Dhirendrakumar Bhanubhai Desai, a 51-year-old visionary farmer from Panetha village in Jhagadiya Taluka, Bharuch District, Gujarat, stands as a beacon of innovation in Indian agriculture. With over three decades of hands-on experience since completing his studies in 1991, he has journeyed far beyond traditional farming methods. Embracing modern agricultural practices with determination and foresight, he has not only revolutionized productivity on his own farm but has also become a guiding light for fellow farmers in the region. Through his dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to progress, Dhirendrakumar has sown the seeds of transformation across his community.
Transition Towards Innovation
Dhirendrakumar began his farming journey cultivating bananas and sugarcane through traditional methods, facing challenges like financial strain and inadequate infrastructure. A turning point came during an agricultural tour, where he discovered drip irrigation, tissue culture bananas, and Integrated Bio-Nutrient Management (IBNM). Motivated by the motto ‘More Crop per Drop,’ he adopted a continuous cropping pattern that boosted productivity while cutting costs.
Success in Banana Farming
Dhirendrakumar adopted innovative techniques like drip irrigation, plant tissue culture, green manuring, and bio-composting, enabling him to harvest three banaaana crops in just 27 months from a single planting. He cultivates the G9 variety, and his success has set a national benchmark. Through these advancements, his yield doubled, rising from 15 to 35 metric tons per acre. His farm also became a pioneer in using drone technology for disease management, enhancing efficiency and precision in cultivation.
Achievements and Contributions
Dhirendrakumar’s innovative use of tissue culture and drip irrigation has boosted banana yields to 35 tons per acre on his 40-acre farm. He also pioneered drone technology for pesticide spraying in banana plantations, advancing modern farming techniques. Beyond his own success, he founded a Cooperative Society for banana growers to improve collective marketing and farmer incomes. His work has inspired over 1,000 farmers across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh to adopt high-tech banana cultivation.
Recently, Dhirendrakumar became part of Krishi Jagran’s initiative, the “Global Farmer Business Network,” further amplifying his mission to promote high-tech banana cultivation and uplifting farming community across many states.
Agribusiness Growth and Diversification
Alongside bananas, Desai has introduced 1,200 tissue-cultured Natal sweet orange plants to his farm. Demonstrating his innovative mindset, he also set up a banana chip manufacturing unit in his village, creating local jobs and expanding his agricultural enterprise.
Awards and Recognition
Desai’s innovative farming practices have resulted in impressive financial success, generating an annual profit of approximately Rs 50–60 lakhs. His dedication and pioneering work have earned him over 30 prestigious awards, including the IARI Innovative Farmer Award (2019), the Best ATMA Farmer Award (2019) by the Government of Gujarat, and the Millionaire Farmer of India Award in the year 2024.
His achievements have gained widespread recognition, with features in national and international media such as a documentary on DD Kisan and a BBC News Gujarati segment that showcase his exemplary agricultural methods.
Commitment Towards Success
Dhirendrakumar is dedicated to promoting sustainability and innovation in agriculture. His vision focuses on fostering environmental stewardship and expanding the adoption of modern farming techniques. He aims to inspire more farmers to embrace new technologies, ensuring that agriculture remains both profitable and sustainable.
Through his own success, Dhirendrakumar Bhanubhai Desai has shown how agricultural innovation can increase incomes while motivating others, especially banana growers to adopt advanced practices and technologies.
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/
