Prayagraj: A remarkable example of the 'Jai Jawan-Jai Kisan' spirit is unfolding in Fatehpur district, where a retired Army officer has transformed barren land into a thriving agricultural enterprise.
From Soldier to Farmer
Meet Colonel (retd) Dharmpal Prajapati, a resident of Alipur Jeeta village on the border of Kaushambi and Fatehpur districts. After serving the nation for 36 years, Prajapati chose not to settle into a quiet retired life but instead turned to farming with determination and vision.
Recounting his journey, Prajapati said after retiring in June 2011, he purchased 16 bighas of barren land near Budhwan village in Fatehpur. He resolved to convert this unproductive stretch into fertile farmland.
Protected Horticulture as the Way Forward
Identifying protected horticulture as the way forward, he set up a 2,000sqm polyhouse under the National Horticulture Mission. He began cultivating gerbera flowers, supplying them to markets in Varanasi, Lucknow and other major cities, where demand is high. The venture has since become a significant source of income.
Inspired by Prajapati's success, several young farmers in the district have adopted protected cultivation. The 50% subsidy provided by the state government has played a crucial role in encouraging this shift.
Government Support and Expansion
District horticulture officer (Fatehpur), Ramesh Pathak, said Prajapati received financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh from the department under the National Horticulture Mission. “Inspired by him, four other farmers have also started commercial cultivation in polyhouses,” he added.
Currently, protected horticulture is being practised across 18,000sqm in the district, with subsidies worth Rs 83.41 lakh disbursed to farmers.
A Reliable Alternative
Amid unpredictable weather and erratic monsoons, protected cultivation is emerging as a reliable and profitable alternative. Progressive farmers are increasingly adopting polyhouse-based gerbera farming, which allows precise control over temperature and other environmental conditions.
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About the Author: Kapil Dixit writes on crime, traffic, health, administration, politics and offbeat stories from Prayagraj. He has extensively covered Maha Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh and Magh Melas and state assembly as well as parliamentary polls from 2002 to 2025. His hobbies include reading, writing and meeting people with diverse interests.
