Nuapada, Sept 22 [UDN}:Odisha: Farmer Mukesh Chandrakar of Nuapada district in Odisha has emerged as an example of how crop diversification and modern agricultural practices can create new avenues of income for farmers. By moving away from traditional paddy cultivation and taking up palm oil farming, Chandrakar has reportedly built an agricultural enterprise generating an annual turnover of more than ₹1 crore.
Mukesh began experimenting with palm oil cultivation in 2016, shifting his focus from conventional paddy farming to a crop with growing commercial potential. Over the years, his plantation has expanded to around 80 acres, where he currently has approximately 4,560 fruit-bearing palm trees.
The plantation now produces around 550 tonnes of palm fruit annually, with the produce generating sales of approximately ₹1 crore. His experience demonstrates how a shift towards commercially viable plantation crops can potentially provide farmers with a more diversified and sustainable source of income.
Apart from palm oil, Chandrakar has also adopted intercropping, cultivating crops such as banana and cocoa between and around his plantation. This approach allows him to generate additional income while making productive use of available farmland.
His agricultural activities have also created employment opportunities in the local area. Around 100 people are reportedly associated with or benefiting from employment generated through his farming operations, giving his agricultural enterprise an economic impact beyond his own family.
In recognition of his achievements in agriculture, Mukesh Chandrakar was honoured with the “District Millionaire Farmer of India Award 2024.” The recognition highlighted his success in developing a high-value farming model and turning agriculture into a large-scale commercial enterprise.
His journey from paddy cultivation to palm oil farming is being viewed as an example of crop diversification, technology-oriented farming and income generation through plantation agriculture. His success could serve as a model for other farmers exploring alternative crops and new agricultural business opportunities.
The story of Mukesh Chandrakar reflects how a farmer’s willingness to experiment with new crops, adopt intercropping and expand agricultural operations can create not only higher economic returns but also employment opportunities within the local community.
From paddy to palm oil, his journey represents a notable example of changing farming practices, expanding agricultural income and creating rural employment in Odisha.
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