Sartaj Khan, a progressive farmer from Shahjahanpur district in Uttar Pradesh, has transformed sugarcane farming into a highly profitable enterprise, achieving an impressive annual turnover of over Rs 1 crore from 50 acres of high-yield sugarcane varieties. His journey reflects how dedication, innovation, and the strategic adoption of modern farming techniques can turn agriculture into a thriving business.
Rooted in farming traditions that span over five decades, Sartaj inherited his passion and knowledge of sugarcane cultivation from his father. From an early age, he was taught to see agriculture not just as a livelihood, but as a dignified and meaningful way of life. Today, he carries forward this legacy with a progressive mindset—blending traditional wisdom with modern agricultural practices to build a model of success for others to follow.
Journey of Shahid Farms
Owning a total of 70 acres of land, Sartaj cultivates sugarcane on 50 acres and also runs a sugarcane nursery on a portion of his land. These saplings are sold to local farmers, making him a source of support and inspiration in the farming community. His enterprise, "Shahid Farms," is renowned not only for its sugarcane cultivation but also for its adoption of advanced techniques and intercropping systems. Over the years, Shahid Farms has evolved into a local hub for knowledge-sharing, where nearby farmers come to learn about sustainable practices and modern tools.
Embracing New Varieties for Better Yields
About a decade ago, Sartaj began experimenting with changes in sugarcane farming. Initially cultivating varieties like 0238, he later faced disease-related challenges and shifted to newer, improved varieties such as 13235, 0118, 14201, and 16202. These have shown remarkable disease resistance and productivity on his farm over the past three years. His openness to trial and error has paid off, and he often collaborates with agricultural scientists and institutes to stay informed about the latest developments in sugarcane breeding.
Modern Cultivation Practices
Sartaj uses the trench method for planting sugarcane, where two-bud setts are planted in furrows, ensuring nearly 100% germination. He maintains row spacing of 2.5 to 4 feet, enabling easier weeding and the use of mechanized tools like power tillers and mini tractors depending on the spacing. This not only boosts efficiency but also reduces manual labor. Furthermore, he times his sowing and harvesting carefully, taking weather patterns and soil conditions into account to optimize productivity.
Intercropping with Sugarcane - A Way to Profitability and Sustainability
Believing in the benefits of diversified farming, Sartaj practices intercropping with crops like mustard, cauliflower, cabbage, wheat, peas, chickpeas, and knol khol during the autumn sugarcane season. This not only compensates for the cost of sugarcane cultivation but also contributes to overall farm profitability. He applies similar methods during the summer season as well. Intercropping also improves soil health, reduces pest infestations, and makes more efficient use of available water resources. Sartaj notes that this technique has helped him maintain a stable income even during uncertain market conditions.
Why Soil Testing is Crucial for Sartaj
According to Sartaj, soil testing is crucial for identifying nutrient deficiencies and determining the appropriate fertilization strategy. His approach blends both organic and chemical farming. He uses farmyard manure and vermicompost along with balanced chemical inputs to ensure soil health and productivity. He gets his soil tested twice a year and tailors his fertilization plan based on scientific analysis. This has significantly improved the quality of his produce, making it more marketable and sustainable.
Sartaj’s Farm: A Model of Sustainable Agriculture
Sartaj avoids the use of herbicides, believing they hinder plant growth. Instead, he relies on natural and manual methods for weed control. His farm operates on a sustainable model combining organic and conventional practices, promoting long-term agricultural balance. He also encourages biodiversity on his farm by growing native tree species around the borders and creating insect-friendly habitats. This not only supports the environment but also enhances crop resilience.
Strategic Farm Management Driving Economic Success
With 720,000 setts planted per acre and an average yield of 720 quintals of sugarcane per acre, Sartaj achieves significant profits. The cost of cultivating sugarcane per acre is around Rs 40,000. His strategy, choosing the right varieties, integrating intercropping, and adopting smart fertilization and modern techniques, has led to exceptional returns. In addition to sugarcane and nursery income, Sartaj earns extra revenue from selling organic compost and consultancy services to neighboring farmers who seek to replicate his success.
Sartaj Khan's story proves that with the right knowledge, innovation, and determination, farming can become a lucrative and sustainable career. His example serves as a beacon for farmers across India who wish to modernize their practices and enhance their livelihoods while staying rooted in traditional wisdom. Sartaj stands as a symbol of how blending tradition with technology can revolutionize Indian agriculture and inspire a new generation of farmer-entrepreneurs.
