He is an inspiration for marginal farmers of Sambalpur district. Khirod Bhainsa (53) of Petupali village under Nua Barangamal gram panchayat in Maoist infested Jujumura block has substantially increased his earnings after shifting to cultivation of pointed gourd (Potala) over a small patch of land.
Bhainsa owns 1.25 acres of non-irrigated agricultural land and was growing paddy in it during the kharif season till last year.
With paddy not offering good returns compared to the hard work and money he and his son Taranisen (24) put in, he decided to shift to growing Potala over 30 decimal of land in February last year.
With initial investment of around `1,000 on root suckers of the vegetable, locally known as Potala Kanda, besides `9,000 on land preparation and fertiliser, he tried to change his fortune for better.
Fortunately, his efforts paid rich dividend. The vegetable is harvested for a period of seven months from April to October and once planted, the creeper bears fruits for three years.
Today, Khirod harvests an average of six quintals of Potala every month and during the seven-month harvesting period, he earns around `12,000 each month at a minimum selling price of `20 per kg against `8,000 he would have earned from paddy.
In the last season, Khirod earned a net profit of around `60,000. The 53-year-old farmer is supported by his son who also looks after marketing of the produce. Taranisen sells the vegetable in neighbouring Padiabahal, Sindupank and Maneswar weekly haats besides occasionally in Golebazar, the largest vegetable market of Sambalpur town.
“When I was into paddy farming, it was hand-to-mouth situation for us. Now, we are leading a decent life. I also managed to save a substantial amount from Potala cultivation which helped me perform the marriage ceremony of my eldest daughter two months back,” said Khirod, who runs a family of six.
Khirod is now planning to shun paddy once for all and cultivate Potala in his entire land.
WINDS OF CHANGE
■ Since Pointed gourd (Potala) is more remunerative than paddy, farmers in Western Odisha are opting for cash than tradition.
■ Today, Khirod earns 50 per cent more by growing ‘Potala’
■ He is now planning to shun paddy and cultivate ‘Potala’ in his 30 decimal of land