Agriculture is often envisioned as static, unchanging. However, the story of Navneet Verma, a farmer from Betul, Madhya Pradesh, showcases that with innovation and a touch of bravery, agriculture can lead to transformative successes.
Traditional Farming to Innovative Ventures:
For years, Navneet Verma was immersed in the cultivation of traditional crops such as maize, wheat, soybean, sugarcane, moong, and pigeon pea. Yet, diminishing profits prompted a shift. On a friend’s suggestion, Verma made a strategic pivot towards vegetable and bean cultivation, marking the beginning of a prosperous journey.
Investment Pays Off:
Recognizing the potential benefits of modern farming techniques, Verma opted for a loan to set up a polyhouse and shade net. This proved to be a game-changer. In a short span, demand for his produce skyrocketed. Today, not only does his produce find takers in local markets like Betul Mandi, Nagpur, and Mumbai, but his beans have also marked their footprint in international markets, specifically Arab nations. Verma’s annual earnings now stand at an impressive Rs 12 lakh.
Diversification and Growth:
Emboldened by his successes and in pursuit of more lucrative ventures, Verma experimented with a variety of crops on his 10-acre farm. He introduced fruits like strawberries, plums, and sweet limes, as well as green gram. However, it was the cultivation of beans, spurred by a friend’s recommendation and supported by a shade net funded by a loan, that truly set Verma on the path to success. Notably, the success was so pronounced that the loan was paid off within just a year.
Beans: The Golden Crop:
Analyzing the significant profits from bean cultivation, Verma realigned his priorities. What initially began as a mixed crop setup in his Rs 22 lakh worth structure, gradually transformed into a dedicated space for bean cultivation. With an eco-friendly approach, he employs 80% organic fertilizers and only 20% chemical ones, optimizing both the quality and yield. The story doesn’t end here; recognizing the crop’s potential further, Verma has also embarked on bean seed production.
Navneet Verma’s journey underscores the importance of adaptability in agriculture. His story serves as an inspiration, illustrating that with innovation, research, and a bit of risk-taking, farmers can dramatically shift their fortunes and contribute profoundly to the larger agricultural landscape.
