Location: Sehore District, Madhya Pradesh, India
Farmer Name: Harish Dhakad
Background: 10th pass, traditional farming family
Specialization: Organic vegetable farming and polyhouse cultivation
The Journey Begins
Harish Dhakad started farming at a young age, helping his father on their 3-acre ancestral land. For years, they followed traditional methods, growing wheat and soybean. But the returns were meager—barely ₹5,000 a month. Debt was rising, and Harish was about to quit farming.
But everything changed in 2014 when he attended a government-organized Krishi Mela (farmers’ fair) in Bhopal. There, he learned about organic farming, drip irrigation, and polyhouse cultivation.
Switching to Organic & Smart Farming
Inspired and motivated, Harish took the risk of converting 1 acre of land into fully organic. He started growing high-value vegetables like:
Capsicum (Shimla Mirch)
Cucumber (Kheera)
Tomatoes
Spinach and fenugreek
He used vermicompost, neem oil, and bio-fertilizers. He also installed drip irrigation using a government subsidy (80% funding). This saved water and increased productivity.
Polyhouse Revolution
In 2016, Harish invested in a polyhouse structure (with 90% government subsidy), where he began cultivating exotic vegetables like colored capsicum, lettuce, and broccoli — high demand in metro cities and hotels.
He started direct supply to Indore and Bhopal hotels, cutting out middlemen.
Income & Expansion
Initial Income (2013): ₹5,000/month
After Organic Farming (2015): ₹40,000/month
After Polyhouse Setup (2017): ₹1.2 lakh/month
Current Annual Income (2024): ₹25–30 Lakh
Harish now owns 2 polyhouses, trains other farmers, and sells organic manure under his own label “Dhakad Organics.”
Achievements
Awarded Krishi Bhushan by MP Government
Invited to share experience at National Organic Farming Summit
Over 600 farmers trained personally by him
Runs a YouTube channel to teach organic methods
Harish’s Message
Farming is not backward. It’s the future if done smartly. We don’t need chemical shortcuts—we need organic patience
Key Takeaways
Aspect Details
Farm Size 3 acres (2 open, 1 polyhouse)
Monthly Earnings ₹1.5 to ₹2.5 lakh
Main Crops Exotic vegetables, leafy greens
Techniques Used Drip irrigation, organic inputs, polyhouse
Sales Channels Direct hotel supply, organic mandis
Challenges Pests, convincing family, market linkage
Support Received Govt subsidies, Krishi Vigyan Kendra help