Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy. However, in today’s changing times, there is a growing need to view it not just as a means of livelihood but as a well-planned business. Abhishek Pundeer, a progressive farmer from Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh, has embraced this very mindset and made it his identity. Despite coming from a traditional farming background, he has transformed agriculture into a profitable venture by adopting modern farming techniques, improved seeds, and a scientific outlook.
This young farmer cultivates nearly 20 acres of land and earns an annual income of approximately Rs. 20 lakhs. Especially during the Kharif season, the Kokila-33 paddy variety developed by Shakti Vardhak Hybrid Seeds has significantly boosted his earnings, making him an inspiration for many other farmers.
A Strong Agricultural Legacy, Revived with Modern Vision
Abhishek's family have been engaged in agriculture for generations. Yet, he did not consider it just a tradition but took it up as a career. Growing up among the fields, he completed his B.Sc. in Agriculture, through which he got familiar with the scientific side of farming. After education, he took up farming as the prime focus of his life, incorporating traditional practices along with technological advancements.
Cultivating 20 Acres with Strategy and Crop Diversity
Abhishek currently owns close to 20 acres of agricultural land, where he plants diverse crops throughout the year. His primary crops are paddy and wheat, while he also plants maize, moong (green gram), bajra (pearl millet), and mustard based on the time of the year. His crop rotation strategy not only provides superior soil health but also avoids relying on any one crop, thus decreasing risk.
Kokila-33 Paddy Variety: The Key to Success
During the Kharif, he tried with several varieties of paddy but Kokila-33, cultivated by Shakti Vardhak Hybrid Seeds, fared the best. Abhishek describes Kokila-33 as a variety of basmati paddy with medium to shiny grains, good resistance towards diseases, and sturdy stems. This takes about 105–110 days to mature and is capable of giving 25 quintals per acre.
He establishes the nursery after May 10 and plants the seedlings within 20–25 days. About 7.5 kg of seed is required per acre. This variety commands a market price of up to Rs. 3000 per quintal just like the basmati varieties. The cost of cultivation per acre amounts to around ₹25,000, including seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and labor.
Abhishek also revealed that the maximum benefit of cultivating Shakti Vardhak Hybrid Seeds is high yield at low cost. The quality of the seeds is superior, leading to increased profitability. Another point of interest is the technical support from the company. Their expert team remains in constant touch, makes periodic farm visits, evaluates crop growth, resistance to diseases, and yield capacity, and offers valuable guidance and suggestions. Consequently, the quality of the crop increases, the yield rises, and the market price is also good.
Rabi Season Wheat: A Steady Source of Income
During the Rabi season, Abhishek plants wheat on all 20 acres. With higher varieties, he gets 25 quintals an acre. With cultivation expenses falling between Rs. 20,000–Rs. 25,000 per acre, wheat provides him steady returns every year. This even diversification maintains income throughout the year and assures financial stability.
Efficient Irrigation and Soil Health Management
Water management is another field where Abhishek has shown special attention. He uses tube wells and canal systems for irrigation and monitors water usage with care to ensure maximum application. To keep the soil healthy, he maintains a 10% organic and 90% chemical-based strategy, balancing productivity and sustainability.
Livestock Farming: Enhancing Income and Sustainability
Besides crops, Abhishek has also put money into cattle. He maintains 10 cattles providing milk for sideline income. The manure from them is recycled in the form of organic composting, cutting on fertilizer expenditure while improving soil nutrient levels. By this combined means of farming, profitability is both increased and improved long-term ecological balance ensured.
A Message for the Next Generation of Farmers
Abhishek thinks that modern farming is an entire business in itself, rather than a traditional profession. Proper training, technology, and mind-set are all that someone needs to thrive as a farmer, he declares. "Agriculture today has everything that can make an individual self-sufficient," says Abhishek. "Everything else will happen with a shift in attitude."
His success story serves as a stern reminder that through vision, determination, and having access to high-quality material like Kokila-33 paddy and sound guidance, farming could indeed turn out to be a golden chance for India's young generation.
