In the heart of Kaarari village, Kaushambi district, Uttar Pradesh, resides Angad Singh Kushwaha, an enterprising farmer redefining success in agriculture. Breaking away from conventional practices, Angad has turned banana cultivation into a lucrative venture, earning him annual profits in lakhs.
Banana: A Success Story
Kushwaha's agricultural legacy began in 1986 when his father pioneered banana cultivation in Kaushambi, becoming the first farmer in the district to do so. Following his education in 1996, Angad joined his father in cultivating bananas and potatoes. The family initially leased land for cultivation, starting with traditional crops before venturing into horticulture with lemon, cranberry, and later, papaya.
He shared that his father initially faced challenges in obtaining quality banana saplings. So, they travelled to Bhusawal, Maharashtra, where they learned about superior-quality saplings. Despite initial hurdles, they managed to bring back a truckload of saplings which marked the beginning of their banana cultivation journey.
Diversification and Government Support
With increased government attention on agriculture, the Kushwaha family witnessed a turning point. Subsidies and support for banana plantations became available, further fueling their expansion. Today, Angad Singh, along with his two brothers, cultivates bananas, potatoes, and papayas on their 100-acre land.
Approximately 20 acres are dedicated to banana cultivation each year, with the remaining land used for potatoes and papayas in alternating years. This method not only optimises yields but also ensures sustained profits.
Financial Success
The annual expenditure for his entire cultivation venture reportedly ranges from 20 to 25 lakhs. With favorable market conditions, his annual sales can reach an impressive 50 to 60 lakhs, resulting in a net profit of around 40 lakhs.
Angad Singh Kushwaha's journey from traditional farming to innovative banana cultivation exemplifies the potential within the agriculture sector.
