Drip Technology Transforms Farming: Paddy–Chilli Cultivation Earns Farmer Mukesh Chaudhary Lakhs Annually

Innovative farming turns him into a successful agri-entrepreneur and an inspiration for farmers of neighbouring villages

Raipur, December 2025 :Progressive farmer Shri Mukesh Chaudhary of village Navapali in Baramkela block of Sarangarh–Bilaigarh district has given a new direction to traditional farming by adopting innovation and modern agricultural techniques. Through paddy and chilli cultivation using the drip irrigation method, he is earning lakhs of rupees every year and has established himself as a successful agricultural entrepreneur.

Shri Chaudhary said that in 2011, he began cultivating chilli on two acres of land using traditional methods. During this period, he received guidance from the then Senior Horticulture Superintendent, Shri Surendra Patel, at the Horticulture Nursery Centre, Nadigaon, through which he learned about drip-based farming. Subsequently, in 2013, he became the first farmer in Baramkela block to start farming using drip technology.

Under the drip method, chilli transplantation was carried out after deep ploughing of fields, construction of ridges, laying of lateral pipes, and use of mulching. Balanced irrigation, fertilisers, and plant protection chemicals supplied through drip irrigation led to a significant increase in production, with chilli yield almost doubling. Encouraged by these results, Shri Chaudhary reduced the area under paddy cultivation and expanded chilli farming. At present, he is cultivating chilli on nearly 12 acres of land, generating an annual income of several lakhs of rupees.

A Source of Inspiration for Other Farmers

Inspired by the success of farmer Mukesh Chaudhary, many farmers from nearby villages including Khichari, Banjipali, Bendrapara, Risora, Noonpani, Linjir, and Pradhanpur have also started cultivating chilli and vegetables along with paddy using the drip irrigation method.

Honoured with Dr. Khubchand Baghel Krishak Ratna Award

For adopting innovation, organic farming, and integrated farming practices, Shri Mukesh Chaudhary was honoured by the State Government in 2021 with the Dr. Khubchand Baghel Krishak Ratna Award. Along with paddy cultivation using organic manure, he also grew pulses and oilseeds such as urad, moong, and chilli. As part of the award, he was presented with a certificate, a memento, and a cheque of ₹2 lakh. This recognition further boosted his enthusiasm and led to the expansion of his agricultural activities.

Promoting Natural Farming, Appointed as BRC

This year, the Agriculture Department appointed Shri Mukesh Chaudhary as a BRC (Block Resource Coordinator) for natural farming. Along with him, Tikeswari Mahapatra (Jalakona) and Khel Kumari (Dhauradarha) were also appointed as BRCs. After receiving training from the department in Raipur and Bargarh (Odisha), all three are now providing guidance to farmers in dozens of villages including Jalakona, Dhauradarha, Karpi, and Jamdalkha on preparing organic manure from natural resources and seed treatment methods.

Officials of the Agriculture Department stated that farmer Mukesh Chaudhary has been consistently practising natural farming along with chilli cultivation and has already been honoured by the State Government. His initiative is proving to be a strong source of inspiration for farmers across the region.

Team Maverick.