FARMING WORTH Rs. 30 LAKH ON LEASED LAND

FARMING WORTH Rs. 30 LAKH ON LEASED LAND

18-MAY-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------------In the Bhojpur district of Bihar, the story of Dharmendra—alias Munna—a farmer from Birampur village, is emerging today as a shining example of innovative thinking and self-reliance in the world of agriculture. A man who once did not possess even a single *katha* of land of his own is now cultivating crops worth approximately ₹30 lakhs annually on 15 *bighas* of leased land.

Dharmendra's journey has been fraught with struggles. Munna, who once worked as a daily wage laborer and barely earned ₹100 a day, decided to do something different rather than surrendering to his circumstances. He leased 15 *bighas* of land from other farmers in the village and began cultivating vegetables on a small scale.

Initially, he faced challenges related to weather, market fluctuations, and operational costs; however, his hard work and perseverance gave him the strength to move forward. Today, with meticulous year-round planning, Dharmendra cultivates around 15 different varieties of vegetables and fruits.

These crops include everyday staples such as tomatoes, okra, bottle gourd, pointed gourd (*parwal*), cauliflower, and potatoes, as well as seasonal fruits like jackfruit, Indian jujube (*ber*), and other seasonal produce. His key strategy is to avoid relying on a single crop; instead, he rotates his crops according to the season, thereby maintaining a consistent presence and foothold in the market.

The biggest secret behind his success is "off-season farming." Whenever there is a scarcity of a particular vegetable in the market, his crop is ready for harvest, allowing him to fetch prices that are two to three times higher than the standard rates. For instance, by ensuring his tomato crop is ready before the onset of winter, he is able to generate significantly higher profits.

Technology has also given a new direction to his farming endeavors. Dharmendra explains, "I have made YouTube my mentor; it is where I learn modern techniques such as seed selection, drip irrigation, mulching, and pest management."

The application of these techniques has led to a significant increase in both the yield and quality of his produce. Today, Dharmendra has not only progressed personally but has also become a source of employment for others in his community. He encourages other farmers to take risks.

"Today, farmers need to think beyond traditional farming methods. The true joy of farming lies in stepping off the beaten path and taking calculated risks. Without taking risks, there is no guarantee of success." — Dharmendra, Young Farmer

Approximately 10 people work permanently on his farms, a situation that has improved the economic condition of several families in the village. Today, Dharmendra pays a rent of ₹18,000 per *bigha* for the 15 *bighas* of land he cultivates.

Dharmendra's story conveys the message that farming depends not merely on land, but on mindset, planning, and technology. With the right strategy and hard work, one can earn substantial profits in agriculture—even without owning any land. This farmer from Birampur has today become an inspiration for young people who view farming as a loss-making venture.