Nar Singh Choudhary
Protected Cultivation: Turning Innovation into Income
Village- Doli, District- Jodhpur, State- Rajasthan
INTRODUCTION :
Mr. Nar Singh Choudhary (30 years), a progressive farmer from Doli village, Jodhpur district, is successfully managing two protected cultivation units covering 16,000 sqm. Academically accomplished with qualifications of B.Sc., B.Ed., and M.A., he aspired to upgrade his family’s traditional farming system by adopting modern agricultural technologies. His motivation to enter protected cultivation was strongly influenced by witnessing the success of a fellow village entrepreneur, Mr. Hira Lal, a CAZRI-trained farmer, which encouraged him to pursue protected cultivation as a viable agribusiness option.
TRAINING :
Mr. Choudhary received structured training on protected cultivation from the Agri Business Incubation Centre, ICAR–CAZRI in October 2023. The programme focused on the design and development of protected structures, scientific crop management practices, production of high-value vegetables, and entrepreneurial skills required for commercial adoption.
ACHIEVEMENTS :
Following the training, Mr. Choudhary established protected cultivation structures during 2023 and 2024, investing a total of ₹75 lakh entirely through self-financing, without availing any subsidy support. Through scientific management and efficient resource use, the enterprise has generated encouraging returns, with net profits from cucumber cultivation ranging between ₹2.5–4.0 lakh per acre, demonstrating the economic potential of protected cultivation even without subsidy assistance.
IMPORTANCE FOR FARMERS :
This success story clearly demonstrates the economic viability of protected cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions. Mr. Choudhary’s farm has benefitted around 10 visiting farmers and trainees, motivating them to adopt scientific horticultural practices for enhanced income and year-round employment.
RECOGNITION :
While Mr. Choudhary has not planned immediate expansion at present, his successful establishment of protected cultivation units through self-investment itself stands as a strong example of confidence, capability, and sustainability in modern agriculture.
