Asgar Ali, a 43-year-old farmer from the Golaghat district of Assam, has been deeply rooted in farming for over 25 years. With limited formal education, having studied only up to the 8th standard, Ali has proven that success in agriculture depends more on innovation, adaptability, and market understanding than on academic degrees. Today, he stands out as a model farmer in his region, earning lakhs of rupees annually by cultivating a variety of vegetables and fruits, using a smart blend of traditional wisdom and modern marketing.
Diverse Cultivation on 50 Bighas: A Mix of Fruits & Vegetables
Ali owns a 50-bigha plot where he grows a range of crops, including tomatoes, papayas, king chillies, brinjal, watermelons, sweet potatoes, and local chilli varieties. Among these, it is his innovative method of intercropping papaya with king chilli and watermelon with papaya in a zig-zag pattern over a total area of 4 bighas that has drawn attention—not only for its clever use of space but also for its impressive financial returns.
Sustainable Practices: Balancing Organic and Chemical Inputs
Ali is mindful of the long-term health of his land and crops. Aware of the harmful effects of excessive chemical pesticide and fungicide usage, he practices a balanced approach to fertilization and plant protection. While vegetable crops, especially during the flowering stage, are vulnerable to pest infestations, Ali uses chemical sprays only when absolutely necessary.
To enrich the soil, he regularly applies vermicompost and cow dung, natural fertilizers that help maintain soil fertility without leaving harmful residues. This balance between organic and chemical inputs ensures healthy crops while promoting sustainability.
Growing Seed Access and Farmer Support
One of the most transformative developments in Ali’s farming journey has been the improved access to quality seeds. A few years ago, farmers in remote regions like Golaghat faced difficulty in obtaining reliable seed varieties. However, the seed distribution network has now expanded significantly. Today, company representatives visit his farm on a single phone call, delivering seeds directly to his doorstep. This shift has saved both time and money, encouraging even more farmers in rural Assam to upgrade their farming methods.
Ali sees this trend as a powerful step toward agricultural self-reliance, helping bridge the gap between farmers and agribusiness service providers.
Zig-Zag Intercropping: Weather-Resilient and Space-Smart Farming
Ali’s most notable innovation is his use of intercropping king chilli with papaya and watermelon with papaya in a zig-zag layout. The idea behind this pattern is to make the best use of limited land while also maximizing returns. His method involves initially preparing the field with fresh cow dung, specifically, two trolley loads of cow dung spread over the land since papaya requires a higher nutrient base.
Once the cow dung is dried and integrated into the soil, he follows a 3:1 planting ratio—three king chilli plants after every papaya plant in 2 bigha land and watermelon and papaya in the same layout in another plot of 2 bigha, planted simultaneously. This arrangement not only optimizes the use of space but also benefits both crops in terms of sunlight exposure and soil nutrient absorption.
The zig-zag intercropping technique also acts as a buffer against Assam’s unpredictable climate. The region often experiences sudden storms and heavy rains, which can damage sensitive crops like king chilli and watermelons. However, the sturdier papaya plants offer a degree of physical protection, helping shield the king chilli and watermelon plants and reduce the overall impact of adverse weather. Even if papaya branches break during such events, they can be reused for further cultivation, ensuring continuity of income. However, Ali also mentioned that this kind of practice can be done only in upland areas as papaya plants are very prone to waterlogging.
This innovative method has enabled Ali to earn nearly double compared to conventional monocropping, using the same quantity of inputs but with far better outcomes.
Going Digital: How Smart Digital Marketing Helps Market His Produce
While many farmers struggle to find the right market or receive fair prices for their produce, Asgar Ali has taken a different route. He has embraced social media and digital tools to create a direct line of communication with consumers and traders alike. Right from the sowing period, he starts promoting his crops through Facebook groups, WhatsApp communities, and farming forums.
He also invites YouTubers and agriculture influencers to his farm, creating a buzz around his practices and produce. Additionally, he uses platforms like Krishi Jagran to amplify his reach and ensure that his crops get noticed by buyers looking for quality farm produce.
This proactive marketing approach means that by the time his produce is ready to harvest, there is already a demand for it. As a result, he never faces difficulties in selling his crops and often receives premium rates, thanks to the visibility he has cultivated online.
A Role Model for Modern-Day Farmers
Asgar Ali’s story is a testament to what can be achieved with innovative thinking, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. From being a farmer with limited resources and formal education to becoming a commercial cultivator with a strong digital presence, his journey is truly inspirational.
By combining sustainable agricultural practices with smart marketing and innovative intercropping, he has not only improved his income but also set an example for thousands of farmers across Assam and beyond. Asgar believes that social media is the best platform for farmers to promote their produce, connect with buyers, and stay informed about the latest agricultural trends.
