S. Story Book - AESA Story_2016(1).pdfIFFCO Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative Limited ... KVK conducted a need analysis in 2009-10 and decided to work in line with the ... size

Krishi Vigyan Kendra-Khordha

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1. Sweet smell of Success 6

2. Women Groups can do Miracles 7

3. Poor man's cow brings true hope 8

4. Better to be self employed through agriculture rather searching job 9

5. Smile in the face of Tribal Groups 10

6. As you sow, so shall you reap 11

7. Motivated group shows path for success 12

8. Motivation: Key for Rural Youth 13

9. Institutions key to break Discontinuance 14

10. Hard work and sincere labour, earns reward 15

11. Homeopathy practitioner is a lead farmer 16

12. Smart Rural Youth 17

13. The Motto for Ex-Army man is National Security to Food Security 18

14. The smile of an Enterprising farmer 19

15. A Smart Farm Innovator 20

16. From blank to ray of hope 21

17. Model farmer for many to adopt ifs 22

18. Family Farming a high-flying Example 23

19. Agriculture is Business for this farmer 24

20. Innovation is key to him 25

21. Community in Cloud Nine with Hybrid Okra 26

22. From job in Mines to Agriculture 27

23. From hand to mouth, today a decent living 28

24. Marketing of Vegetables brings farmer a respected income 29

25. Not good at studies but excelled in Farming 30

26. Super Cyclone hit farmer excels 31

27. Unrecognised water source at farm gate revitalise farming 32

ForewordFrom the AuthorsAbbreviations and Acronyms

Stories

A Compendium of Success Stories

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Foreword

Dr. Anupam MishraDirectorICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research InstituteZone VII, ICAR, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

Success stories of farmers derived from development interventions of KVKs aresignificant as they work with minimum resources and large targets. It is a fact thatfarmers never develop overnight and they need constant mentoring in which farmplanning becomes imperative. Institutions like KVK are signifcant to develop farmersthrough appropriate technological interventions. This compendium has 27 successfulfarmers who have been mentored by KVK ranging from farmers who were fromhand to mouth and today successful in farming. Interestingly there are stories in thiscompendium that farmers who got their farm income raised but have never forgottentheir fellow farmers to succeed. Above all the lessons learnt are described which willbe useful for similar extension agencies to plan development interventions.

With this background I wish KVK-Khordha for taking attempts to document thesuccess of farmers. I also wish to place a thanks note that the host institute of KVK-Khordha, the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture has supported topublish this compendium.

Anupam Mishra


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From the AuthorsKVK-Khordha established under ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture in 1976 works with themandates of technology assessment, refinement and demonstration in agriculture and allied sectors. It extendsservices to farmers, rural youth and extension functionaries which has substantially increased to 12,000/yearfrom 2011-16 compared to 6000/year in 2005-10. The KVK has emerged as a “Knowledge centre” through itsexpertise in strategic planning for agriculture development of the district by identifying issues and suggestinghandful development interventions. In 2015-16, KVK identified 25 technologies that can be promoted in thedistrict and to be fed in the mainstream extension. Technologies like Hybrid rice, Pointed Gourd variety SwarnaAlaukik, Herbicide application in paddy, Use of Leaf Colour Chart, improved strains of backyard poultry and ducks,intercropping of onion in pointed gourd, Micro nutrient application in Banana “ Banana Special”, Oral Pellet Vaccineagainst Ranikhet disease, CIFABROODTM : a carp brood diet were successfully assessed and demonstrated. Majorityof the technologies assessed and demonstrated were for the first time in the district by KVK. Since 2012, 80technologies were assessed benefitting 562 farmers and demonstrated 121 technologies benefitting 1303 farmers.The KVK organised 334 trainings benefitting 7148 farmers, farm women, rural youth and extension functionaries.

During 2012-15 under “Skill Development” it has developed 143 aquaculture entrepreneurs with the supportof State Employment Mission, Government of Odisha. KVK with the support of Orissa Community TankManagement Project (OCTMP) brought 412 ha of land under line sowing in paddy, 25 ha of community tanksunder fish culture, 80 units of backyard poultry, organised 85 tank level trainings benefitting 2285 farmers,trained 330 master farmers in freshwater aquaculture followed by 40 fisheries extension workers. Taking intoboard ATMA, KVK brought 10,000 ha of paddy land under line sowing and eight validation trials on IntegratedNutrient Management in vegetables. In 2015-16 KVK organised three farmers’s fair benefitting more than3000 farmers. Joining with ATARI, Jabalpur, KVK has organised three consecutive training cum workshop onfishery technology and an extension workshop for Heads of KVK and Subject Matter Specialists. KVK publisheda policy brief on the works done on promoting Small holder carp hatcheries with the technical advice ofInternational Institute for Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), Philippines. KVK has partnered with IntegratedWatershed Development Project, Orissa Watershed Development Mission, Paradeep Phosphates Pvt Ltd.,IFFCO, KRIBHCO, Sai Fertilizers Pvt. Ltd, MANAGE, Hyderabad and many other agencies towards expandingit activities.

Mr. Basudev Jena a beneficiary of KVK won the State Award for highest paddy production and ATMA awarded13 progressive farmers of KVK. Jointly KVK was awarded with ATMA two times for the best stall in theATMA category at the regional and state level exhibitions. Best Poster Award from ATARI, Zone VII in 2013,Krushaka Bandhu Samman in 2014 instituted by Orissa Krushak Samaj were the recognitions of KVK. Since2012, Mr. P.R. Sahoo, Dr. B. K. Banja and Mr. S. Singh, SMS of KVK were awarded as the Best Technicalpersons of CIFA and Mr. A. K. Dash as the Best Extension Worker of CIFA. KVK represented in more than 30Exhibitions organised by district, regional, state and national agencies. In 2016, KVK is recognised by MANAGE,Hyderabad as the Nodal Training Institute for implementing the Agri Clinic and Agri Business Centre for thestate of Odisha.

In 2012, a compendium of 50 successful farmers were documented and published by KVK. This compendiumis another effort of KVK to document 27 successful farmers through participatory technology assessmentdemonstration and advisory services. We wish that the book will serve as a knowledge material for manyinstitutions to learn the process of mentoring farmers for development The authors thank the farmers whowere documented to provide both qualitative and quantitative data for bringing out this compendium andalso ICAR-CIFA for providing funds to publish.

Authors


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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

APICOL Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited

ATMA Agricultural Technology Management Agency

FLD Front Line Demonstration

HYV High Yeilding Variety

ha Hectare

CIFA Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture

ICAR Indian Council for Agricultural Research

IFFCO Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative Limited

IFS Integrated Farming System

IMC Indian Major Carps

INM Integrated Nutrient Management

kg Kilogram

KVK Krishi Vigyan Kendra

NFBGR National Bureau of Fish Genetics Resources

NFDB National Fisheries Development Board

OCTMP Orissa Community Tank Management Project

OFT On Farm Trial

OUAT Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology

q Quintal

SHG Self Help Group

SMP Scientific Management Practices

ST Scheduled Tribes

t Tonne


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SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESSMaa Taradevi Farmers’ Club, Tankol, Tangi Block, Khordha District

Group Leader: Mr. Sarathi Sahoo, Mobile:8018300913

The challenge

The farmers of Tankol Village of Tangi block used to grow bitter gourd in the small land areas in the vicinityof households. Traditionally, bitter gourd was cultivated as summer crop by few farmers during the month ofJanuary using local varieties in traditional methods in around 2 ha of cropped area generating Rs. 0.9-1.1 lakhs/ha. Majority of the farmers (95%) were using vine management compared to few (5%) using overhead trailingsystem reporting incidence of disease and pest attack leading to economic loss. This intrinsic losses wereunknown by the farmers and needed scientific intervention to solve this problem.

Process

KVK conducted a need analysis in 2009-10 and decided to work in line with the mandates of KVK. As a firststep KVK motivated to form a farmers club “Maa Taradevi Farmers club” to work jointly in solving the problems.KVK conducted training programmes on bitter gourd cultivation and FLD on “INM in Bitter gourd” involving10 farmers. To add more value and to realize a larger impact KVK brought ATMA-Khordha on board tosupport the club in 2010-11. Demonstration with package and practices of hybrid bitter gourd was conductedinvolving 18 farmers. In addition to that using the financial assistance of ATMA the validation of hybrid bittergourd varieties was undertaken involving five farmers. For larger visibility and to have more takers ofinnovations a “Farmers Meet” was organized on the eve of “Akshaya Trutiya” a festival of Odisha with fielddays observed at demonstration plots. Extension literature on “Improved practices of bitter gourd cultivation”was distributed and Mass media coverage through “Krushi Darshan” programme of Doordarshan was alsobroadcasted.

Impact and Lessons Learnt

The KVK started realizing the interventions took ashape for creating a larger impact through thecombination of different extension methods andconvergence. The outputs being that all farmersadopted scientific cultivation methods with hybridvarieties. At the end crop loss were minimized fromdisease and pests, area under bitter gourd hasincreased to 8-10 ha with an increase of yield up to2.5 times from their traditional practice and theincreased income range between 1.72 to 2.1 lakh/ha.

