Double Profit from Maize Farming Instead of Summer Rice

Double the profit from farming Low cost, higher profit, and success in water conservation

Raipur : The positive impact of the Save Water Campaign, aimed at conserving water and increasing farmers’ income, is now being seen in Balod district. For Shri Shravankumar, a tribal farmer from Chhindgaon village in the Dondi development block, the campaign has proven to be economically highly beneficial. Previously engaged in summer rice farming, Shravankumar, with the guidance of the district administration and the agriculture department, grew maize on his 2-acre land this time. As a result, he earned a net income of 88,200 rupees, which is double the profit compared to rice farming.

Shravankumar shared that the total expense for maize production was 11,800 rupees, which included costs for fertilizers, seeds, and other inputs. The sale of maize brought him an income of 1 lakh rupees, resulting in a net profit of 88,200 rupees. In contrast, rice farming during the summer requires higher costs and more water, offering comparatively lower profits.

Not only did maize farming boost his income, but it also significantly reduced water consumption, aiding in groundwater conservation. Additionally, by decomposing maize residue in the fields, soil fertility improved, leading to an increase of 3-4 quintals per acre in rice production during the Kharif season. Inspired by this success, Shravankumar has decided to continue maize farming during the Rabi season this year.

Shravankumar praised the Save Water Campaign initiated under the guidance of the district administration, stating that it motivated him to switch from rice to other crops, yielding good results. He mentioned that this not only improves farmers’ economic conditions but also promotes water conservation and environmental protection.