Ramkaran Tiwari, the owner of Shivam Farms, located at Etawh in Southern Uttar Pradesh has established himself as a successful potato farmer, producing between 35 to 40 tonnes of potatoes annually across his 30 acres of farmland since 2015.
Having embraced his family’s agricultural legacy, Ramkaran embarked on his farming journey with a clear vision: to demonstrate that agriculture could be a highly profitable business rather than merely a way of life.
Overcoming Challenges
Ramkaran’s path to success has not been without obstacles. Like many farmers, he grappled with uncertain weather conditions, fluctuating market prices, and the persistent pressure to produce enough for his livelihood. However, he understood that innovation was crucial for achieving his goals.
A Game-Changing Training Experience
The pivotal moment in Ramkaran’s farming career arrived when he attended a training session at the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Shimla. Recommended by the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Department, this training became a transformative experience for him. He credited government initiatives led by ICAR for significantly improving his farm’s output and productivity.
At CPRI, Ramkaran learned the seed plot technique, which he implemented practically starting in 2015. He initially established a small tissue culture lab, and with guidance from ICAR on potato seeds and training, he has enhanced both the quantity and quality of his produce, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Diverse Potato Production
Shivam Farms now cultivates over ten varieties of potatoes, including:
- Kufri Lima
- Kufri Sangam
- Kufri Bahar
- Kufri Khyati
- Kufri Sukhyati
- Kufri Neelkanth
Revolutionizing Sales and Market Reach
In a remarkable shift, Ramkaran no longer needs to visit the local mandi to sell his potatoes. Instead, he announces his produce via social media, allowing customers to visit the farm directly to purchase potatoes. This innovative approach has yielded positive responses in pricing, despite market fluctuations.
In a notable turnaround, he highlighted that while Uttar Pradesh previously imported potatoes from Punjab and Haryana, it is now exporting its potatoes to many other regions. Ramkaran even anticipates that his produce may soon reach foreign markets.
Financial Success and Future Aspirations
Investing between 20-25 lakhs annually into Shivam Farms, Ramkaran has achieved impressive profits, earning nearly 1 crore each year. He encourages fellow farmers to establish their own brands and effectively market their products.
His son, a B.Tech engineer, plays a crucial role in managing the farm operations, contributing to the growth of the family business. Ramkaran expressed pride in the fact that his farm not only supports his family but also provides for his workers and others associated with the brand.
Embracing Modern Agricultural Practices
Initially concerned about weather conditions and irrigation management, Ramkaran has now constructed his own net-houses, allowing him to cultivate crops more effectively. His journey is an example to how innovation and a business mindset can transform traditional farming practices into a thriving enterprise.
