the protagonist finally finds an old woman who has the seeds of the elusive
Kasbai rice variety.
6.
Mumbai: Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is a major city in India and is
mentioned in the passage when the protagonist recalls his experience of
planting hibiscus at the Railway Quarters in Vile Parle, Mumbai, during his
younger days.
Characters:
"The Call of the Soil" by Venket Iyer:
1.
The Protagonist (The Narrator- Venket Iyer): The protagonist of the story is
the narrator himself, who remains unnamed in the passage. He is an individual
who acquires a piece of land and decides to become a farmer. Throughout the
passage, he shares his experiences and journey as he tries to grow crops,
learns about farming, and searches for traditional rice varieties. He is
passionate about sustainable and chemical-free farming and is determined to
find and grow the Kasbai rice variety.
2.
Moru Dada: Moru Dada is the broker who helps the protagonist acquire the piece
of land for farming. He is described as someone who is keen on planting moong
(green gram) right away and is insistent on using pesticides to increase yield.
However, the protagonist disagrees with Moru Dada's approach and insists on
practicing chemical-free farming.
3.
Baban and Jeevan: Baban is mentioned as a helper or companion of the
protagonist. Jeevan is the assistant sent by the sarpanch of Asarvari village
to help the protagonist find the elusive Kasbai rice seeds. Both of them assist
the protagonist in various activities and interactions throughout the story.
4.
Devu Handa: Devu Handa is an elderly person and an ex-sarpanch of the village
where the protagonist's farm is located. He is one of the elders who share
information about the traditional Kasbai rice variety and reminisces about the
time when the entire village used to grow Kasbai rice.
5.
The Wrinkled Old Woman: The old woman is a resident of the sleepy hamlet of
Boripada in the hills near Asarvari. She is the one who possesses the seeds of
the Kasbai rice variety. Initially hesitant to share the seeds, she finally
agrees to give the protagonist a basket of the rice seeds in exchange for a
payment.
The
passage "The Call of the Soil" by Venket Iyer revolves around the
protagonist's journey into farming and his pursuit of traditional, sustainable
agricultural practices.
The main points from the lesson are as follows:
1.
Acquisition of Farmland: The protagonist acquires a piece of land and decides
to become a farmer. He stands in the lush green field of moong (green gram)
with a sense of exhilaration, excited about his first crop as a farmer.
2.
Planting Moong: Despite being unprepared, the protagonist heeds the advice of
Moru Dada, a broker who helped him acquire the land, and plants moong seeds.
The moong crop grows successfully without the use of chemicals.
3.
Rejecting Chemicals: Moru Dada recommends using pesticides for a higher yield,
but the protagonist disagrees and insists on practicing chemical-free farming.
He believes that nature can do its job without the need for chemical
interventions.
4.
Harvest and Confidence: The protagonist's first harvest of moong yields a
respectable amount, providing him with confidence that farming without
chemicals is possible and viable.
5.
Search for Traditional Rice: In the following year, the protagonist decides to
search for a good variety of traditional rice. He learns about Kasbai, a local
scented rice variety, and embarks on a quest to find its seeds.
6.
Kasbai - A Disappearing Variety: The protagonist encounters challenges in
finding Kasbai rice seeds. Many farmers have switched to growing hybrid
varieties, leading to the decline of Kasbai cultivation.
7.
Meeting Devu Handa: The protagonist meets Devu Handa, an elderly person and
ex-sarpanch of the village, who reminisces about the time when everyone in the
village grew Kasbai rice.
8.
Rediscovering Kasbai: After much effort, the protagonist finally discovers a
wrinkled old woman in the hamlet of Boripada who possesses the elusive Kasbai
rice seeds.
9.
Gratitude for Traditional Farming: The protagonist reflects on the wisdom of
traditional farmers who practice chemical-free agriculture and maintain the
rich biodiversity of the land. He is grateful for connecting with these
practices and preserving them.
10.
The lesson highlights the protagonist's journey of embracing sustainable
farming, rejecting chemicals, and seeking to preserve traditional farming
practices. It showcases his appreciation for nature's resilience and the
importance of biodiversity in agriculture.
