Shah Nawaz Khan began his professional journey as a Junior Engineer with the Government of Bihar, where he laid the foundation for what would become a long and distinguished career. Following the bifurcation of Bihar and the creation of the state of Jharkhand, he transitioned to serve in the newly formed state and was promoted to the role of Assistant Engineer.
Over the decades, Shah Nawaz played an instrumental role in several critical infrastructure projects, earning the respect of his peers and superiors alike. Among his many notable contributions, one of the most significant was his involvement in the development and construction of lakes within the iconic Deer Park located in Hauz Khas, New Delhi, an initiative that continues to benefit the capital city to this day.
His relentless dedication, technical expertise, and leadership abilities eventually led him to the position of Executive Engineer, a post from which he retired in 2023, completing an impressive 41 years of government service. But Shah Nawaz’s contributions didn’t end with retirement.
Recognized for his deep knowledge and unwavering commitment to the engineering community, he currently serves as the State President of the Jharkhand Engineers Association and holds the position of Chairman at the All India Federation of Diploma Engineers. These roles allow him to continue advocating for engineers across the country while sharing his extensive experience with the next generation.
A New Journey Towards Agriculture
After devoting over four decades to engineering and public service, many would choose to rest and enjoy a peaceful retirement. However, for Shah Nawaz Khan, retirement marked not an end but a new beginning. Fueled by a deep-rooted connection to the land and a desire to make a meaningful difference, he has embarked on an inspiring second journey, this time in the field of agriculture.
Rather than settling into a life of comfort, Shah Nawaz chose to invest his time and energy into learning the nuances of farming. With a keen interest in sustainable agriculture and a commitment to green practices, he began cultivating a variety of crops on his 10-acre farmland. Among the primary crops he is growing are lemons, which have great market potential and ecological benefits. In addition, he is exploring other crops that are both economically viable and environmentally friendly.
Experimentation, Failure, and Growth
Shah Nawaz Khan initially began his farming journey by cultivating papaya on an 8-katha plot borrowed from his sister. However, due to limited technical knowledge and a lack of proper understanding of cultivation practices by both him and his sister, the papaya crop failed completely. Rather than being discouraged, Shah Nawaz took this setback as a valuable learning experience. He replaced the damaged crop with 220 lemon trees, which are now thriving and have reached the flowering stage within just a year.
Today, Shah Nawaz Khan cultivates a total of 10 acres of land, where lemons are his primary crop, along with smaller plots dedicated to potatoes and onions. He continues to rely on traditional farming methods, though his technical knowledge is still evolving. Guided and mentored by renowned Bihar-based farmer Ram Sevak Prasad, Shah Nawaz is steadily improving his farming practices and making consistent progress in his agricultural journey.
A New Beginning Toward a Greener Future
Shah Nawaz Khan believes that agriculture is much more than just a means of livelihood, it is a gift from nature. He feels that the privilege of being able to cultivate the land must be respected and nurtured. With this belief, he not only continues to work passionately on his farm but also encourages fellow farmers and young people to view farming as a meaningful and fulfilling pursuit.
Shah Nawaz actively learns from experienced farmers in his region, observing their methods and adopting suitable practices on his own land. For him, entering agriculture is a matter of pride, as he aspires to bring about positive change, starting at the grassroots level and eventually contributing to a greener, more sustainable India.
Understanding the Market
Although relatively new to farming, Shah Nawaz has already begun studying market trends and dynamics. At present, he sells his produce locally. With his lemon trees now a year old and beginning to flower, he is preparing to expand his reach and begin marketing his produce more widely in the near future.
Shah Nawaz Khan’s journey reflects a strong blend of resilience, learning, and a deep-rooted respect for nature. From initial failures to a growing farm and a vision for sustainable agriculture, he stands as a hopeful example for aspiring farmers, showing that with passion, guidance, and persistence, it is possible to create a greener and more promising future.
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