Majority of the farmers adopted overhead trailingsystem and also the package of practices by whichthe cultivated area under bitter gourd increased. Inaddition to that the farmers have started cultivatingthe crop in both kharif and summer seasons. Today,bitter gourd cultivation has spread to the entire GramPanchayat “Kamaguru” and the adjacent villages dueto this development intervention. Lessons learnt fromthis were that combination of different extensionmethods and partnering with other institutions canbring larger impact.

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WOMEN GROUPS CAN DO MIRACLESDinairy, Begunia Block, Khordha District

Group Leader: Mrs Bini Naik Mobile: 8018710568

The Challenge

Community ponds are major freshwater aquacultureresources with high potential for increase in fishproduction and income generation. As the resource iscommon pool in nature and large number of peopleare involved in the operations, it is difficult to transfertechnology. One such community pond was selectedby KVK for demonstrating composite fish culture atDiniary village of Begunia block being dominated byST communities. The community pond was managed

by three women SHGs (Maa Jogamaya Mahila, Maa Kalika and Maa Mangala) consisting of 60 members andwere practicing composite fish culture by leasing the pond since 2004. KVK observed that the group adoptedtraditional practices of using rice bran as a supplementary feed, ponds were not fertilized and liming were notpracticed regularly which caused for low yield (2.1 t/ha) and subsequently low income.

Process

The KVK intervened through trainings and advisory support for the groups towards increasing their production.Initial reluctance of adoption of Scientific Management Practices (SMP) existed as like other groups due tomultipurpose use of water for bathing and feeding domestic animals and the high cost of inputs like feed.Hence, the KVK supported the group initially to provide them some critical inputs as the reluctance for nonadoption of SMP to be overcomed. KVK demonstrated the SMPs like supplementary feed management, propersize and ratio of stocking, recommendation of fertilization schedule and liming through water quality testing.Significantly, farm women were taught about the practice of “single stocking and multiple harvesting”. Feedingfishes in perforated gunny bags reduced the wastage of feed and maintained the water quality. Incomegeneration in a regular basis through multiple harvesting developed positive attitude towards adoption ofSMPs. The group was also advantageous in getting financial assistance for pond renovation through the Foodfor Work Programme under the guidance and supervision of Block Assistant Fisheries Officer.


The outcome of the intervention by KVK was towards the yield increase tuning to 3.12 t/ha against 2.1t/habefore KVK’s involvement. The income was increased from 2.1 lakh to 3.12 lakh/ha. This increased theconfidence among the farmwomen and they extended the lease period through auction with higher price. Thelessons learnt by KVK over the period of time is that adoption of composite fish culture needs systematicapproach to communicate the members, identify thecohesiveness of the group, motivation, provide handson training, initial support with critical inputs. Byseeing these group activities the other communitytanks owned by other groups have started practicingcomposite fish culture. The increased yield andcontinuation of stocking ponds and adoptingmanagement practices has become a continuous affairfor the group.

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POOR MAN’S COW BRINGS TRUE HOPEMr. Dasarathi Pradhan, Thanapalli, Bolagarh Block, Khordha District,. Mobile: 9777957573

The challenge

This story is about a very poor farmer Mr. Dasarathi Pradhan aged 45 years from Thanapalli village, BolagarhBlock. Upon completing his primary school education he engaged in agriculture for livelihood for himself andfamily. Mr. Pradhan was cultivating paddy as the major crop in his 2 acres of land and also vegetables like cowpea, cucumber, bitter gourd as cash crop. During 2007-08 KVK adopted Thanapalli village for implementationof various activities. Mr. Pradhan showed interest in adopting livestock rearing to enhance his family income,attended trainings organized by KVK and understood other options in agriculture and allied sector.

Process

Keeping his eagerness into consierdation KVK provided him a female Black Bengal goat under the FLDprogramme with technical guidance on housing, feeding and breeding management of goat. An OFT programmeon genetic up-gradation of local goats through breeding with Beetal buck was taken up by KVK in that villageduring 2010-11 and Mr. Pradhan availed the opportunity of breeding his female goat with Beetal buck. Sincethen he never looked back and has been able to gradually increase the herd strength from a single goat to 25goats as of now. As advised he adopts the practice of castrating newly born male kids within three months ofage and raises them for meat (Khasi) purpose. After attaining 9 months age he sells them in the market on liveweight basis. Female kids are retained to grow further to breed and give birth to new kids. With the sale ofgoats and male calves he purchased two bullocks. In 2006 he had only two dairy cows and increased the cattleto 12 including the two bullocks.


During 2014-15 he could earn Rs.25,000/- through sale of four kids for meat purpose and managed to spendfor his daughter’s marriage. At present he has 10 female goats to increase his herd strength further and ninemale kids which would fetch him Rs.60, 000/- to Rs.70, 000/-. In this way now he has become a progressivefarmer having goats worth of rupees one lakh as an asset. However, his net income from agriculture andgoatary accounts to Rs.1,50,000 compared to Rs.40,000/- before the intervention of KVK. He stands as anexample in his village to adopt improved goat farming practices. Lessons learnt from this story was thataddition of an enterprise like goatary can support farmers to supplement livelihood.

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BETTER TO BE SELF EMPLOYED THROUGHAGRICULTURE RATHER SEARCHING JOB

Mr. Ashok Bisoi, Tankol, Tangi Block, Khordha District, Mobile: 9937607743

The Challenge

An intermediate in arts Mr. Ashok Bisoi resides at Tankol, Tangi block and possesses a land holding of 2 acres.During 2007 he was cultivating paddy using local and Swarna varieties. Mr. Ashok used to get a production of19.5-21q from 2 acres. He also cultivated vegetables like potato, brinjal and bitter gourd which were usedexclusively for household consumption and his earning was only Rs. 20,000 from agriculture. Due to lowreturns he joined in a private firm and could earn only Rs. 2000/month. He left the job within eight monthsand established a grocery shop by disposing a small piece of homestead land. He had another setback ofincurring a huge loss in the business and became frustrated as the financial commitments landed to four lakhs.The small piece of land is only resource available for him to repay the loan and sustain his livelihoods.

The process

It is in this time Mr. Ashok came to into touch with KVK in 2009-10 for improving his income and to takeagriculture as his livelihood. He became a member of the Maa Taradevi Farmers club in his village initiated byKVK which has been one of the successful initiatives. KVK encouraged him and he was a beneficiary of theOFT, FLD and training programmes. Mr. Ashok took commercial vegetable cultivation and succeeded byadopting scientific practices in bitter gourd, pointed gourd, capsicum and brinjal. He also adopted cultivatingHybrid and HYV in paddy.


Mr. Ashok never discontinued the contact with KVK and succeeded in agriculture with the support and advices.In 2013-14, KVK assessed his success and observed that he was well positioned in agriculture and marchingtowards profits for a respectable living. Mr. Ashok during 2015-16 earned a net profit of one lakh throughagriculture. His tireless effort has yielded himhappiness to repay the loans and also he has savings inbank worth Rs. 45,000. He has constructed three houseswith asbestos roofing in an area of 450 sq.ft and concretehouse of 400 sq.ft . He is appreciated in sending his sonwho has compeleted +2 and daughter in 10th standard.The biggest relief has been Mr. Ashok has repaid allthe loans and is now convenient in practicingagriculture. He has accumulated assets of a colourtelevision, two mobile phones, purchased one pair ofbullocks worth Rs. 40,000. The small grocery shop

owned by him has been renovated and maintained byhis family members. During the interview Mr. AshokBisoi said that better to be self employed throughagriculture rather searching job. Today Mr. Ashokserves as a Member in the Upper primary and middleschool of his village. Lessons learnt are that farmer likeMr. Ashok needs constant advisory support fromextension agencies to improve farming for reapingbenefits from minimum resources.

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SMILE IN THE FACE OF TRIBAL GROUPSSHGs of Diniary, Begunia Block, Khordha District

Contact for the SHGs: Mr. Basanta Kumar Mohapatra Mobile:9937178743

The Challenge

Diniary, a tribal village in Begunia Block has a population of 400 and majority of them belong to ST categoryand are landless wage earners. During 2012 KVK identified that poultry production system in Diniary andneighboring villages was traditional and less remunerative due to the poor production potential (60-65 eggsand 1.5-1.65 kg body weight/year) of the native poultry birds with high mortality (50%) before maturity (180-185 days) leading to economic loss.

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Process

Understanding this KVK introduced a dual purposeimproved bird “Vanaraja” in the same traditionalsystem of rearing that has been followed by thefarmers over the years. Vanaraja, was identified forintervention, due to its multiple colours, looks likeindigenous birds and fetch better price in terms ofmeat and egg in the market. Three Self-Help Groups(SHG) comprising 12 members in each group wereidentified for the intervention. KVK organised several group discussions and trainings to motivate them toadopt Vanaraja by replacing local birds. Members having interest and skill in rearing local poultry and havingindigenous available resources were identified within each SHG as the first line beneficiaries. Under the FLDprogramme of KVK 320 one day old Vanaraja chicks were provided to 30 beneficiaries of the SHGs. They wereimparted with training on scientific poultry production, supplementary feeding, health management andmarketing. The beneficiaries were trained in managing the production of Vanaraja in better way with low costsheds and other management practices.


