As India strides toward development, many are turning away from agriculture, but some farmers are defying this trend by making farming their primary livelihood and inspiring others. One such farmer is Mitrabhanu Patel from Gudigaon village in Jharsuguda district, Odisha, who has become a role model through his innovative and profitable farming practices.
Mitrabhanu has embraced a diverse range of agricultural activities, cultivating mangoes, guavas, various vegetables, fish, and goats. He earns an impressive annual profit of Rs 1-2 lakh from mangoes alone and has set a goal to plant 200 trees. His success is largely attributed to the support and training provided by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Badmal, Jharsuguda, along with assistance from the Agriculture Department and government schemes. “With the guidance of KVK, I’ve been able to adopt scientific farming methods, which have made this success possible,” he says.
Over the past 20 years, Mitrabhanu has grown multiple crops, including paddy, vegetables, flowers, mangoes, and guavas, generating over Rs 4 lakh annually from mangoes and guavas alone. His mango varieties include Amrapalli, Neelam, Mallika, Jahangir, and Kesar, yielding nearly Rs 2 lakh yearly, while Thai guava cultivation brings in over Rs 1 lakh. His dedication has not only brought him financial success but also made him an inspiration for others in the region.
In 2013, former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik honored Mitrabhanu with an award on Farmers’ Day, recognizing his contributions. The district administration has also included him in the Integrated Farming System (IFS) scheme, providing financial support to further his efforts. Local farmer Krupasindhu Kalo credits Mitrabhanu for mentoring others, sharing techniques like low-water paddy cultivation. “Last year, he gave me a paddy variety and taught me efficient farming methods, helping me earn a good income,” Kalo says.
The Jharsuguda KVK has adopted five villages, including Gudigaon, as model villages to promote agriculture-based programs. Dr. Sameer Ranjan Dash, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, praises Mitrabhanu as a leading farmer deeply engaged with the center. “Through KVK training, he earns Rs 8 lakh annually under the IFS scheme, spending Rs 5 lakh on farming while retaining significant profits. His success in cultivating fruits, flowers, vegetables, and paddy, including OUAT-developed maize, has made him a beacon for others,” Dr. Dash notes. Mitrabhanu’s achievements continue to motivate fellow farmers, revitalizing interest in agriculture across the region.
