Odisha Farmer’s Fallow Land Turns Productive With Virtual Farming Tips

Bhubaneswar: Kabiraj of Deogarh district in Odisha makes a living out of farming. He has a family of five to feed and take care of.

Of his 3 acres of farmland, 1 acre was unproductive until Reliance Foundation offered their virtual assistance to Kabiraj during the lockdown period.

Initially, Kabiraj solely depended on the yield from his 2 acres of paddy field. But then, when he started receiving advisories in the form of voice messages from Reliance Foundation, he mustered the courage to grow vegetables on his fallow land.

He started participating in the multi-location audio conferences organised by the Foundation to learn more about farming activities.

He reached out to the agriculture experts at the toll-free number 18004198800 to seek guidance.

Acting upon the expert guidance, Kabiraj used his savings to install a bore well in his fallow land.

Kabiraj’s determination and the virtual farming guidance helped him to cultivate pointed gourd on 70 cents, spine gourd on 10 cents and mixed vegetables like cowpea, cluster bean and okra in the remaining 20 cents of land.

Soon, Kabiraj started selling his farm products at a very good price and the farm yield also multiplied.

“I could manage my crops well by applying pesticides and fertilizers as per the suggestions from Reliance Foundation. I was able to get back to my field during COVID-19 lockdown because of the right guidance from the Reliance Foundation. I have sold nearly 250 kgs of pointed gourds for Rs 12000 till date. I am expecting to get more than Rs 40,000 by selling pointed gourds, of which around Rs. 30,000 will be my net profit. Selling these vegetables will add to my income,” said Kabiraj.