Bibekananda Mishra is a seasoned corporate professional with over 40 years of experience across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and other Indian states. After his retirement, Mishra, originally from Odisha, made a shift to agriculture, deeply moved by the sight of fertile lands lying fallow and the noticeable migration of rural youth to urban areas like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi in search of jobs. He saw an opportunity not just for cultivation but for rural revitalization.
In 2022, he officially began his agricultural journey by developing his ancestral property in the Bhadrakh district. The land spanned 10 acres, and Mishra chose to grow high-value fruit and timber crops. He planted 600 guava trees, 600 areca nut (supari) trees, and over 4,000 timber-yielding trees such as mahogany, sandalwood, and teak. The results have been remarkable.
His guava orchard now yields 15-20 quintals of fresh fruit annually, while the timber species are showing impressive growth, with mahogany reaching 25 to 30 feet and sandalwood around 5 to 8 feet in just two and a half years.
Second Venture: A Modern Protected Farming Model
Encouraged by the success of his first farm, Bibekananda acquired another 5-acre plot in Dhenkanal district, strategically chosen due to its lower susceptibility to cyclones and other natural calamities. Here, he implemented protected farming, dividing the land into three major components: a polyhouse, a nethouse, and open farming.
In the polyhouse, he cultivates leafy vegetables such as pak choi, lettuce, Chinese cabbage, and basil, high-demand crops that are doing exceptionally well in urban markets. In the greenhouse, he grows vining crops like bell peppers and seasonal tomatoes, focusing on quality and yield. His open plots complement this by supporting rotation crops that maintain soil health and biodiversity.
This modern integrated approach, combining exotic horticulture, smart infrastructure, and planned marketing, has already begun to yield strong returns. In the first full year of operation (January 2025 to January 2026), Bibekananda expects a gross revenue of Rs. 1 crore from this farm alone.
Community Empowerment and Youth Engagement
Bibekananda Mishra’s success is not limited to economic returns. He is committed to empowering rural youth and encouraging retirees and professionals to return to farming. He actively engages with Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Horticulture Departments, and government agencies to organize farmer training, awareness drives, and workshops.
He believes agriculture is a powerful vehicle for reversing rural migration, creating employment opportunities, and preserving ecological balance. With current government policies favoring agri-entrepreneurship and ease of access to loans and subsidies, Mishra's model presents a practical pathway for aspiring agripreneurs.
Innovative Practices and Long-term Vision
Mishra has incorporated several innovations to enhance productivity and resilience:
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Use of satellite-based remote sensing for crop monitoring
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Drip irrigation to conserve water and ensure efficient nutrient delivery
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Pest and disease forecasting tools to minimize chemical intervention
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Organic soil health practices to preserve long-term fertility
His future roadmap includes introducing hydroponics, expanding his exotic crop portfolio, setting up cold storage facilities, and establishing a farmer training center on-site.
Role in GFBN and Vision for Tomorrow
Bibekananda Mishra is a proud member of the Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN), a national platform initiated by Krishi Jagran to connect India's most progressive agripreneurs. His vision is clear to develop scalable and climate-resilient farm models that not only generate income but also inspire more Indians to look at agriculture as a dignified and rewarding profession. By focusing on quality, innovation, and mentorship, he is sowing the seeds for a greener, more self-reliant India.
Leading by Example
Bibekananda Mishra’s journey from the boardroom to the barnyard reflects the limitless potential of a motivated mind. He has turned his post-retirement phase into a mission of impact, showing that it is never too late to learn, lead, and grow.
By combining traditional farming wisdom with cutting-edge technology, Mishra exemplifies the new face of Indian agriculture. In this agriculture where passion meets precision and profits meet purpose. His model offers not just a livelihood but a lifestyle rooted in sustainability, community, and growth.
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
