Turmeric, Aloe Vera & More: How These Farmers Doubled Their Income Through Horticulture

From spices to exotic fruits and vegetables, exploring horticulture can provide farmers with sustainable benefits, as these crops often offer higher profits and long-term yields compared to traditional farming. 

We have curated stories that feature five farmers who successfully transitioned to horticulture, showcasing increased income, resilience against climate variability, and the potential for innovative agricultural practices.

1. Kanchan Verma, Madhya Pradesh

Although wheat has traditionally been cultivated by farmers in Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh, Kanchan switched to turmeric farming. This has significantly increased her earnings. “With traditional crops, we earned about Rs 1.5 lakh per acre. In contrast, turmeric has doubled our income to around Rs 3 lakh from an input cost of Rs 50,000,” she explains.

By harvesting 400 quintals of turmeric, she generates an income of Rs 12 lakh. Interestingly, Kanchan packages her turmeric into 1 kg powder packets and sells it directly from her farm. Kanchan believes, “As farmers, it’s important to keep experimenting.”

2. Hrushikesh Jayasing Dhane, Maharashtra

Hrushikesh’s family-owned eight acres of land in Padali village of Satara. They traditionally cultivated crops like paddy, pearl millet, sorghum, and wheat. Despite their hard work, the yields were often insufficient.

He transformed his challenges into success by producing aloe vera products, such as soaps, shampoos, and juices, building a Rs 3.5 crore enterprise. 

Reflecting on his journey, he says, “When I began planting aloe vera, people warned me that thorny plants would bring bad luck. I lived in a mud house, but today I’ve built a two-storey home in my village, and we travel in a Fortuner car!”

3. Mahesh Asabe, Maharashtra

Traditionally, Mahesh has grown pomegranates, custard apples, and grapes in Akola village of Maharashtra. However, due to unexpected rains and hailstorms, cultivating these crops became challenging.

He transformed agriculture into a profitable venture by switching to dragon fruit cultivation. He has built a strong customer base in the nearby Sangli and Kolhapur markets, where he sells at least 200 tonnes of seasonal produce, earning Rs 2 crores from his 20-acre dragon fruit farm.

4. Shanker Meena, Rajasthan

Shanker grew up in rural Rajasthan, spending his childhood playing among fields of wheat and mustard. As he matured, he watched his father work tirelessly to cultivate these crops, only to see them frequently damaged by harsh natural conditions, leading to poor yields and uncertain income.

Years later, he founded ‘Jeevan Mushroom’, where he offers a wide range of mushroom spawns, including button, oyster, lion’s mane, paddy straw, shiitake, and more.

In his lab, he implemented advanced equipment, such as seed germination chambers, vertical autoclaves, and a laminar airflow cabinet, to create a sterile environment that enhances productivity.

Shanker produces up to 80 tonnes of mushroom spawns in his lab. Priced between Rs 90-115 per kg, his spawns are in high demand across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Assam.

Not only in India but he built a substantial market presence internationally as well, exporting his products to countries such as Bhutan, Nepal, and the UAE, earning monthly revenue of Rs 13 lakh.

5. Anand Mishra, Uttar Pradesh

Anand’s family has traditionally been focussing on paddy, wheat, gram, peas, and pigeon pea crops, but he opted for lemons which have a constant demand throughout the year.

“Lemon farming is new for farmers in Uttar Pradesh. In my district, no one else was growing lemons. I decided to take the risk, figuring I’d either learn to swim or drown,” he adds.

But he succeeded. “I’m earning at least five times more from lemons than I would have from traditional crops, which would have brought in just Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 annually,” says Anand, who earns up to Rs 7 lakh from his two-acre lemon farm.

Farmers usually earn profits from traditional crops about five months after harvesting them. This quick turnaround means they require immediate funds to plant for the next season, creating a cycle of financial dependence.

“As a result, they often find it difficult to invest in horticulture, which often takes years to yield returns. But I view horticulture as a one-time investment that would offer significant long-term benefits,” he adds.

Edited by Megha Chowdhury.