Mukesh, an ordinary farmer from Badharia block of Siwan district, has today become one of the select farmers of the area, who have given a new dimension to farming and made it a major source of profit. Vegetable farming proved to be no less than a boon for Mukesh, who once earned his living by running a grocery shop in the market. Amidst low income, credit problems and unstable income, when he came to know about new farming techniques and improved vegetable varieties, he decided to try his luck. This decision has become the biggest reason for change in his life today.
Mukesh says that the income of the grocery shop was very limited. Whatever little profit he got, he got stuck in debt. In such a situation, it was becoming difficult to achieve economic stability. During this time, he got information about scientific cultivation of vegetables. He took guidance from the Horticulture Department and started vegetable production in a small farm in the year 2016. The first crop gave good profits, which boosted Mukesh’s enthusiasm. Gradually, he increased the farming area and started vegetable cultivation entirely in his ancestral 16 acres of land.
Savings of Rs 10 to 12 lakh in a year
Today Mukesh cultivates capsicum, broccoli, cauliflower, parwal, banana, chilli, ladyfinger and many other seasonal vegetables. Their income has increased continuously due to scientific methodology, timely plant protection and crop production keeping in mind the market demand. At present he is earning more than Rs. 1.25 lakh per month from home. Due to the strategy of reducing expenses and increasing production, Mukesh makes net savings of Rs 10 to 12 lakh in a year.
This model of success in agriculture is not only improving Mukesh’s personal life, but the village society is also getting huge benefits from it. According to Mukesh, many people are involved in employment from farming process to sales. The need for labor in the fields, harvesting-packing work and sales in the local market ensure the income of many families.
Research on new methods and improved varieties
Mukesh says that the government also provides grants and technical support from time to time, which makes farming even easier and profitable. He told that they always keep researching on new methods and improved varieties so that the production increases and the quality remains maintained.
The special thing is that Mukesh is promoting organic farming along with traditional farming. In some farms they use completely organic fertilizers. He believes that vegetables grown with natural manure are not only better for health, but their demand is also increasing in the market. He also advises other farmers to adopt organic farming along with traditional farming, which will help in increasing income and also maintain the fertility of the soil.
Many opportunities in agriculture also
Mukesh says that what could be better than living in a village, enjoying pure air, clean environment and earning a good income while being surrounded by my family. Also, many people are getting employment, this is the biggest satisfaction for me. This success of Mukesh gives an inspiring message about farming that with the right information, modern technology, hard work and understanding of the market, agriculture can be made a better business for any farmer.
