Transforming Crop Lands into Capital: A Uttar Pradesh Farmer Converts Sugarcane Farming into a Rs 1 Crore Eco-friendly Business Enterprise
In the heart of Uttar Pradesh's agricultural landscape, Sartaj Khan, a progressive farmer, is making waves with his innovative approach to sugarcane farming at Shahid Farms. Spanning 70 acres of land, the farm cultivates sugarcane on 50 acres and runs a sugarcane nursery.
Sartaj's farming methods are a blend of organic and conventional practices, ensuring a sustainable and productive model. He uses the trench method for planting sugarcane, which guarantees nearly 100% germination. His cost of cultivating sugarcane per acre is around Rs 40,000.
Intercropping, a practice that improves soil health, reduces pest infestations, and makes more efficient use of available water resources, is a key component of Sartaj's farming strategy. During the autumn sugarcane season, he intercrops with crops like mustard, cauliflower, cabbage, wheat, peas, chickpeas, and knol khol. He also practices intercropping during the summer season.
Sartaj's farm is a local hub for knowledge-sharing, having evolved over the years due to his innovative practices. He avoids the use of herbicides, relying on natural and manual methods for weed control. Sartaj's row spacing of 2.5 to 4 feet enables easier weeding and the use of mechanized tools.
Sartaj times his sowing and harvesting carefully to optimise productivity, taking weather patterns and soil conditions into account. He gets his soil tested twice a year and tailors his fertilization plan based on scientific analysis. Over the years, Sartaj has experimented with various sugarcane varieties, including 0238, 13235, 0118, 14201, and 16202. These newer varieties have shown remarkable disease resistance and productivity on his farm over the past three years.
Sartaj's commitment to sustainability extends beyond his farm. He earns extra revenue from selling organic compost and consultancy services to neighbouring farmers. He also sells sugarcane saplings, making him a source of support and inspiration in the farming community.
Shahid Farms is known for adopting advanced techniques and intercropping systems, positioning Sartaj Khan as a trailblazer in modern sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh. For detailed and accurate insights into Sartaj's farming methods, it is recommended to check local agricultural extension services, regional farming case studies, or contact relevant agricultural departments in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
As a trailblazer in modern sugarcane farming, Sartaj Khan, an entrepreneurial-minded farmer at Shahid Farms, is leveraging his knowledge in finance to invest in innovative practices, boosting both his business and the local agricultural landscape of Uttar Pradesh. Sartaj's farm, recognized for its sustainable, diversified, and intercropping systems, serves as a valuable source of information for other farmers seeking expertise in finance-driven entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector.
