A quiet farming revolution is underway in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district. A growing number of farmers here have moved beyond conventional crops like paddy and wheat to take up banana cultivation — and the payoff has been dramatic, turning the worry of meagre incomes into profits running into lakhs. Government horticulture schemes and a few timely tips from fellow farmers have given their hard work a fresh direction. Here are the faces who, quite literally, turned their soil into gold.
From 200 Saplings to Over 2.5 Lakh Plants
Yashkendra Singh, a farmer from Kansapur village, began with very modest means. He started his banana venture with just 200 saplings. Today, more than 2.5 lakh plants flourish across his fields, and earning three to four lakh rupees in a single season has become routine for him. His success with banana cultivation has made his name well known across the district.
A Government Scheme That Changed Prem Chandra's Fortunes
Prem Chandra, a resident of Gram Sambhai in Vikas Khand Jamo, once relied on traditional farming methods that brought him only a limited income. Rising costs and falling returns had pushed him into financial difficulty. Around this time, he learned about schemes run by the Agriculture and Horticulture Department. Under the guidance of District Horticulture Officer Ranvijay Singh, he registered online under the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission scheme and secured approval. With its support, Prem Chandra went on to earn lakhs and established himself as a self-reliant farmer.
MA-Educated Satyendra Struck Gold in Year One
Satyendra Singh, from Tikariya village in the Gauriganj area, has studied up to the MA level. He earlier grew only paddy and wheat, but in 2016 a friend's suggestion changed his outlook and he took up banana farming. In the very first year, he earned a net profit of around 5 lakh 40 thousand rupees from a single acre — and that too without any extra expense. Encouraged by this, he switched entirely to organic methods and now cultivates bananas across more than 3 hectares, reaping lakhs in profit every year.
Choosing Farming Over a Job Hunt
Tarzan Singh, a farmer from Musafirkhana tehsil, completed his graduation and then, instead of wandering in search of employment, made farming his livelihood. He began with banana cultivation on just two hectares, and today grows the crop across more than 5 hectares. The venture earns him two to two and a half lakh rupees in profit per season with ease. He also took the Horticulture Department's support to scale up.
Mukesh Reached 30 Acres on Rented Land
Mukesh Kumar of Tiloi tehsil proved that determination and hard work can make the impossible possible. Despite owning no land of his own, he began farming on rented fields, and today bananas grow across 30 acres of his cultivation, earning him lakhs of rupees annually. His achievement has inspired other farmers in the region to follow suit.
A Rs 30,738 Grant That Lit Up Rambachan's Path
Rambachan Singh, from Gungemau village in Jagdishpur, is counted among the district's successful banana growers. Acting on advice from the Horticulture Department, he started on a small scale with a grant of 30 thousand 738 rupees. As the profits began to flow, he steadily expanded his cultivation. Today he is recognised as a progressive farmer, earning lakhs of rupees in a single season.
One Radio Broadcast Changed His Mind
The story of farmer Ravi Prakash Shukla is equally striking. He recounted that after listening to Sitapur farmer RP Singh on the radio, he decided to take up banana cultivation. According to him, his bananas reach several major towns including Mughalsarai, Raebareli, Faizabad, Ayodhya, Sultanpur, Barabanki and Pilibhit. He said the crop is fetching him a handsome profit. There were plenty of hurdles at the start, he admitted, but as he pushed the work further, the road to good earnings opened up.
