Agriculture remains a primary source of livelihood for many in East Champaran, Bihar. While many young people today prefer migrating to cities or pursuing corporate jobs, there are individuals who choose to break the mold. Shrestha Narayan Singh, a resident of Pannapur village, is one such person who pursued an engineering education and had opportunities to take up government jobs, yet he opted for farming, dedicating his entire life to agricultural life and his family.
Engineering education, but no job
The life story of Shrestha Narayan Singh is truly astonishing. Now 70 years old, he continues to wake up at 4 AM every single day to tend to his farm and household duties. When discussing his life choices, he revealed that although he completed his engineering degree, the idea of a standard job never appealed to him. He turned down various government job openings, ultimately choosing agriculture because he believes that if one possesses the right knowledge and scales up their crop production, farming is far superior to any traditional job.
A life spent with nature
Shrestha Narayan Singh describes himself as a nature lover. He attributes his robust health and absence of illness at age 70 to decades of continuous physical labor and living close to nature. His lifestyle serves as a testament to the benefits of staying active and connected to the land.
Financial success and family growth
Success to Shrestha Narayan Singh is defined by satisfaction. Through the earnings from his fields, he has successfully managed the marriages of his five daughters and raised a son to become a doctor. He primarily engages in vegetable cultivation, with crops like potatoes, eggplants, and bitter gourds being the main staples. Additionally, he grows garlic, ginger, turmeric, and chili. Drawing from his vast experience, he strongly advises young farmers to utilize cattle manure extensively, emphasizing its importance in sustainable agriculture.
