For others, a GST officer would mean another tax collector, but for the farmers in Bareilly, he is a God Send Teacher who is training them to multiply profit by one-time labour. Don’t believe us? Read on.
Vishal Singh, an IRS officer with an agricultural background, who had witnessed the hardship of farmers affected by natural disasters around harvest time, which occurs practically every year, has decided to script a new route to a bumper crop.
Watching farmers toil three times a year, in heat, cold, and rain, only to enjoy the rewards once, Mr. Singh vowed to help them.
He has introduced a crop in his hometown in Uttar Pradesh that he promises will turn into Bareilly ki Barfi as it requires only one-time labour and yet provides benefits throughout the year.
DRAGON FRUIT FARMING
Mr. Singh came up with the concept of Dragon Fruit farming in his hometown after analysing all aspects that could aid farmers and give them a sustainable crop and income.
Dragon fruit is one crop that is unaffected by seasonal variations. It necessitates one-time labour and competent management thereon can bring in great revenue, said the IRS officer.
“Currently, 95% of India’s stock is imported, with only 5% cultivated in the country. Since India’s weather is favourable for the crop, I figured why not go ahead with it?” Mr. Singh shared in an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds.
HOW IT STARTED
Mr. Singh and his brother began dragon fruit farming near the Atamanda railway station in 2021. They only had 48 plants. After a year of hard work, the plants began to bear fruit. Initially, the yield was low. There was gradual progress and eventually, it turned out to be one self-sustaining venture within just two years.
Currently posted as the Additional Commissioner in GST and Customs, Mr. Singh said that in the initial year of cultivation, farmers invest roughly Rs 6 lakh. “Once the farm is established and well-maintained, the harvest turns profitable and starts generating revenue of Rs 10 lakh per year.
“Less than one lakh is spent annually on crop maintenance, leaving the farmers with a profit of nine lakhs,” explained Mr. Singh, who practised the cultivation himself before promoting it.
SMART THINKING
Dragon fruit cultivation is entirely organic. It requires specialised micronutrients. “You might be thinking, see there’s a twist in the tale,” said Mr. Singh as he allayed all concerns.
The micronutrients are available in the market for Rs. 600 per litre but the farmer-at-heart officer was bent on creating a profitable future, so he devised a way to minimise this expense.
The IRS officer examined traditional farming methods and devised a unique way of preparing micronutrients at zero cost.
CHARTING SUCCESS
The micronutrients are prepared by combining and storing pulses, oilseeds, copper, and iron in a waste decomposer for 21 days. These are then mixed with water while irrigating the plants.
Additionally, marigold plants are planted around each dragon fruit plant. As a result, plant-parasitic nematodes do not form in the root of dragon fruit, and the plant grows normally. In addition, maize plants are put around to protect the crop from sunburn.
“The produce has been great for the last two years and several farmers are into commercial farming!” shared Mr. Singh.
LEARNING TRICKS OF THE TRADE
Mr. Singh’s success did not come overnight. He first became a pupil to later became a teacher. He was one of the 12 farmers who visited Vietnam’s Southern Horticulture and Food Research Institute (SOHFRI), where he studied advanced dragon fruit-producing techniques.
He identified strategies that could boost crop cultivation and aid in generating higher produce and revenue. “During the one-day course, we visited numerous farms and learned about smart techniques, post-harvest practices, and techniques for enhancing productivity, etc,” he told Indian Masterminds.
ONE STEP FURTHER
Mr. Singh is now working hard to convince the government to recognise dragon fruit farming and enhance farmers’ loans under KCC (Kisan Credit Card low-cost borrowing scheme for farmers) of upto Rs. 6 lakhs an acre so that they can invest in dragon fruit farming without feeling burdened.
Mr. Singh turned out to be the magician with the secret wand for farmers just when climate change and inflation were taking away all their hope.
