Dhirendra Kumar, pioneer of banana farming in India

Bharuch: Innovative farming by a 51-year-old farmer from Bharuch district, Gujarat, Dhirendra Kumar has set an exciting example of how to increase the production of horticulture crops. He has over 34 years of farming experience; in the beginning, he faced severe challenges in switching from traditional methods to modern techniques such as drip irrigation and tissue culture for banana cultivation. He showed courage and succeeded in his motto, “More Crop per Drop.”

Kumar achieved remarkable results with the adoption of new methods such as drip irrigation, tissue culture bananas, green manuring, and bio-composting. His new techniques gave him a chance to cultivate three crops of bananas in just 27 months, using the G9 variety, known for better yield. His banana production increased from 15 metric tons per acre to an inspiring 35 metric tons per acre.

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He has the distinction of becoming the first farmer in the area to use drone technology for spraying pesticides in the banana orchards, reducing disease chances. Kumar has been helping local farmers; he has established a cooperative society for banana growers to increase their income. Several banana growers have learned from his techniques and adopted hi-tech banana cultivation methods.

Dhirendra Kumar’s journey makes it clear that the adoption of modern farming not only increases production, but it also inspires other farmers across the nation to adopt the same technique and earn more.