Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi   

As you sow, so you reap

TIRUCHI: “If educated youth evince interest in farming rather than search for overseas jobs, the country’s agriculture sector will grow in a big way. There is a lot of money to be made here.”

These are not words of wisdom from a seasoned farmer but a daring youngster, K.Naveen, who at 27 is already a proud owner of a massive integrated farm spread over 200 acres of dry land in Krishnapuram in Tiruchi district. His farm has become a model for the concept of integrated farming in the region, attracting a steady stream of farmers, students and trainees everyday.

Mr.Naveen took to agriculture by choice, spurred by a childhood love for animals and the farm. Armed with an M.Phil degree in bio-technology and post-graduate diploma in dairy technology, he turned a full-time farmer in 2005.

“I never wanted a job. Thankfully, my parents backed me and helped me to raise the required capital by offering their life’s savings as collateral security for the bank loans,” says Mr.Naveen.

He has raised a credit of Rs.85 lakh to set up the farm – a bold venture which has been profitable over the past four years. He had acquired the land that runs for a stretch of about four km now over a period of 10 years. Today, he pursues seven agriculture and allied activities.

He has raised amla in 35 acres, palm oil in 40 acres, tapioca in 30 acres, sunflower in five acres, cattle fodder in 15 acres and vegetables in 10 acres, apart from 300 coconut trees. Water melon and ash gourd is planted as inter-crop in palm oil and amla, bringing in substantial revenue. This season, he harvested about 40 tonnes of water melon.

The farm is mechanised, complete with drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. He employs just seven labourers. Water is being pumped from four borewells located at an old farm, owned by his father and about two km away. With a portion of his farm located on a higher plain, the water is collected in a sump with a capacity of three lakh litres and fed into the drip irrigation system.

The dairy with 27 high quality cows, 20 of which are Holstein Friesian, is also mechanised with milking machines and other paraphernalia. The specially designed shed, with good ventilation and 24-hour water supply, is sparkling clean as it is given a ‘chlorine wash’ every day to drive away the flies. Rarely does he require the service of a veterinarian.

On an average, Mr.Naveen sells about 300 litres of milk and cattle fodder worth Rs.5,000 a month. He also rears about 150 goats, ornamental fish and a couple of horses.

For all his investments, he has not availed of any government subsidy so far. “I have never doubted the viability of the farm. I am able to make profit, after making provisions for loan repayments, as the overheads are kept to the minimal. This model can be replicated,” affirms Mr.Naveen, who lives in the farm pursuing his dream.

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