Agriculture Students Champion Multi-Cropping to Boost Farmer Incomes

Students from the College of Agriculture Kalaburagi implemented a multi-cropping system as part of their 'learning through earning' initiative. They harvested vegetables on 38 guntas of land and utilized digital platforms to sell their crops, aiming to double farmers' incomes despite weather challenges.

Students from the College of Agriculture Kalaburagi have embraced a multi-cropping system on a small plot of land, aiming to double farmers' incomes. This initiative, dubbed 'learning through earning,' is part of their final-year coursework. The students harvested a variety of vegetables on 38 guntas of land at the ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra campus, undeterred by adverse weather conditions.

A student from the University of Agricultural Sciences Raichur highlighted the importance of multi-cropping, stating, 'As the population grows and land availability decreases, our focus is on the multiple cropping system. This approach enables us to grow multiple crops in a given area, potentially doubling farmers' incomes.' The student further noted that farmers benefit from the 'digitalization of the market,' which reduces crop costs and eases the selling process.

Another student explained their hands-on experience with digital marketing as part of the 'learning through earning' programme. 'Farmers may excel at growing crops but often struggle with marketing. Middlemen tend to inflate costs for consumers. By connecting directly with customers via digital marketing and WhatsApp, we sidestep these intermediaries,' the student remarked. They also mentioned cultivating five different crop varieties on the land.

Reflecting on Prime Minister Modi's vision to double farmers' incomes, another student said, 'Despite weather fluctuations, we've managed to grow these crops. Multiple cropping systems and market digitalization can help farmers achieve this goal.' Assistant Professor Mahantesh Jogi added, 'Our students have cultivated crops in temperatures reaching up to 46 degrees Celsius. Our concept is 'farm to plate.' We've utilized WhatsApp to connect directly with consumers, eliminating middlemen in line with PM Modi's vision. Post-course, students will pass this knowledge onto farmers.'

(With inputs from agencies.)