The birds started laying eggs upon attaining sexual maturity by 180 days. At initial laying period the egg sizewas small (40-45 g) but within a months period the eggs attained marketable size (55-58 g). The eggs of Vanarajawith brownish colour resembled that of local poultry egg, birds attained an average of 3.4 kg body weight thatgained confidence and endless happiness among the beneficiaries. Each farm family could get at least 4-5 eggseveryday from a flock of 10 birds and sold @ Rs.7/egg and earned a minimum of Rs.14/- to Rs.21/- afterinternal consumption by family members. Thus, each farm family could earn up to Rs.400/- to Rs.600/- permonth from sale of eggs. The beneficiaries also could earn Rs.350/- from each male bird (cock) after six monthsof rearing by selling at the rate of Rs.100/kg body weight. Again the beneficiaries purchased new stock ofVanaraja chicks from the income they got from the initial stock. After six months of laying period the femalebirds were also sold at Rs.200-300/bird. In this way a beneficiary was able to generate a minimum of Rs.5000/- per annum from a flock of 10 birds.

The beneficiaries were very happy with the KVKintervention and they successfully utilised their leisuretime for generating lucrative income with minimumexpenditure. After witnessing success of thebeneficiaries of Diniary village the tribal farmers fromsurrounding villages have shown their interesttowards adopting improved strains. Many of thefarmers also have purchased fertilised Vanaraja eggsfrom the beneficiaries and produced chicks bybrooding with the help of their local hens.


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AS YOU SOW, SO SHALL YOU REAPMr. Ganesh Mallik, Rajas, Balipatna Block, Khordha District, Mobile:9178202734

The Challenge

Mr. Kanhu Charan Mallick hails from Rajas village, Balipatna block and owns about 4.94 acres. He used tocultivate paddy, paira cropping of black gram and colocasia. In spite of hard labour, he was not able to sustainhis family with a decent income and that compelled him to borrow money from others. Realizing the situation,his elder son Mr. Ganesh Mallick, 32 years old educated up to high school came forward to share the workloadof his father and assisted him in farming and shouldered the complete farming activities. The thirst to win andto have a decent income Mr. Ganesh was in search for institutions to support and in this instance he came intocontact with KVK.

Process

Mr. Ganesh and his father came into touch with KVK in 2008-09 and had discussions to improve incomes fromfarming. KVK Scientists visited his farm and provided a specific plan including to create irrigation facility.The state government helped Mr. Ganesh to have a bore well along with 5 HP diesel pump. In between Mr.Ganesh attended trainings of KVK on cultivation of paddy straw mushroom, improved paddy cultivation,commercial vegetable production and improved practices in pulse production. KVK provided him timelyguidance and technical support at regular intervals to raise his level of confidence. He started adopting improvedpractices in farm operations and followed paddy-paddy seed production- pulse- vegetable- mushroom- dairyenterprises.


Mr. Ganesh also started cultivating hybrid paddyseeds in the frame of contract farming promoted byBAYER and other private agencies.

Mr. Ganesh took a lead to form a farmer’s club “MaaSai Krushak Sangha” and members have plantedcoconut trees along the village road and haveexcavated one pond of 0.2 ha for fish culture. Mr.Ganesh was awarded by OUAT for IFS also by KVKin many occasions. He also serves as a Master trainerof KVK to impart training on IFS. In 2015-16 his netincome is Rs. 25,000/month compared to Rs. 14,000/month in 2009-10. He has justified the saying “as yousow, so shall you reap” and has been able to createhis own identity by adopting agriculture for self-employment. Lessons learnt is that a youth like Mr.Ganesh can be cited as example for “attracting andretaining rural youth in agriculture”

Mr. Ganesh took efforts for timely disposal of producethrough survey and other methods and starting sellingproduce at his door step. With all his efforts he hasrepaid entire loans availed by his father from privatesource. He is now the source of inspiration to the ruralyouths of his village and also advocates thatagriculture is profitable. Mr. Ganesh’s cosmopoliteapproach is helping him to get support from the stategovernment which is evident from the establishmentof 21 bore wells for agricultural purpose in the village.Due to this the area under paddy has gone up fromzero to 12 ha during rabi and all the villagers arecultivating vegetables particularly hybrid okra andpointed gourd on commercial scale. In 2012 with thehelp of KVK he registered himself as a seed producerfor Odisha State Seeds Corporation Ltd. Besides that

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MOTIVATED GROUP SHOWS PATH FOR SUCCESSGroup Leader: Mr. Basanta Kumar Nayak, Raghuagarada, Balipatna Block, Khordha District, Mobile: 9178874562

The Challenge

A community pond of 5 acre area is situated in Raghuagarada village of Balipatna block. Members managingthe pond visited KVK in 2012 for support towards enhancing fish production. The members were frustratedand shared their past experience and narrated about the failures in managing the community pond. Theyclearly stated that they were willing to adopt scientific management practices in composite fish culture in theircommunity pond to increase its production.

Process

The said newly formed group of twenty members was lead by Mr. Basanta Kumar Nayak and Mr. KailashChandra Dutta aged 61 and 62 respectively. They explained the situation and sought technical support fromKVK. It was decided that KVK will undertake a FLD programme and to provide necessary advice and support.In the first year the group was advised to remove 20-30% of aquatic weed manually. Critical inputs in terms ofstocking of Grass carp, Catla, Jayanti Rohu and Mrigal was supplied by KVK. The other critical input likesupplementary feed (GNOC) was partially provided to motivate the group. Water quality testing and necessaryapplication of lime was also advised. Sustainable natural plankton production was maintained throughapplication of fertilizer in different schedule.


Periodical visit and technical guidance of KVK over telephone increased the confidence among the group.Aquatic weed infestation is under control due to introduction of grass carp and the pond is suitable for domesticuse by the villagers. With the profit earned thevillagers have renovated the temple near to the pondand donation towards various ritual activities has beenincreased. The group realized the importance ofscientific management practices to increase fishproduction. Fish production from the pond increasedto 3.2 t/ha in 2015-16 from initial production of 1.4 t/ha. The group regained their inner potential andreturns back the faith of villagers that profit can bemade from their pond through community approachand constant dedication without vested interest. After

witnessing success many fish farmers and pondowners have approached KVK for demonstration andtraining programme at their village. Nearby youthsare approaching KVK for technical guidance andnecessary suggestion for adopting freshwateraquaculture technologies in individual andcommunity ponds. An interested group of youth fromthe same village was identified and trained at KVK tobecome entrepreneurs in fish culture.

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MOTIVATION: KEY FOR RURAL YOUTHMr. Nihar Ranjan Parida, Itipur, Bhubaneswar Block, Khordha District, Mobile: 9237214726

The Challenge

Mr. Nihar Ranjan Parida, aged 40 years is qualified upto his higher secondary education hails from Itipurvillage of Bhubaneswar block. He has a parental property of 12 acres and cultivates paddy, green gram andsugarcane. At present Mr. Parida is looking after the cultivation of all crops after his father expired. Mr.Parida used to cultivate 7 acres of land with HYV paddy viz., Swarna, Sarala with a production tuning to 31-32 q/ha and earns Rs 1, 48, 000/year. He also cultivates green gram in 2 acres and his income accounts to Rs.7000/year. In addition to that he also grows few vegetables like brinjal and bitter gourd for householdconsumption. However, the challenge he faced was on the possession of 8 acres and was not able to reap thebenefits.

The Process

Mr. Parida attended a vocational training on paddy production technology in 2009 organized by KVK andsince then he often visits for advisory services. During 2010-11 again Mr. Parida visited KVK and was providedwith Paddy Hybrid var. Ajaya as a demonstration by adopting line transplanting. He accepted the new varietyto be demonstrated in his field and was much impressed with its potential.

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During 2014-15, Mr. Paridacultivated Hybrid Paddy ineight acres of land and recordeda production of 191 q/ha towhich he realised a net incomeof Rs1, 52,300. From theremaining four acres his netincome from sugarcane was Rs1,30,000, green gram Rs 5000and income from hiringagriculture machineries was Rs

25,000. His total net income from all sources accounts to Rs.3,12,300/year. His continuous effort andadopting the scientific management practices gave higher yield than other farmers, which gave immense

pleasure to run his family in a smooth manner.Mr. Parida is President of the farmers club formedin his village initiated by KVK. He is one of thelead farmers of KVK and helps to organizedifferent activities in his village. With this incomehe also purchased assets like colour television,mobile phone and other household items. Manyof the neighbouring farmers have startedfollowing his footsteps in adoption of newscientific method of cultivating field crops.Lessons learnt are on farmers though possessionof considerable land for livelihood needs initialadvisory for performing better.


