From Struggles to Success: Narayana's Integrated Farming Journey

Agriculture can often present numerous challenges, leading many farmers to face financial losses. However, Narayana, a determined farmer from Hunasanahalli village, has turned the tide in his favour, establishing himself as a role model for fellow farmers. By embracing integrated farming, he has successfully earned an impressive annual income of ₹20-25 lakhs.

Narayana has made significant investments in his agricultural venture, initially spending ₹50 lakhs to cultivate various crops on his fourteen-acre land in Keelukoppa village, located along the Kamasamudra main road. His diverse cultivation includes 5,000 sandalwood trees, 1,000 coconut trees, 600 neem trees, and 10,000 pomegranate plants. This variety not only maximises productivity but also mitigates risks associated with single-crop farming.

To ensure the health and productivity of his plants, Narayana has invested additional funds over the years for maintenance and irrigation. He utilises four borewells and implements drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, which are essential for sustaining his crops in the region’s climatic conditions. The outcome has been fruitful; his plants are now yielding produce that generates an annual income of ₹20-25 lakhs, demonstrating that fruit cultivation can indeed be lucrative.

In addition to his fruit crops, Narayana maintains a flock of 100 sheep in a modern sheep shed. He cleverly uses their manure to enhance the fertility of his soil, creating a sustainable cycle within his farming practices. Notably, customers visit his farm directly to purchase the organically grown fruits, highlighting the demand for high-quality, sustainable produce.

Reflecting on his journey, Narayana shares, “Three years ago, I was growing vegetables, but I faced losses due to maintenance issues, storage problems, and market challenges. That experience motivated me to switch to fruit cultivation.” Without any formal training, he turned to YouTube for guidance, learning valuable farming techniques that have transformed his operations. Now, he produces hundreds of kilograms of pomegranates daily, which he sells in local markets.

Narayana’s approach to crop diversification has paid off. He has planted coconut trees, papaya, lemon, and jamun trees among the pomegranate plants, ensuring that his land is used efficiently and effectively. He notes the differences in labour requirements between short-term and long-term crops: “Short-term crops need more labour, as they require sowing every six months, along with ongoing care like fertiliser application, pest control spraying, weeding, and harvesting. In contrast, long-term horticulture crops present fewer challenges.”

Senior Assistant Director of the Horticulture Department, Shivareddy, has acknowledged Narayana’s achievements. He stated that the department is committed to ensuring farmers like Narayana receive the benefits they deserve. Moreover, they aim to inspire other farmers by showcasing success stories such as his.

For pest control, Narayana has adopted organic farming practices that include using mulching for weed management. Rather than relying on chemical pesticides, he employs natural solutions like neem oil, buttermilk, and cow urine. He has fully committed to organic methods, producing compost using earthworms and utilising green and dry waste generated on his farm, thereby enhancing sustainability.

Narayana’s journey exemplifies the potential for success in agriculture through innovative practices and a willingness to adapt. His story serves as an inspiration for other farmers who may be struggling, proving that with the right strategies and commitment, it is possible to achieve profitability and sustainability in farming. Through integrated farming, Narayana has not only improved his own livelihood but has also set a benchmark for others in the agricultural community to follow.