Bhakteswar Sonowal, a 44-year-old farmer from the Dhemaji District, has become a trailblazer in the world of agricultural innovation. With an annual turnover running into lakhs from just two bighas of land, his success in chayote farming stands as a testament to the untapped potential of vegetable cultivation in Assam. His journey—from a humble farming background to a pioneering force in local agriculture—serves as both inspiration and motivation for fellow farmers in the region.
Born into a family of farmers, Bhakteswar was immersed in agriculture from an early age, learning the intricacies of the field while working alongside his father. Over the years, he experimented with different crops, but it wasn’t until he discovered the possibilities of chayote farming that his fortunes took a significant turn. Though the vegetable was widely consumed in Assam, it was primarily sourced from neighboring states like Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.
Bhakteswar saw an opportunity to grow it locally, confident that the climate and soil of Assam would be ideal for its cultivation. His bold decision to dedicate two bighas of his eight-bigha farmland to chayote soon paid off, yielding 50 quintals in his first harvest and earning him a profit of around 1.25 lakhs. This early success not only transformed his own livelihood but also inspired many other farmers in the region to follow in his footsteps.
Chayote: A Profitable Crop in Assam
Chayote, commonly known as chow chow, belongs to the cucurbit family and is typically grown in winter regions. Previously, Assam’s chayote market relied heavily on supplies from Meghalaya and other neighboring states. However, Sonowal’s venture demonstrated that local cultivation could significantly reduce dependency and boost the region’s agricultural economy.
His success in chayote farming can be attributed to careful planning, soil management, and market awareness. He recognized that locally produced chayote would be fresher and more affordable for wholesalers, as transportation costs from other states would no longer be a factor. This has made local chayote more competitive in Assam’s vegetable market.
Rising Scope of Vegetable Farming in Assam
Traditionally, Assam has been known for rice cultivation. However, rice fields remain fallow for almost six months after the main cultivation season, with minimal utilization beyond grazing livestock. Farmers like Sonowal are proving that these lands can be effectively used for growing vegetables and high-value crops, providing additional income streams.
The trend of growing vegetables and exotic fruits is gaining traction among Assam’s farmers. Crops like dragon fruit and strawberries are now cultivated on a commercial scale, highlighting the region’s potential for agribusiness. Sonowal himself utilizes his eight bighas of land for diverse crops, including Assam lemon, strawberries, and various vegetables, ensuring a steady income throughout the year.
Ease of Access to Quality Seeds
One key factor contributing to the success of vegetable farming in Assam is the availability of high-quality seeds. Sonowal procures his seeds from the local market of Sipajhar, which has developed into a structured seed marketplace. With access to high-yield varieties, farmers can cultivate crops with better disease resistance and higher productivity, reducing risks and maximizing profits.
Sonowal acknowledges that chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides are often necessary for vegetable farming. However, he emphasizes the importance of responsible usage, applying chemicals only when absolutely necessary.
He advocates for crop rotation as a method to maintain soil fertility without excessive dependence on chemicals. Continuous cultivation of the same crop can deplete the soil’s nutrients, leading to increased reliance on synthetic fertilizers. By planning his farming cycle strategically, Sonowal ensures that the land remains productive and fertile.
Additionally, he incorporates organic practices, such as using cow dung as a natural fertilizer before every planting cycle. This enhances soil quality, minimizes chemical use, and contributes to sustainable agriculture.
Impact of Chayote Farming on Assam’s Agricultural Economy
Sonowal’s success has inspired many farmers in his district to take up chayote cultivation. The increase in local production has reduced Assam’s dependence on external markets, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
Wholesalers prefer locally grown chayote because it is fresher and incurs lower transportation costs. This shift has strengthened Assam’s internal supply chain and provided farmers with direct access to markets, ensuring better returns for their produce.
Sonowal’s initial yield of 50 quintals was just the beginning. Encouraged by the profitability of chayote farming, he now plans to expand cultivation across more of his land, integrating it with other vegetable crops for year-round income.
Recognizing and Supporting Farmers
Farmers like Bhakteswar Sonowal play a crucial role in transforming Assam’s agricultural landscape. While government organizations acknowledge such efforts with awards and recognition, more substantial support is needed to encourage farmers to adopt innovative cropping systems.
One major challenge farmers face is financial constraints. Investing in high-yield crops, irrigation systems, and sustainable farming techniques often requires significant capital. State governments and agricultural universities (SAUs) should actively assist farmers through subsidies, training programs, and access to low-interest credit schemes.
Moreover, market linkages should be strengthened to ensure that farmers get fair prices for their produce. Establishing dedicated vegetable markets and cooperative networks can further enhance the profitability of farming ventures like Sonowal’s.
Bhakteswar Sonowal's success in chayote farming highlights Assam's untapped agricultural potential. Through innovation and sustainable practices, he's not only improved his livelihood but also inspired local farmers. With continued support, Assam's agricultural sector can thrive and contribute significantly to economic growth. Sonowal’s journey marks the start of a transformative shift in farming.
