Solan Farmer Earns ₹21 Lakh/Acre with Organic Kiwi Farming
In a remarkable achievement, Pratap Bharnal, a farmer from Solan, Himachal Pradesh, has earned a staggering ₹21 lakh per acre by adopting organic kiwi farming practices. This success story is a testament to the potential of organic farming and its ability to bring in significant profits while promoting sustainable agriculture.
Pratap Bharnal, a resident of Solan, decided to diversify his farming practices in 2017 by shifting from apples to kiwis. At the time, the demand for kiwis was increasing, and the prices were higher than those of apples. Additionally, kiwi farming required less land and water compared to apples, making it an attractive option for Bharnal.
Bharnal started his organic kiwi farm with 100 saplings and has since expanded it to 400 kiwi plants. The farm is situated in a 1-acre plot, which Bharnal believes is the ideal size for kiwi farming. “Kiwi plants require a lot of care and attention, and a small plot like this allows me to give them the necessary attention,” he explains.
The secret to Bharnal’s success lies in his organic farming practices. He uses only water and cow dung manure to fertilize his kiwi plants, rejecting synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. “I believe that nature has the power to heal and nourish, and I don’t need to use artificial chemicals to get the best results,” he says.
Bharnal’s commitment to organic farming has paid off, with his kiwi plants yielding an average of 52 kg every season. Last season, he harvested a record 21,600 kg of kiwis, earning a whopping ₹21 lakh per acre. This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the declining returns from apple farming in the region.
The demand for kiwis is increasing, and Bharnal’s farm is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. “Kiwis are a superfood, and their demand is growing rapidly,” he notes. “I expect my farm to continue to grow and expand in the coming years.”
Bharnal’s success has not gone unnoticed, with many farmers in the region expressing interest in adopting organic kiwi farming practices. “I have received many queries from farmers who want to learn about my methods,” he says. “I am happy to share my knowledge and help them achieve similar success.”
The Himachal Pradesh government has taken notice of Bharnal’s achievement and has launched initiatives to promote organic farming in the region. The government has set up several organic farming clusters, where farmers can learn about organic farming practices and get access to organic inputs.
The success of farmers like Pratap Bharnal serves as a reminder of the potential of organic farming to bring in significant profits while promoting sustainable agriculture. As the demand for organic and sustainable products continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more farmers adopting similar practices and achieving similar success.