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INSTITUTIONS KEY TO BREAK DISCONTINUANCEGopabhandhu Krushak Mancha, Nagapur, Balianta Block, Khordha District

Group Leader: Mr.Santosh Kumar Rout, Mobile: 7873606769

The challenge

This story is about a cluster demonstration on oil seed implemented in 2015-16 in Nagapur village of Baliantablock benefitting 41 farmers covering an area of 16.4 ha. In this village farmers were cultivating groundnut 10years ago after the harvest of paddy in the month of December. KVK had worked in the village with severalinterventions and observed that farmers have discontinued groundnut cultivation due to increased cost ofseeds, heavy infestation of pests and diseases and other factors. The challenge faced by farmers of this clusterwas on to break the discountinuance of growing oil seeds.

Process

KVK had its presence in this village in many instances which made the cluster demonstration programme tobe implemented in 2015-16. KVK analysed reasons for crop failure in groundnut and implemented this clusterdemonstration. A meeting was conducted and farmers were encouraged and motivated to adopt groundnutcultivation. The cluster selected a leader Mr. S. K. Rout, a rural youth and a progressive farmer to facilitatewith KVK in identification of farmers, delivering the seeds and to organize training and field days. Distributionof seeds with an inception meeting was the key to farmers informing about the cluster demonstration andgroup marketing of the produce. To inform the package of practices a training programme was conducted toinform the details of the variety, seed treatment and inoculation with bio fertilizers, irrigation and mulching.As an initial step soil samples from their respective field after harvest of paddy was collected and analyzed.The seeds were procured from Orissa State Seed Corporation Ltd for distribution. To further motivate thefarmers IFFCO, Bhubaneswar and Sai Fertilizers, Kolkata were invited by KVK for demonstration of bio-fertilizer and granulated Single Super Phosphate to increase production in the cluster. In the process anawareness meeting was also conducted on use of bio-fertilizer and its advantages.


All the farmers irrigated the crop twice and followed package of practices as informed and trained by KVK.Farmers realised an average yield of 19.6q/ha compared to 17.2q/ha of district average production in

groundnut. During the field day farmers were in highspirits that KVK brought back groundnut cultivationto their village after 10 years. KVK got an assurancefrom this cluster that in forthcoming years they willcontinue groundnut cultivation. To further motivate

KVK in early 2016 selected this cluster and investedto provide an exposure on latest technologies in afarmers fair. The lessons learnt were that institutionslike KVK need to continue working in cluster approachfor helping farmers.

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HARDWORK AND SINCERE LABOUR, EARNS REWARDMr. Debaraj Behera. Kantia, Jatni Block, Khordha District, Mobile:7873139332

10The Challenge

This story is about an exceptional rural youth Mr.Debaraj Behera aged 33 and middle level educatedfrom Kantia village of Jatni Block. He belongs to alandless farm family possessing a meagre 0.02 hahomestead land as parental property. He and hisfather used to cultivate paddy in 1.2 ha land duringkharif on contract basis from which 45-50 q paddy isproduced worth Rs 49,500-55,000 to accommodate thefamily. Mr. Debaraj supports his father in cultivation

of paddy as and when required by the family apart from a low paid private company service from which hewas hardly earning Rs 5,000 per month to support his family. He left the job during 2013 and ventured to startvegetable cultivation in partnership with another youth of his village in 0.6 ha which was taken on rent basis.Together they cultivated cucumber, ridge gourd, hybrid okra, onion during rabi season from own source andlittle input support from the Pani Panchayat (PP) i.e Water Users Association of his village. Due to lack ofknowledge and experience they faced loss in their endeavour and the partnership was also broken.

Process

It was in that instance that KVK was working with the PP of Kantia to provide Agricultural Livelihood SupportService (ALSS) activities by signing MOU with Orissa Community Tank Management Project (OCTMP) andlater on adopted the village Kantia in 2014. Mr. Debaraj attended a tank level training on vegetable cultivationorganized by KVK during 2014. He was introduced by an extension worker to KVK Scientist and discussed hisproblems with a request to provide technical support and advice for vegetable cultivation. In the same yearMr. Debaraj cultivated Hybrid Okra Var. Samrat adopting improved crop management practices in 0.2 haduring December 2014 with technical guidance from KVK through field visit and telephonic advisory services.


By seeking advice from KVK and also by adopting scientific management practices he was able to get a profit ofRs 40,000 from okra cultivation. This was the key for self-motivation to march forward with vegetable cultivation.Mr. Debaraj earned Rs 1, 86, 272 within a period of 15 months accounting to a net income Rs. 12, 418/ monthfrom vegetable cultivation. With the earnings Mr. Debaraj has purchased agricultural tools and machineries tosupport his farm activities. As a standing crop Mr. Behera is cultivating ridge gourd Var. Rama and bitter gourdVar. Nakhara in an area of 0.18 ha and is still in touch with KVK for technical advice. Vegetable cultivation wasnot common in Kantia however being practiced by few farm families. Today there are farmers cultivatingvegetables in the village by seeing the success of Mr. Debaraj and through his consultation. The story of Mr.Debaraj indicates that continuous hard work and sincere effort besides adoption of scientific management practicesin vegetable cultivation has changed his wellbeing, social outlook and to be self employed. In his recent interactionwith KVK he uttered that “Hard work and sincere labour, earns reward”. Lessons learnt were that landless ruralyouth can be brought to agriculture through different models of land rights.


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HOMEOPATHY PRACTITIONER IS A LEAD FARMERMr. Safiquddin, Haripurpatna, Bolagarh Block, Khordha District, Mobile:9438423346

The challenge

Inspiration of this story is that how a homeopathy practitioner became a lead farmer through institutionaladvices and motivation. Mr. Safiquddin, aged 52 years is a resident of village Haripurpatna of Bolagarh block.Mr. Safiquddin had an urge to learn different agricultural practices and implement in his 1.73 ha land suitablefor agriculture. He used to rear fish in a small pond of 0.1ha area and other crops like paddy, green gram anddairy in the adjoining available area (1.63 ha) near the pond. To increase his production as well as income fromthe existing practices, he attempted many cropping patterns by his own, but was in futile.

Process

In 2008-09, he attended a 10 days training programme on scientific fish culture and allied enterprises at KVKsponsored by National Fisheries Development Board. Upon attending the training, scientists from KVK visitedhis farm and advised him to adopt IFS. He was rendered with constant technical support through field visits,telephonic calls and demonstrations which started reaping benefits. He added ducks to his farming systemand was emphasized to enhance his income from his pond through fish fry to fingerling rearing and table fishproduction. Upon rearing fish seeds for three months period he sold the fingerlings to fish farmers of hislocality and the remaining fishes were left for table fish production.


Mr Safiquddin adopted line transplanting ofimproved varieties of Paddy situated around thepond during Kharif. After harvesting paddy hecultivated green gram, onion and other vegetables.For upgrading his non-descript cows, he adoptedartificial insemination, supplemented mineralmixture in the daily ration and other practices.Gradually he started looking for enterprises to beadded and adopted poly culture incorporating prawnwith IMC (Catla and Rohu). A boring facility near tothe pond mitigates the water scarcity in his farm.Most of the fertilized pond water was channelizedto the agriculture land for irrigation and other

purposes. The land mass being little sloppy in natureand the pond being positioned at the higher altitudesolved the problem of channelling the water todifferent parts without pumping the water at extracost. His annual income before attending the trainingat KVK was Rs. 1,20,500 and today he earns Rs. 3,48,000 every year. For his success in agriculture andadopting IFS he was awarded by ICAR-CIFA, ICAR-NFBGR and OUAT, Bhubaneswar. Lessons Learntwas that a 10 day training and constant touch withinstitutions can help farmers to adopt new practicesand double their income.

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SMART RURAL YOUTHMr. Prakash Chandra Nayak, Puran Pradhan, Balianta Block, Khordha District Mobile:7537895331

The Challenge

“Fish seed business” means it is Mr. Prakash Chandra Nayak, an educated rural youth of village Puran Pradhanof Balianta block. Mr. Prakash is a beneficiary of KVK who has adopted fish seed rearing cum pond basedintegrated farming system. In 2010-11 Mr. Prakash left his job from Saudi Arabia and entered into agriculturehelping his father. Mr. Prakash was fully involved in paddy and vegetable cultivation and the income fromthe farm was not sufficient to meet his need.

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Process

He came into touch with KVK while Mr. Prakash wasfully involved in paddy and vegetable cultivation.Over the period of time with the advice and mentoringof KVK and his involvement in different sensitizingprogrammes he added enterprises for better income.While he came to KVK his only concern was on toincrease income from his farm which was hinderedby not integrating his available resources. The crucialrole played by KVK was on advising him to look for

enterprises to be integrated with the available resources. Interestingly every year he added enterprises carefullythat can supplement for mutual benefit. By the way intelligently he omits certain enterprises upon trialing outin limited scale. By this time he took over the farm from his aged father and involving himself as a full timefarmer shouldering all activities. KVK realised that his pond is a crucial resource and advised him to adopt aPond based integrated farming system.


