A farmer from Pali, Mukesh Singh Rajpurohit, has created a modern organic farming model that is inspiring other farmers. Using a polyhouse and natural fertilisers, he grows cucumbers that do not spoil for 18 to 20 days. Every other day, 1,500 kg of cucumbers are harvested, generating a profit of Rs 25,000 to 30,000. Mukesh expects to earn Rs 9 to 10 lakh from four months of farming.
Mukesh Singh Rajpurohit said he previously grew wheat, gram, and mustard. This year, he installed a polyhouse in a 4,000 sq metre area where he decided to grow organic cucumbers instead of using chemical fertilisers and pesticides. His idea was to do something different from most farmers, who rely on chemicals.
Mukesh learned about organic farming by watching YouTube videos. He hired two workers to help in the polyhouse. He prepares organic fertiliser and pesticides on the farm using cow dung manure and other natural ingredients. Drip irrigation and plastic mulching prevent weeds. He planted cucumber seeds on 23 September. The plants were trained to grow around 6–7 feet high on wires with ropes.
The first cucumber harvest took place on 30 October, 37 days after planting. Since then, 1,500 kg of cucumbers are harvested every other day. The harvest generates a profit of Rs 25,000 to 30,000 each time.
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