High-Income Generation through Low-Cost Agricultural Input

<p>Kupuli Guda, a small village of about 20 households in the Kollar Gram Panchayath of Boipariguda Block, Koraput District, is known for its cost-effective farming. All households here use Non-Pesticide Management (NPM) to grow vegetables, paddy, and millet, reducing costs and minimising chemical residues.</p> <p>Buddhai Bhumia, a 35-year-old farmer, has practised NPM on her three-and-a-half-acre farm for the past five years. Together with her husband, Gobardhana Bhumia, she harvests two crops annually: paddy on two acres, millet on one acre and various vegetables including ladyfinger, beans, chilli, cauliflower, and cabbage on half an acre.</p> <p>"For the past five years, my husband and I have been extremely satisfied with the consistently good yields we obtain each season,"Buddhai said, her face glowing with contentment. Previously, they used chemical pesticides, which were costly and unprofitable. "Initially, we couldn't even recover our investments from using chemical pesticides," she recalled.</p> <p>Now, Buddhai uses homemade organic pesticides and fertilizers, which are cheaper and more effective. She uses organic fertilisers like Handi Khata and Jeevamrut, and organic pesticides such as Neemastra and Agniastra.</p> <p>Regarding her profits, Buddhai shared, "From the okra crop, I earned&nbsp; Rs. 2,400 with an investment of only Rs. 200 in seeds. I can harvest 150 kg of ladyfinger from a single batch."</p> <p>Buddhai's successful adoption of NPM has not only improved her family's income but also inspired other farmers in Kupuli Guda to embrace sustainable agricultural practices.</p>