Deep in Chhattisgarh’s Mohla development block, once plagued by Naxal shadows, Mohbhata’s Chintaram Naik has turned adversity into prosperity. The NABARD Sujala Solar initiative equipped his seven-acre farmland with a solar pump, enabling scientific irrigation that has skyrocketed his profits by 100%.
Naik masterfully diversifies: Rabi paddy transitions to Kharif maize, mustard, moong, urad. Wheat, chickpeas, and maize dominate hotter months. Crop rotation, paired with natural farming, safeguards soil vitality, cuts water use, and elevates crop quality for better market value.
‘Reliable water was a game-changer,’ he recounts. Pre-pump eras saw failed monsoons ruin seasons. Today, consistent supply supports intensive cultivation. His high-quality yields attract buyers from afar, translating to doubled household income and financial security.
Neighbors watch enviously, queuing for similar setups. This solar-agri fusion model promises water conservation, boosted production, and empowered farmers. It’s a testament to how innovative policies can ignite rural transformation, even in India’s most isolated corners.