At a time when rising input costs, climate change, and market volatility are driving many away from agriculture, Himanshu Nath Singh from Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh, has emerged as a shining example of how innovation, smart planning, and sustainable practices can make farming highly profitable. Generating an annual turnover of over Rs 1 crore from 10 hectares of sugarcane and banana cultivation, Himanshu has redefined modern Indian farming.
By blending traditional wisdom with scientific techniques, adopting improved crop varieties, practicing intercropping, and embracing organic inputs, he has not only ensured high yields and soil health but also inspired a wave of transformation among fellow farmers. His success story stands as a powerful testimony to the potential of agriculture as a viable, scalable, and sustainable business in India today.
From Traditional Roots to Modern Excellence
He belongs to a farming family with over 40 years of experience in sugarcane cultivation. Himanshu inherited a rich agricultural heritage. His father used to cultivate sugarcane using traditional methods, and Himanshu continued the tradition, but with a twist. He integrated science and technology into his practices. He realized early on that to stay relevant and profitable, farming needed innovation.
He began using a combination of organic and chemical fertilizers, including cow dung, organic compost, Jeeva Amrit, and Ghan Jeeva Amrit. These inputs not only nourished his soil but also ensured long-term sustainability by preserving soil health. He calls this a "balanced approach" to farming.
Outstanding Success in Sugarcane Farming
One of the key reasons behind Himanshu’s success is his scientific approach to sugarcane farming. He pays great attention to sowing time, seed spacing, and soil nutrition. He prefers to sow sugarcane between the last week of September and October, which he believes is the optimal window for better yields.
Using improved varieties such as 0118, 14235, 16202, 15466, 14201, 15023, 18231, and 0238, Himanshu ensures disease resistance and high productivity. His method of maintaining 5 feet between rows and 1-foot spacing between buds not only ensures 90% germination but also saves up to 50% in seed costs.
The results are astonishing. On one hectare, Himanshu has recorded a maximum yield of 2470 quintals of sugarcane, a benchmark few can match. With 10 hectares under cultivation, his total annual turnover from sugarcane alone exceeds Rs 1 crore.
Diversification with Banana and Intercropping
Alongside sugarcane, Himanshu cultivates bananas, which adds to his income and enhances soil biodiversity. He also practices intercropping with vegetables like potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, and mustard. This not only improves soil fertility but also provides additional income streams. His banana orchards are managed with organic inputs, which improve fruit quality and market price.
Mechanization and Cost Efficiency
Understanding the importance of mechanization, Himanshu uses mini tractors to manage field operations like weeding and earthing. This practice reduces labor costs and saves time. Due to his efficient management, Himanshu achieves a profit of Rs 60 on every Rs 100 of revenue, keeping his production cost around Rs 40. These numbers reflect his deep understanding of agribusiness.
Award-Winning Farmer
Himanshu’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. He has received several awards for his excellence in farming, particularly in sugarcane seed production. These honors are a testament to his dedication, hard work, and innovative spirit. They serve as inspiration for thousands of other farmers who are searching for success in agriculture.
Role in GFBN and Future Vision
Himanshu Nath Singh recently joined the Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN), an initiative by Krishi Jagran that empowers Indian farmers through knowledge-sharing and mentorship. As part of this network, Himanshu now mentors fellow farmers, guiding them toward profitable, organic, and sustainable farming models. He shares his experiences, educates others about modern practices, and works to build a future where Indian agriculture is both lucrative and environmentally sound.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Himanshu dreams of setting up an on-farm training center where farmers from across India can learn about smart sugarcane farming, organic practices, and farm mechanization. He believes that the future of Indian agriculture lies in farmer-to-farmer learning and collective progress. His motto is simple: "Change your methods, not your roots."
Through his unwavering commitment, scientific approach, and community spirit, Himanshu Nath Singh has not just built a successful farming business, he has built a model for the future of Indian agriculture.
Note: Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN) is a dynamic platform where agricultural professionals—farmer entrepreneurs, innovators, buyers, investors, and policymakers - converge to share knowledge, experiences, and scale their businesses. Powered by Krishi Jagran, GFBN facilitates meaningful connections and collaborative learning opportunities that drive agricultural innovation and sustainable development through shared expertise. Join GFBN today: https://millionairefarmer.in/gfbn