Summary of the Lesson: The Call of the Soil - Embracing Sustainable
Farming and Rediscovering Traditional Practices
"The
Call of the Soil" by Venket Iyer is a compelling narrative that revolves
around the protagonist's journey into farming and his quest to find
traditional, sustainable agricultural practices. The story unfolds as the
protagonist becomes the owner of a piece of lush green farmland, where he
decides to embark on a farming adventure.
In
April 2004, the protagonist stands in awe of the moong (green gram) field just
before sunrise. Despite being new to farming, he plants moong seeds, urged by
Moru Dada, the broker who helped him acquire the land. Although uncertain about
farming, the protagonist witnesses the successful growth of moong crops without
the use of chemicals, gaining confidence in the viability of chemical-free
agriculture.
However,
the challenge arises when Moru Dada insists on using pesticides for a higher
yield. The protagonist firmly opposes this idea, believing that nature can take
care of itself without the need for chemical intervention. He chooses to
maintain his commitment to sustainable farming practices.
In
the following year, the protagonist sets out to find a good variety of
traditional rice. He learns about Kasbai, a local scented rice variety, and
becomes determined to rediscover it. The pursuit of Kasbai seeds leads him to
encounter Devu Handa, an elderly ex-sarpanch who fondly remembers the time when
everyone in the village grew Kasbai rice. Devu Handa reveals that Kasbai, once
abundant, has now become a disappearing variety due to the prevalence of hybrid
varieties that offer short-term gains but demand chemical inputs.
Despite
numerous challenges, the protagonist's determination remains unshaken. He
eventually discovers a wrinkled old woman in the hamlet of Boripada, who
possesses the elusive Kasbai rice seeds. Grateful for the discovery, the
protagonist purchases a basket of seeds from the old woman, signifying his
commitment to preserving and promoting traditional, sustainable agricultural
practices.
Through
his journey, the protagonist reflects on the wisdom of traditional farmers who
understand the balance of nature and practice chemical-free farming. He is
grateful for the lessons learned, acknowledging the resilience of nature and the
importance of preserving biodiversity in agriculture.
"The
Call of the Soil" serves as a powerful testament to the significance of
reconnecting with the land and embracing sustainable farming practices. It
advocates for the revival of traditional methods that foster biodiversity and
reduce dependency on chemical interventions. The story portrays a poignant
reminder of the profound harmony between humans and nature, reminding us to
answer the call of the soil and protect the rich heritage of traditional
farming practices.
Question and Answers on the Lesson The Call of the Soil:
Q1:
In "The Call of the Soil," where does the protagonist stand in April
2004, just before sunrise, and what does he observe?
A1:
In April 2004, just before sunrise, the protagonist stands in the middle of a
lush green field of moong (green gram). He observes the ground damp with
shining dew, and the moong plants, not more than two feet tall, with green pods
hanging from them.
Q2:
How did the protagonist acquire the land for farming, and who advised him to
plant moong?
A2:
The protagonist acquired the land for farming with the help of Moru Dada, a
broker. It was Moru Dada who advised him to plant moong right away, despite the
protagonist not being fully prepared for farming.
Q3:
Why did the protagonist disagree with Moru Dada's suggestion to use pesticides
on the moong plants?
A3:
The protagonist disagreed with Moru Dada's suggestion to use pesticides because
he firmly believed in practicing chemical-free farming. He had confidence that
nature could take care of the crops without the need for chemical intervention.
Q4:
What was the protagonist's experience during the first harvest of moong, and
how did it affect his confidence?
A4:
During the first harvest of moong, the protagonist managed to yield a
respectable 300 kilograms of moong. This successful harvest boosted his
confidence, making him certain that the land was fertile and that it was indeed
possible to grow crops without using chemicals.
Q5:
Why did the protagonist decide to search for a traditional variety of rice, and
what was the name of the rice variety he was seeking?
A5:
The protagonist decided to search for a traditional variety of rice because he
wanted to explore sustainable and chemical-free farming practices further. He
was seeking the traditional scented rice variety known as Kasbai.
Q6:
Who was Devu Handa, and what did he share with the protagonist about the Kasbai
rice variety?
