Vishwashankar Santoshkumar Shivaray cultivatesg betel crop on one acre of land in Yelheri village with a subsidy of ₹18 lakh under the National Horticulture Mission scheme from the Horticulture Department. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
An M.Com graduate has set an example of how a farmer can earn several thousand rupees in a month, using modern technologies with the help of government schemes in the agriculture sector.
Vishwashankar Santoshkumar Shivaray, 26, from Yelheri village in Gurmitkal taluk of Yadgir district, decided to become an agriculturist instead of looking for a job in any company after getting his Masters degree in commerce.
He started cultivating betel crop on one acre of his own land in Yelheri village with a subsidy of ₹18 lakh under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) scheme from the Horticulture Department eight months ago. He spent a total of ₹36 lakh to get all rights for the process of betel farming.
Mr. Vishwashankar erected a polyhouse on a whole one-acre of land and cultivated the crop. Now, he gets around three lakh individual leaves on a half acre of land. He earns around ₹70,000 a month by selling betel leaves. His income will increase during the summer season, which is a good time to sell betel leaves.
Vishwashankar Santoshkumar Shivaray cultivatesg betel crop on one acre of land in Yelheri village with a subsidy of ₹18 lakh under the National Horticulture Mission scheme from the Horticulture Department. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
“Around six lakh leaves are produced on an area of one acre. We harvest the leaves once every 15 days and transport them to open markets in Kalaburagi, Shahapur, Shorapur, Yadgir, and also Narayanapet in Telangana State by way of goods vehicles or government buses,” Mr. Vishwashankar said.
After fencing the particular land for betel crops, he installed three pumpsets for irrigation. Furthermore, the land is covered by drip irrigation.
“We require skilled labour for planting saplings and harvesting leaves. Therefore, we are hiring labourers from Chincholi in Kalaburagi district. Each labourer will get ₹500 as a wage, in addition to ₹200 for meals per day. The labourers stay at the farmhouse until the completion of harvesting,” he explained.
His father, a retired government employee, and his mother, supported Vishwashankar in his endeavours.
“The youth of this generation have a bunch of talent. But, they should use it in a proper way to build an independent and respectful life. Most educated young people are reluctant to choose the agriculture sector owing to apprehension of losing out on products. But, it can be seen that agriculture is a profitable sector, with the use of modern technology,” Mr. Vishwashankar said, appealing to the youth to use the benefits extended by the government and venture into the field of agriculture in large numbers to ensure profitability.
Vishwashankar Santoshkumar Shivaray cultivatesg betel crop on one acre of land in Yelheri village with a subsidy of ₹18 lakh under the National Horticulture Mission scheme from the Horticulture Department. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Published - July 16, 2024 07:50 pm IST
