In the heart of Bihar's Kishanganj district lies the village of Thakurganj, where a septuagenarian farmer, Nagaraj Nakhat, has become a beacon of agricultural innovation. At 76, Nakhat's journey from a commerce graduate to a pioneering farmer has not only transformed his life but also inspired countless others in the Seemanchal region to embrace smart farming practices.

Early Life and Transition to Farming

Born into a family engaged in traditional business, Nakhat pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Kolkata. However, in 1968, driven by a passion for agriculture and a vision for change, he returned to Thakurganj and made a bold decision to venture into farming—a field he had no formal training in.

His initial foray into agriculture involved experimenting with Singaporean banana varieties. This innovative approach laid the foundation for his future successes and set the stage for introducing new crops to the region.

Banana Cultivation: A Regional Transformation

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Nakhat's efforts in banana cultivation brought significant changes to Thakurganj. He introduced several banana varieties, including Malbhog, Martaban, Jahaji, Rovesta, and even red bananas, which were previously unknown in the area. His success encouraged local farmers, who traditionally grew jute, paddy, and wheat, to explore cash crops, thereby improving the local economy and establishing Thakurganj as a hub for high-quality bananas.

A Decade-Long Hiatus and a New Vision

After a decade-long break from farming, Nakhat returned to agriculture in 2014 with a fresh perspective. Recognizing the potential of exotic fruits, he chose to cultivate dragon fruit, a crop previously unfamiliar to the region. Starting modestly with just 100 plants, he embarked on a journey that would redefine smart farming in Seemanchal.

Dragon Fruit Farming: Challenges and Triumphs

Dragon fruit cultivation posed several challenges, including the need for specific climatic conditions and advanced farming techniques. Undeterred, Nakhat collaborated with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Kishanganj to adopt modern agricultural practices. His dedication paid off, and over the years, he expanded his farm to over 7 acres, nurturing more than 17,000 plants.

By 2017, his farm produced 1 metric ton of dragon fruit, which soared to 50 metric tons by 2023. The high-quality produce found markets not only in Kishanganj but also in nearby cities like Siliguri and Kalimpong. Traders from larger markets, including Kolkata and Patna, began sourcing dragon fruits from his farm, with prices ranging between ₹250 and ₹450 per kilogram.

Recognition and Impact

Nakhat's success did not go unnoticed. A documentary film on his dragon fruit cultivation garnered nearly one million views on YouTube and won the first prize at the Agri Film Festival held in Hyderabad. His achievements have inspired farmers across Seemanchal to adopt smart farming methods, contributing to the diversification and expansion of agriculture in Bihar.

With support from KVK Kishanganj, Nakhat has organized training camps to educate farmers about the latest farming techniques. His efforts have encouraged farmers from districts such as Purnia, Katihar, Araria, and Madhepura to embrace dragon fruit farming, thereby transforming the agricultural landscape of the region.

Economic and Social Transformation

The introduction of cash crops like bananas, pineapples, and dragon fruits has significantly improved the local economy. Farmers who once relied solely on traditional crops are now benefiting from higher profits and sustainable farming practices. Nakhat's journey underscores the importance of innovation, technology, and diversification in achieving sustainable growth in agriculture.

A Legacy of Innovation

At 76, Nakhat continues to mentor farmers, encouraging them to adopt modern farming techniques and diversify their crops. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of vision, determination, and innovation in agriculture. As more farmers embrace smart farming practices, the agricultural landscape of Bihar is poised for a brighter and more prosperous future.