Achal Kumar Mishra, a resident of Bhira village in Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, has established new dimensions in sugarcane production with his hard work and scientific approach. Born in 1982, Achal started with traditional farming and today has been honored at the national and state level for his innovative techniques and advanced farming methods. His journey is a source of inspiration for Indian farmers.
Initial struggle and the beginning of innovation
Achal started his agricultural journey with simple sugarcane farming, which produced 700-800 quintals of sugarcane per hectare through traditional methods. But the question always arose in his mind as to how to make farming more profitable and sustainable.
He adopted the scientific trench method, which increased the production to 1000-1200 quintals per hectare. Although this method increased production, the cost was also high.
He explains:
“After the trench method, I realized that we need innovation in farming. With this thought in mind, I started working on the Ring Pit Method.”
Ring Pit Method: A Revolutionary Change
Achal kept the distance between the pits 21 inches and the distance between the lines 42 inches for sowing sugarcane in the ring pit method. This technique increased the production in his fields drastically. While earlier the production was 1200 quintals per hectare, with the ring pit method it increased to 1800-2000 quintals per hectare.
He says:
“This method is a revolution in sugarcane production. It not only increased the production but also reduced the cost.”
Increase in production and profit
The result of Achal’s hard work and innovation is clearly visible. The sugarcane yield in his fields reached 3296 quintals per hectare in 2017-18. He received many awards at the state and district level for this unique achievement.
He says:
“Improvement in sugarcane production was possible only by changing the methods of cultivation. New techniques are a boon for farmers.”
Honours and Achievements
Achal’s innovative farming has earned him many honours. Some of the prominent ones are:
1. State Level Awards
• 2007-08: First Prize in Sugarcane Competition.
2017-18: State Level Award for Excellence in Sugarcane Production.
• 2020-21: Utkrisht Integrated Agriculture Award.
2. National Awards
• 2024: Innovative Farmer Award by IARI, Delhi.
2021: Cane-Ovator Award, ICAR Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore.
• 2024: Millionaire Farmer of India Award.
3. District Level Awards
• Best Sugarcane Producing Farmer in 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19.
Benefits and awareness of government schemes
Achal took advantage of several government schemes, the prominent ones being:
1. Use of modern machinery:
He used machines like paddy straw chopper, mulcher, thresher, which reduced the cost of farming and increased productivity.
2. Crop residue management:
Through awareness programmes by the government, Achal started using decomposers to make compost instead of burning crop residues.
3. Irrigation schemes:
Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, he took advantage of drip and sprinkler irrigation method.
He says:
“We not only got technical support from government schemes, but also got the benefit of modern agricultural equipment.”
Inspiration for farmers
Achal did not limit his success to himself. He shared his experience and knowledge with other farmers. Today, under his guidance, many farmers are adopting advanced sugarcane production techniques.
He says:
“My dream is that every farmer doubles his income by using modern techniques.”
Farming experiences: Conversation with Achal
Question: What inspired you to adopt the ring pit method?
Achal: The cost of trench method was high, so I thought why not adopt a method that gives more production at a lower cost. This was possible with the ring pit method.”
Question: What advice would you give to farmers?
Achal: I want to tell farmers not to be afraid of adopting new technologies. It is beneficial for both your farm and the environment.”
Question: What was the biggest challenge you faced?
Achal: Initially it was difficult to convince farmers. But when they saw the results, they themselves started adopting this method.”
Question: Which government schemes did you benefit from and what was their impact?
Achal: Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and crop residue management gave me the opportunity to use modern equipment. This made farming easier and productive.”
Question: What was your most memorable achievement?
Achal: Producing 3296 quintals of sugarcane per hectare in 2017-18 was the most special achievement for me. This was the result of my hard work and new technologies.”
Future plans
Achal Mishra dreams of spreading his techniques across the country. He wants every farmer to use advanced agricultural methods and increase their income.
He says:
“It is my dream that every farmer in India should prosper. New technologies can help us achieve this goal.”
Conclusion
The story of Achal Kumar Mishra proves that with the right approach and hard work, agriculture can be revolutionized. His ring pit method is not only helpful in increasing sugarcane production, but it is also an excellent example of sustainable farming.
His journey teaches us that if farmers combine their thinking with a scientific approach, not only will their income increase, but the future of Indian agriculture will also be bright.
Contact us:
If farmers want to share information or experiences related to farming with us, then they can do this by calling us on the phone number 9599273766 or by writing an email to [email protected] or by sending your recording. Through Kisan of India, we will convey your message to the people, because we believe that if the farmers are advanced then the country is happy.