For 40 years, Balram followed the same farming practices as his ancestors—growing staple crops in the fields of his village. Yet deep down, he knew he wanted more. In 2004-2005, he made a bold decision that would change his life forever. Inspired by the potential of advanced agricultural practices, Balram began experimenting with hybrid varieties of crops. He introduced modern techniques like drip irrigation and mulching to conserve water and improve the quality of his produce.
"I knew I couldn’t rely on the old ways anymore," he recalls. "There was something in me that wanted to try new things, take a risk, and see if I could do better."
Early Success and a Crushing Setback
Balram's initial success came with vegetables like tomatoes and capsicum. The results were astonishing—his capsicum plants yielded five kilos per plant in just 13 to 14 days, and he harvested a massive 130 tonnes per acre. For a while, it felt like the sky was the limit.
But just when things seemed perfect, disaster struck. His crops were attacked by a virus, wiping out much of the hard work he had put in. "It felt like everything was slipping through my fingers," he says. "I thought I had lost it all."
A New Chapter: Fruit Farming
Instead of giving up, Balram chose to pivot. He turned his attention to fruit farming, a decision that would set him on the path to financial success. On his 60 bighas of land, he began cultivating guava, sweet lime, orange, mango, and even exotic fruits like strawberries and apples. He opted for high-yield, hybrid varieties, such as the Pink Taiwan guava and the HRMN-99 apple, known for their superior quality and profitability.
"The moment I saw those first guavas ripening, I knew I had made the right choice," Balram smiles. "There’s something magical about growing fruits—once you plant the tree, it keeps giving back for years."
Climbing to Success Without Much Help
What makes Balram's journey even more remarkable is that he did it largely on his own. Aside from a government subsidy for drip irrigation, he received no financial aid. Instead, he forged direct connections with major markets in Delhi, Mumbai, and Indore, ensuring that he had buyers ready for his harvest.
"I didn’t wait for help to come," he explains. "I went out, made contacts, and found my own way to sell what I grow. That way, I could get the most out of my efforts."
This self-reliant approach paid off. With traders handling the sale of his fruits and transferring the profits to his account, Balram now earns over Rs. 50 lakh annually.
Sharing the Fruits of His Labor
Success hasn’t made Balram forget where he came from. Determined to help others, he opens his farm to farmers from across India who want to learn about his methods. Monthly, dozens of people visit him, eager to understand the techniques that turned his life around. He also travels abroad to study international farming practices and has been invited to agricultural fairs and exhibitions across the country, where he has won several awards for his work.
"When I see other farmers changing their lives because of what I taught them, it makes me proud," Balram says. "I believe in sharing knowledge—it’s how we all grow."
Business of Farming
Today, Balram has dedicated around 25 bighas of his land to fruit farming. His investment of Rs. 2-2.5 lakh per bigha brings in profits of around Rs. 2.5 lakh per bigha, allowing him to generate a steady and substantial income each year. On the remaining land, he grows crops like soybean and cabbage, further diversifying his earnings.
His decision to grow hybrid fruit varieties ensures a consistent income over many years, making his investment worthwhile. "Farming is a business, just like any other," Balram says confidently. "If you invest wisely, you’ll see returns for decades."
Words of Wisdom for Fellow Farmers
For Balram, farming is not just about making money—it’s a passion, a way of life. His advice to other farmers reflects this belief. "Deep plowing, indigenous manure, and horticulture farming—that’s the way forward," he insists. "Once you invest in fruit trees, they give you a livelihood for 15 to 20 years. Don’t rely on one crop; diversify and protect yourself from risks."
He’s a strong advocate for reducing dependency on a single source of income. "When you have a variety of crops, you reduce the risk of failure and increase your chances of success," he adds.
Story of Hope and Transformation
Balram Patidar’s story is one of resilience, courage, and transformation. His ability to turn setbacks into opportunities, to embrace change, and to share his success with others has made him not just a millionaire, but a role model for farmers across India.
His journey shows that farming, when done right, is not just about survival—it’s about thriving. "If you’re willing to try new things and put in the effort," Balram says with a smile, "the land will always take care of you."
