Dhirender Desai is an innovative banana farmer hailing from the small village of Panetha in the Bharuch district of Gujarat. From humble beginnings as a small farmer, Dhirender has transformed his life and community, earning an impressive 70 lakhs annually and providing employment to many people. His innovative farming techniques have earned him the prestigious “Best Innovative Work in the Field of Agriculture” award from the Magic Book of Records.
Roots in Agriculture
Dhirender's family was always involved in agriculture. After completing his matriculation in 1989, Dhirender decided to return to his agricultural roots and contribute to his family's legacy. "My school was 7 km away, and there was no transportation. If I had continued like that, my whole life would have been wasted just moving back and forth. So, I decided to do something for the village and joined my family farming venture," he recalls.
In 1991, Dhirender began his farming journey by cultivating bananas. But he was not financially stable at that time, so, recognizing the need for collaboration, he and his fellow villagers established the Shree Reva Bagayat Mandal Farmer Producer Organization (FPO). Dhirender mentioned, “I joined the FPO as a supervisor, but over time, I became the chief accountant and then the director of the organization.” His dedication and efforts led to the immense success of the FPO, including setting up the first ripening chamber in the district in 2007 under the National Horticulture Mission.
Embracing Modern Technology
Dhirender’s success is largely attributed to his willingness to embrace modern technology. He adopted advanced techniques such as tissue culture, drip irrigation, and integrated nutrient management, utilizing a balanced 70:30 ratio of inorganic to organic nutrients. He also practices deflowering bananas, a method that reduces the risk of fungus and insect attacks, ensuring high-quality produce. "First, I give an injection to remove thrips and pests, then I do deflowering, which is essential, as if we do not do it, the dried flower will ooze and put a mark on the banana. Then we use spraying for quality, and then we do bagging and harvesting. This technique has improved the quality of my bananas significantly," Dhirender explains.
Dhirenbhai cultivates the G9 variety of bananas. The G9 variety is known for its 9-inch size and 44-46 calibration. The variety is in high demand across India.
Pioneering Techniques and Success
Dhirender stands out as the only farmer in India to achieve three banana harvests in just 26 months. This feat has resulted in a net income of Rs. 16.70 lakhs per hectare. His bananas have found a market in the Middle East, and he has further diversified by establishing a banana chips manufacturing unit in his village, creating job opportunities for local youth. The availability of water in surplus areas like Panetha has allowed banana cultivation to become a profitable venture.
Overseas Export and Recognitions
In 2013-14, Dhirender exported bananas to five Gulf countries for the first time, marking the first international export by a farmer from his area. He exported bananas to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, and he continues to do so. At that time, he also received the 'Late Gauri Hi-Tech Banana Awards-2013' export award, his first accolade. Jain Irrigation of Jalgaon awarded him 51,000 rupees. At that time, he harvested 48 tonnes of crop per acre and exported 90 percent of the crop due to its high quality. "When I received my first award, I knew I was on the right path. It motivated me to keep pushing forward," he shares.
Beyond this, he has received numerous awards, including the Amit Ratna Award, Best Atma Farmers Award, Excellence Award, Shri Sardar Patel Agricultural Research Award, and the National AIFA Award. The most recent is the Sustainable Agriculture Award 2024.
Dhirender is the first farmer to use drone technology for banana cultivation. His success story has inspired thousands of farmers across Gujarat. Dhirender also offers online consultancy to farmers across India, sharing his expertise and inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.
Shared Insights at KJ Chaupal
On August 7, 2024, Dhirender Desai graced at KJ Chaupal at Krishi Jagran and shared his insights, enlightening the gathering with his innovative approach to banana cultivation. "Every step in the process matters, from planting to harvesting, and my goal is to ensure the best quality produce," Dhirender emphasizes.
Dhirender's journey from a struggling laborer to a successful farmer exemplifies the transformative power of resilience, innovation, and community in agriculture, inspiring countless farmers to pursue sustainable and profitable farming practices.