During 2013-14, Mr. Prakash earned a gross incomeof Rs 5,19,600 from 0.8 ha in a pond based farmingsystem adopting Fish – Fish Seed – Vegetables(Bittergourd, Snake gourd, Pointed gourd, Cucumber) –Fruits (Mango, Papaya) – Flower (Marigold) –Mushroom (Paddy straw mushroom) and in 2014-15,Mr. Prakash earned a gross income of Rs 8,32,700 withthe same enterprise. As KVK entered into a skilldevelopment initiative Mr. Prakash attended a onemonth long training programme supported by theState Employment Mission.

In 2015, he added intensive poultry production system to his kit. He started a business of supplying criticalinputs related to freshwater aquaculture in the name of Gopinath “One stop Aquashop” to the neighbouringvillages and blocks. During 2015 Mr. Prakash established a FRP hatchery for fish seed production with thesupport of KVK and ICAR-CIFA. To meet the demand FRP hatchery was not sufficient hence he establishedtwo Chinese hatcheries in 2016. The scale of his activities accelerated as he keeps watch of the demand. Inbetween he ventured into live fish sales in the market which fetches better price and left as there were manywho started practicing it.

With this enterprising nature he received a support of Rs. 1 lakh from ATMA-Khordha for IFS. To carry out hisfarming activities he has employed four labourers and also involves himself as a labour. Today Mr. Prakash is aleading entrepreneur in the district and has created a network for mutual interested fish seed growers and has aturnover of 12-15 lakhs/year. Mr. Prakash has constructed a house and is a happy rural youth and keeps himbusy over the day. Significantly, Mr. Prakash plans for his business every year adding enterprise and also aspiresto establish a prawn hatchery in 2017-18. The journey never ends for Mr. Prakash in agriculture.


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THE MOTTO FOR EX-ARMY MAN IS NATIONALSECURITY TO FOOD SECURITY

Mr. Pratap Kumar Nayak, Rajas, Balipatna, Khordha District, Mobile:7789847856/9439863604

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The challenge

A man who stood for the nation as a military serviceholder once now stands for his village and farmers toempower in farming is Mr. Pratap Kumar Nayak aged52 from Rajas village in Balipatna block. His fellowvillagers adore him for his endeavours in the field ofagriculture for his service and social behaviour. Beinga new entrant to agriculture Mr. Nayak was not wellaware about the scientific farming practices. Thechallenge that he faced was improving his incomesthrough adoption of better farming practices.

Process

Since 2010-11 Mr. Nayak was a beneficiary for all the technology assessments of KVK like hybrid rice cultivation,tissue culture banana, vegetable cultivation, improved practices in dairy and poultry farming. Mr. Nayakproudly flaunts the multiple crops grown on his single segregated land through the method of intercropping.He says although many villagers didn’t adopt to this technology but he did and was thus able to see themanifold increase in yield of different crops. He adopted a practice of intercropping with Onion in pointedgourd and later cultivated pumpkins. However Nayak’s works are not only confined to intercropping andgrowing different crops in his farm. He says that I have seen lands becoming infertile with extensive use ofchemical fertilizers and he adopts Integrated Nutrient and Pest Management Practices. He uses the surpluspaddy straw for growing mushrooms which has a good market in Bhubaneswar and nearby areas. For allthese KVK stood with him constantly.


His consistent efforts on his farms to experiment with the latest farming techniques and his eagerness to trygrowing varieties of crops on his four acres of land has yielded him with better incomes. By involving himselfin the technology assessment he learned that there is a science behind agriculture. In many instances KVK hasseen him as a qualified resource person who can deliver what farmers need and today he serves as a Masterfarmer cum facilitator for KVK to implement activities in several villages of his block. The proud owner of lushgreen agricultural fields he said while interacting that his real life actually started after retirement. He addedthat I tried my best to accumulate best possible knowledge in agriculture and technology to maximize myproductivity and KVK played a major role.

For his most of the technology adoption KVK has been behind him and also he serves as a member in theScientific Advisory Committee of KVK. Mr. Nayakwas awarded by OUAT and KVK for his works in thefield of agriculture for himself and the community.His annual income before KVK intervention was Rs.5,000-6,000/month and upon adopting innovativepractices he has increased his income to 16,600 to20,000/month. He leads many groups and serves as aSecretary for Nigam Saraswata Krushak Club formedby KVK in his village. Lessons learnt is that harnessingpotential manpower upon retirement from formalservices will be another pathway to promoteagriculture.


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THE SMILE OF AN ENTERPRISING FARMERMr. Rabindra Jena, Kantabada, Begunia Block, Khordha District, Mobile:7681055228

The Challenge

Mr. Rabindra Kumar Jena aged 48 years hails from Kantabada village of Begunia block. Mr. Jena is anenterprising farmer who possess a land area of 14 acres (4 own and 10 leased). Mr. Jena cultivates Paddy-Pulses-Oil seeds-Vegetables-Fruits and rears poultry, duck and fish. He had a concern about his productivityof his farm and also the income that he earns.

Process

Mr. Jena came into touch with KVK in 2011-12 and got advices for adopting improved practices as he wasconcerned about his low production and productivity of his farm. Scientists of KVK visited his farm andchalked out a plan for increasing his income by taking into account of his resources. He adopted integratedfarming with the technical guidance of KVK and support from ATMA-Khordha. Mr. Jena is a pioneer inadopting line transplanting, hybrid rice/vegetables, herbicide application in paddy, cultivation of vegetablesin trelly system, rearing poultry Vanaraja strain, red gram in paddy field bunds, commercial broiler farmingfor the first time in his village.

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In 2015-16 KVK recommended Mr. Jena to ICAR-CIFAfor supporting him with a FRP carp hatchery to workon fish seed production and to have an additionalincome. He also has been also supported by ATMA-Khordha and other line departments and towards thesuccess of his enterprise he was awarded by OUATas the best farmer practicing IFS recommended byKVK. Mr. Jena is a progressive farmer in his villageand is also master trainer and a good social groupmobilizer. Adopting Paddy-Pulses-Oil seeds-Vegetables-Fruits-Poultry-Duck-Fish his net return inJune 2014-June 2015 was Rs. 8, 30,600. KVK found that

reasons for Mr. Jena being successful are due to hisbehaviour and risk bearing nature. To test and trailany innovation Mr. Jena stands first and that makeshim an Innovator in his village.


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A SMART FARM INNOVATORMr. Chhabindra Bhatta,Taradapada, Khordha District, Mobile:8984380675

15The Challenge

Mr. Chhabindra Bhatta, amaster farmer of KVK used togrow Pointed Gourd var.Swarna Alaukik. Availabilityof planting material was aconstraint and Mr. Bhattastarted poly plant productionof pointed gourd from vinecuttings. Mr. Bhattawitnessed a major problem ofmortality of 30-40% after 2-2½ months of production andthat was the challenge for him.

Process

KVK trained Mr. Bhatta to produce planting materials through poly plants from vine cuttings during June-

July. The poly plants are required to be kept for 4-5 months for transplanting to the main field. To overcome

this Mr. Bhatta had an innovative idea of producing poly plants through layering method directly in standing

crop field. As a trial he practiced putting each alternative nodes of the immature vines treated with appropriate

rooting hormone into the polythene bags (6"x 4") filled with potting mixture. The poly plants were collected

from the field at the last stage of the crop by cutting the interconnected vine by a sharp knife.


His contribution is that an alternative method has been devised by himself for planting material production in

Pointed Gourd. His knowledge and this innovation has been taken by KVK with his involvement to many

farmers and also disseminated through different extension methods. Mr. Bhatta is self sufficient with planting

material production and is supplying to neighboring farmers. Mortality of planting materials is minimized to4-5% and other farmers have started adopting the practice. During 2015, Mr. Bhatta has produced 3200 poly

plants worth Rs. 32,000. Today he is a progressive farmer specialized in poly plant production of Pointed

Gourd through this innovative technique. He is the star farm innovator of KVK and being appreciated by

many stakeholders. Lessons learnt are every farmer has a potential and institutions needs to identify them,

promote them and work on possible scaling up which needs to be a priority. Some farmers are innovators and

inventors and Mr. Chhabindra Bhatta, is such a farmer who has solved the issue of access to quality pointedgourd planting materials in the district. Above all many think that only institutions can solve issues confronting

agriculture but farmers can also do.


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FROM BLANK TO RAY OF HOPEMr. Gopal Pradhan, Thanapalli, Bolagrah Block, Khordha District, Mobile:9668728087

The Challenge

Examples of life from blank to hope are many and this story is all about Mr. Gopal Pradhan, aged 43 yearsThanapalli village of Bolagarh block. The story begins as his village is predominantly rainfed and the presenceof a perennial natural water flow, a small water harvesting structure and few dug wells are the source ofirrigation for raising vegetable crops during rabi season. Most of the people rear nondescript cows only formanure and milk for household consumption. Mr. Gopal Pradhan, owns 0.4 ha area in which he used tocultivate traditional paddy varieties during Kharif and the rest of the period is spent towards rearing thevillage cattle herd including four nondescript cows of his own. The production of paddy from 0.4 ha was only9 q/ year and maintaining his family of five members was in hand to mouth.

