Success Story: This farmer from Assam earns lakhs of rupees annually from dairy, poultry, beekeeping and integrated farming

Success Story: A farmer from Niz Garuajhar village in the Udalguri district of Assam, Ramlal Mahato is 33 years old. He is renowned for taking a forward-thinking stance on agriculture. He is a well-known character in his town thanks to his efforts in modern farming. Mahato did not finish high school, but his innovative agricultural methods have changed both his life and the neighborhood.

He has created a sustainable and prosperous agricultural model by successfully implementing an integrated farming system that combines animal husbandry with field and horticulture crops.

Early History and Transition to Improved Farming Methods

In 2014, Mahato was a young person without a job. In 2014, he planted bitter gourd on 20 bighas of land to start his agricultural career. His first accomplishment, which brought him a profit of Rs. 29 lakhs, stoked his enthusiasm in agriculture. He was committed to improving his agricultural methods. He began consulting the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Udalguri, and other agricultural agencies for advice.

Under the direction of KVK, he changed his crop portfolio to include toria, millet, wheat, sorghum, maize, apple, papaya, areca nut, and coconut, as well as improved agricultural techniques. To assist his expanding dairy and poultry businesses, he planted fodder crops including Congo signal, Sataria, and Hybrid Napier at the same time.

Progress in Integrated Agriculture

Of the thirty hectares of Mahato’s property, fifteen are rented. His yearly net income has increased dramatically as a result of his combination of animal husbandry with agricultural and horticultural crops. When he traveled to Karnal, Haryana, in 2020, he gained knowledge about dairy farming. He founded a dairy farm specializing in raising cows, particularly high-yielding breeds like Holstein Friesian (HF), Gir, and Sahiwal, after being inspired by his visit. With the HF breed providing around 55 liters of milk each day, his herd of 40 cattle generates an astounding 700 liters of milk per day.

Mahato has expanded into chicken production, focusing on the BV380 broiler breed, in addition to dairy farming. In addition, he manages 40 bee colonies and produces around 300 liters of honey every 45 days as part of his apiculture business.

He now makes 70 lakhs a year, but he thinks that this year, as he incorporates new ideas, his revenue will surpass that of prior years. In addition to producing a sizable revenue, his farm employs more than 84 young people from rural areas. Mahato has also helped 34 local farming families start their own farms, which has further aided in the agricultural growth of the area.

Contributions and Their Effect on the Community

Mahato actively participates in social events and shares his expertise of agriculture with other farmers. His work has inspired 56 farmers to start growing maize and toria, increasing the community’s income and self-sufficiency. Additionally, he has used cutting-edge techniques, including using solar power systems to lower energy usage. In order to maximize resource use, he has also included cow dung and pee into irrigation systems.

Honors and Upcoming Initiatives

Numerous organizations have honored him, including the Dimakusi Press Club for his spirit of entrepreneurship and the Namaskaram initiative for scientific farming methods. In order to become self-sufficient in his purchases inside India, he intends to set up a model farm with a variety of animals. He also wants to develop layer chicken farming for egg production, concentrate on cow breeding, and grow his dairy business.

A Note to Other Farmers

Mahato urges the next generation to pursue agricultural innovation rather than relying only on government employment. He has always assured them that modern agriculture can provide substantial profits, and he is always willing to impart his experience to prospective farmers.

The transformational power of creativity, knowledge, and hard work in agriculture is shown by Ramlal Mahato’s path from an unemployed young man to a trailblazing farmer. Farmers all around India are motivated to attain sustainable growth and communal development by his integrated farming concept.