Nirmal Kushwaha, a 40-year-old farmer from Tusaura village in Kanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, comes from a family with a long farming history. With over 20 years of experience in agriculture, he continues the tradition passed down through generations. Farming on his 5 acres of land, Nirmal specializes in growing seasonal vegetables, which he cultivates both for his family's consumption and for sale in the local market.
In addition to his vegetable crops, he also grows a few other crops primarily for personal use, ensuring that his family's needs are met while sustaining his livelihood through farming.
Nirmal follows organic farming for health and soil sustainability. He never uses chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Instead, he relies on organic manure from his own buffalo and also purchases additional manure from the market, as the quantity from his buffalo is not sufficient. He raises one buffalo primarily for milk and dung.
Growing Seasonal Vegetables Using Modern Techniques
Nirmal cultivates a variety of seasonal vegetables according to the rabi and kharif season in this season he is growing cabbage, capsicum, radish, tomatoes, cucumber, and cauliflower. His farming practices are followed with extensive research and learning from platforms like YouTube, newspapers, and advice from fellow farmers and agricultural scientists. He is always up for the continuity of his learning process and trying to implement new innovative technologies in his farming technique.
Achieving Success with Radish Cultivation
One of the most important successes in Nirmal's farming journey is the Cross X-35 variety of radish, introduced by Somani Seeds. This variety takes 28 to 30 days to mature, and the average yield is around 20 to 25 metric tons per acre. For two consecutive years, this crop has been highly profitable due to good market demand and pricing.
Financial Insights: Income, Costs, and Profits
Nirmal's annual income from farming ranges between 4 to 5 lakh rupees, depending on market conditions and crop yield. The cost of cultivation varies by crop, with radish farming costing around 20 to 25 thousand rupees per acre. While the profit margins can fluctuate due to market rates, there have been instances where radish has brought in substantial profits, up to 4 to 5 lakh rupees per acre.
Challenges Faced by Nirmal
Nirmal faces several challenges, despite his success. Unpredictable weather and unseasonal rains often impact crop yields which is the challenge faced by all farmers globally and this climate change is making it worse. In addition, timely access to fertilizers remains a persistent issue, affecting the overall productivity of the farm.
Message to Fellow Farmers
Nirmal promotes scientific farming methods and the minimum use of chemicals for healthier produce. He urges farmers to practice organic methods and be updated with modern techniques of farming for yield and sustainability.
Nirmal Kushwaha is a notable example of what can be achieved through a combination of organic and modern farming methods. His efforts have not only improved his own life but have also made him a role model for sustainable agriculture in the region. His story inspires other farmers to embrace change and to work for the betterment of both the environment and their communities.