Process

In 2007-08 he attended a training at KVK in his village where he discussed his problems in detail and expressedhis willingness to learn improved practices to increase his income. He was assured required support for hisendeavour from KVK and was advised to cultivate paddy- vegetable and dairy enterprise. Mr. Pradhan actedupon the suggestions and succeeded in getting 0.6 ha land on lease, out of which 0.4 ha was suitable for paddyand 0.2 ha for vegetables round the year near the perennial natural water flow. He was provided with regulartechnological backstopping by KVK through FLD, trainings and farm advisory services by KVK which helpedhim to boost up his confidence and adopt practices in scientific basis.


Mr. Pradhan cultivated HYV paddy viz Swarna, Pratikshya and was able to get 34.5 q /year. Then he startedcommercial cultivation of vegetable and spices viz., cowpea, cucumber, okra, chilly during Kharif in a small

piece of land (0.2ha) and bitter gourd, tomato, frenchbean, pointed gourd, onion during rabi (0.3ha) andearns Rs. 80,000/year. He started upgrading hisnondescript cows through artificial insemination andat present he has four crossbreds. He used ideas toproduce value added milk products like ghee andselling at a higher price besides meeting his familyrequirements adding Rs 22,000/year to his purse fromdairy enterprise. His present monthly average is about

Rs 10,000-11,000 which has brought change in hiseconomic condition. With these Mr. Pradhan isempowered and is able to provide quality food to hisfamily members and has a savings account in bank.He has also created assets like improved agriculturalimplements; Kerosene operated 2 HP water pump,Knap Sack sprayer, 2 mobile phones, colour televisionfrom his earnings. Lessons learnt are that a farmerneeds ideas and efforts to push their income andinstitutions are key to that.

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MODEL FARMER FOR MANY TO ADOPT IFSMr. Surendra Bhol, Indolokusiary, Balipatna Block, Khordha District, Mobile:8658225025

The Challenge

A Matriculate Mr. Surendra Bhol aged 53 hails from Indolokusiary village of Balipatna block. He owns 11acres of land and cultivates paddy as the major crop with a production of 150 q and earns Rs.1,80,000 toRs.2,00,000/year. After harvesting paddy he usually cultivates pulses viz., green gram in 2 acre and produces7.5-8 q and earns Rs.45,000/year. Mr. Bhol cultivates vegetables and adds Rs.80,000 to Rs.1,00,000/year to hisincome and in total he earns Rs. 3,05,000 to 3,45,000/year.

Process

In 2011-12 KVK adopted Indolokusiary village for implementation of its activities. Mr. Bhol came in closecontact with KVK and underwent trainings and took timely advise on various aspects of farming. In betweenhe developed an interested towards integrating resources and took advice from KVK scientists to adopt a IFSmodel of 1.32 acre. Mr. Bhol constructed a fish pond of 1 acre size and a poultry shed with a capacity of 2200birds by availing financial assistance through APICOL and adopted scientific fish culture and rearing broilerpoultry. KVK provided information on management of crossbred dairy cows and during 2012-13 he availedloan from State Bank of India under the Government scheme and constructed a cattle shed and purchased 5crossbred cows. He was advised by KVK to construct low cost poultry and duck sheds adjacent to his broilerfarm to rear improved poultry, ducks and short term fruit plants. Also he was advised to construct a cemented

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azolla pit to produce azolla as a supplementary feedfor his dairy cows. During the period of 2012 to 2015KVK provided 380 improved duck breeds to Mr. Bholas a beneficiary under the FLD and OFT.


Mr. Bhol earns Rs. 2,20,000 from broiler under theframe of contract farming which includes the sale ofeggs. He earns an additional income of Rs.20, 000 fromduckary and Rs. 80,000 to 1,00,000 lakh from fish cultureevery year. In addion to that he earns Rs.20,000 to Rs.25,000 from fruits. From dairy his income tunes uptoRs.50,000 to Rs.60, 000. In this way Mr. Bhol has beenable to add Rs.3,90,000 to Rs 4,50,000 from livestock and fishery components to his annual income of

agriculture. He is very much thankful to KVKwhich has guided and helped him to double hisincome and progress as an established farmer inintegrated farming systems. Mr. Bhol is a memberof the DFAC of ATMA, Balipatna block and wasalso awarded as the best farmer by ATMA-Khordha. Even after KVK discontinued its activitiesin Indolokusiary village, Mr. Bhol is always incontact with KVK scientists to progress more andmore. Lessons Learnt was that though farmer havea large area like Mr. Bhol possessing 11 acres his1.32 acre IFS model remunerates more to him.


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FAMILY FARMING A HIGH-FLYING EXAMPLEMr. Rakesh Kumar, Taradapada, Balipatna Block, Khordha District, Mobile:9040301556

The Challenge

An entrepreneur from the first generation is always considered a miracle the same holds true with agriculturetoo. Interestingly farmers never think their kids to be in farming and always aspire for services in other sectors.Mr. Karunakar Senapthi from Taradapada village, Balipatna block though a progressive farmer never thoughtof this and has kept his farming as “Family farming”. This story is about his son Mr. Rakesh Kumar Senapatia youth who followed the footsteps of his father. Mr. Senapati has a total land area of 5.8 acres and Mr. Rakeshhelps in all activities of farming with his father. The challenge that they faced was on cultivating improvedpointed gourd and ideas for fish seed rearing.

Process

In 2010, his father came to KVK to seek advice for cultivating improved variety of Pointed Gourd “SwarnaAlaukik” and support to increase the profits from his farm while cultivating paddy and vegetables. Mr.Karunakar constructed a fish pond in 2011 with an idea of integrating other enterprises. Since then Mr. Rakeshstarted developing interest and helping his father all activities of the farm. He attended trainings of KVK andwas provided timely technical guidance on IFS. In 2013, KVK took the initiative of introducing duckary in theIFS and vine cuttings of pointed gourd. Mr. Rakesh and his father are very much attentive to the advicesprovided by KVK and is one of the leading farmers by adopting intensive fish farming practices.


Star technology of this farm is earning Rs. 3,52,000/year by selling fingerlings and yearlings from 1.2 acre pond.The other incomes are from cauliflower Rs.70,000, Pointed gourd with Rs.80,000, mangoes worth of Rs.17,000,ducks and eggs with Rs.12,000 and others. Altogether the family earns an income of Rs. 6,36,000 compared to the

income of Rs. 2,76,000 during 2011-12. The family runs an agriculture input shop and managed by all familymembers. The mother at home manages the cows and contributes Rs.30,000/year to the family. In 2016, thefamily has excavated an additional pond of one acre size planting Yam and Banana in the embankments. Theidea of adding ponds have been due to high profit with the sales of yearlings. It is to be noted that the yearlingproduction of Mr. Rakesh from one acre pond is the highest and is an innovation. Mr. Rakesh is becoming key inthe family shouldering all farm activities. KVK considers his farm as one of the model farm developed andtrainees of KVK from other programmes are exposed for replication. Any visitor will be mesmerised to see hisfarm and will admire for his expressions and sentiments that he has on agriculture. KVK never forgets to showhis farm to farmers who attend trainings and this farm is listed in the exposure visit sites of agriculture in thedistrict developed by KVK. While conversing with Mr. Rakesh about the future plan he informed that family isintending to establish a carp hatchery to be self sufficient in the production of yearlings as they depend on fishseed from other sources. Lessons learnt are on the significance and potential of family farming.

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AGRICULTURE IS BUSINESS FOR THIS FARMERMr. Subhendra Prasad Sahu, Balkati, Balianta Block, Khordha District, Mobile: 9937301233

The Challenge

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It is always that farmers are subsistence andthey are contended with what they have, butMr. Subhendra Prasad Sahu aged 39 fromBalkati, thinks always agriculture as abusiness. Though he had a confidence he wasnot successful as he never looked beyondtraditional farming. His ambitions weretowards improving farming and to considerit as a business.ProcessHe had a humble beginning and came intotouch with KVK to attend a month long SkillDevelopment training in FreshwaterAquaculture during 2013. However, his

contact with KVK dates back in 2008-09 seeking advice and other services. His total farming area is 4 acreswith a pond of 1.5 acres and it is a paradise to see poultry birds and ducks at the embankment of the pondswhich makes him a proud farmer. In 2015 KVK involved him on the technology assessment of introducingminor carps in polyculture system.

