Name of the farmer: Mr. Mrinal Das

Address: Vill: Dharmapur, P.O: Abhayapuri, Dist: Bongaigaon (Assam), PIN: 783384

Mobile No. 7002455741

Backgound

Mr. Mrinal Das residence of Dharmapur, Abhayapuri  after completing his education started his family occupation of traditional agriculture to meet both ends meals.  His aptitude, innovative mind and eagerness towards new technology and development in the field of agriculture made him to contact the experts of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bongaigaon where he gained knowledge about  integrated farming system.

KVK Intervention

In the month of February 2021, Sri Mrinal Das approached KVK Bongaigaon for seeking proper guidance to start the integrated farming model. After active discussions, he decided to rear khaki Campbell ducks suitable for the region for egg production as Bongaigaon district has a great demand for duck eggs. He was also advised for stocking the good quality fish seed for composite fish culture for the fishery unit. Integration of these two components reduced his feed cost upto 30%. Mr. Das procured duck plague vaccines from District Veterinary Office, Bongaigaon and other valuable health management tips for ducks from Veterinary Officer, Abhayapuri. He also got the chance to attend training programme under skill development on poultry farming conducted by KVK, Bongaigaon. His integrated farming unit comprises a pond of size 0.133 Ha for composite fish culture and raised floor duck shed above the pond for 45 numbers of duck. Later he expanded the farm for different breeds of poultry, game birds and other duck breeds. Introduction of new breeds of poultry, duck and other game birds have given a new hope for other interested farmers to start other venture such as meat shops.  

Return from his  farm

In the month of August, 2021 when the Khaki Campbell attained 5 months of age of 100% ducks survived, 40 were female and 05 male. After 6 months they stated to collect 23 numbers of egg per day. From 7 months onward he started to collect 36 numbers of egg per day. Duck eggs were sold @ Rs. 8 each for table purpose and for hatching @Rs. 10/- each. The net return from the fishery unit of 0.133 Ha was estimated Rs. 45,000.00/- during harvest of the fish.  

Likewise ducks from 6 months onward he started collect poultry eggs from Kadaknath and other breeds. Kadaknath males were sold @600/- per kg at Bongaigaon town and Kadaknath eggs were sold @ 25/- each.

Out of these total earnings from selling of meat and eggs, they utilized some amount as working capital for expansion of the farm. Caponized birds were sold during the month of April, 2022 at the rate of 800.00/- per Kg as the region has a great demand for castrated meat.

Inspiring others

 By selling poultry egg, meat and Fish Sri Mrinal Das running his farm very smoothly and he gained interest to become supplier of chicks, ducklings and hatching eggs among the local farmers. The achievement of Sri Mrinal Das is an eye opener for other unemployed youth and they are quite satisfied with the concept of integrated farming model and ready to adopt it as an enterprise.

Award received

Received District Level Best Innovative Farmer award under Animal Husbandry during Livestock and Poultry Mela 2024 held at Khanapara, Guwahati

Name of the farmer: Mr. Nalini Kr. Das

Age: 68 years

Address: T. R. Phukan Road, Ward No. 2, Dist: Bongaigaon, PIN: 783380

Educational qualification: H.S. passed

Background

Mr. Nalini Kumar Das is considered as one of the innovative farmer in the Bongaigaon district of Assam and received many accolades in the form of awards and appreciation, apart from farming. He cultivates different vegetable crops seasonally based on the demand of the cosumers. Initially he used to cultivated paddy and vegetables, however, the low returns and concerned about the health of the soil and environment he switched to completely organic farming. Mr. Das practices organic farming coupled with vermicompost production and mulching in 1.2 hectares of land. For the control of pests and diseaes, he uses home-made bio-pesticides preparaed by using cow urine, cow dung and native plants having insecticidal properties. He also providing employment to seven farm families. He sells his produce directly directly to the consumers without intervention of middlemen.

KVK Intervention

Just after his retirement from govt. service during the year 2017, Mr. Nalini Kr. Das came in contact with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bongaigaon where he discussed with KVK Experts about production of vegetables and organic production system. With the guidance of KVK Scientists, he is adopting organic farming along with production technologies like production of vermicompost, use of plastic mulch in king chilli, surface irrigation system, preparation of home-made bio-pesticides and liquid manures like Panchagavya etc.

Return from his farm

Media coverage

- His success stories highlighted in the Assam Daily Newspaper “Dainik Asom” on April, 22, 2021

- His success story highlighted in the English Newspaper “ The Assam Tribune” on December, 29, 2021

Inspiring others

Now, Mr. Nalini Das is a well know person for motivating and inspiring rural youths for taken up organic agriculture as a profession. His model farm attracting people and rural youths in and around Bongaigaon. Practices of organic input production (Panchagavya, enriched vermicompost, cow urine-based home made biopesticide viz. Nimastra, Bramhastra) spreading gradually into nearby villages of the district. 

Award received:

Mr. Nalini Das received 3^rd Position in Ankurita Asom Best Farmer Award (Horticulture Sector) during January, 2024