- From oil palm to mango-litchi, strawberry, tomato and cauliflower cultivation, income increased
- National Horticulture Mission grants Rs 14.20 lakh; integrated farming system becomes the foundation of prosperity
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, farmers in Chhattisgarh are being continuously encouraged to adopt horticulture, protected cultivation, and crop diversification in addition to traditional paddy cultivation. Taking advantage of government schemes, farmers are now creating new sources of income by adopting modern agricultural techniques. Shri Anarath Sai, a farmer from Patratoli village in Jashpur district, is one such progressive farmer who has made farming the basis of economic strength by adopting a horticulture-based integrated farming system.
- Protected cultivation gets a boost from the National Horticulture Mission
Farmer Mr. Anrath Sai, taking advantage of the Horticulture Department’s scheme, has initiated protected cultivation by establishing a one-acre shade net house under the National Horticulture Mission. He is cultivating grafted tomatoes using modern techniques. Producing crops in a protected environment results in improved quality, protection from adverse weather conditions, and ease of production management.
The total cost of establishing the shade net house was 28.40 lakh rupees, with the Horticulture Department providing a grant of 14.20 lakh rupees. Through departmental support and modern technology, the farmer has given a new direction to farming.
- Increased income from oil palm cultivation
Mr. Anrath Sai also cultivates oil palm, benefiting from the Horticulture Department. Encouragement from various horticulture schemes, including the National Horticulture Mission, has allowed him to move beyond traditional farming and embrace profitable and sustainable crops.
By adopting crops like oil palm, farmers are making better use of their agricultural land and creating a foundation for sustainable income for the future.
- Mango and litchi orchards create long-term income base
Farmer Mr. Anrath Sai has also developed a mango and litchi orchard on 2 hectares under the Integrated Horticulture Development Scheme. This fruit-bearing orchard will provide him with consistent production and income opportunities for years to come. He has also effectively utilized the vacant land available between his primary horticultural crops. This approach makes his farming integrated and multifaceted.
- Multiple crops in a single field, a way to generate income throughout the year
Mr. Anrath Sai has adopted intercropping, making good use of the space between horticultural crops. He is also growing crops such as strawberries, tomatoes, and cauliflower.
This allows for optimal land use, while also generating income from different crops at different times. This experiment by the farmer is also becoming an inspiration for other farmers in Jashpur.
- Crop diversification makes farming more profitable
Farmer Mr. Anrath Sai believes that integrating a variety of crops, rather than relying solely on a single crop, can reduce farming risks and increase income opportunities. He believes that integrated farming is extremely useful in generating year-round income while making better use of available resources at a low cost.
- The picture of agriculture is changing in Jashpur
Mr. Anrath Sai’s success demonstrates that farmers can strengthen their economic position by taking advantage of government schemes and adopting modern technology, protected cultivation, horticulture, and crop diversification. In an agricultural district like Jashpur, such progressive farmers are not only moving forward on the path of self-reliance themselves, but are also inspiring surrounding farmers to move beyond traditional farming and adopt new techniques and profitable crops.
The increasing scope of horticulture and protected farming in Jashpur is not only increasing the income of farmers but is also giving a new identity to the agricultural economy of the district.
