Debojit Changmai operates on just three bighas of land, which includes his residence. Despite the limited space, he has managed to create a highly efficient and profitable farm by constructing five greenhouses where he grows a variety of crops, including tomatoes, chilies, brinjals, papayas, and lemons. His approach revolves around optimizing space, minimizing costs, and maximizing productivity by growing crops year-round, even in the off-season.
Profitability Through Off-Season Crops
One of the key elements of Changmai’s success is his strategic use of greenhouses. These structures allow him to grow and harvest crops throughout the year, which provides a significant advantage during off-season periods when market prices are typically higher. For instance, when most farmers are selling tomatoes at ₹15 per kilogram, Changmai’s greenhouse tomatoes fetch him anywhere between ₹40 to ₹80 per kilogram. By focusing on off-season production, he capitalizes on high-demand periods and achieves premium prices for his produce.
Greenhouses also protect his crops from adverse weather conditions, ensuring consistent quality and yield. This is particularly beneficial for crops like chilies, papayas, and lemons, which are susceptible to climate variations.
Aiding Fellow Farmers
In addition to running his own farm, Changmai is committed to supporting other farmers in his community. He provides them with seedlings for crops like chilies and lemons, along with expert advice on farming techniques, fertilizers, irrigation, and pest control. By sharing his knowledge, Changmai is helping to raise the productivity and profitability of fellow farmers in the region.
His success in rice farming, particularly with high-yield varieties, is another area where he demonstrates leadership, offering advice and seeds to farmers interested in enhancing their rice cultivation practices.
Emphasis on Demand-Driven Crops
Changmai advises farmers to focus on crops with high market demand to increase profitability. By staying informed about market trends and consumer preferences, he ensures that his farm consistently produces crops that are not only high in quality but also fetch good prices in the market.
Debojit Changmai’s success story is a powerful example of how small-scale farmers can thrive by adopting modern agricultural practices, optimizing their use of space, and focusing on high-demand crops. His innovative use of greenhouses for off-season farming has allowed him to consistently earn high profits, even in a limited space. By sharing his knowledge and helping fellow farmers, he is contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of his community’s agricultural economy. Changmai’s achievements highlight the potential for transformation in Indian agriculture through smart, efficient farming techniques, even on small plots of land.
