Jitendra Maharana belongs to Jharigaon village in Nabarangpur District of Odisha, started his journey into the world of organic fertilizers under unusual circumstances. He often credits the COVID-19 pandemic as the starting point of his transformation. About six years ago, long before the pandemic reached its peak, he had initiated the preparation of jiakhat with a modest investment of just Rs 2,000. His original goal was simply to support his kitchen garden using sustainable methods. But this minor venture soon opened doors to a much larger and promising opportunity.
The lockdown period gave Jitendra ample time to experiment with organic composting techniques. He saw firsthand how vermicompost not only rejuvenated his garden but also enhanced the taste and quality of the vegetables grown. It wasn’t long before he realized that this method could be scaled up, not only to benefit himself but to positively impact other farmers as well.
Jitendra Maharana recently joined Krishi Jagran’s initiative, Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN), a move that is set to enhance his reach, foster knowledge exchange, and create new opportunities for both him and his fellow organic farming collaborators within the network.
From Tank to Terrain: Scaling Up with Modern Technology
Initially, Jitendra used small tanks to produce organic manure. However, as demand grew and the effectiveness of his compost gained recognition, he transitioned to more advanced methods. Today, he uses open land to produce jiakhat on a much larger scale, leveraging modern techniques for composting and nutrient enhancement.
Jitendra sources 90 percent of the raw materials for his fertilizer from local cow dung, ensuring the inputs are natural and rich in microbial content. To improve the structure and aeration of the compost, he adds 10 percent wood chips and dry leaves. This precise composition not only ensures a high-quality product but also helps in the decomposition process, making the manure more effective for soil fertility.
Khushti Agro: Organic Dream Enterprise
With an expanding customer base and growing recognition, Jitendra decided to formalize his business. He established his own enterprise, Khushti Agro, which is now a prominent name in the organic fertilizer market in Odisha and nearby states. Khushti Agro specializes in the production and packaging of jiakhat and markets it under different weight categories of 1 kg, 5 kg, 30 kg, and 50 kg, to cater to farmers with varying needs.
What sets Jitendra’s brand apart is its reliability and consistent quality. His fertilizers are widely sold across districts like Kalahandi, Koraput, Balangir, and Nuapada, and even reach farmers in the neighboring state of Chhattisgarh. This regional success has not only brought prosperity to his business but also helped in spreading the message of organic sustainability far and wide.
Empowering Rural Employment
One of the most inspiring aspects of Jitendra Maharana’s story is his contribution to rural employment. His farm now employs over 15 full-time workers, many of whom were previously unemployed or underemployed. By creating these job opportunities, Jitendra has played a small but significant role in uplifting the local economy and improving livelihoods in his village.
Furthermore, his work has sparked interest among other local farmers who are keen to learn from his methods and replicate his success. To meet this growing interest, Jitendra has taken up the role of a trainer and mentor. He regularly organizes workshops and training sessions on organic composting, where he teaches the step-by-step process of jiakhat preparation, shares practical tips, and explains the benefits of going organic.
Organic Fertilizers: A Boon for Agriculture
The benefits of organic fertilizers like jiakhat are manifold. Unlike chemical fertilizers, which can degrade soil health over time, organic manure improves soil structure, enhances microbial activity, and retains moisture. It promotes sustainable farming by enriching the soil naturally and reducing dependence on synthetic inputs.
Jitendra has seen firsthand how the application of vermicompost improves crop yield and quality. Farmers who use his fertilizer have reported better taste, texture, and shelf-life of their produce. Additionally, organically grown crops are safer for human consumption, free from harmful chemical residues, and more environment-friendly.
Government Push and Local Impact
Recognizing the importance of organic farming, both state and central governments have launched numerous schemes to promote its adoption. From subsidies on organic inputs to training sessions through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), these initiatives aim to reduce the environmental impact of conventional farming practices.
In line with these efforts, Jitendra’s work complements the government’s mission. He has become a living example of how policy and grassroots action can work hand-in-hand. His farm is frequently visited by agricultural officers, researchers, and fellow farmers who come to observe and learn from his model.
A Role Model for Rural India
Jitendra’s journey is more than just a personal success story, it is a blueprint for rural entrepreneurship. His life exemplifies how a small idea, driven by passion and purpose, can transform into a sustainable business that benefits not just the individual but the larger community.
He believes that the true measure of success lies not in personal gain, but in how many lives one can impact along the way. By training others, creating jobs, and championing organic farming, Jitendra has become a role model for young farmers in Nabarangpur and beyond.
Future Plans
Looking forward, Jitendra aims to expand Khushti Agro’s operations further. He plans to introduce additional organic products such as liquid bio-fertilizers and microbial soil enhancers. He is also exploring opportunities to partner with agricultural universities and government departments to scale his training initiatives and bring more farmers into the fold of organic farming.
Jitendra Maharana’s inspiring journey from a modest beginning with just Rs 2,000 to earning Rs 30 lakh annually stands as a shining example of rural innovation, sustainable agriculture, and community empowerment. Through Khushti Agro, he has turned organic fertilizer from a backyard activity into a thriving business that supports dozens of families and educates hundreds of farmers.
As the agriculture sector seeks more sustainable and eco-friendly practices, stories like Jitendra’s remind us that the future of farming lies in going back to nature, and in doing so, moving forward with purpose and prosperity.
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
