Inspiring journey of farmer Jitendra Kumar Singh moving towards success in organic farming through innovation

Jitendra Kumar Singh, a resident of Namidih, Ghatro village in Vaishali district of Bihar, has created a new identity in organic farming by innovating and using modern techniques. Born on 25 October 1960, Jitendra is not only a successful farmer but also an inspirational leader who has inspired other farmers towards advanced agricultural techniques.

Start of organic farming

Jitendra Kumar Singh started his farming journey with traditional methods, but he soon realized that higher production was not possible without adopting advanced techniques. He explains:

“Earlier the productivity of our fields was very low. Traditional methods were giving limited profit in the yield of wheat, rice and other crops. I decided to adopt new techniques, and as a result, there was a surprising increase in production.”

Jitendra adopted high density planting technique, in which 16-18 kg of seeds were used in one acre of land. This technique increased the production from 200 kg to 550-600 kg.

Incorporation of organic techniques

Jitendra made several innovations to promote organic farming:

1. Use of boro paste and mulching: For better yield of mango and litchi.

2. Canopy management: For plant growth and quality fruit production.

3. SRI and DSR methods: For higher yield of paddy.

4. Establishment of vermicompost unit: To prepare organic manure and increase soil fertility.

“Using organic manure not only increased soil fertility but also improved the quality of crops,” says Jitendra.

Use of advanced technology and equipment

Jitendra incorporated modern agricultural equipment and techniques in his farming, which increased his efficiency. He adopted zero tillage technology, which saved time and cost in sowing wheat.

He says: “The zero tillage technique reduced the production cost by 20% and also saved time. This inspired other farmers as well.”

Establishment of Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO)

Jitendra established a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) named “Ghatro Agri Producer Company Limited” in 2019. More than 60 farmers are working together through this. This organization provides information to farmers about modern technologies, improved seeds, and organic farming techniques.

He explains: “Our aim is to unite farmers and make them aware of the benefits of organic farming. Our organization has helped hundreds of farmers so far.”

Awards and Honours

Jitendra’s hard work and innovation have been recognized with many prestigious awards. His major awards are:

1. IARI Fellow Farmer Award (2021): Conferred by Union Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar.

2. Kisan Gaurav Award (2019): By the Government of Bihar.

3. Jagjivan Ram Innovative Farmer Award (2015): By Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

4. Mahindra Samridhi India Agro Award (2012): By Union Agriculture Minister Shri Sharad Pawar.

5. Bihar Diwas Samaroh Award: By Bihar Government.

“These awards not only recognised my hard work but also motivated me to do even better,” says Jitendra.

Benefiting from government schemes

Jitendra availed various government schemes that helped him modernise his farming. These include:

1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana: For financial support.

2. Mukhyamantri Niji Tubewell Yojana: For irrigation.

3. Micro Irrigation Yojana: Subsidy for drip irrigation technology.

Jitendra believes that the economic condition of farmers can be improved by using government schemes properly.

Inspiration to other farmers

Jitendra organised various training programmes and workshops to share his experiences. He made other farmers aware of the benefits of adopting modern techniques in the cultivation of mango, litchi, paddy and wheat.

He says: “When farmers visiting my farm see my successes, they too are inspired to adopt new techniques.”

Challenges and their solutions

Jitendra’s journey was not easy. He faced many challenges, such as:

1. Lack of initial investment: to adopt modern techniques.

2. High cost of agricultural equipment.

3. Lack of awareness among farmers.

He addressed these challenges with the help of government schemes, support from FPOs and his hard work.

Economic and social impact

Jitendra’s farming not only improved his financial condition, but also increased the income of other farmers in his village. His initiative started a new trend towards organic farming in the village.

He says: “My annual income is now more than Rs 10 lakh. This enables me to work for the well-being of my family and community.”

Future plans

Jitendra plans to expand his FPO and take farmers to new markets. “We want to take organic products to national and international markets,” he says.

Apart from this, he wants to do more for water conservation and environmental protection.

Jitendra Kumar Singh’s story is an inspiration for farmers who want to make farming a profitable business. His hard work, innovation and leadership skills not only changed his life but also empowered his community. 

His journey shows that if farmers adopt new technologies and organic farming, they can not only become financially strong but can also contribute positively to the environment and society.