When it comes to changing career trajectories, very few stories strike as deeply inspiring as that of Vinod Kumar and Radhika Kumari. Formerly settled in the bustling city of Pune, Maharashtra, this couple took a brave leap of faith into the world of agriculture, leaving behind their stable corporate lives.
A Departure from the Corporate World:
Vinod, a dedicated bank manager from Churchu, Hazaribagh, and his wife Radhika, an employee of a multinational corporation, made headlines with their bold move. They didn’t just abandon their well-paying jobs, they embraced farming and cultivated a resounding success story.
Earning Recognition:
The duo’s agricultural prowess didn’t go unnoticed. Institutions like NABARD and IFFCO Kisan, witnessing their achievements, opted to involve them in a ground-breaking pilot project focusing on Automated Irrigation System in Jharkhand.
Pioneering Irrigation through Technology:
Vinod stands out as the lone farmer in Jharkhand capable of irrigating his fields remotely via a mobile app. Their diverse yield, spanning from watermelons and cucumbers to bitter gourd and nanua, has not only catered to multiple states within India but has also found its way to international markets like Bangladesh.
A Challenging Pivot Amidst Pandemic:
2020, marred by the COVID-19 pandemic, was a time of global apprehension. While many were reeling from the effects, Vinod and Radhika, miles away from their hometown, decided to make the tough call to return home from Pune.
Rediscovering Village Life:
The decision was fueled by a heartfelt belief – that a fulfilling life could be carved out in the village. Their conviction was that rural life, while perhaps less financially rewarding, could offer unparalleled happiness and serenity. In a short span of two and a half years, their foresight has borne fruit, with their success echoing throughout their community.
Embracing Modern Agricultural Methods:
Vinod’s roots trace back to Harhad, in the Churchu block of Hazaribagh district. Though his ancestral land was modest, he leased an additional 18 acres in Rabodh village and began implementing contemporary farming techniques.
Expanding Horizons with Innovative Techniques:
After consultations with agricultural scientists, they initiated watermelon cultivation, incorporating drip irrigation. The results were astounding: from producing 150 tonnes in 2021, their output surged to 210 tonnes in 2022, culminating in a business turnover of around ten lakh rupees.
Leading the Technological Agriculture Revolution:
Presently, Vinod leverages the revolutionary irrigation technology across five acres. By compartmentalizing his land, he efficiently irrigates specific portions using the app. His success serves as a beacon, indicating a promising future for other Jharkhand farmers keen on adopting this innovation.
Seasonal Cultivation for Diverse Yields:
Vinod recounts their expansion into cultivating a variety of vegetables, aligning with seasonal demands. Previous harvests have yielded substantial quantities, such as 150 quintals of cucumber and 100 quintals each of bitter gourd and nanua.
In a world where success is often measured by urban accomplishments, Vinod and Radhika have redefined it, proving that with passion and perseverance, one can create a thriving legacy even amidst the tranquil stretches of rural India.
