Dhamtari, 29 November (HS). After completing his engineering studies, Engineer Eklavya decided to pursue his career in vegetable farming without aspiring for a job. After taking information from the Horticulture Department, he started chilli farming on 12 acres of land and today he is earning lakhs of rupees from this farming. Not only improving his own career but also improving the career of many women of the village by providing employment to them every day. Engineer Eklavya Sahu is a source of inspiration for those young men and women who do not want to do farming in the hope of getting a government job after completing higher education and try to stay away from it.
Eklavya Sahu, resident of village Dudhwara located in Magarlod block of the district, came to the village after passing the engineering examination in the year 2017-18. He did not want to do a government job and from the beginning he was interested in farming. Then, having made up my mind to pursue my career in vegetable farming, I met the Horticulture Officer and got information about chilli farming. For some time Eklavya acquired technical knowledge of farming. He also got information that his area is the driest area, in such a situation, Engineer Eklavya Sahu decided to take chilli crop in his fields under the expansion of spice sector which can get high yield along with low cost and less water. Under the guidance of the Horticulture Department, he got information about drip irrigation, pack house, seed pack scheme etc. under the National Agricultural Development Scheme. Also came to know about the grant received for this. Taking advantage of the grant, Eklavya started growing chilli crop in his 12 acre farm. He says that he got good profits from chilli farming right from the beginning. The yield is 100 to 110 quintals per acre and they are earning a net income of Rs 2 lakh per acre.
Eklavya Sahu told that although the chillies prepared by him are sold immediately in the district itself, but he also sends chillies for sale to other districts. This also gives them additional value. He never felt unemployed due to chilli farming and today his career has flourished due to this farming. Engineer Eklavya Sahu’s message to the educated young men and women of the area is that in today’s era, no work is small or big. Whatever work you get, do it. To improve your career, only government job is not necessary, lakhs of rupees can be earned by doing modern farming also.
