Assam Farmer’s Innovative Papaya Farming Earns Over Rs 60 Lakh Annually, Inspiring Fellow Farmers

After dedicating 24 years to traditional farming in Golaghat district, Assam, progressive farmer Asgar Ali made a life-changing decision that transformed his agricultural journey. Shifting from growing paddy, wheat, and vegetables with limited profits to earning over Rs 60 lakh annually through papaya farming, he redefined what was possible through dedication and innovation. “Farming is not just a livelihood; it’s a passion. With hard work, the right technology, and a willingness to try something new, any farmer can achieve success,” says Asgar Ali.

How It All Started for Asgar Ali

Similar to most farmers in India, Asgar Ali also started as a traditional farmer and used to cultivate staple crops like paddy and wheat. “The returns were minimal compared to the efforts and investments,” he recalls. Realizing that conventional farming methods weren’t yielding sustainable income, he began exploring modern farming practices, Asgar Ali shared with Krishi Jagran.

"I wanted to try something new that could bring more profit and help me grow financially," says Asgar. His curiosity and drive led him to adopt papaya farming five years ago, a decision that would change his life.

Transition to Papaya Farming

With guidance from agricultural experts and information gathered from various sources, Asgar Ali transitioned to cultivating the Red Lady variety of papaya. Known for its large fruits and vibrant red pulp, this variety has a high market demand and quick fruiting process. “The fruits start appearing within three months of planting the saplings,” he explains.

Before beginning papaya farming, Asgar ensured his field’s soil was suitable. “I tested my soil to confirm it was free from waterlogging, as papaya plants don’t tolerate excessive moisture,” he shares. He also identified February and March as the ideal months for planting saplings, ensuring optimal growth conditions. 

Innovative Techniques for High Yield

Asgar highlights the importance of spacing and irrigation in papaya farming. While papaya plants require minimal care, they need timely irrigation and balanced nutrition. “I plant saplings 6 feet apart with a row width of 7 feet. This spacing provides sufficient nutrition and space for growth,” he says. Regular but light irrigation every 3-4 days ensures the plants remain healthy.

The results speak for themselves. With 378 plants per bigha and each plant yielding approximately 1 quintal 20 kg of fruit annually, his 15-bigha papaya farm generates substantial profits. “The cost per bigha is around Rs 40,000 to Rs 45,000, but the profit can go up to Rs 4 lakh per bigha,” Asgar notes.

Focus on Quality and Sustainability

Asgar’s farming success is rooted in his meticulous approach to quality and sustainability. He conducts regular soil tests to identify nutrient deficiencies and applies fertilizers accordingly. “Balancing organic and chemical fertilizers ensures the plants get all essential nutrients without harming the soil,” he says.

Disease prevention is another critical aspect of his farming. “Papaya plants are generally resilient, but occasionally, leaves turn yellow after six months. I use fungicides to address this issue and ensure the plants are healthy,” he explains. Asgar also remains vigilant against insect damage, employing sustainable pest control methods. His proactive approach has been instrumental in maintaining the health and productivity of his plants.

Asgar Ali Nursery Farm

In addition to papaya farming, Asgar runs his own nursery, “Asgar Ali Nursery Farm,” which supplies high-quality papaya saplings. His nursery has gained recognition not only in Assam but also in neighboring states, providing an additional income stream.

“Selling saplings has been a rewarding experience. It allows me to share my expertise and help other farmers succeed,” he says proudly. The demand for his saplings continues to grow, reflecting his credibility as a progressive farmer.

Inspiration for Future Generations

Asgar’s farming success is an inspiration for other farmers and future generations. He attributes his achievements to adopting modern techniques, maintaining a strong work ethic, and staying committed to continuous learning. “Hard work and the right technology can revolutionize farming. If I can do it, so can others,” he says confidently.

Looking ahead, Asgar aims to expand his farming operations by increasing the cultivated area and exploring other high-value crops. “I want to adopt even more modern techniques to enhance yield and profitability,” he shares. With his unwavering commitment to progress, Asgar Ali continues to set new benchmarks in agricultural excellence.

He also envisions turning his farm into a model for sustainable agriculture, inspiring future generations of farmers to embrace innovative methods.

From traditional farmer to prosperous entrepreneur, Asgar Ali’s journey embodies resilience and innovation. His advice to aspiring farmers? “Work hard, keep learning, and adopt techniques that suit your land and resources. By implementing the right practices, we can make farming both sustainable and profitable,” he concludes.