Assam Farmer Earns Rs 40,000 per Bigha from Organic Watermelon and King Chilli, Focusing on Sustainable Farming and Double Cropping

Nitul Saikia, a 36-year-old farmer and entrepreneur from Nilakh Balijan Village in Dhemaji, Assam, has been dedicated to agriculture since 2013. Prior to his farming journey, he worked as a temporary teacher in 2011, but faced difficulties transitioning to the agricultural sector. He began with poultry farming, and over time, expanded his ventures to include growing vegetables like gourds, cauliflower, and cabbage. 

In the past four years, Nitul and his team of four have successfully ventured into the commercial cultivation of watermelons and king chillies, further diversifying his agricultural pursuits.

Early Farming Struggles and Diversification

Since beginning his agricultural journey in 2013, Nitul gradually expanded from poultry farming to growing a variety of vegetables. After nearly eight years, he identified the potential for watermelon farming in his district and decided to pursue it. Four years ago, he and his fellow farmers started watermelon cultivation on a 5.5-bigha plot.

By following organic practices and maintaining proper care, he achieved a remarkable profit of Rs 40,000 per bigha, with a yield of 220 quintals last year. Encouraged by this success, he expanded his watermelon cultivation to 35 bighas this year. In addition, he grows king chillies on 25 bighas.

Nitul also practices double cropping. After harvesting potatoes from 15 bighas in January 2025, he planted watermelon seeds in the same land, further extending cultivation to neighboring plots, bringing his total watermelon farming area to 35 bighas.

Expansion into Watermelon and King Chilli Cultivation

Committed to organic and sustainable farming, Nitul relies on natural fertilizers like cow dung for cultivating both watermelon and king chilli. He emphasizes that Assam’s fertile soil requires minimal external inputs. His crops have thrived with organic practices, and he encourages other farmers to adopt similar methods. However, due to unpredictable weather and pest outbreaks, he occasionally needs to use pesticides for watermelons. His king chilli plants, on the other hand, are entirely organic and growing well.

Seed Procurement and Irrigation

Nitul sources his watermelon seeds from Kharupetia and the local market in Dhemaji. He currently cultivates three watermelon varieties—Namdhari NH 34, Candy, and Red Velvet—each performing exceptionally well in his region. He follows a planting pattern of 50 grams of seeds per bigha, maintaining a 4-ft spacing between plants, although this varies based on location. Due to limited irrigation facilities, he depends on borewells that draw water from a nearby river.

Setback from Hailstorm and Recovery Efforts

Despite his success, Nitul's plan to expand his farmland faced an unexpected challenge this year. A severe hailstorm damaged 69 bighas of his watermelon and king chilli crops, leading to a 70% loss. This devastating setback left him disheartened as his hard work and financial investment suffered. However, he received timely assistance from KVK and the State Agriculture Department, who provided 200 grams of seeds to help him replant. With dedicated efforts, his crops are now recovering, and he remains hopeful for a promising harvest.

Apart from natural calamities, Nitul faces several difficulties in farming. The lack of adequate irrigation facilities limits his crop production, while stray cattle pose a significant threat to his fields. The scarcity of water supply continues to be a major hindrance, restricting his ability to expand cultivation.

Market Challenges for Watermelon

Despite good production, marketing his watermelons remains a challenge. Dhemaji lacks a profitable market for watermelons, forcing Nitul to sell his produce in Guwahati and Arunachal Pradesh. The lack of direct access to wholesalers results in financial losses due to transportation and middlemen, preventing him from securing a fair market price.

Challenges in Organic Farming

Nitul acknowledges that even though his produce is organic, consumers struggle to identify its true value. Unlike chemically grown crops, organic produce may lack uniform shape and size, making it less appealing to buyers. Consumers often prefer visually attractive produce, even if it is chemically treated, making it difficult for organic farmers to receive fair prices. Nitul emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness and urges the government to simplify the organic certification process for village farmers.

Nitul's Vision for Assam's Sustainable Agricultural Future

Nitul believes Assam has the potential to become a top organic agricultural hub with proper government support, subsidies, and training. He encourages youth to consider agriculture as a viable career, rather than solely relying on job opportunities. Inspired by his visits to Haryana and Punjab, he envisions Assam adopting advanced farming practices. However, this transformation requires strong government backing and better implementation of agricultural schemes. Nitul’s journey is a testament to his perseverance and determination, continuing to inspire fellow farmers towards a sustainable agricultural future.