Born in 1965, Manjeet Singh Saluja is from Rajnandgaon district in Chhattisgarh. He comes from a middle-class farming family with deep roots in agriculture. In the early 1950s, his father, a former forest contractor, transitioned into farming and became a successful farmer, earning various recognitions, including the Maximum Paddy Production award in Madhya Pradesh in 1963. Inspired by his father, Manjeet was involved in agriculture from an early age, but he fully committed to farming at the age of 20.
Turning Point: Embracing Modern Techniques
After joining his father’s farming business, Manjeet realized the need of adopting modern methods. One of his first steps was switching from the traditional flood irrigation method to sprinkler systems. However, the real turning point in his life came in 1994, when he discovered drip irrigation technology. Eager to learn, he received training and installed the system on his farm, becoming one of the first farmers in the region to embrace this method. "I was always curious about new techniques. When I learned about drip irrigation, I knew this was the future," Manjeet shares.
He didn’t stop there. Over the years, he installed India’s first open-field automated drip irrigation system, NETAJET, which revolutionized vegetable cultivation at his farm. This technology allowed him to manage water and nutrients efficiently, significantly boosting crop yields while conserving resources.
Expanding Horizons: A Diverse Range of Crops
Manjeet's farm now spans 56 acres, where he cultivates a diverse range of crops, including cereals such as paddy, millets, and pulses, alongside fruits like guava, dragon fruit, mango, and sapota. "I implement crop rotation and mixed cropping on my farm," he states. Additionally, he has inherited 11-12 acres of family land, which he dedicates to growing exotic crops like the golden bottle brush, showcasing his passion for experimentation and innovation in farming.
In 2012, Manjeet started a retail outlet where he sells exclusively what he grows on his farm. "I believe quality matters, and my customers trust the freshness of my produce," he says. Additionally, he ventured into producing jaggery and brown sugar from sugarcane, which have become popular items in the local market.
To further optimize his farming, Manjeet invested in polyhouse cultivation, growing leafy vegetables like spinach, beetroot, and fenugreek (methi). This enabled him to produce vegetables in the offseason, meeting market demand year-round. He is now exploring hydroponics as his next venture, showcasing his forward-thinking approach.
Creating Employment and Community Impact
Manjeet’s success is not just limited to his own financial gains. His farming operations have provided employment to over 100 people. "Agriculture is about more than just growing crops. It’s about supporting your community and giving back," he says.
Through his efficient farming practices, Manjeet earns approximately Rs 20 lakh per year, which exemplifies his strategic and diversified approach to agriculture.
Awards and Recognition: A Farmer with a Legacy
Manjeet's relentless efforts and innovative practices have earned him numerous recognitions. He was honored by the Agriculture Department at the "Krishak Samman Samaroh" and received the “Progressive Cultivation Practice in Chilli Award” from the Spices Board of India in 2003. In 2013, he received the prestigious "Krishi Samrat Samman" for the West Zone from Mahindra Agri Tech. His most cherished recognition came in 2014 when he was awarded the “Best Farmer of Chhattisgarh in Horticulture” at the Krishi Vasant Agriculture Fair.
In addition to these honors, Manjeet was also nominated as a board member of the Mahatma Gandhi Horticulture University. Although the committee was later dissolved, the recognition itself highlighted his contributions to the field.
Farmer Community Leadership and Knowledge Sharing
Manjeet is an active member of the Chhattisgarh Yuva Pragatisheel Kisan Sangh, National Horticulture Mission and the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) in Rajnandgaon, where he shares his knowledge and experiences with fellow farmers. His dedication to modern agriculture is evident through his involvement in these communities, which consist of around 800-850 members.
Looking Ahead: Future of Farming
Manjeet has big plans for the future. He continues to explore new crops, technologies, and sustainable practices. Currently, he is researching hydroponics to grow vegetables without soil, which he believes could be the next big revolution in farming. "Agriculture is always evolving. We have to evolve with it," he asserts.
Advice to Fellow Farmers: Patience and Financial Prudence
Manjeet’s journey has taught him valuable lessons, and he offers sound advice to fellow farmers. "If you have money, start small and grow slowly. Don’t rush into debt, as loans can hold you back. Take baby steps and keep learning," he advises. He also encourages farmers to be patient and resilient, especially during challenging times.
Manjeet’s story reminds us that with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace change, success in agriculture is not just possible—it’s inevitable.
