Lachit Gogoi, a 30-year-old farmer from Dhemaji, Assam, has carved a remarkable path in agriculture by dedicating himself to cultivating King Chilli (Bhoot Jolokia) for the past four years. Despite having multiple job opportunities, Lachit chose to follow his passion for farming, a decision that has proven to be incredibly rewarding. Coming from a farming family, Lachit manages an 8-bigha farmland, where he started with just 4 bighas under cultivation.
Last year, his hard work paid off as he harvested 50-60 quintals of King Chilli, earning him an impressive profit of 30 lakhs. Through his use of organic methods, including vermicompost and organic manure, and careful management of pest control, Lachit’s venture into King Chilli farming has not only been successful but has also turned into a profitable and sustainable business.
Role of Drip Irrigation in Enhancing Crop Yield
For efficient irrigation, Lachit has implemented a drip irrigation system, which has significantly improved water management and crop health. While drip irrigation remains a luxury for many marginal farmers in Assam, government subsidies have made it more accessible. Due to financial assistance, he only had to spend Rs. 60,000 per hectare on the system, making it a cost-effective and sustainable solution for his farm.
Drip irrigation ensures that water is supplied directly to the root zones, reducing water wastage and improving crop yield. It also helps control soil erosion and minimizes weed growth. This system has been crucial in helping Lachit maintain consistent production and achieve high yields from his King Chilli plantation.
Overcoming Farming Challenges: Pest Control and Weather Uncertainties
Farming, especially King Chilli cultivation, comes with its own set of challenges. One major issue Lachit faces is pest and disease infestation during the flowering and fruiting stages. King Chilli is highly susceptible to various pests, including aphids, fruit borers, and fungal diseases. To combat this, he regularly inspects his fields and applies pesticides only when absolutely necessary.
Another significant challenge is the changing weather conditions. Assam experiences unpredictable weather patterns, including excessive rainfall, droughts, and hailstorms, which can severely impact crops. Recently, a severe hailstorm damaged many farms in his village. This changing weather patterns sometimes have adverse effects on the crops which he describes as a critical issue.
Another ongoing issue is the availability of quality seeds. While Lachit saves seeds from his previous harvest, the germination rate and yield are often inconsistent. Procuring quality seeds from Nagaland, known for its superior King Chilli seeds, is another hurdle due to transportation constraints. However, he acknowledges the timely support and guidance provided by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and the state agriculture department in overcoming these difficulties. These institutions help farmers like him with technical assistance, high-yielding seed varieties, and pest management strategies.
Gradual Transition to Organic Farming
Lachit strongly advocates for organic farming, recognizing its benefits for both soil health and human well-being. Although he currently integrates vermicompost into his farming practices, he still relies on pesticides when absolutely necessary. He is gradually working towards fully transitioning a portion of his farmland to organic farming. If this experiment proves successful while maintaining profitability, he plans to shift entirely to organic agriculture.
He believes that organic farming is essential for sustainable agriculture, as it helps restore soil fertility and reduces dependence on chemical inputs. Organic King Chilli has a higher market value, attracting buyers who seek chemical-free produce. However, transitioning to organic farming comes with challenges such as pest management, longer crop cycles, and the need for organic certification. Despite these challenges, Lachit remains optimistic and is taking small steps toward a fully organic farming model.
He emphasizes that even if complete organic conversion isn’t immediately feasible, farmers should take small steps towards sustainable practices, which will ultimately lead to long-term benefits for both the land and consumers. He also encourages fellow farmers to adopt integrated pest management (IPM) techniques and use biopesticides to reduce reliance on chemical sprays.
Encouraging the Youth to Pursue Agriculture as a Viable Career
Lachit urges young people to consider agriculture as a viable career rather than solely pursuing conventional jobs. He believes that educated youth can effectively adopt modern farming techniques and integrate new technologies to improve agricultural productivity.
“I often see young people aimlessly searching for jobs, which only leads to frustration and unemployment. I, too, interviewed for various jobs but later realized that agriculture could be just as rewarding. I encourage the youth to get involved in farming, as they can easily understand and implement advanced techniques to enhance agricultural efficiency,” says Lachit.
He believes that with proper training and guidance, young farmers can transform traditional farming into a high-income profession. He advocates for the use of smart farming techniques, including precision farming, soil testing, and automated irrigation systems.
Moreover, he emphasizes the role of government schemes and subsidies in supporting young farmers. Several programs provide financial aid, training, and infrastructure support to encourage modern farming practices. Lachit advises aspiring farmers to take advantage of these schemes and seek mentorship from agricultural experts.
Inspiration for Modern Farmers
Lachit Gogoi’s success in King Chilli farming highlights the potential of agriculture for financial independence and sustainability. By embracing modern farming techniques, organic practices, and advanced irrigation, he has turned farming into a profitable profession. His journey inspires young farmers to explore agriculture as a viable career. Through innovation and dedication, Lachit demonstrates how strategic planning can lead to financial growth and contribute to sustainable food production.
