Farmer Abhishek Dhama is an example of advanced agriculture through new techniques

Abhishek Dhama, who hails from Palla Kulakpur village in the North-West district of Delhi, has presented a new model by combining modern techniques and traditional knowledge in farming. Born in 1991, Abhishek has been using multilayered and multicropping system for the last five years, in which multi-level and multi-crop farming is done without using any chemical fertilizers and pesticides. His efforts have established him among the advanced and innovative farmers of Delhi.

Features of organic multilayered farming

Abhishek Dhama’s organic multilayered farming system is an advanced agricultural technique, in which different crops are grown together in the same field. In this method, crops are planted in such a system that they can support each other, in which one crop provides the necessary nutrients, shade, and moisture to the other crop. For example, by growing maize and tomato together, maize gets shade for tomato and maize gets nutrients through the roots of tomato. This symbiotic system improves plant growth and also uses water, land, and other resources more efficiently.

In this system, Abhishek has stopped using chemical fertilizers and pesticides and started using organic manure and natural pesticides. Vermi-compost, Jeevamrit, and other organic fertilizers are used, which maintain the fertility of the soil and improve the quality of the products. Organic manure leads to the growth of beneficial bacteria and microorganisms in the soil, which keep the soil structure and nutrient balance stable.

In Abhishek’s multilayered farming system, mulching is used to maintain plant moisture and control weeds. Mulching is a technique of covering the soil around the roots of the plants, which maintains the soil moisture for a longer period and also reduces the chances of weed growth. Additionally, in this system the roots of the plants go deeper, which reduces the use of water and can preserve crops even during drought.

Another major advantage of this system is that multilayer farming increases the productivity of the land as several crops are cultivated simultaneously. Production of different crops in the same area not only diversifies the crop but also gives the farmer an opportunity to sell a variety of products in the market. This also increases their revenue and reduces the risk level, because if there is a loss in one crop, the other crops can compensate for it.

Abhishek’s organic multilayer farming system not only increases environmental awareness but also helps farmers to become self-reliant and improve their economic condition. His technique is an important step towards increasing agricultural production in a sustainable way while respecting the soil, climate and natural resources.

Innovation in production and marketing

Abhishek Dhama has adopted B2C (business to customer) and B2B (business to business) models using new and efficient methods for the sale and marketing of his organic products. For direct sale of vegetables and other organic products produced from his multilayered farming system, he has established a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) named ‘Adhiryansh Organics Producer Company Limited’, in which more than 280 farmers of Delhi are associated. Through this organization, Abhishek reaches out to customers directly, so that he does not need middlemen in the market and he can sell his products directly to consumers at a fair price.

To ensure maximum reach and stable market of his products, Abhishek has made B2B partnerships with many leading brands. He has joined hands with big brands like Reliance, Big Basket and OTP to sell his products on big platforms. This partnership gives him a stable and reliable market, which helps in getting good prices to the farmers and helps in increasing their revenue. Apart from this, distribution of products also becomes simple through these brands, which increases the convenience of functioning for Abhishek and the farmers who are members of his organization.

Abhishek has also installed Pusa Farm Sunfridge in his farm, which keeps his vegetables and other products fresh for a longer time. Apart from this, they use pre-cooling and hydro-cooling technology, which helps in keeping leafy and other vegetables cool. This not only maintains the quality of the product but also keeps their nutritional level stable till they reach the market. These techniques prevent the products from spoiling, which also reduces the loss of farmers and also increases their credibility in the market.

This innovation of Abhishek is taking the farmers towards a self-reliant and economically strong future. His initiative has given a new direction to the marketing of organic products and created more opportunities for farmers.

Use of modern agricultural equipment 

Abhishek’s farm is equipped with modern agricultural equipment. He has installed pre-cooling and hydro-cooling systems in his farm, which helps in keeping the leafy and other vegetables fresh. Apart from this, PUSA FARM SUNFRIDGE has also been installed in his farm, which proves to be helpful in the process of storage and distribution of agricultural products. This technology is not only helpful in maintaining the quality of crops but is also an important step towards delivering fresh produce to consumers.

Honours and Achievements

Abhishek has been honored with many awards for his innovative approach and technical expertise. He was awarded the IARI-Innovative Farmers Award in 2020 and also received the IARI-Fellow Farmer Award in 2024. This honor not only appreciates his contribution but also inspires other farmers towards the use of modern techniques.

Benefits of government schemes and future plans

Abhishek has not yet taken advantage of any government scheme, but his success and efforts show that farmers can also progress on the basis of their hard work and knowledge. He plans to connect more farmers with this technical model in the future and make them self-reliant.

This effort of Abhishek is bringing a new awareness towards organic and technical farming not only at the local but also at the national level.