Cultivation of horticulture crops is fast becoming a favourite with the farmers of the state with the purpose of increasing their income. Farmers are now adopting animal husbandry also for additional income.
Narendra Thakre, farmer from Pipalpani village of Pandhurna block in Chhindwada district has about 1.75 hectare agricultural land which he irrigates with well and tap water. He is using tractor and seed drill also in farming. He got a poly house constructed in 1000 square metre area under protected farming. He received Rs 4.62 lakh grant for constructing poly house. By adopting modern agriculture system in capsicum farming in the poly house he got production of 9 tonnes and by selling it he made an income of Rs 2 lakh.
Narendra Thakre is also cultivating organic oranges by making vermicompost under Horticulture Department’s scheme. He was even given the title of ‘organic farmer’ by the Horticulture Department. Narendra is now pursuing animal husbandry also along with farming. He has a cowshed with 35 milching cattle. He is also running a poultry farm with 35 country hens. He has repaid his bank loan and got a pucca house constructed. He has also purchased a cultivator and trolley. Advanced horticulture farming has made a lot of changes in his lifestyle. He told that other farmers discuss about organic farming with him on his mobile number.