Prabhat was driven by the desire to transform the lives of his fellow villagers in Bihar, hence establishing SumArth in 2015. The NGO's mission was clear: to make farming profitable in a region often seen as a mere subsistence activity. His journey began with onion cultivation, a crop that yielded promising returns.
Prabhat's father was a farmer yet he always warned Prabhat from becoming one. Prabhat eventually became an engineer but he always had an affinity towards agriculture. He viewed Bihar as "the Land of Opportunities" where he could build something sustainable and innovative.
While he was working in Mumbai, he started his agricultural research. He witnessed the potential of 1 acre of land and wanted to turn things around in Bihar. His father's death wish along with the harsh realities that he witnessed upon his return to Bargaon after a decade, led to a profound realization: Bihar, often overlooked, was indeed a land of immense opportunities, waiting to be tapped.
A Holistic Approach Towards Farming in Bihar
Prabhat's engineering background equipped him with a unique perspective on agriculture. He identified the core problems plaguing Bihar's farmers: overreliance on paddy, low market prices, and a lack of diversified crops. SumArth's solution was detailed, encompassing training, technology, infrastructure, and market linkages.
By introducing high-value crops like mushrooms, baby corn, and strawberries, Prabhat revolutionized farming practices. He emphasized the importance of recurring income over recurring expenses. This approach was a stark contrast to the traditional model. The success of these initiatives was evident in the rapid growth of SumArth's farmer base, which now stands at an impressive 25,000.
Empowering Women: A Pillar of SumArth
Prabhat firmly believes in the potential of women in agriculture. His initiative boasts a gender ratio of 75% women to 25% men. By providing them with the necessary skills and resources, SumArth is empowering women to become self-sufficient and contribute to their families' well-being. He quotes Swami Vivekananda and says that if 'we cannot bring women to the farms, we can bring the farms to the women.'
Overcoming Challenges and Scaling Up
Prabhat's journey has not been without its hurdles. Initial skepticism, infrastructure limitations, and market fluctuations were significant challenges. However, his unwavering determination and the tangible results achieved by SumArth's farmers have garnered widespread recognition.
Once they struggled with producing 20-30 kgs of mushroom a day. Today, the processing unit is capable of handling 10,000 kgs of mushrooms per day. Prabhat is creating a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
Prabhat's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: "Dream big, be patient, study the market, and remain consistent."
Prabhat Kumar's SumArth is not just an NGO; it is a movement that is redefining agriculture in Bihar, one farmer at a time.
