Mahendra Singh, a progressive farmer from Bhutlahar village in the Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh, has built a successful farming enterprise over the past 20 years. With 20 kanals of land, he has embraced a diversified approach, cultivating a variety of vegetables, fruits, crops, and mushrooms. Transitioning from traditional methods to modern farming practices, he now generates an annual income of Rs 10 lakh.
Starting Small with Traditional Farming
Initially, Singh grew basic crops like wheat and maize using traditional farming methods. However, these crops didn’t yield much income, leaving him dissatisfied. His situation changed in 2017 when he learned about the government program, ‘Dr. YS Parmar Kisan Baagwan Samridhi Yojana,’ which aims to help farmers increase their earnings by adopting modern farming practices.
Building Polyhouses to Grow Vegetables
Through this program, Singh learned how polyhouses could protect plants from adverse weather conditions, allowing him to grow vegetables in a controlled environment. With financial support from the government, he set up three polyhouses, each 250 square meters. In these polyhouses, he began cultivating tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers, which thrived and brought in good profits.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the success with polyhouses, Singh faced challenges with farming on his open fields. Wild animals and stray cattle destroyed his crops, making it difficult to grow anything. In 2018, Singh applied for assistance under the ‘Mukhyamantri Khet Sanrakshan Yojna,’ and the government provided solar fencing to protect his fields. This solution kept the animals at bay, allowing him to grow vegetables in his open fields without the constant threat of damage.
Expanding to Fruits and Mushrooms
Singh didn't stop with vegetables. He expanded his farm to include fruits such as peaches, apples, and lemons, adding more variety to his offerings. He also ventured into mushroom farming by setting up two mushroom units to grow button mushrooms and oyster mushrooms. These mushrooms became another valuable source of income.
A Role Model for Other Farmers
Singh’s journey demonstrates that farmers can significantly increase their income by adopting modern techniques and taking advantage of government schemes. His success serves as an inspiration for other farmers, encouraging them to move beyond traditional methods and explore innovations like polyhouses and solar fencing. With dedication and a creative mindset, farming can become a highly rewarding career.
Singh’s achievements show that innovation, persistence, and the right support can transform lives, even in the smallest villages. His story is not just about farming; it’s about the power of progress and the importance of perseverance.
