Manoj Khandelwal, a progressive horticulture farmer from Rajasthan, exemplifies how determination and innovative thinking can turn dreams into reality. Initially immersed in the property and stock markets in Kota, Manoj always felt a deep, enduring connection to farming—a passion sparked by his father's agricultural roots. As a child, he spent countless hours working alongside his father on their modest family farm, nurturing a dream of transforming agriculture into a profitable, sustainable livelihood. Today, his journey from the corporate world to successful farming stands as a testament to his vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his passion.
Journey from Property Business to Farming
He did not own his own much land back then and In 2009-10, his family owned just one yard of farmland, but his vision to create something substantial pushed him to start farming on 6 bighas of rented land. He left his business and by 2010 he began farming by growing vegetables, which gave him his first taste of agricultural profits. Inspired by this success, Manoj went deeper into understanding the knowledge of farming, focusing on climate-friendly crops suitable for his region.
Manoj gradually shifted his focus to organic farming and introduced modern techniques to his practices. He is currently farming in 70 bighas of agricultural land, which includes 10,000 guava trees, wheat, mustard, soybean, vegetables, and medicinal plants. The guavas he grows, have exceptional quality and size and weigh between 600 to 750 grams on average. These guavas are sold at premium prices, ranging from Rs 70 to Rs 100 per kilogram, and are in high demand in major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Kota, as well as international markets.
Manoj credited his success to producing high-quality crops at a lower cost by adopting technology and sustainable farming methods. His dedication to organic practices has not only boosted his profits but also earned him recognition at the state and national levels. He has been honored with awards from organizations like SBI and MFOI for his contributions to modern farming.
A Multifaceted Farming Approach
Manoj believes that diversification is key to sustainable farming. He advises fellow farmers to follow a three-way approach:
-
Basic Farming: Focus on staple and cash crops like wheat, mustard, and soybean for consistent income.
-
Orchards: Invest in long-term crops like guavas to create a steady source of income.
-
Vegetable Farming: Grow vegetables for regular, day-to-day earnings.
By balancing these three types of farming, Manoj has ensured a stable and profitable agricultural business. He highlighted that monocropping can be risky and encourages farmers to diversify their crops and always aim for premium quality products.
Advice to Fellow Farmers
The Journey of Manoj reflects a deep belief in continuous learning and innovation. He encourages farmers to stay open to new technologies and innovation and adapt to changing market demands. His blended approach of traditional farming wisdom with modern practices creates a sustainable model that balances profit with environmental care.
Manoj continues to grow his business and now makes Rs 50,000 every bigha. High-quality organic produce from his farm is now available to local markets as well as to upscale consumers in India and outside. Farmers all around the nation can learn from Manoj's tale. It demonstrates that farming can be a rewarding and successful venture for those with vision, tenacity, and inventiveness.
