top of page

By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 8:56:24 pm

Growing Against the Grain

Part - 4 Name: Priya Salvi Where: Done, Thane district As Maharashtra’s villages face mounting pressure from chemical-intensive farming, water shortages, and rapid conversion of agricultural land to other uses, one woman farmer in Done (in Thane) is transforming her five-acre ancestral property into a working model of sustainable living. For Mumbai-based Priya Salvi, 56, the answer to the growing environmental crisis lies in returning to nature’s systems. On her farm, bananas, mangoes,...

Growing Against the Grain

Part - 4 Name: Priya Salvi Where: Done, Thane district As Maharashtra’s villages face mounting pressure from chemical-intensive farming, water shortages, and rapid conversion of agricultural land to other uses, one woman farmer in Done (in Thane) is transforming her five-acre ancestral property into a working model of sustainable living. For Mumbai-based Priya Salvi, 56, the answer to the growing environmental crisis lies in returning to nature’s systems. On her farm, bananas, mangoes, cashews and guavas thrive without synthetic chemicals, while fallen leaves, crop residue and pruned branches are recycled into manure and mulch. Armed with a Master’s degree in Horticulture from the Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Salvi’s journey to farming was unusual. She spent years tackling Mumbai’s daunting waste-management challenges before ‘retiring’ to a rural setup around 2008, to implement her ideas about sustainability into practice on the chunk of land owned by her family Done in Thane district. Today, the ‘Salvi Farm’ is regarded as an experiment in biodiversity, soil conservation, water harvesting and need-based living, besides providing food. Though far away from urban comforts, Salvi describes herself as a prosperous, happy and satisfied person in her tiny lush green paradise where she pursues her passion for farming minus any chemical inputs. “A lot of chemicals are used in modern agriculture which are causing environmental degradation and affecting human health,” Salvi tells The Perfect Voice. So far, she has directly or indirectly inspired and trained over 3000 farmers, including many women. After her graduation, Salvi joined the ‘Save Bombay Committee’ to promote solid waste management, and within four years the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) took her on board as a consultant on waste management. Perturbed by the utter lack of civic sense among both authorities and citizens, she launched awareness camps, introduced vermi-processing, helped develop the Advanced Locality Management (ALM) concept to create a functional network involving citizens and the civic body, earning global attention. Yet, despite years of work on waste management and agriculture, Salvi felt cut-off from Mother Nature – a feeling that eventually led her to take up full time farming. In the last 17 years, Salvi has run her family farm virtually solo, earning the respect of the villagers, the farming community, and the society at large. Her agro-philosophy is returning to the soil what comes from it, be it fallen leaves, crop straw, pruned branches and other biomass, by converting them into mulch or manure through vermi-processing and other natural processes. She adheres to optimum tillage – scraping only the upper layer of soil instead of repeatedly turning it over – for utilizing its natural potential rather than forcing it to produce through chemical inputs. “Sustainable farming must go with sustainable living… Once you live in a sustainable way, your needs are reduced and are met by farming,” she points out.

Lung health awareness should be prioritised

Dr. Abhijit Ahuja
Dec 17, 2024
3 min read
Ustad Zakir Hussain

Zakir Hussain Succumbs to Rare Lung Disease Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): A Wake-Up Call for Lung Health Awareness Renowned pulmonologist Dr. Abhijit Ahuja from Saifee Hospital underscores the importance of early diagnosis and public awareness.


Zakir Hussain’s untimely demise has highlighted the devastating impact of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a rare and chronic lung disease often overlooked due to its silent progression. This condition leads to irreversible thickening and scarring of the lung tissues (fibrosis), impairing the lungs’ ability to function. The exact cause of this life-threatening condition remains unknown, which is why it is termed “idiopathic.”


According to Dr. Abhijit Ahuja, a leading pulmonologist at Saifee Hospital, there is an urgent need for public education regarding IPF. “Many people are unaware of IPF, and its symptoms are often dismissed as minor or age-related. Tragically, most diagnoses occur at advanced stages when treatment options are limited. Early detection is crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life,” stated Dr. Ahuja.


Recognizing the Symptoms of IPF

IPF begins with subtle symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose early. Patients and healthcare providers must be vigilant about the following signs:

• Persistent shortness of breath (dyspnea), especially during physical activity

• Chronic dry cough that does not improve over time

• Unexplained fatigue and general weakness

• Sudden, unintended weight loss


“Many patients with IPF misinterpret their symptoms as signs of aging or other common respiratory problems. Unfortunately, this leads to delayed diagnosis,” Dr. Ahuja explained. Diagnosis involves a detailed review of the patient’s medical history, high-resolution CT scans, and lung function tests to confirm the presence of fibrosis.


Treatment and Management Options

While there is no cure for IPF, recent advancements in medicine offer hope by slowing the disease’s progression and managing symptoms effectively. Treatments used at institutions like Saifee Hospital include:

1. Antifibrotic Drugs: Medications like pirfenidone and nintedanib significantly reduce the progression of scarring in the lungs.

2. Oxygen Therapy: Providing supplemental oxygen helps manage breathlessness and improves patients’ energy levels.

3. Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Structured programs of breathing exercises and physical training enhance lung capacity, stamina, and quality of life.

4. Lung Transplantation: For severe cases, lung transplantation may be considered a life-saving option.


Dr. Ahuja emphasized, “The combination of antifibrotic drugs, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation can slow disease progression and improve patients’ lives. However, the success of these treatments hinges on early detection.”


Prognosis and Early Detection

IPF is a rapidly progressing disease with a poor prognosis. The average life expectancy following diagnosis is 3 to 5 years. However, early diagnosis and timely intervention can extend survival and significantly enhance quality of life.


Dr. Ahuja added, “Regular health check-ups and vigilance about respiratory health are vital. Early intervention is the only way to ensure a better prognosis for IPF patients.”


A Call for Greater Awareness

The tragic passing of Zakir Hussain has underscored the importance of raising awareness about rare diseases like IPF. Many people remain unaware of IPF’s early symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and limited treatment options.


Dr. Ahuja stated, “Awareness campaigns should emphasize that persistent shortness of breath and a chronic cough should never be ignored. Early referral to pulmonologists and tests like CT scans are crucial for identifying this disease at its initial stages.”


Saifee Hospital is actively involved in spreading awareness about lung diseases, offering cutting-edge diagnostic tools, and providing comprehensive care for patients with IPF and other respiratory conditions.


Supporting IPF Patients and Families

IPF is not just physically debilitating—it also takes a severe mental and emotional toll on patients. Family members and caregivers play an integral role in helping patients cope with the challenges of daily life.


Dr. Ahuja added, “While medical care is critical, psychological support for patients and their families is equally important. Addressing the emotional and mental strain can significantly improve the overall well-being of those living with IPF.”


Zakir Hussain’s Passing: A Lesson for All

Zakir Hussain’s untimely demise is a somber reminder of the need to prioritize lung health. It urges individuals to seek medical attention for unexplained breathlessness or persistent coughing and emphasizes the importance of early intervention in preventing severe outcomes.


Dr. Abhijit Ahuja of Saifee Hospital concluded, “Every individual experiencing symptoms like breathlessness or an unrelenting dry cough should consult a pulmonologist promptly. Early diagnosis can make all the difference.”


Let us honor Zakir Hussain’s legacy by spreading awareness about IPF and supporting those battling this rare and life-altering condition.


(The author is a leading pulmonologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai. Views personal.)

Comments

bottom of page