Grafted eggplant cultivation has increased the income of farmer Yogesh Agarwal.

Balodabazar-Bhatapara. The state government’s farmer-friendly policies are now showing remarkable results at the ground level. Yogesh Agrawal, a progressive farmer from Semariya (B) village in Bhatapara block of the district, has successfully increased his income by cultivating grafted brinjal.

Agrawal said that earlier he used to cultivate vegetables using traditional methods. Then he benefited from the grafted brinjal and tomato demonstration scheme under the National Agriculture Development Scheme, implemented by the Horticulture Department. He explained that grafted brinjal is less susceptible to diseases compared to conventionally grown brinjal. Moreover, it yields produce in all three seasons. It also requires less water and labor. The plants are stronger, resulting in improved production. Agrawal said that this technique is proving economically beneficial for farmers.

It is noteworthy that the Horticulture Department is implementing the grafted brinjal and tomato demonstration scheme under the National Agriculture Development Scheme in the district with the objective of increasing farmers’ income by connecting them with modern technology. This scheme has been implemented in the district for the first time. Under this scheme, farmers are cultivating grafted brinjal and tomatoes, for which a grant of Rs. 30,000 per demonstration is being provided. The district has received a target of 188 demonstrations, against which 188 farmers have been selected as per the rules, and they are benefiting from this scheme.