Impact and Lessons LearntOnce KVK took international experts in 2015 to his farm and were delighted by seeing his farm and the way hespeaks about agriculture and intelligence behind hisfarming. Experts were also surprised as his mobileringing continuously and farmers visiting to purchasefish seeds. Literally Mr. Subhendra has not time to relaxduring peak seasons. For him agriculture is businesshowever he is gentle, calm and quiet and serious onplanning and execution of activities. His farm is underthe banner “Abhipsa Integrated Fish Farm” whichdeals with a business in seed production of Catla, Rohu,Mrigal, Grass carp, silver carp, common carp and otherminor carps with a net income of Rs.4,00,000/yearcompared to Rs.1,00,000 in 2008-09. He has two dairycows, honey bees, poultry and ducks adds Rs.1.00,000/year to his income. As a cosmopolite and smart farmerhe encashed an incentive from ATMA for IFS and hasbeen recognised with an award by KVK. Theinspiration is about the fish seed business that he earnsRs. 4,00,000 from 1.5 acre pond and also providing fishseeds of diversified species. Mr. Subhendra alwayshave appreciation for his attendance with the onemonth skill development training of KVK that gave himenough ideas to lead the fish seed rearing business. Hehas always kept touch with KVK and also acts as amaster farmer and his farm is a paradise in the smallurban village of Balkati. Lessons learnt are onidentification of a star technology from farmer’s fieldlike earning Rs.4 lakhs from hardly 1.5 acre of a fishpond which can be scaled up to other farmers.


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INNOVATION IS KEY TO HIMMr. Vinod Kumar Parida, Ranapur, Khordha District, Mobile:9438685343

The Challenge

Mr. Vinod Kumar Parida aged 47 hails from Ranapur village of Balianta block is a graduate in Arts andpractices agriculture. Upon trying for jobs he failed and opted farming as his livelihood. He owns five acres ofland and cultivates paddy, pulses, oil seeds and vegetables. He also has a dairy unit and a backyard pond torear fish.

Process

Mr. Parida came in touch with KVK during 2012-13 and attended training on improved cultivation practicesin field crops. KVK involved him in the pulse, oil seeds and paddy (Aromatic rice) demonstrations. He wasone of the farmers who showed key interest to get advice from KVK and to raise the incomes from his farm.Upon completion of demonstration he continued all the practices especially he was successful by cultivatingsunflower.


Before the intervention of KVK he cultivated all traditional varieties and now has shifted to improvedvarieties. Upon adoption of improved varieties and practices Mr. Parida has become a progressive farmer inhis village. Upon improving his farm income many farmers from his village started visiting his farm for adviceand enquiries about the new technologies adopted. Mr. Parida developed a habit of sharing his knowledgeand providing suggestions to other farmers .He worked as resource person for the Odisha Livelihood Missionproject of Khordha district during 2013-14. Upon increased incomes Mr. Parida has purchased a motor bike in2013-14. His annual income in 2012-13 was Rs 2,15,500 and his annual income in 2015-16 is Rs 4,28,000.

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COMMUNITY IN CLOUD NINE WITH HYBRID OKRAGroup Leader: Mr.Srinibash Pradhan, Krushak Sathi, Nalipada- Arjunpur, Khordha District, Mobile:9853115138

Challenge

It is true that poor of the poorest have stronger affinity towards community than individual satisfaction, andthis story proves this. This success story is about a community that worked intensively to improve their Okraproduction is from Nalipada village of Arjunpur, Khordha block. KVK entered into this village in 2009-10 andcould observe that 30 farmers adopted open pollinated varieties to cultivate okra in an area of 10 acres. Thefarmers cultivated okra after the harvest of paddy investing a seed cost to Rs. 150 to 500/kg and harvesting alow yield ranging from 18-20 q/acre. The reasons for the low production were due to less fruiting and highincidence of pest and disease.

Process

KVK decided to intervene with its mandatory works and conducted training, demonstration and providedadvisory services. In 2009, KVK organised training on hybrid okra cultivation, distributed extension literatureand brought ATMA-Khordha to support the intervention in convergence. In the next initiative farmers weredemonstrated with Hybrid Okra and all advisory services were provided and the farmers started reaping thebenefits with huge profits. Though KVK left this village and adopted another nearby village advising thesefarmers continued.


Surprisingly and curious to know the impactKVK observed in 2015 that the area under Okrahas increased to 25 acres from 10 in 2009, allfarmers adopted hybrid okra by replacing openpollinated varieties and the number of farmersinvolved has increased to 60 from 30 in 2009. Interms of production there has been an highincrement from 18 q/acre in 2009 to 34-50q/acrewith a change of 2.5 times by 2015. Significantlyrural youth have started cultivating hybrid Okraand to state a youth Mr. Manoj Pandia whoinvested Rs. 22,000 got a gross income of Rs.80,000 from 0.4 acre. The due respect these

farmers give to farming and adhering toadvice from KVK is the key for this success.Farmers are chilled with Hybrid Okra and arein Cloud Nine. The prime lesson learnt wasthat participatory need based interventionyields better results for developmentinstitutions. The other lessons learnt are thatthough every year KVK adopt new villagesfor implementing mandatory activities andbeing in touch with earlier benefitted farmersmake us successful as constant mentoring isrequired for development.

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FROM JOB IN MINES TO AGRICULTUREMr. Bulu Srichandan, Lokipur, Begunia Block, Khordha District, Mobile:9937919921

The Challenge

Highly paid jobs and non remunerative agriculture are the reasons for many to leave agriculture and aspirefor better livelihood sources. This story is about Mr. Bulu Srichandan aged 38 who opted for job in mines uponcompletion of +3 for two years and was dissatisfied and returned back to farming in 2006. This story inspiresmany as he reversed back and today he stays in agriculture and says it is profitable.

Process

In his parental property Mr. Bulu was cultivating paddy by adopting traditional practices. In 2008, he wasselected by State Department of Fisheries to attend training on fish culture at KVK sponsored by NFDB. Uponattending this training he inculcated an interest towards fish seed rearing and table fish production. Toaccomplish this he excavated a pond with his own source and bank loan and completed the work in 2010.Since attending this training at KVK he kept the relationship to seek information and advisory services forimproving his farm income. By the way, he took a community pond on lease with an agreement of providing50% of the total fish produced to the villagers. Bulging his activities is a hobby for Mr. Bulu and being motivatedand industrious he was not satisfied with this level of activities that he had to perform. In the mean time Mr.Bulu contacted ATMA and again associated with KVK in attending trainings and also being a beneficiary ofKVK mandatory works. His idea of integrating resources was told to KVK and was supported with improvinghis vegetable production. He is a ready farmer to test any innovation.


Mr. Bulu never ended with his own profits andenterprising nature but he motivated his villagersand also to adopt improved vegetable cultivationpractices. Surprisingly Mr. Bulu partnered with 6-8 villagers to cultivate vegetables in a commercialbasis and to jointly solve issues and to grow withothers. Each informal member of the group hasearned Rs. 20,000 as net profit by cultivatingvegetables like Cucumber, Pumpkin and Okra.Being a member in the Youth club of the village hecontinues working with his neighbouring farmers.

To his credit he has bagged the scheme “FarmerField School” from ATMA in 2015 and iscoordinating the works. Today he is advising 20farmers nearby for vegetable cultivation byproviding them information on latest techniques.Appreciably Mr. Bulu has made more than a fewfarmers of his village to adopt applying NPKfertilizers instead of Urea in paddy which is a bigmove and service to the nation. Mr. Bulu is a creativethinker and can lead farmers for better life. Heartfeltthanks to Mr. Bulu being a kind hearted who livefor others.

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FROM HAND TO MOUTH, TODAY A DECENT LIVINGMr. Shyam Sundar Das, Tankol, Tangi Block, Khordha District, Mobile: 9776967778

The Challenge

This is an inspiring story of a 42 year old farmer Mr. Shyam Sundar Das who turned his life within six years ofhard work, sincere and respect to farming. Mr. Das was a very poor farmer while KVK visited him in 2010living in a thatched house with a land area of 1.1 acre with earnings of Rs. 3000-4000/month. His challengewas on to come out of the vicious cycle of poverty.

Process

From 2010 he started transforming his life with confidence by adhering to all advices and technical guidanceprovided by KVK. His farming methods before KVKs intervention was using traditional varieties of paddy,imbalanced fertilizing and non adoption of improved farming practices. Mr. Das was a beneficiary of KVK inthe demonstration and training programmes which made him to acquire information and knowledge onimproved farming practices. Since then he started adopting improved varieties of paddy, trelly system ofbitter gourd cultivation, INM practices and started cultivating different types of vegetables.


With his improved practices he earns Rs. 1,14,000 to Rs. 1,29,000/year which is giving a decent living today.Mr. Das has purchased a land of 1 acre worth Rs. 1,00,000 and purchased two pump sets. He also involvedhimself in shared cropping of paddy and vegetable. With this improvement his children are regularly attendingschool and have a happy family. Above all astonishingly he invested Rs.70,000 to establish a 10 HP Lift IrrigationPoint to irrigate his land and neighbouring 50 farmers. This inspiring story makes everyone feel that when hestarted improving his life he also shares the benefits with others like sharing the irrigation with other farmers.Mr. Das regularly visits KVK and he is an example for many farmers to be confident and lead a decent livingby working hard and sincere. KVK has been a force behind his success and has mouthful praise in all forums.

