Raipur: Mr. Mukesh Chaudhary, a progressive farmer from Navapali village in the Barmkela development block of Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district, has reshaped traditional farming practices by adopting innovation and modern agricultural techniques. Cultivating rice and chili peppers using the drip method, he earns lakhs of rupees annually and has established himself as a successful agricultural entrepreneur.
Mr. Chaudhary explained that in 2011, he began cultivating chili peppers using traditional methods on two acres of land. During this time, he received guidance from Mr. Surendra Patel, the then Senior Horticulture Superintendent of the Horticulture Plantation Center, Nadigaon, which taught him about drip farming. Subsequently, in 2013, he began farming using drip technology for the first time in the Barmkela block.
Under the drip system, chilli was planted by deep ploughing the fields, constructing ridges, laying lateral pipes and using mulching. By providing balanced irrigation, fertilizer and medicine through drip, there was a significant increase in production and chilli yield almost doubled. After getting better results, Mr. Chaudhary reduced the area of paddy cultivation and increased chilli cultivation and is currently cultivating chilli on about 12 acres of land. This is earning him lakhs of rupees every year.
Becoming an inspiration for other farmers
Seeing the success of farmer Mukesh Chaudhary, many farmers of the surrounding villages including Khinchari, Banjipali, Bendrapara, Risora, Nunpani, Linjir and Pradhanpur have also started cultivating chilli and vegetables along with paddy through drip method.
Dr. Khubchand Baghel honored with Krishak Ratna Award
In 2021, Mr. Mukesh Chaudhary was honored by the state government with the Dr. Khubchand Baghel Krishak Ratna Award for his agricultural innovation and adoption of organic and integrated farming. He cultivated pulses and oilseeds, including black gram, mung bean, and chili, along with organic fertilizers in his paddy cultivation. He received a certificate, a memento, and a check for ₹2 lakh (approximately $200,000 USD). This honor boosted his enthusiasm and led to further expansion of his agricultural activities. He
received the responsibility of BRC, promoting natural farming.
This year, the Agriculture Department appointed Mr. Mukesh Choudhary as the BRC for natural farming. Tikeshwari Mahapatra (Jalakona) and Khel Kumari (Dhaunradarha) have also been appointed BRCs. After training in Raipur and Bargarh (Odisha), these three BRCs are now providing information on fertilizer production from natural resources and seed treatment to farmers in dozens of villages, including Jalakona, Dhaunradarha, Karpi, and Jamdalkha
Agriculture department officials said farmer Mukesh Chaudhary has been practicing natural farming, including chili cultivation, and has been honored by the state government. His initiative is proving to be an inspiration for farmers in the area.