A6:
Devu Handa was an elderly person and an ex-sarpanch of the village. He shared
with the protagonist that there was a time when everyone in the village grew
the Kasbai rice variety. However, over time, people shifted to growing hybrid
varieties, leading to the decline of Kasbai cultivation.
Q7:
Where did the protagonist finally find the Kasbai rice seeds, and how did he
obtain them?
A7:
After much effort, the protagonist discovered the Kasbai rice seeds in the
hamlet of Boripada. He met a wrinkled old woman who possessed the elusive
seeds. He obtained the seeds by purchasing a basket of them from the woman in
exchange for payment.
Q8:
What important lesson did the protagonist learn from his journey and
interactions with traditional farmers?
A8:
Through his journey and interactions with traditional farmers, the protagonist
learned the wisdom of practicing chemical-free and sustainable farming. He
gained appreciation for the resilience of nature and the importance of
preserving biodiversity in agriculture.
Q9:
What message does "The Call of the Soil" convey about the significance
of sustainable farming and traditional practices?
A9:
"The Call of the Soil" conveys a powerful message about the
importance of embracing sustainable farming and preserving traditional
agricultural practices. It advocates for the revival of chemical-free methods
to protect the environment, biodiversity, and the rich heritage of traditional
farming practices.
Q10:
Why was the protagonist reluctant to use pesticides on the moong plants,
despite Moru Dada's insistence?
A10:
The protagonist was reluctant to use pesticides on the moong plants because he
firmly believed in natural and chemical-free farming practices. He understood
the potential harm that pesticides could cause to the environment, the
ecosystem, and the health of consumers. His commitment to sustainable
agriculture and preserving the land's natural balance motivated him to avoid
the use of harmful chemicals.
Q11:
What challenges did the protagonist face in his search for the Kasbai rice
seeds, and how did he overcome them?
A11:
The protagonist faced several challenges in his search for the Kasbai rice
seeds. Many farmers had shifted to growing hybrid varieties, leading to the
disappearance of Kasbai rice. Additionally, the rice market did not recognize
Kasbai, making it difficult to find and grow. Despite these obstacles, the
protagonist persisted in his quest and eventually discovered the seeds through
interactions with local villagers, including Devu Handa and the wrinkled old
woman from Boripada.
Q12:
How did Devu Handa's reminiscences about the past influence the protagonist's
perspective on traditional farming?
A12:
Devu Handa's reminiscences about the time when everyone in the village grew
Kasbai rice had a profound impact on the protagonist's perspective on
traditional farming. It illustrated the rich agricultural heritage that was
gradually fading away due to the popularity of modern hybrid varieties. Devu
Handa's fond memories of Kasbai's resilience and aroma during floods served as
a poignant reminder of the strength and adaptability of traditional crops.
Q13:
In "The Call of the Soil," why did the protagonist believe that the
people in Boripada were the "real people of India"?
A13:
The protagonist considered the people of Boripada as the "real people of
India" because they were deeply connected to the land and held on to
traditional farming practices. Unlike the mainstream adoption of hybrid
varieties and chemical-based agriculture, the villagers of Boripada preserved the
rich biodiversity of their land and had never heard of pesticides or modern
farming techniques. Their simple, sustainable way of life showcased the genuine
and authentic spirit of rural India.
Q14:
What does the protagonist's search for the Kasbai rice seeds symbolize in the
context of the passage?
A14:
The protagonist's search for the Kasbai rice seeds symbolizes his quest to
rediscover and preserve traditional, sustainable farming practices. It
represents his commitment to embracing the wisdom of ancient farming methods
and safeguarding the environment from the harmful effects of chemical-intensive
agriculture. The rediscovery of Kasbai rice signifies a return to the roots of
farming and reconnecting with the call of the soil.
Q15:
How does "The Call of the Soil" highlight the importance of
biodiversity in agriculture?
A15:
"The Call of the Soil" emphasizes the importance of biodiversity in
agriculture through the protagonist's exploration of traditional rice varieties
like Kasbai. The decline of Kasbai rice cultivation in favor of hybrids
showcases the need to protect and maintain diverse crop species to ensure the
resilience of ecosystems. By preserving traditional crops, the passage
advocates for a farming approach that enhances biodiversity, which is crucial for
long-term sustainability and food security.
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