Shaitan Singh Rathore's Crop Diversification Fuels Agricultural Success

Shaitan Singh Rathore, a farmer from the village of Delasar in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan, has epitomised the principle of achieving success through a combination of hard work, knowledge of new technologies, and crop care. Over the past three decades, Rathore has been cultivating a variety of crops, including peanuts, chickpeas, and psyllium, reaping an annual profit in the lakhs.

A Three-Decade Journey

In an exclusive interview with Krishi Jagran, Shaitan Singh Rathore shared insights into his farming journey. Hailing from Delasar village in Jaisalmer, Rathore has been dedicated to farming since 1993, supporting his family through agricultural endeavors. Specialising in wheat, chickpeas, psyllium, mustard, peanuts, mung beans, guar, and pearl millet, Rathore collaborates with his four brothers, collectively working on their shared farmland.

Strategic Farming Practices

Rathore manages 400 hectares of land strategically, allocating specific areas for different crops. Annually, he dedicates 20 to 25 hectares for peanut cultivation and allocates a similar amount for cultivating mung beans and cumin. With five to six tube wells, Rathore ensures that 50 to 60 hectares of land receive adequate irrigation, a critical factor in his successful farming practices.

Sustainable Farming Practices

Emphasising the importance of organic farming, Rathore practices exclusively biodynamic agriculture. His livestock, consisting of cows and goats, contribute manure used for fertilising the fields. Rathore's produce finds its way to major government mandis, reflecting the success of his sustainable farming practices.

Costs and Profits

Discussing the financial aspects of farming, Rathore disclosed that his annual expenditure on all crops amounts to approximately 20 lakhs. This includes expenses for seeds, fertilizers, and other essentials. On the flip side, Rathore manages to generate an annual income of around 40 lakhs. Consequently, Shaitan Singh Rathore achieves a profit margin of up to 20 lakhs per year.

Message to Fellow Farmers

In a message to fellow farmers, Shaitan Singh Rathore advocated for hands-on involvement in crop management. Discouraging heavy reliance on laborers, Rathore stressed the need for personal oversight to ensure timely sowing, fertilizing, and irrigation. He urged farmers to take charge of all aspects of farming and specifically encouraged a shift from chemical to organic farming, emphasising the long-term benefits of sustainable practices.