Abhishek Kumar had witnessed the exploitation of villagers in search of better opportunities. He envisioned a future where agriculture could be a lucrative and sustainable livelihood. His flower farming business boomed and Kumar became the epitome of dedication and will power.
With a keen interest in agriculture, Abhishek enrolled at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Aurangabad. He acquired the necessary knowledge to begin his farming journey. Starting with aromatic and medicinal plants like tulsi, lemongrass, and turmeric. His innovative approach to farming, which included soil testing, polyhouse cultivation, and foliar application of urea, yielded impressive results. Within three months, he had earned an income of Rs. 4 lakhs.
Pioneering Horticulture in Bihar:
Abhishek's entrepreneurial spirit led him to become the first person in Bihar to cultivate Gerbera. He successfully sourced saplings from Bengaluru and Pune and adopted tissue culture techniques for cultivation. His success with Gerbera encouraged him to explore other high-value flowering plants like lilium, orchid, and hortensia.
Kumar’s Teater Start-up Plan:
In 2018, Abhishek introduced another game-changing product: Teatar green tea. Made from a blend of medicinal leaves like tulsi, lemongrass, and moringa, this tea was known for its health benefits. Abhishek adhered to stringent Food and Drug Administration regulations to ensure the product's quality. The tea, branded under the Aurangabad Kadambini Farmer Producer Company, found a ready market across India. His product is available on various e-commerce sites including Flipkart.
Empowering Farmers Through FPOs:
Abhishek has been instrumental in empowering thousands of farmers through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). He currently works with 95 FPOs across the country, providing mentorship and support to over 2 lakh farmers. His FPO, the Aurangabad Kadambini Farmer Producer Company, boasts nearly 500 members.
Recognition and Impact throughout the years:
Abhishek's has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Krishi Ratna award from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In 2024, he was also awarded by Chirag Paswan for his contributions to the agricultural sector. His success story has inspired countless farmers to explore the potential of agriculture as a viable and profitable career.
Kumar has created a robust network of FPOs. This has not only secured his financial future but also contributed significantly to the economic upliftment of his community.