Grafted Tomato and Chilli Farming Changed the Fate of Topchand Bhandari

Raipur : Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the Chhattisgarh Government is continually working towards doubling farmers’ income. In this regard, the horticulture department’s schemes and technical assistance are bringing about positive changes in farmers’ lives. The success of Topchand Bhandari, a farmer from Beherakhar village in the Kunkuri development block, is a testament to this.

Topchand Bhandari previously practiced traditional vegetable farming, which resulted in limited yields and low income. However, when he sought technical guidance from the Horticulture Department and adopted grafted tomato and chilli farming, his fortune changed. With the technical assistance from the department, he began cultivating grafted tomatoes and chillies with mulching sheets in his field. He planted tomatoes on 1.2 hectares and grafted chillies on 0.3 hectares. This resulted in a total yield of 225 quintals of tomatoes, earning him ₹6,75,000. After covering the costs, he made a net profit of approximately ₹5,60,000.

Topchand Bhandari not only adopted technological innovations in his own farming practices but also shared his experiences with fellow farmers. He now continuously advises other farmers to connect with the Horticulture Department’s schemes, practice advanced farming, and increase their income. He believes that with proper guidance and technical assistance, farmers can become financially empowered. Currently, he is re-growing grafted tomatoes and is optimistic about achieving even better results in the future.