Amit Jain grew up in an agricultural family, where farming was the primary source of livelihood. However, he had aspirations beyond traditional farming. In 2004, he decided to explore opportunities outside of conventional agriculture and ventured into agribusiness. Initially, he focused on trading tractors, motor pipes, and other agricultural machinery. While this business proved to be profitable, Amit soon realized there was greater potential in the agricultural sector itself.
Fifteen years ago, he took another step by founding Janta Agro Agencies, a shop that sold fertilizers, seeds, and crop protection products. This move not only helped him expand his business but also allowed him to build strong, lasting relationships with the local farming community. His shop became a reliable source for agricultural inputs, marking the beginning of his journey from a traditional farmer to an agricultural entrepreneur.
Tomato Cultivation: The Secret to His Success
Amit realized that his true potential lay in actual farming, even though his farming input company was successful. He decided to focus specifically on tomato farming, a crop with high demand throughout the year. With 20 acres of land, he dedicated 20 bighas solely to growing tomatoes.
His farming strategy was well thought out. He adopted a method of planting tomatoes in batches rather than planting all his crops at once, starting in June and repeating every 15 days. This approach ensured that his produce was not harvested simultaneously, allowing him to sell tomatoes regularly throughout the season. As a result, he had a continuous stream of income instead of facing price fluctuations in the market. His tomato harvest continued until March, after which he shifted to farming other crops.
Amit also focused on developing hybrid tomato varieties, which provided higher yields and a longer shelf life. These hybrid varieties were not only sold in local markets but were also shipped to distant areas where he could fetch a better price. Additionally, he implemented new techniques such as mulching, which protected his crops from excessive rainfall, conserved soil moisture, and prevented weed growth. This scientific approach to farming allowed him to maximize his output and minimize losses.
Soil and Crop Management
Amit realized the necessity of soil fertility and the appropriate use of fertilizers. He prepared a section of his nursery himself and bought high-quality seedlings from established nurseries. At the time of sowing, he applied organic manure to increase the fertility of the soil naturally. As the crops grew, he applied liquid fertilizers such as Gromore Nano DAP, which added extra nutrients to the crop and promoted healthy growth and increased yield.
Amit adopted scientific pest control practices to safeguard his tomato plants from insects and fungal diseases, particularly during the monsoon season. He sprayed fungicides regularly to avoid diseases and consulted agricultural experts to adopt the best pest management practices. His emphasis on early intervention helped him keep his crops healthy and losses to a minimum.
Embracing Modern Irrigation Methods
Effective water management was one of the main contributing factors to Amit's success. He adopted drip irrigation technology, which supplied water to the root zone of plants, saving water and providing maximum water supply. This system not only saved water but also increased crop yields by providing the optimal level of moisture to the soil. He aims to adopt drip irrigation for all his farmland so that his farming becomes even more sustainable and efficient.
Profitability and Business Expansion
Amit's intelligent planning and advanced agricultural practices rendered tomato cultivation extremely profitable. The price of growing tomatoes in a single bigha varied from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 70,000, but his returns from the same piece of land frequently amounted to Rs. 2 to Rs. 3 lakh. The returns he earned from cultivation, along with his agricultural input business, enabled him to expand his business.
His turnover is now a yearly Rs. 7-8 crore, and he is among the top farmers in Madhya Pradesh. Through modern farming and business skills, he has created a new standard for fellow farmers. He often discusses his experience and wisdom with the farmers in his region, advising them to adopt sophisticated methods, optimize their crops, and consider farming as a business and not as a survival technique.
A Role Model for Farmers
Amit Jain's success is an inspiration for farmers throughout India. He has proved that farming is not merely a matter of cultivating crops—it is a matter of knowing what the market wants, employing sophisticated technology, and making sound business choices. His capacity to blend farming with entrepreneurship has earned him a position of esteem in the agricultural community.
With his commitment, planning, and desire to adopt new methods, Amit has converted his agricultural venture into a multi-crore business. His success tale illustrates that with the right attitude, agriculture may be one of the most remunerative and sustainable careers.
He is confident that the future of farming lies in innovation and a business-oriented approach. His message to fellow farmers is simple yet powerful: embrace modern farming techniques, develop a clear strategy for your farm, and approach agriculture as a long-term business venture. With the right strategies in place, the potential for success in farming is limitless.
