Ramlal Mahato is a 33-year-old farmer from Niz Garuajhar village in Udalguri district, Assam. He is known for his progressive approach to agriculture. His efforts in modern farming have made him a notable figure in his community. Despite not completing his high school education, Mahato’s visionary approach to farming has transformed his life and community.
He has successfully implemented an integrated farming system that blends field and horticultural crops with animal husbandry, creating a sustainable and thriving agricultural model.
Early Beginnings and Shift to Better Farming Practices
Mahato was an unemployed youth in 2014. He began his agricultural journey by cultivating bitter gourd on 20 bighas of land in 2014. His initial success yielded a profit of Rs. 29 lahks which ignited his deeper interest in agriculture. He was determined to enhance his farming practices. He started seeking guidance from various agricultural departments and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Udalguri.
He adopted better farming practices and diversified his crop portfolio to include Toria, millet, wheat, sorghum, maize, apple, papaya, areca nut, and coconut under the guidance of KVK. He simultaneously planted fodder crops like Hybrid Napier, Sataria, and Congo signal to support his growing dairy and poultry units.
Achievements in Integrated Farming
Mahato's farm spans 30 hectares, with 15 hectares leased. His integration of field and horticultural crops alongside animal husbandry has significantly boosted his annual net income. In 2020, he visited Karnal, Haryana, where he learned about dairy farming. Inspired by his visit, he established a dairy farm focused on cow rearing, specifically with high-yielding breeds like Holstein Friesian (HF), Gir, and Sahiwal. His herd of 40 cattle produces an impressive 700 liters of milk daily, with the HF breed contributing about 55 liters per day.
In addition to dairy farming, Mahato has ventured into poultry farming, specializing in the BV380 broiler breed. He also practices apiculture, managing 40 bee colonies and producing around 300 liters of honey every 45 days.
His current annual income is 70 lakhs, and as he integrates new ideas this year, he believes his income will exceed that of previous years. His farm not only generates significant income but also provides employment for over 84 rural youths. Moreover, Mahato has supported 34 local farming families in establishing their own farms, further contributing to the region’s agricultural development.
Contributions and Community Impact
Mahato is very active in social activities and disseminates his agricultural knowledge to other farmers. His efforts have motivated 56 farmers to take up Toria and maize cultivation, which has enhanced the self-reliance and income of the community. He has also introduced innovative practices such as using solar systems to reduce electricity consumption. He has also integrated cow dung and urine into irrigation systems, which optimizes resource utilization.
Awards and Future Plans
He has been recognized at various levels, receiving awards from the Namaskaram program for scientific agricultural practices and from the Dimakusi Press Club for his entrepreneurial spirit. He plans to establish a model farm with different types of livestock, which will make him self-sufficient in purchasing within India. Additionally, he aims to expand his dairy operations, focus on cattle breeding, and start layer poultry farming for egg production.
Message to Fellow Farmers
Mahato encourages the young generation to innovate in agriculture instead of depending solely on government jobs. He has always been telling them that one can make a lot of money through modern agriculture and is ever ready to share his knowledge with aspiring farmers.
Ramlal Mahato's journey from being an unemployed youth to a pioneering farmer is a testament to the transformative power of innovation, education, and hard work in agriculture. His integrated farming model inspires farmers across India to achieve sustainable growth and community development.
