Versova beach: The patch where fenugreek is grown

Versova in Mumbai has been witnessing fenugreek farming for years, with some families doing the job for as long as 60 years. Currently, 30-40 farmers grow fenugreek along the beach. (In pic) A farmer carries water from a well dug in sea sand on Tuesday. (Pratham Gokhale)

Updated on: Aug 28, 2016 5:43 PM IST

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Versova in Mumbai has been witnessing fenugreek farming for years, with some families doing the job for as long as 60 years. Currently, 30-40 farmers grow fenugreek along the beach. (In pic) A farmer carries water from a well dug in sea sand on Tuesday. (Pratham Gokhale)

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Fenugreek is grown on a squarish or rectangular patch on sand. Farmers make circular spots on the patch to hold water. A layer of seeds is covered with a layer of sand. The patch needs to be watered continuously for seven days. (Pratham Gokhale)

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One patch produces approximately 7kg of fenugreek leaves. Each farmer makes 5-7 patches to cultivate fenugreek. They sow seeds on different patches on different days so that they get fresh crop every day. (Pratham Gokhale)

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A farmer readies a plot for sowing. (Pratham Gokhale)

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Sandy loam soils are best for fenugreek cultivation as they have good drainage capacity. (Pratham Gokhale)

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According to a farmer, they earn approximately Rs10-Rs15 for every 15 bunches of fenugreek. (Pratham Gokhale)

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The crop doesn’t require any fertiliser or manure. (Pratham Gokhale)

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Fenugreek is popularly known as ‘methi’. Its seeds are used as a spice and leaves as vegetable. (Pratham Gokhale)

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The BMC conducts anti-encroachment drives regularly, driving away the farmers. (Pratham Gokhale)

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For many farmers, fenugreek farming is their sole source of livelihood and they fear they may lose it owing to the BMC’s beautification project. (Pratham Gokhale)