MP: How Suryabhan Singh Earned ₹72,000 from Chia Seed Farming in Jabalpur village
Suryabhan Singh, a farmer from Samdhar village in the Majhauli development block of Jabalpur district, is encouraging fellow farmers to explore new agricultural options by cultivating chia seeds using natural farming methods.
Associated with the ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) project for the past five years, Singh has been sharing his experiences with other farmers; currently, about 20 farmers are learning about the potential of chia cultivation.
Under the guidance and training of Dr. Indira Tripathi, Project Director of ATMA, Singh cultivated chia seeds on five acres of land as part of an agricultural innovation demonstration.
He incurred an expenditure of approximately ₹10,000 on cultivation and sold his produce at the Neemuch Mandi (agricultural produce market), earning ₹72,000.
Singh believes that chia—an oilseed crop known for its nutritional and medicinal properties—can serve as an additional source of income for farmers. With low cultivation costs and the potential for good returns, it serves as an excellent alternative to traditional crops.
He prepares his own organic manure and encourages other farmers to adopt natural farming practices. By sharing his experiences, he aims to inspire farmers to diversify their crops and increase their income.