Mr. Khagpati, a 47-year-old farmer from Sadra village in the Lohandiguda development block of Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, has become an inspiration for farmers in the region. Once dependent solely on paddy and rain-fed farming, Khagpati, with the guidance of the Agriculture Department and the support of government schemes, has transformed his two and a half hectares of land.
‘Traditional farming yielded low incomes.’
Khagpati previously had no irrigation facilities. He cultivated rice using traditional methods. Due to low production and high costs, his annual income barely reached ₹80,250.
“Progress came from technology and schemes.”
The transformation in Khagpati’s life began with the help of the Agriculture Department. A tube well and a solar pump were installed on his farm, solving irrigation problems. He also participated in training, excursions, and seminars under the Extension Reforms ATMA scheme. Here, he learned the tricks of crop diversification, better management, and modern agriculture.
“Annual Income of 1.5 Lakh Rupees”
Khagpati, who has been practicing advanced farming methods for the past three years, has seen his hard work pay off. Now, his annual income exceeds 1.5 lakh Rupees. This means his earnings have nearly doubled.
“An inspiration to the village,”
Khagpati is now an example not just for himself but for the entire village. He is also inspiring other farmers to grow crops other than paddy and adopt new technologies.
“Take advantage of the Krishak Unnati Yojana.”
The Deputy Director of the Agriculture Department has also appealed to farmers to take advantage of the Krishak Unnati Yojana. Under this scheme, if a farmer plants an alternative crop in last year’s paddy field, he or she will be given an additional assistance of 15,000 rupees per acre. Interested farmers can register by visiting their area’s field agriculture officer or local cooperative society, LEMPS.
- Farming is a profitable business with advanced technology
Khagpati says that if the right technology and government schemes are taken advantage of at the right time, then farming can also be made a profitable business.
