Shiv Kumar increased profit and production by adopting new technology in farming

Shiv Kumar is a resident of a small village in Vaishali district of Bihar. He had his early education in Muzaffarpur, from where he completed his education. His father was a professor by profession, and he always emphasized the importance of education. Shiv Kumar’s grandfather was a farmer, who did farming on his ancestral land. Shiv Kumar had experience of working in the fields since childhood and got the opportunity to learn many valuable things about farming from his grandfather.

After completing his education, Shiv Kumar studied engineering from Pune, Maharashtra. After getting a degree in engineering, he also did a job, but he was not feeling satisfied. Despite getting success in the job, he was not working for any purpose. This was the reason why he thought of molding himself in a new direction and decided to step into the agriculture sector. He thought of using new technology in farming and decided to make it his business.

Use of new techniques in farming

Shiv Kumar uses new technology in farming. These include laser land leveler, drip irrigation, zero tillage farming, maize and potato farming on ridge bed. He grows various crops like paddy, wheat, maize etc. in 75 acres, and also does fish farming in 4 acres of it.

He tells that first we level our land with laser land leveler, so that the need for water for irrigation is reduced. In Rabi season, we spray weedicide with tractor-mounted sprayer. After 15 days, we sow wheat, maize and mustard using zero tillage machine. In the Kharif season, we use Paddy Transplanter and Zero Tillage Machine, depending on the condition of the land (upland and lowland). For sowing maize and soybean, we use Raised Bed Transplanter. For harvesting the crop, we use Harvester and Reaper Winder.

Own seed production company

Shiv Kumar says that he has established his own seed production company, which has proved to be an important step for him. Through this company, he also connects other farmers around him. It not only produces seeds but also does the marketing, packing and sale of those seeds.

Shiv Kumar believes that good quality seeds are necessary for a good crop, and through his company, he has ensured that farmers get the best seeds. The seeds that he himself uses under new technology in farming, he also makes the same seeds available to other farmers, so that they too can grow high quality crops and expect good profits.

Use of medicines and fertilizers in crops

Shiv Kumar uses weedicides and other types of medicines to take good care of the crops, so that the crops do not suffer any damage and they can grow properly. Along with this, he is also moving towards organic farming. Shiv Kumar believes that organic farming not only maintains the quality of the soil, but it is also better for the environment.

He constantly takes advice from agricultural scientists, and especially gets help from Pusa scientists of Bihar, so that there is no major difficulty in his farming. Many times experts themselves come to his fields to inspect the condition of the crops and suggest measures for improvement wherever needed.

Shiv Kumar also uses vermicompost, which is an important fertilizer in organic farming. This fertilizer increases the fertility of the soil and nourishes the crops, which helps the crops grow better. Using vermicompost not only gives effective results of new technology in farming, but it is also beneficial for the environment.

Marketing is done through FPO

Shiv Kumar says that he is associated with FPO (Farmers Producer Organization), which he has established along with other farmers. FPO is a platform that gives farmers an opportunity to sell their products together and in an organized manner in the market. Through this organization, Shiv Kumar is able to easily send his crops to big markets and this gives him good profits. He believes that through such organizations, even small farmers can sell their produce on a large scale and their income can increase significantly.

Shiv Kumar’s annual income is more than Rs 15 lakh, which is a proof that by planning properly and working together, good profits can be earned from new technology in farming. He believes that if farmers unite and use their strength in the right direction, they can write their own success story in the agriculture sector.

Challenges and Solutions 

Shiv Kumar believes that the biggest challenge in the agriculture sector is the weather. Uncertainty of weather and unseasonal rain or drought can cause huge damage to crops. But Shiv Kumar finds solutions instead of being afraid of this problem. He has prepared for the change of weather under new technology in farming. He says, “To achieve success in agriculture, not only hard work but also proper planning and courage to face problems is necessary.”

Shiv also says that this land has been inherited from his ancestors, and he considers and respects it like his child. That is why he works with all his hard work and honesty. For him, this land is not just a means of business, but a heritage which he wants to preserve properly for the coming generations.

Honors and Awards

Shiv Kumar has received many honors and awards for his outstanding contribution in the agriculture sector. He received the “Kisan Shri” award under the National Agricultural Extension and Technology Mission (ATMA Program) for maximum wheat production in 2019-20. Also, he received the “Arise Sartaj Award” by Bayer CropScience Limited for high yielding paddy in 2010.

Also, he has been selected as the Chairman of Block Advisory Committee by the District Selection Committee from 19 September 2020 till date. He has been given subsidy on agricultural mechanization, subsidy on 200 metric tonne godown construction, subsidy on drip and sprinkler irrigation system, and subsidy by BASOKA for organic farming.

His advice for other farmers

Shiv Kumar advises that farmers should follow crop rotation, so that the fertility of the soil is maintained and different crops can be produced in every season. Along with this, he also encourages organic farming, as it is not only beneficial for the environment, but it also improves the quality of crops. He also says that farmers should use new agricultural techniques without fear, as these techniques help in increasing production and reducing costs. Also, new technology in farming can be improved by taking advice from agricultural scientists.

Shiv Kumar believes that the size of farming in Bihar may be relatively small, but this does not mean that farmers should give up. He motivates farmers to make proper use of their limited resources and get better results in agriculture by adopting new techniques. He also says that along with farming, adopt other activities, such as animal husbandry or fish farming, which can provide a source of additional income. Integrated farming, i.e. adding other ventures along with farming, can increase income and also reduce risk.

Conclusion

Shiv Kumar’s success story proves that if farmers use new technology in farming, make proper planning and work hard, then success can be achieved in the agriculture sector. His hard work, honesty and efforts in the right direction are a source of inspiration for others. Shiv Kumar’s example shows that no matter what the circumstances, if farmers use their hard work and technology properly, they will definitely get success.

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.