Ranchi,

26 December (H.S.): India’s agriculture sector supports the livelihoods of

approximately 42.3 percent of the population and contributes 18.2 per cent to

the nation’s GDP, according to The Economic Survey 2023-24. In the face of

climate change, extreme weather events and disrupted monsoon cycles, it is

imperative to empower struggling farmers by helping them to adopt modern

farming practices and technologies. This approach is also crucial for advancing

the goal of food security. In addition to government-led initiatives like e-NAM

and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana, various projects by non-profit

organisations are significantly supporting farmers across states. One example

that stands out is the Millionaire Farmers Development Programme (MFDP) by

Transform Rural India, a development design company. This programme has enabled

farmers in rural Jharkhand to overcome challenges and achieve remarkable

success through targeted training and support. These ‘millionaire’ farmers

exemplify resilience and innovation, proving the transformative potential of

such initiatives.

Nikki

Kumari: A farmer from Purana Pani in Ranchi’s Bero Block, Nikki Kumari,

struggled with low yields on her 6-7 acres due to traditional farming methods

and limited knowledge of modern techniques. However, a turning point came when

she enrolled in the Millionaire Farmer Development Programme (MFDP) after

learning about it at a local cluster-level meeting. The programme introduced

her to modern agricultural practices, including crop planning, drip irrigation

and multi-tier farming. It also provided practical training in nursery raising,

mulching and grafting. By leveraging government schemes and securing an SHG

loan, she installed a solar lift irrigation system, transforming her fields

into a model of efficient and sustainable farming. This approach doubled her

income, earning her Rs 12 to Rs 13 lakh per season from an investment of Rs 6

lakh. Nikki’s dedication and hard work in the fields also enabled her to build

a new home, purchase a tractor to enhance farming efficiency, and enrol her

daughters in a quality school. Her success now inspires farmers from other

villages, who visit her farm to learn from her experience.

Haricharan

Oraon: Hailing from Dhurleta village in Jharkhand, Haricharan Oraon, endured a

life of relentless hardship. He was forced to abandon his education after the

eighth grade due to financial constraints. He and his father scavenged wild

tubers from the forest to survive and seeking better prospects, Haricharan

laboured in Punjab for a decade, only to return home to the same struggles.

Determined to change his family's fate, he began farming their small plot of

land, but traditional methods yielded meagre returns. Later, with MFDP’s

support, he was able to embrace innovations which transformed his approach to

agriculture. His initial success with cucumber cultivation in a net house

itself earned him over Rs 40,000, igniting a passion for further advancements.

He soon diversified his crops and adopted organic practices, leading to a

substantial increase in his annual income from Rs 2.65 lakh to Rs 10.75 lakh

over four years. He today actively trains fellow farmers, creating a collective

movement towards sustainable and profitable farming in his village.

Pinki

Kumari: Pinki Kumari, a 26-year-old from Fadilmarcha village in Jharkhand,

faced severe financial instability despite her wholehearted dedication to

farming. Her annual income was a meagre Rs 2,45,000, despite investing

significant effort and resources. The lack of access to modern agricultural

techniques and government support further intensified her family's struggles.

At a point when the future seemed uncertain and financial instability loomed

large, Pinki joined the MFDP. There, she not only gained newfound knowledge but

also valuable lessons that boosted her confidence and determination. This led

her to establish a protected nursery and adopt advanced practices. Accordingly,

her annual income soared to Rs 13,24,000, a fourfold increase. Today, beyond

personal success, Pinki is a true inspiration in her community, sharing her

knowledge and empowering fellow farmers to embrace modern agriculture, thereby

uplifting the entire village.

Krishna Kumar: After failing to get deserved yields with

traditional farming methods alone, Krishna Kumar from Badri village in Getalsud

started looking for alternative ways to improve cultivation. Since farming is

his passion, he could not think of any other way to enhance his family's

livelihood. After joining the MFDP, he was able to identify scientific farming

techniques tailored to his region's conditions and explore the possibilities of

mixed cropping. He soon diversified his crops to include tomatoes, chillies,

brinjals, and various vegetables, which led to a substantial increase in

productivity and income. Krishna's earnings rose to Rs 10 to 12 lakh,

significantly enhancing his family's financial stability. His success story

stands as a testament to the transformative impact of specialised programmes

like MFDP and the importance of capacity building in unlocking the untapped

potential of India’s agricultural sector. As a role model for young farmers in

the region, he continues to inspire others to embrace self-sufficiency.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi