Deepak Kumar/Banka: Changing the Face of Agriculture
Many people consider farming to be a loss-making business. However, if done correctly, there is no better profit-making opportunity than agriculture. Farmers need to focus on quality seeds with proper management. With the growing interest of youth in farming, there has been a significant change and more inclusion of technology. In Banka, Bihar, youths are opting to stay back and earn a good income through farming instead of seeking opportunities outside the state.
Pradeep Singh: A Success Story in Organic Farming
Pradeep Singh, a resident of Shambhuganj in Banka district, decided to switch to organic farming after facing health issues due to consuming chemically grown vegetables. He leased 6 acres of land and started cultivating a variety of vegetables along with maize. Although there was a decrease in production initially, he is slowly recovering the yield. Singh’s farm now boasts of crops like pumpkins, bitter gourd, custard apple, cucumbers, bell peppers, local chilies, brinjal, local tomatoes, and more.
Special Care for Bell Peppers and Profit Margins
Singh emphasized the importance of caring for bell peppers and other crops. He plants the seeds of various vegetables from December to January, and the harvest continues for 5 to 6 months. To double his income, he also plants corn on the edges of the field. By investing in bell pepper plants for Rs. 50 each, he can yield up to 3-4 kilos per plant, selling them in the market for Rs. 60-70 per kilo. Most of the vegetables are sold to local traders, helping him earn up to eight lakhs in 6-7 months.
बिहार के बांका जिले में रहने वाले प्रदीप सिंह ने सही तरीके से खेती करके लाखों में कमाई कर ली है. पहले दिल्ली में काम करते थे, पर रासायनिक सब्जी से रिएक्शन होने पर गांव वापस आकर जैविक तरीके से खेती करने का निर्णय लिया. उन्होंने शिमला मिर्च को विशेष ध्यान देकर बेहतर खेती की है और दोहरी कमाई अर्जित की है। उनकी कहानी से यह साबित होता है कि युवाओं की दिलचस्पी और उचित प्रबंधन से खेती में बदलाव ला सकता है।