In Bihar's Chapra district, farmers are turning a government push for organic farming into real income growth. In Sheetalpur village under Manjhi block, farmer Umesh Kumar Prasad has grown such a strong okra crop on just 5 kattha of land that he is now selling nearly 2 quintals of okra every week. His organic farming journey has become an example for other farmers in the area.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra sets farmers on a new path
Scientists from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Manjhi have been holding camps across villages, encouraging farmers to give up chemical farming and switch to organic and natural methods. After training there, farmers are dropping their old practices for this new approach. The result is a direct rise in crop yield, a doubling of farmer income, and soil that is being saved from turning barren.
Farmers of Sheetalpur are rewriting their fortunes
In Sheetalpur village of Manjhi block, dozens of farmers, including Umesh Kumar and Bagendra Prasad, are now growing vegetables organically on a large scale. This method is producing exceptional fruiting in their crops, and many farmers in the village are following the same path.
70 kilos of okra from 5 kattha every alternate day
Umesh Kumar Prasad grew an improved variety of okra using organic and natural methods. The outcome was so strong that his okra crop now yields 70 kilos every alternate day, that is, once every two days, from just 5 kattha of land, which he sells in the market. At this rate, close to 2 quintals of okra come out of his field every week.
He makes his own organic compost at home
Umesh Kumar Prasad said he is not dependent on the market for fertiliser at all. He prepares natural organic compost at home himself by mixing cow dung, dry grass and plant waste, and applies this same compost to his fields. Because of this, the okra plants look lush and green, with flowers and fruit visible near almost every leaf. This method keeps farming costs almost negligible while delivering strong profit.
The 'Radhika' variety delivered a bumper result
Alongside the organic method, Umesh Prasad also showed good judgment in choosing his seeds. He planted the hybrid 'Radhika' variety of okra in his field. The biggest advantage of this variety is that fruiting begins even while the plant is still small, and it continues to give a strong yield right until the end of the season. Umesh Kumar's formula is winning over farmers nearby too, many of whom are learning the technique after being inspired by him.
This okra sells instantly in the market
Umesh Kumar Prasad said the Radhika variety of okra has given brilliant results on the soil of Saran. Its plants and fruit are deep green in colour, giving them a noticeably brighter shine. That is why this okra sells out the moment it reaches the market, and it fetches a good price too. He added that its taste is also considerably better compared to okra grown with chemical fertiliser.
Better health, bigger savings
According to Umesh Kumar Prasad, eating vegetables grown by organic methods has no bad effect on health. Compared to chemical farming, organic farming costs far less, which multiplies net savings many times over. This is exactly why most farmers in the area are now giving up chemical fertilisers and turning towards organic farming.
