It is not what crops a farmer grows; it is the net profit he is able to get that is really important.
Be it cash crops or food crops, the bottom line is profit and this is what matters for any small farmer.
“Agriculture is a very big sector in this country. Soil, climate, labour — practically everything differs between states and regions. Even for the same crop variety yields vary for different soils. And the job for the researchers becomes all the more challenging to help and guide a farmer get a better profit under these situations,” Dr. I.S. Tomar, Programme Coordinator, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jhabua.
Take the case of Mr. Balaram Patidhar from Sarangi village in Petlawad district, Madhya Pradesh. The farmer is well known not only in his home state but also in the neighbouring states of Gujarat and Delhi.
Nothing excitingSome years back the farmer was growing the usual maize and wheat which were common in the region. There was nothing exciting in terms of revenue but once he switched to growing crops like tomatoes and chillies the income from his land increased.
The reason for this was his ability to get a very good yield of nearly a tonne of tomatoes and chilli compared to others growing the same crops (maize and wheat) from a hectare.
In fact, after hearing this news till date nearly 5,000 people have been visiting the farmer to know his formula for getting such a high yield.
“The average yield in the state from both these crops in the recent past has not been very appreciative. Prolonged dry spells and sudden downpours during monsoon have affected yield of many crops,” explains Dr. Tomar.
Apart from the yield, the farmer has been able to successfully market his produce in New Delhi, Ahmadabad, Mumbai, Indore markets and has been able to earn Rs.10-15 lakh a year.
Short termThis is something big in vegetable cultivation. Because, being a short term crop (3-4 months), and having a lower shelf life, fast disposal is important for both growers and buyers.
In fact, with the money he earned from his crops, Mr. Patidar has bought additional lands (from an acre he has increased the land holding to about 4.5 acres) to try his success formula in an expanded area.
“I use all the scientific technologies such as seed treatment, integrated pest management, nutrient management and water conservation methods in my field. I have set up drip irrigation for all the crops and presently grow capsicum and papaya in addition to tomatoes and chillies,” says the farmer.
Bund makerMr. Patidar is also credited with designing a tractor operated bund maker and fertilizer drill for making ridges in fields in which papaya, tomato, and chilli are cultivated.
The device consists of two (six feet long and 1.4 feet width) iron plates. One end of the plates are joined together in a “V” shape and fitted with a frame. A fertilizer drum with a pulley system is attached to this.
Adjustments are provided to suit the size and fertilizer application amount for farmers.
CostThe machine is priced at Rs. 8,000 and is quite popular among farmers who are used to growing papaya, tomatoes and chilli crops traditionally and this requires more labour and takes time.
“Never take decisions on an impulse to grow something. Always make it a point to visit and interact with successful growers before you embark on something,” is Mr. Patidar’s advice to other farmers.
Patience and a long study of the crop, its market and several interactions with the concerned people are all important aspects to be considered if one needs to get a good return, according to him.
Best InnovatorThe farmer was conferred the Best Innovator award by the Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal, for his innovation and also the State Progressive Farmer award.
Interested farmers can contact Mr. Balaram Patidar, Sarangi village and post, Tahsil, Petlawad, Dist, Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, mobile: 09977096087 and Dr. I.S. Tomar, Programme Coordinator, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Near Rajgarh Naka, Jhabua-457661, Madhya Pradesh, phone: 07392-244367, Mobile: 09425188028.
