Cultivation of horticulture crops is fast becoming a favourite with the farmers of the State for increasing their income. Farmers are also adopting animal husbandry for additional income.
Narendra Thakre, farmer from Pipalpani village of Pandhurna block in Chhindwara district has about 1.75 hectare agricultural land which he irrigates with well and tapwater. 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.
Another farmer from Bijagora village of Parasia block in Chhindwara district, Kanhaiyalal Suryavanshi is also cultivating horticulture crops through modern system.
He has prepared his crops well and made agriculture a beneficial profession. Kanhaiyalal cultivated tomato crop on 31 acre rakba and acquired technical guidance from horticulture officials from time to time.
Due to proper maintenance he acquired Rs 36,275 tonne yield. With market rate feasible this year, an income of Rs 4 lakhs per acre was generated which is near Rs 2 lakh 79 thousand after deducting cost. This way they earned a reasonably good profit.
And Kanhaiyalal has proved that it is not difficult to make farming a beneficial profession.