Gopal Erragola, a farmer of village Futkel, has achieved success by adopting modern and multi-cropping farming. With the help of government schemes, irrigation facilities and natural farming, they are earning income worth lakhs of rupees from paddy, chilli, animal husbandry and fish farming.
Raipur. Farmer Gopal Erragola of village Futkel has written a new story of success by adopting modern farming amidst difficult circumstances. Earlier they used to cultivate paddy only by depending on rain, but now they have started earning good income from paddy along with groundnut, maize, chilli, vegetables, animal husbandry and fish farming by adopting multi-cropping farming.
Farming in Naxal affected area was a big challenge
Gopal Erragola’s village is located in a Naxal affected area, due to which farming was not easy for him in the initial times. When the Agriculture Department officials inspected his farm, they found that the farm was situated on the banks of Talperu river and was quite suitable for irrigated farming. After this, with the help of the district administration, electricity expansion work was done there, due to which irrigation facilities could be made available.
Crop and income increased after getting irrigation facility
After the irrigation system was made, the officials of Agriculture Department and Atma Yojana informed Gopal about modern farming techniques. After this he adopted crop rotation system and started cultivating Rabi maize, groundnut and chilli along with paddy. Especially their income increased significantly from chilli production.
Modern farming got boost from government schemes
Gopal says that the officials of the Agriculture Department remained in constant touch with him and kept inspecting the fields from time to time. The officials informed them about improved seeds, modern farming techniques and government schemes. They got seeds, fertilizers and financial assistance through Kisan Credit Card Scheme.
Apart from this, diesel pump and neck sprayer pump were made available for irrigation under Shakambhari scheme. Under the Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, he is getting Rs 6,000 every year through DBT. The facility of solar plate was also provided through the Solar Sujala Scheme of the CREDA department.
Under the Niyad Nellanar Scheme, assistance was provided for paddy seeds, fertilizers and land ploughing, while drip irrigation facility was provided through the Micro Irrigation Scheme.
Annual income of lakhs from farming and animal husbandry
Along with farming, Gopal Erragola also made animal husbandry, vegetable production and fish farming a source of income. He has received a total net income of Rs 3 lakh 93 thousand 750 from paddy, groundnut, chilli, vegetable production, animal husbandry and fish farming.
Cost reduced through Natural Farming Mission
Gopal was also selected in the cluster of National Natural Farming Mission Scheme. Under this, he used natural agricultural products like Jeevamrit, Ghanjeevamrit, Neemastra and Brahmastra for the cultivation of paddy and chilli in one acre of land. This reduced the cost of farming and also improved the quality of the soil.
Other farmers of the village are also getting inspired
Today the financial condition of Gopal and his family has become much better than before. Seeing his success, other farmers of the village are also being inspired to adopt modern and scientific farming. Gopal’s hard work has now become a source of inspiration for the farmers of the area.