Sugarcane farming has proven to be profitable for many farmers in our country. Among them is Dr Sarabjeet Singh Goraaya, a scientist and progressive farmer, who has earned millions annually from sugarcane cultivation and has also pioneered disease-resistant sugarcane plants in his biotechnology laboratory. Dr Goraaya's journey from a scientist to a successful sugarcane farmer showcases the potential for innovation in agriculture.
Bio-Tech Lab
Dr Goraaya, a graduate of Govind Ballabh Pant University, has invested approximately Rs 1 crore in establishing his biotech lab. The lab specialises in biotechnology, studying the use of substances derived from living organisms to manufacture or improve products. Biotech, as it's commonly known, has become a game-changer in modern agriculture.
Sugarcane Varieties
Dr Goraaya cultivates various sugarcane varieties, including 0238, 14201, and 13235. The majority of these varieties are grown by farmers in regions like Muzaffarnagar, Lucknow, and Meerut. The biotech lab has enabled him to create disease-resistant sugarcane plants, contributing to increased yields.
Disease-Free Sugarcane Plants
By researching and developing disease-resistant sugarcane plants, Dr Goraaya sells these plants to farmers for Rs 15 each. When planted, a single plant yields 4 to 5 sugarcane crops. Well-developed sugarcane plants can reach up to 15 feet in height, with each sugarcane weighing approximately 3 to 4 kilograms.
Aspiring Farmers
Dr Goraaya advises farmers interested in expanding their sugarcane cultivation to acquire seeds from his lab. Once the crop is ready, they can plant it extensively, eventually selling surplus sugarcane to other farmers for seed production.
A Balanced Equation
According to Dr Goraaya, the annual cost of running a high-tech nursery and crop cultivation constitutes 70 percent of the income, while the profit margin remains at around 30 percent. With a production capacity of 500,000 plants, he has achieved a production of 300,000 plants so far. Selling sugarcane at Rs 15 each results in an income of approximately Rs 45 lakhs, yielding a profit of around Rs 10 lakhs.
Scientific Farming
Drawing from his experience, Dr Goraaya encourages farmers to use advanced seed varieties to improve crop quality. He emphasises the potential benefits of incorporating scientific methods into farming practices, underscoring the possibility of achieving even better yields through the application of scientific principles in agriculture.
Source: Krishi Jagran