Success Story: This Chhattisgarh farmer introduced drip irrigation and is earning over Rs 20 lakh every year
Success Story: Manjeet Singh Saluja was born in the Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh in 1965. He is from a farming family with solid roots in the middle class. His father had been a forest contractor until he moved into farming in the early 1950s. He was a prosperous farmer who won many awards, including the Maximum Paddy Production award in Madhya Pradesh in 1963. Manjeet was active in agriculture from a young age, motivated by his father, but he didn’t dedicate himself to farming until he was 20 years old.
Adoption of Contemporary Methods
When Manjeet joined his father’s agricultural operation, he saw how important it was to use contemporary techniques. He started by replacing the conventional flood irrigation technique with sprinkler systems. But it was the discovery of drip irrigation technology in 1994 that marked the true turning point in his life. He placed the system on his farm after completing training since he was eager to learn and was among the first farmers in the area to adopt this technique. “I was always interested in trying out different methods. I knew drip irrigation was the way of the future when I learnt about it, says Manjeet.
He continued after that. He transformed vegetable farming at his farm throughout the years by installing NETAJET, the first open-field automated drip irrigation system in India. He was able to effectively regulate fertilizers and water thanks to technology, which greatly increased agricultural yields while preserving resources.
A Variety of Crops
Today, Manjeet’s 56-acre farm produces a wide variety of crops, including fruits like guava, dragon fruit, mango, and sapota, as well as grains like rice, millets, and pulses. “I implement crop rotation and mixed cropping on my farm,” he says. In addition, he inherited 11–12 acres of family property, which he uses to cultivate unusual plants like golden bottlebrush, demonstrating his love of agricultural innovation and experimentation.
Manjeet opened a store in 2012, selling only products that he raises on his farm. “I believe quality matters, and my customers trust the freshness of my produce,” he says. He also experimented with making brown sugar and jaggery from sugarcane, which are now in high demand at the neighborhood market.
Manjeet engaged in polyhouse production to increase the efficiency of his farming, producing green crops including spinach, beetroot, and fenugreek (methi). Because of this, he was able to fulfill market demand all year round by producing veggies during the off-season. His next project, which demonstrates his forward-thinking nature, is investigating hydroponics.
Making an Impact on the Community
Manjeet’s achievements extend beyond his own bank account. More than a hundred individuals have found work thanks to his agricultural businesses. “Crop growth is just one aspect of agriculture. It’s about giving back to your community and supporting it,” he explains.
Manjeet’s profitable agricultural methods provide an annual income of over Rs 20 lakh, demonstrating his well-thought-out and multifaceted approach to farming.
Honors & Commendations
Manjeet has received several accolades as a result of his tireless work and creative methods. In 2003, the Spices Board of India awarded him the “Progressive Cultivation Practice in Chilli Award” after he was recognized by the Agriculture Department at the “Krishak Samman Samaroh”. Mahindra Agri Tech awarded him the esteemed “Krishi Samrat Samman” for the West Zone in 2013. His most treasured accolade was given to him at the Krishi Vasant Agriculture Fair in 2014, when he was named the “Best Farmer of Chhattisgarh in Horticulture.”
Apart from these accolades, Manjeet received a nomination to join the board of the Mahatma Gandhi Horticulture University. Even though the group was eventually disbanded, his contributions to the area were acknowledged by the recognition alone.
Leadership in the Farming Community
Manjeet shares his expertise and experiences with other farmers at the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) in Rajnandgaon, the National Horticulture Mission, and the Chhattisgarh Yuva Pragatisheel Kisan Sangh, where he is an active member. His participation in these settlements, which have an estimated population of 800-850, demonstrates his commitment to contemporary agriculture.
The Future of Agriculture
Manjeet is looking forward to a bright future. He keeps researching new crops, gadgets, and environmentally friendly methods. He is also studying hydroponics, which he thinks might be the next big thing in farming—growing crops without soil. “Agriculture is always changing. We must change with it,” he says.
Counsel for Other Farmers
Manjeet gives wise counsel to other farmers, having learned many useful lessons from his path. “If you are wealthy, begin modestly and expand gradually. Avoid taking on debt too soon since it may hinder your progress. Proceed cautiously and never stop learning,” he suggests. Additionally, he exhorts farmers to be resilient and patient, particularly in trying circumstances.
Manjeet’s narrative serves as a reminder that success in agriculture is not only attainable but also inevitable if one has passion, tenacity, and an openness to change.