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MARKETING OF VEGETABLES BRINGS FARMERA RESPECTED INCOME

Mr. Binay Kumar Patra, Raigurubasudiepur, Balianta Block, Khordha District, Mobile: 9776967778

The Challenge

This is a story of an extended farmer’s family in which Mr. Binay aged 34 struggled towards his existence andtoday how he has a respectable life. Mr. Binay hails from Raigurubasudiepur, Balianta block and his totalfamily members are 12. He and his brothers used to cultivate paddy in 0.8 acres of land through share croppingand also partners with other farmers to cultivate vegetables. The income through these activities was found tobe very difficult and Mr. Binay was searching for options for having a decent living.

Process

In 2007-08 Mr. Binay came into touch with KVK and had detailed discussions about his farming and theproblems that he faces. He attended training and was included as a beneficiary of KVK for demonstrationsand other advisory services. Some of the demonstrations of KVK were also conducted in his partners farmersfield which gave him motivation. Mr. Binay supported his partner farmers by advising for better farming,procuring inputs on credit through KVK support and to repay after harvest and in many other ways. To boosthis income he entered into vegetable vending business to market the produce of his partner farmers inBhubaneswar. This initiative was not successful and his income was only Rs. 5000-6000/month and also thepartner farmers complained about the low returns. Again he came to KVK and had discussions and wassuggested to enter into full time vegetable vending business.


By this advice towards having a full time vegetable marketing business he started procuring vegetables fromhis village on credit basis and also he administered buy-back system in vegetable cultivation i.e supplyingseeds, pesticides to the farmers and procuring their produce for sale in market. In addition to that Mr. Binayadded marketing of mushroom and paneer to his business and supplied to the hotels at Bhubaneswar and alsotook marriage orders for supply. This effort at the end started reaping benefits for Mr. Binay to have a decentliving and also to run his extended family. Today he markets the produce along with supply of critical inputsto 34 farmers from seven villages, three dairy farmers and five mushroom growers are also his customers.

With these efforts Mr.Binay earns Rs. 16,000-18,000/month and haspurchased a motor bikeand also constructed aconcrete house. Seeing hisefforts and benefits fiverural youth of his villagehave followed hisfootsteps to have theirlivelihood throughvegetable vendingbusiness. Lessons Learnt isthat this story can bereplicated by extensionagencies to help landlessfarmers to earn more andhave a decent living.

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NOT GOOD AT STUDIES BUT EXCELLED IN FARMINGMr. Bulu Chandra Behura, Chhima, Begunia Block, Khordha District, Mobile: 9556520169

The Challenge

Mr. Bulu Chandra Behura, a rural youth aged 27 left schooling as he was not good at it. All are not good atstudies but will surely excel in another way and this rural youth marked his impressions in farming. His fatherwas cultivating paddy, brinjal in rainy season and other vegetables like pointed gourd during rabi season. Mr.Bulu initially after leaving schooling in 2005 -06 supported his father in farming partially and gradually heinvolved himself as a fulltime cultivator. Interest in farming was boundless for this rural youth and wasdependent on local agriculture input dealers for advice and to adopt improved farming practices.

Process

By the time he attended a training programme of ATMA and came into touch with KVK Scientists as theywere invited as resource person. KVK involved his farm for demonstration and provided other services whichwas the starting point of his improvement in farming. With the advice of KVK he started growing vegetableslike bitter gourd, capsicum, and intercropping of onion in pointed gourd, cucumber and radish in 1.2 acreslater being only in 0.4 acres. His expansion in vegetable cultivation demanded proper irrigation and he usedpumps with the existing dug well, changed the paddy varieties to be improved, changed his institution foradvice from input dealers to KVK and started attending trainings.


The clear impact was on his income which was only Rs. 53,000-55,000 and now his income ranges fromRs.1,54,000 to 1,60,000/year. Can we take this rural youth as a role model to many as the effort and thirstto succeed speaks for many. The techniques that made him improved are from KVK by adopting polyplant production of pointed gourd, intercropping of onion in pointed gourd, cultivating high valuedvegetable crops mainly capsicum and adoption of all improved practices. KVK is proud about this farmerand this story needs to be up scaled to many. Lessons learnt are institutional support and advice aremandatory for farming to improve.

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SUPER CYCLONE HIT FARMER EXCELLSMr. Gatikrushna Nanda, Prataprudrapur, Balianta Block, Khordha District, Mobile:8260133955

The Challenge

Mr. Gatikrusha Nanda owns a compact plot of 5 acres comprised of three ponds covering 1.5 acres and remainingunder coconut cultivation. The super cyclone that hit Orissa in 1999 was devastation for many and especiallyfarmers were the most victimized. The tragedy was with Mr. Gatikrushna Nanda who lost all his 300 coconuttress during the cyclone. In 2001 with the heavy loss of coconut trees he planted 1200 Acasia plants and cut itafter five years and sold it. The patch was remaining fallow left over with few mango and jack fruit trees.However, fish rearing continued with a low yield of only 2-3 q. The stress was on Mr. Nanda to increase hisincome and feed his family. During this period his monthly income was Rs.11,000-12,000/month which wasnot sufficient to lead his life.

Process

Mr. Nanda came into touch with KVK during 2010-11 with a note on the tragedy happened due to supercyclone and the low fish production from the ponds. He was advised by KVK to look on options that can makehim comfortable and to have a decent living. With the advice of KVK in 2010-11 he planted banana in one acrewith a support from Department of Horticulture and he also purchased two dairy cows. In 2011-12 he plantedmango trees adopting high density planting with the Variety Amrapalli. In 2012-13 he was advised towardsentering into fish fry, fingerling and yearling production. By the way in 2013-14 he excavated two additionalfish pond of 0.5 acre with the advice of KVK.


His endeavours after being a victim of Super Cyclone was on careful move by planting remunerative cropslike acasia, mango, banana and entering to fish seed rearing business. His income level increased from Rs.11,000-12,000/month in 2010-11 to Rs.20,000/month by adopting all these enterprises. Mr. Nanda says that he hasgot knowledge and has developed skill at least to safeguard his family with the income from farming and isalso happy to inform that institutions like KVKs are there to support him and to lead his life. Lessons learntare on resettlement plan upon natural disasters needs to be carefully taken keeping the farm resources andattitude of farmers. The light in the life to Mr. Nanda came after 10 years after the episode of Super Cyclonethat hit and devasted the state.

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UNRECOGNISED WATER SOURCE ATFARM GATE REVITALISE FARMING

Mr. Abimanyu Behera, Chhanaghar, Jatni Block, Khordha District, Mobile:9439918557

The Challenge

Chhanaghar, Jatni block is an urban village just 1.5 kms away from Jatni township where paddy is the majorcrop grown and cultivated only during kharif. Vegetable cultivation is limited to kitchen garden and practicedby few households in the village. Though land is available irrigation is the major problem that hinders farmersto cultivate vegetables which forces them to buy vegetables from nearby markets. Ways and means needs tobe devised and in this instance a retired teacher Mr. Abimanyu Behera aged 61 thought of commercial cultivationof vegetables form this village during rabi season after the harvest of paddy. His ambition was not successfuldue to lack of irrigation facilities.

Process

Mr. Behera visited KVK in 2014 and discussed about his plans to cultivate vegetables on a commercial basis.He was made to list out the possible options for source of irrigation and at last he mentioned about the presenceof water in the ditches upon the stone quarry in the area that can be used to retain up to the month of March.He was advised to use that water and also to bring the water to the community tank situated 300 metershardly away from the stone quarry site.


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Upon this idea he trialed with cauliflowercultivation and KVK supported him in thisventure and was able to earn Rs.9000 by disposalat the farm site with the identified water source.This never stopped him and he was supportedwith Tissue culture banana by KVK and heearned Rs. 50,000. In the subsequent season heagain cultivated hybrid Cauliflower in 1 acre andwas able to earn Rs.1,05,000 in two phases.Besides this he cultivated bitter gourd,cucumber, ridge gourd during summer. Toovercome the irrigation with his earnings he duga well and procured one diesel pump. Mr. Beheraplanned and purchased a tractor with KotakMahindra finance to facilitate his farming. A yearof so today he is a farmer with lot of energy andto explore all possibility to continue wagriculturefor the rest of his life. He plans to expand hisfarm with banana cultivation in 2 acres. As a longterm he has planted 40 improved mango treeswith the support of Department of Horticulture.With this success he has engaged his son andnephew in his farming activities and also saysthat agriculture is remunerative and can provideself employment if own labour and interest areput into that. As a pleasant surprise fewneighbouring farmers have come forward to takeup commercial cultivation by seeing his success.

Documents

S. Story Book - AESA Story_2016(1).pdfIFFCO Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative Limited ... KVK conducted a need analysis in 2009-10 and decided to work in line with the ... size