MP: Exotic vegetables growing in Bundelkhand; how farmer Amit Jain in Sagar turned challenges into opportunity
Sagar: While farmers in the Bundelkhand region often face losses due to traditional farming practices and the vagaries of weather, Amit Jain, a farmer from Khimlasa, a small village in Khurai tehsil of Sagar district, has set a new example by turning farming into a profitable business through modern thinking and new technology. Through his seven-acre aquatic vegetable farm, Amit Jain has not only become self-reliant but also become a source of inspiration for other farmers in the region.
43-year-old Amit Jain, a resident of Khimlasa, moved away from traditional farming and embraced aquatic farming. He is educated up to B.Com and previously ran a medical shop. After his father's death in 2012, the responsibility of the family farm fell on his shoulders. His father's wish was for his son to pursue farming, but to do something different and innovative. Pursuing this vision, Amit chose the path of innovation in farming.
Results exceeded his expectations
After taking over farming, Amit Jain gathered information about various government agricultural schemes and received training in modern farming from the Horticulture Department, Sagar. Following the training, he began cultivating several advanced and exotic vegetables, including broccoli, red cabbage, Chinese cabbage, and lettuce, using the aquatic method. Initially, there were risks, but with hard work and proper technology, he achieved results that exceeded his expectations.
Vegetables are in high demand in Delhi's markets and five-star hotels
Amit Jain explains that the vegetables he grows are not limited to Sagar district, but are supplied to Bhopal, Indore, and Delhi. These vegetables are in high demand, especially in Delhi's markets and five-star hotels, where they fetch prices of over 50 rupees per kilogram. Sometimes, orders are so high that he cannot meet the demands of all the malls and hotels.
Amit Jain earns over 1 lakh rupees annually from aquatic vegetable farming. He says that this farming yields more produce with less water than traditional crops and is relatively less affected by changing weather. This is why this method is proving so effective in a drought-prone region like Bundelkhand.
Amit involves children in farming
Amit Jain has three daughters, all currently in school. Seeing their father's hard work and dedication to farming, they also help with small agricultural tasks during their holidays and free time. Amit believes that involving children in farming is crucial for the future.
Today, Amit Jain has not only become self-reliant himself, but is also imparting modern agricultural techniques to nearby farmers. He received subsidies from the Horticulture Department for irrigation systems, packhouse construction, and Burmese compost, which reduced costs and increased profits. This farmer from Khimlasa is proving that with the right information, training, and innovative thinking, farming can be a successful and profitable business.
Prakash Kumar Pandey