RAJKOT: The concept of group farming may not be new, but these 25 farmers from four villages of Jamnagar district are reaping its benefits with profit up to Rs 50,000 per bigha land.
The farmers of Nana Khadba, Gadhkda, Bhojabedi, and Badhla of Lalpur taluka of Jamnagar have joined hands for the cultivation of watermelon and muskmelon in 320 bigha land.
The group farming started in 2017 with just four farmers coming together.
But now the number increased to 25.
Next year more farmers are expected to join this group.
Each farmer has land ranging from 10 to 50 bigha.
Adam Sapiya of Nana Khadba village was the first to initiate group farming in his village in 2017.
“The farming of watermelon and muskmelon used to be scattered.
Not many farmers were farming for these desert fruit as there was no market.
But once we started farming in a group, traders started coming to our doorstep to buy the produce and pay in cash.” These farmers are using drip irrigation method for farming and collectively decided on the use of pesticides.
The use of scientific method for farming has resulted in a yield of 8 tonne per bigha.
This year the farmers have already sold about 70,000 tonnes of watermelons.
The sowing for these fruits starts from December and harvesting is done in March.
Ashraf Sapiya, another farmer said, “Currently, the profit per bigha is Rs 50,000 for a farmer.
We can save on seeds, pesticides and other raw materials by purchasing in bulk and also negotiate with traders at the time of selling the fruits.
This year we earned Rs 1.50/kg more compared to the market price.” How does group farming work? In group farming, the farmers together decide which seeds to be used and what technology would be more effective.
Before the sowing season starts, farmers decide on when to start sowing, when to start harvesting, how much pesticides to use, and when.
Everybody follows the instructions to the dot.
The harvest is then sold in big cities like Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
These farmers also grow tomatoes, chilli, brinjal and cucumbers during winter.