Gauri Deka, a sexagenarian, innovative and successful horticulturist of Bezkuchi village near Patacharkuchi in Barpeta district is winning hearts with his innovative farming works.
Deka, who indulged in agriculture at a very young age, has established his identity as a model farmer. Using his unique agricultural skills, he has made strawberry cultivation in Assam a reality. He has proved that there is ample scope for strawberry cultivation in the locality which is very profitable compared to other kinds of cultivation.
Unaware of the high demand of the fruit, Deka was hesitant about cultivating strawberries in the beginning. But with a year's experience and a lot of encouragement from people, he started to cultivate and sell strawberries as a cost of Rs 400 per kg. Traders started rushing to his field to collect fresh, organically produced strawberries. People from far and wide, including officials from the agriculture department, visit his farm to witness the rare form of cultivation.
Expressing his excitement, Deka said, "I feel elated when people from long distances arrive at my field and express their joy upon witnessing my cultivation techniques. I am thankful for what I've achieved so far; a small plot of land has helped me earn a huge income."
This year, Deka planted one thousand saplings of strawberries that he collected from Himachal and Punjab varsities. Currently, the plants are in lush green state and have started to bear fruits.
He informed that the production of strawberries is expected to increase to around 5000 kilos this year, relying solely upon vermicompost and cow dung. Deka also cultivates other organic fruits and vegetables like brinjal, chestnut plants, pears, mangoes and plums.
Deka, who successfully turned his garden into an agricultural research field, has proved that hard work and positive attitude can always make things possible.
(Inputs from Citizen Journalist Sasankk Talukdar)
