Grafted Brinjal Transforms Farming: Murli Dhar Sahu’s Success in Kharsia

Raipur, Dec 2025: The National Horticulture Mission (NHM) has provided new direction to farmers, opening the path for substantial income with low investment. Grafted brinjal cultivation has transformed the agricultural landscape for Murli Dhar Sahu, a farmer from Karumauha village in Kharsia block, Raigarh district. With guidance from the Horticulture Department and modern techniques, his yield increased from 80 quintals to 170 quintals, nearly doubling production.

What is Grafted Brinjal?
Grafted brinjal is created by joining parts of two different plants: a strong-rooted plant (rootstock) and a plant that produces high-quality fruit (scion). This technique increases yield, improves disease resistance, and reduces soil-related issues.

From Traditional Farming to Horticulture:
Previously engaged in conventional paddy cultivation, Murli Dhar Sahu faced high costs and low profits, leaving him dissatisfied with farming. After consulting Horticulture Department officials and receiving guidance, he made a major shift in his agricultural practices.

Increased Production at Lower Cost:
With technical advice, training, and motivation from the department, he planted grafted brinjal on one hectare of land. Using organic fertilizers and natural pesticides, his costs remained low while production increased significantly.

Threefold Benefits with Modern Techniques:
Under the NHM, he received a grant of ₹20,000, which helped him arrange necessary resources and completely transform his farming approach. Where previous yields were 80–85 quintals, adoption of modern techniques boosted production to 150–170 quintals. With favorable market prices, total income reached ₹4.5 lakh and net profit approximately ₹3 lakh—three times higher than before.

Organic Methods and High Productivity:
Murli Dhar Sahu’s success is inspiring farmers in surrounding villages and forested areas to adopt horticultural crops. His story demonstrates that with proper guidance, modern techniques, and utilization of government schemes, farmers can achieve significant economic progress.

A Model from One Hectare:
By cultivating grafted brinjal on just one hectare using modern practices, Murli Dhar Sahu almost doubled his output. With departmental support, organic methods, and the horticulture mission grant, he earned a net profit of around ₹3 lakh this season, creating hope and motivation among local farmers.