In the heart of Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district, a remarkable farmer named Binod Kumar Mahato is redefining agriculture by blending traditional farming with cutting-edge technology. Once a marketing officer at a bank in Pune, Binod chose to return to his ancestral land during the COVID-19 pandemic and transform farming into a smart, sustainable, and profitable venture.
From Corporate Life to Smart Farming
Binod Kumar Mahato, a physics honors graduate and MBA, was working in the corporate world when the pandemic struck. In 2020, he decided to leave his job and return to his village in the Churku block of Hazaribagh. Despite his farming background, he did not initially own land and started farming by leasing 20 acres spread across three farms: Sundarban, Vrindavan, and Madhuban Agriculture Vatika.
Binod believed that modern technology could dramatically improve farm productivity and sustainability. So, he set out to adopt smart farming techniques rather than relying solely on traditional methods.
Integrating AI and Digital Tools in Farming
On his farms, Binod installed solar-powered lighting, cameras, and automated irrigation systems. His Sundarban farm, in particular, uses AI-enabled sensors and a digital app to monitor soil moisture and control irrigation valves remotely via his smartphone. This innovation helps conserve water while ensuring the crops receive optimal hydration.
He also adopted mulching, covering the soil surface to retain moisture, reduce erosion, and improve soil fertility—methods typically overlooked in many rural Indian farms.
Smart Irrigation and Disease Management
Collaborating with companies like Ifco Kisan Finance Ltd and Cultivate, Binod equipped his fields with IoT sensors that track soil moisture, temperature, and other vital parameters. Using automated irrigation, he managed to reduce water usage by nearly 50% while increasing crop yield by 20%.
Experts from the Indian Vegetable Research Institute emphasize that such technology helps in early disease detection and management, especially important in Jharkhand’s shifting climatic conditions.
Automated Weather Forecasting for Precision Farming
Sundarban Vatika also features an advanced weather forecasting system from Philo company that provides accurate 10-day weather predictions. This allows Binod to precisely time fertilizer application, irrigation, and pesticide spraying. By adjusting pesticide use based on wind speed and direction, he achieves better pest control with reduced chemical usage.
Challenges and Potential in Jharkhand Agriculture
Jharkhand boasts 3.8 million hectares of arable land, but 92% of it lacks irrigation facilities, leaving vast potential untapped. The average income of farmers here is nearly half the national average, and many are smallholders with limited access to digital technology.
However, with examples like Binod’s, it is clear that technology adoption can significantly boost productivity and incomes, even in resource-constrained environments.
The Future of Farming in Jharkhand
Binod Kumar Mahato’s journey demonstrates how the right combination of technology, resources, and farmer initiative can make agriculture more profitable and sustainable. Support from institutions like NABARD and Ifco helps farmers gain access to modern tools and financing.
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