Dhoniram Chetia, born and raised in the Tinsukia district in Assam, has spent his entire life devoted to farming and agriculture. His deep-rooted passion for cultivating the land and his firm commitment to sustainable farming practices make his journey truly inspiring. At 40 years old, Dhoniram is not only a dedicated farmer but also a loving father to two sons. He had to abandon his education due to financial constraints, but his love for farming led him to pursue it from a young age. For over 12 years, Dhoniram has been working tirelessly in agriculture, with a particular focus on organic farming.
From Modest Beginnings to Expansive Growth
Starting with modest means, Dhoniram now owns a 25-bigha farm situated near the serene banks of the Burhi Dihing River. Over the years, he has cultivated a diverse array of crops, ranging from cereals to fruits and vegetables. While initially focused on Kharif crops, Dhoniram expanded his agricultural endeavors in 2015 to include a broader variety of crops, such as Bengal gram, vegetables, and fruits, all grown using organic and natural farming methods. Today, Dhoniram and his wife are both actively engaged in the day-to-day farming operations, further strengthening their bond with the land they have nurtured together.
Amrapali and Thai Banana Mango: A Success Story from Dhoniram’s Farm
The main attractions of his farm are the Amrapali Mango and Thai Banana Mango varieties, two of the most sophisticated varieties of mango, former being from India and later from Thailand.
‘I have been growing Amrapali mangoes for the past 5 years and never have I thought that this variety would perform so well in the climatic conditions of Assam’, he proudly mentioned. Dhoniram has been growing Amrapali mango in an area of 6 bighas with an annual harvest of 50-60 kg per tree.
Along with Amrapali, Dhoniram discovered that another mango variety from Thailand, known as the Thai Banana Mango, is also performing very well in his orchard. He mentioned that Thai Banana is a very fine cultivar with good growth intensity, high productivity, and highly nutritious fruits. The tree produced 16 fruits in its very first year. Now, Dhoniram eagerly awaits the second-year harvest to further assess this variety's performance on his farm.
Dhoniram is also exploring foreign mango varieties from Bangladesh, Japan, and Thailand that are well-suited to Assam's climatic conditions. Recently, he has cultivated 17 different varieties of mango on his farm.
Mango Pruning: Dhoniram’s Method for Inducing Productivity
Dhoniram practices pruning to give mango trees a proper structure. He explained that older saplings, reaching a height of 3-4 feet, tend to grow taller and become difficult to harvest. Additionally, they are more prone to breaking during strong winds and storms. To prevent this, he prefers pruning by removing the top portion of the tree after a certain age. Trimming the tree about 6-8 inches from the top has encouraged branching and significantly improved productivity in the trees.
Dhoniram’s Footsteps on the Path to Organic Agriculture
Dhoniram has always been mindful of the harmful effects of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. He continuously sought alternative solutions to protect his crops from pests. "Even though fruit crops require a significant amount of pesticides and fungicides during the flowering season, I try to incorporate biological remedies to manage them," he shared.
In addition, Dhoniram explored various mechanical and physical methods to control pests and diseases. He introduced pheromone traps, light traps, yellow sticky traps, and yellow lights to combat pests on his farm. Spraying pesticides and fungicides may eliminate pests from standing crops, but we often overlook the fact that nearby weeds serve as a breeding ground for them.
As a result, despite repeated spraying, the pest population resurfaces within 2-3 days, making the effort ineffective, he explained. Dhoniram’s use of physical and mechanical pest management methods reflects his deep commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and his awareness towards the environment.
Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Success
Since beginning his agricultural journey, Dhoniram has consistently experimented with various farming methods suited to his region. Throughout this time, he has faced numerous obstacles, yet he continues to learn from every failed experiment and challenge. He strongly believes that Assam's land is naturally fertile compared to other states, requiring minimal external pesticides and fertilizers to cultivate crops. Despite its vast potential for increased productivity, he feels that many people have yet to explore innovative farming opportunities.
Encouraging the Youth of Assam
Dhoniram encourages youth to engage in agriculture, adopt new technologies, and find solutions to transform Assam into a thriving food hub. He is also willing to train young individuals who step forward, aiming to reduce unemployment and promote self-sufficiency. In addition to his diverse farming practices, Dhoniram cultivates sugarcane on a few bighas of his land. He highlighted the potential of portable sugarcane juice machines, which are available at an affordable price, as a viable business opportunity for unemployed youth in Assam.
Dhoniram’s Perspective on Organic Agriculture: Challenges & Prospects
Dhoniram Chetia points out the common misconception that only synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides can enhance crop yields. He firmly believes that organic and natural farming methods can produce even better results, stating that his yield has doubled compared to conventional farming. He earns over Rupees 3 lakh annually from his farm by adopting organic and natural cultivation practices.
However, he acknowledges that transitioning to organic agriculture is not an overnight process. It requires careful strategic planning. While new farmland can be cultivated organically from the beginning, over time, soil nutrients may become depleted. To sustain organic farming, at least one-fourth of the farming area should be dedicated to rearing animals, ensuring a steady supply of cow dung and urine for natural fertilization.
He also advocates for multilevel cropping as an effective approach. For instance, when Kharif crops reach maturity, legumes and pulses should be grown to naturally replenish soil nutrients after each crop cycle. Proper planning and gradual implementation are essential for a successful transition to organic farming. Dhoniram advises farmers to start small, begin with a portion of their land and expand progressively to ensure long-term sustainability.
Dhoniram's Commitment to Sustainable Farming & Environmental Conservation
Dhoniram emphasizes the importance of respecting and preserving the environment, as it provides us with everything we need. He acknowledges the visible impacts of environmental changes and stresses that adopting organic agricultural practices is crucial to prevent the collapse of human civilization.
Reflecting on his own experiences, he recalls how his 12 bighas of papaya and king chili cultivation were completely destroyed by floods last year. However, instead of losing hope, he saw it as a learning opportunity and moved forward with resilience. His philosophy is to share his knowledge with those eager to learn, continuously experimenting and growing with time.
Giving Back to Nature
Beyond farming, Dhoniram believes in giving back to nature. He dedicates a portion of his earnings to environmental conservation by planting trees in the wild, setting up bird feeders and drinkers for migratory birds, and encouraging others to take similar steps. His message is clear, only by nurturing the environment can we ensure a sustainable future for all.
