Life on a Winter Wheat Farm: A Story of Resilience and Community
Edith Sitwell said that winter is a time for comfort, for good food, warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand, and for a talk beside the fire. And in the farming communities, winter also marks an important time for growing wheat, which is sowed before the season begins and takes around five months to fully ripen.
One December morning, I visited a wheat farm where a farmer was watering his crops with warm, underground water. As we spoke, I observed birds landing on the ground in search of insects and ants — a sign of the vitality of the farm’s ecosystem.
However, the region used to be known for producing chilies, tomatoes, and onions, which brought a great profit to the community. Unfortunately, rising power tariffs have forced farmers to shift their crops to those that require less water and fewer pesticides and nitrogen. As a result, many farmers have turned to grow wheat, used for meals throughout the year, and sold when needed.
Despite these challenges, the farmers in the community continue to support one another, helping to collect and process the wheat crops each year. Children from nearby villages gather around the thrasher to take a small handful of wheat, which the farmers give them as a gesture of kindness. These small acts of generosity create a sense of community among the villagers, who remain removed from the nation's politics.
After spending some time with the farmer, I walked back home as the sun came over head. The visit had given me a new appreciation for the hard work and resourcefulness required to farm in a changing climate.
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