This farmer from Bihar earned crores of rupees by cultivating dragon fruit
Dragon Fruit Cultivation: Historically, farming has been seen as a difficult and unprofitable occupation. But smart farming has revolutionized agriculture in recent years, demonstrating that it can be both creative and profitable. Nagaraj Nakhat, a 76-year-old farmer from Kishanganj, Bihar, is a prominent illustration of this change. In addition to transforming farming in the area, he has encouraged many others to embrace intelligent agricultural practices.
From Enterprise to Agriculture
Nakhat was born at a time when rural communities were dominated by conventional farming; therefore, his path to success was anything but typical. He returned to Thakurganj in 1968 after earning his Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) in Kolkata and made a choice that would change his life. Despite not having any formal training, he was enthusiastic about farming and abandoned his family’s conventional business to pursue it.
He started experimenting with novel crop kinds, beginning with Singaporean bananas, with the help of his family. Later, his creative method of growing bananas paved the way for even bigger successes.
The Production of Bananas in Bihar
Because of Nakhat’s innovative work, Thakurganj came to be associated with banana farming in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He brought in a number of previously unheard-of banana types, such as Malbhog, Martaban, Jahaji, Rovesta, and even crimson bananas. Farmers who had previously grown wheat, rice, and jute started looking into income crops after being inspired by Nakhat’s success. In addition to boosting the local economy, his efforts made Thakurganj a center for premium bananas, which were in great demand in Bihar’s marketplaces.
Transition to Dragon Fruit Production
In 2014, Nakhat returned to farming with a new perspective after a nearly ten-year hiatus. He decided to grow dragon fruit this time, a crop that had never been grown in the area. Nakhat began with only 100 plants and progressively grew his company to include over 17,000 plants spread over more than 7 acres. In addition to redefining smart farming in Seemanchal, his initiatives have brought him praise from both farmers and agricultural specialists.
Nakhat has used cutting-edge agricultural methods in close collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kishanganj, to boost output and profitability. Farmers from other states now go here to learn about the complexities of this unusual crop. What began as a little experiment has grown into a successful business that supports his family and the local economy.
Outstanding Profits and Growth
The figures show an incredible trip. In 2014, Nakhat planted only 100 dragon fruit trees; currently, the plantation has expanded to 20,000 plants on 7 acres. Over the years, the output at his farm, Jain Agro Farm, has increased exponentially. By 2023, the farm was producing 50 metric tons of dragon fruit, up from 1 metric ton in 2017. His fruit, renowned for its superior quality, is offered for sale in neighboring cities and local markets.
Dragon fruit has also become more popular. “Dragon fruit gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic because of its ability to boost immunity,” explains Nakhat. In addition to Kishanganj’s local marketplaces, he also distributes his products to neighboring areas like Kalimpong and Siliguri. Dragon fruits from his farm are now being purchased by traders from bigger marketplaces like Kolkata and Patna, which helps Nakhat earn between Rs 250 and Rs 450 per kilogram.
Accolades and Accomplishments
The success that Nakhat has had growing dragon fruit has not gone unnoticed. Nearly a million people have seen his dragon fruit farming video on YouTube, and it took first place at the Agri Film Festival in Hyderabad. Nakhat adds, “I never thought that my farming journey would inspire so many people.”
Impact on Surrounding Areas
Districts like Purnia and Kishanganj are part of Seemanchal, which has traditionally lacked development. But the area has changed since cash crops like dragon fruits, pineapples, and bananas were introduced. Smart farming is already helping farmers who previously only grew conventional crops.
Other farmers have been motivated to follow in Nakhat’s footsteps by his success. He has played a key role in setting up training camps where farmers get instruction on the newest agricultural methods with the help of KVK Kishanganj. Dragon fruit cultivation is now being adopted by farmers from districts like Purnia, Katihar, Araria, and Madhepura, which is helping to diversify and grow Bihar’s agricultural industry.
These farmers are contributing significantly to the agricultural transformation of the area in addition to enjoying the benefits of smart farming by putting Nakhat’s methods into practice.
Nakhat has high hopes for the future of dragon fruit cultivation in Bihar. He still serves as a consultant to farmers, urging them to diversify their crop production and embrace contemporary agricultural methods. He emphasizes, “Agriculture is about smart work, not just hard work.” Nakhat sees Bihar becoming as a major producer of this exotic fruit in the future as dragon fruit growing spreads to neighboring regions.
The prosperity of farmers like Nagaraj Nakhat reflects a larger pattern in Indian agriculture, where diversification, innovation, and technology are opening the door to long-term development. India’s agricultural environment is positioned for a more promising and successful future as more farmers adopt smart farming techniques.
Nagaraj Nakhat is 76 years old, but his life is far from done. His love of farming and creative thinking continue to motivate others and influence agriculture both locally and globally.
