Lokesh Kumar Meena, a 35-year-old farmer from Kota, Rajasthan, is a true testament to resilience and dedication in the field of agriculture. A graduate with a BA degree and an ITI certificate, Lokesh embarked on his farming journey in 2015. Coming from a family with a rich agricultural heritage that dates back to his grandfather’s generation, he has skillfully blended traditional farming methods with modern techniques.
His adaptability and relentless hard work have enabled him to overcome numerous challenges, and today, he is thriving in both farming and apiculture, earning an impressive annual income of up to Rs 8 lakhs.
Crop Diversification & Yield Management Strategies
Lokesh cultivates 40 bighas of land. In that land, he grows wheat, mustard, and black gram. He uses improved crop varieties to maximize yields. For wheat, he grows Raj 4079 and PBW 373. These varieties produce an impressive yield of 9–10 quintals per bigha. His mustard crop variety Pioneer 45S46 yields 3–4 quintals per bigha. The black gram also achieves a yield of 3–4 quintals per bigha. Lokesh previously grew garlic but experienced significant losses. This loss motivated him to focus on stable crops and explore new opportunities.
Venturing into Apiculture
Lokesh began his career in apiculture in order to diversify his revenue streams. He lessens his reliance on conventional crops. According to him diversification is very much needed in farming. As he grows mustard, the honey bees feed on the flowers of the mustard crop.
This way he can able to grow the food for his bees and also he can cultivate the mustard from the crops. He currently has 500 colonies of honeybees. Each colony of bees produces 30 kg of honey annually on average. This venture has proven to be a game-changer. It is providing him with a substantial and steady additional income.
Overcoming Challenges
Lokesh hasn’t found the journey easy. The setback in garlic cultivation was a turning point that taught him the importance of diversification and sustainable practices. He avoids excessive use of chemicals and dedicates time and effort to his land. The honey bees are sensitive to chemicals so he avoids using the harmful ones. Lokesh has managed to flourish in both farming and apiculture.
Achievement and Annual Income
Lokesh's success is exemplary through his commitment to farming and apiculture. His combined venture earns him a yearly income of up to Rs 8 lakhs and has brought about financial stability along with being an example for other people in the community.
Message to Peer Farmers
Lokesh strongly believes that hard work and perseverance are key to success on the farm. He shares this simple yet powerful message with fellow farmers: "Do the hard labour, and you will surely reap the benefits; don't rely on chemicals; make time for your farm, and time will work wonders."
Lokesh Kumar Meena faced setbacks but worked hard to achieve success in farming. He found a way to earn a stable income by mixing traditional farming methods with beekeeping. He also encouraged others to adopt diverse and sustainable farming practices. His story gives hope to farmers, showing that success is possible with hard work and flexibility.
