Introduction:
Hard work with positive attitude is the prime force behind the success of an entrepreneur as proved by the dedicated farmer, Mr. Prafulla Das, a Strawberry grower of Peragaon pathar village under Sorbhog Development Block in Barpeta district of Assam. He owns only 4 bighas of land including his residence. He earns his livelihood by growing paddy and other field crops at Peragaon Pathar village with an income of mere Rs. 3000.00
KVK intervention:
In the year 2017, he first came in contact with the Scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Barpeta especially in field crops and accordingly he came to know about scientific technologies of farming. In addition, he came to know about the scope and profit from high value cash crops like strawberry, dragon fruit etc. and its potentiality as good source of earning livelihood and wholesome food supplement. With interventions like demonstration on strawberry var. Sweet Charlie & Winter Dawn, nutritive crops like black rice, Assam lemon (seedless) and introduction of Japanese quail and Kamrupa birds he got the exposure to a new avenue of income generation.
Impact of intervention:
Being inspired by the KVK support, Mr. Das was able to produce 126 kg strawberry in 1 bigha of land with a market value of Rs.450,00 per kg. With supporting farming activities like cultivation of Thailand Ber he could additionally garner Rs.40.00 per kg in 1 bigha of land. Apart from the above activities, he cultivates Assam lemon (seedless), Banana (var Malbhog & Chenichampa) in an Integrated farming System model. He also cultivates black rice, HYV Tripura Chikon and scented rice in sali season. He also took the initiative for rearing of 100 nos. of Japanese Quail and 35 nos. of Kamrupa with scientific assistance and technical guidance from KVK, Barpeta. Now, Prafulla is a successful Agri. Entrepreneur with a yearly turnover of approx. Rs. 12 lakh and presently is one of sought after strawberry farmer in the locality and a role model for many youths for taking agriculture as a profitable means of livelihood.
In the coming times, he has plan to expand his strawberry business in contract farming mode,an example for many aspiring agri-entrpreneurs.
Conclusion:
This success has now lead the self-confident Prafulla to dream for area expansion of high value crops setting an example for many aspiring agri-entrpreneurs.
