Surendra Kumar, a resident of the Sikar district of Rajasthan, is one of those farmers who, leaving behind the limitations of traditional farming, has adopted innovation, organic practices, and technology. He has not only transformed his farm into a profitable business but has also become an inspiration for many farmers around him. He has a total of 4 hectares of land, out of which he mainly does organic farming of marigold flowers on 1 hectare. On the remaining land, he grows traditional crops like mung, groundnut, millet, and guar.
From growing marigold flowers alone, he generates monthly sales of Rs 1.50 lakh to Rs 1.80 lakh. Overall, he earns a net profit of approximately Rs 20 lakhs from growing marigold flowers. His annual turnover from all crops and flowers combined reaches over Rs 30 lakhs. Let's explore his success story in detail.
Journey From Traditional Farming to Modern Organic Farming
Surendra Kumar entered the world of farming about 10 years ago. Initially, like other farmers, he also employed traditional methods in farming. However, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides was degrading the quality of the soil, reducing production, and increasing costs. Due to these challenges, he decided to adopt organic farming four years ago. Gradually, the health of the soil improved, the need for irrigation decreased, and the quality and quantity of produce improved—realizing he had made the right decision.
Its Variety and Characteristics
Surendra Kumar primarily grows a variety of marigold called ‘Marigold Yellow,’ commonly known as Yellow Marigold. This flower’s unique feature is its continuous production for six months. Once planted, the plant continues to bloom for six months. It is in demand throughout the year and is needed for weddings, festivals, religious ceremonies, decorations, and havans.
He plants the flowers twice a year, in May and October. This way, he earns a steady income by cultivating marigolds in two seasons.
Use of Organic Products and Their Impact
Surendra Kumar uses Zydex company’s organic products on his farm, including Zytonic-M, Zytonic-Active, Zytonic Zinc, Zytonic Neem, Zytonic Mini Kit, and Zytonic Suraksha. Regular use of these organic products has significantly improved the quality, yield, and resistance of flowers and other crops.
He says that the soil is now looser, its water-holding capacity has increased, and the water requirement has been halved. For example, he used to irrigate every other day, but now he irrigates every fourth day. This has also reduced irrigation costs.
Drip Irrigation – A Modern Irrigation System
Progressive farmer Surendra Kumar adopted drip irrigation instead of traditional methods of irrigation. This method delivers water directly to the roots of the plants, which not only saves water but also increases the effectiveness of fertilizers and nutrients. Through drip irrigation, he is achieving higher yields with fewer resources.
Flower Sales and Market Strategy
Surendra Kumar sells his flowers in the major markets of Sikar and Jaipur. He brings between 1.50 quintals and 3 quintals of marigold flowers to the market every day. The price of the flowers depends on market demand, supply, and festivals. So far, he has been selling his produce for between Rs 80 and Rs 250 per quintal.
Other Crops and Floriculture
In addition to marigolds, he also cultivates winter flowers like Jaffrey and Chrysanthemums, which sell well during wedding and festival seasons. He also grows crops like mung beans, peanuts, millet, and cluster beans. These crops provide additional income, and the farming cycle continues throughout the year.
His Message to Farmers
Surendra Kumar believes that farming isn't just about hard work but also about understanding and scientific thinking. Organic farming not only increases income but also protects the soil, water, and the environment. He says that once a farmer shifts to organic farming, he will definitely benefit from it in the future.
