Ramkaran Tiwari, from Etawah District, Uttar Pradesh, has set a remarkable example with successful potato farming, earning him the 'Innovative Farmer Award' at UP Agro Tech-2024 organized by the Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture. On March 3, 2024, Uttar Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak honoured this progressive farmer for his innovative agricultural work, presenting him with the Innovative Farmer Award. He was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 11,000 and a certificate of appreciation.
Strengthening Self-Help Groups
Ramkaran Tiwari, hailing from Navli, Post Chitbhawan, Basrehar Block, Etawah District, Uttar Pradesh, has been working on strengthening self-help groups for many years, enabling farmers to increase their income by growing seasonal vegetables and potato seeds on time. Since 2015, he has been producing 3,500 to 4,000 quintals of potatoes annually on his 30-acre farm. He owns his brand named ‘Shivam Seeds Farm.’ Ramkaran Tiwari produces more than ten varieties of potatoes on his farm, including Kufri Lima, Kufri Sangam, Kufri Bahar, Kufri Khyati, Kufri Sukhyati, and Kufri Neelkanth.
Ramkaran Tiwari's Innovative Approach to Potato Farming
Progressive farmer Ramkaran Tiwari has undergone training at the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla, recommended by the Uttar Pradesh Department of Agriculture. There, he learned the seed plot technique, which he has been practically applying since 2015. He initially established a small tissue culture lab and now, based on the recommendation of ICAR, he is producing and selling disease-free potato seeds, earning profits.
When it comes to marketing his produce, he doesn't even need to go to the market to sell potatoes. He simply shares information about his produce with farmers through social media, after which customers themselves come to buy potatoes from his fields. Currently, Ramkaran exports potato to markets in Punjab, Haryana, and various districts of Uttar Pradesh. He invests approximately Rs. 20-25 lakh annually in Shivam Seeds Farm, which results in a profit of around Rs. 1 crore.
Progressive farmer Ramkaran Tiwari's son Shivam assists in the fields. He mentioned that their brand not only supports their own family but also others associated with the brand. He also said that initially, when they used to farm, they were concerned about the weather and irrigation, but now they have all the resources available to them.
Major Achievements of Ramkaran Tiwari
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Production and sale of disease-free potato seeds through tissue culture technique.
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Acquisition of funding from Farm Machinery Bank through the group to purchase machinery for crop residue management, resulting in the management of 100% of rice crop residue within a year, eliminating the need for farmers to burn stubble.
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Provision of advanced agricultural machinery to farmers on rent, facilitating timely sowing/crop residue management and reducing agricultural costs.
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Recognition for potato production in the state on the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh on December 23, 2023, with the third prize.
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Third prize awarded for red potato variety of 500 grams size at the Regional Fruit, Vegetable, and Flower Exhibition 2020 held in Lucknow.
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Promotion of quality production through encouragement of organic farming.
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Establishment of coordination with agricultural institutions, agricultural departments, and agricultural science centers to provide training and exposure visits to farmers.
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Promotion of aromatic/basmati varieties of rice production.
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Production and distribution of high-quality potato seeds through FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations).
