Phusaram Patel
Protected Cultivation, Prosperous Future
Village- Kerala Nada, Doli, District- Jodhpur, State- Rajasthan
INTRODUCTION :
Mr. Phusaram Patel (40 years) from Doli village (Jodhpur), though educated up to the 10th standard, has emerged as an inspiring farmer by successfully blending modern horticultural technologies with traditional agriculture. His strong zeal, determination, and openness to innovation have motivated many fellow farmers. Driven by the need to efficiently utilize limited water resources for high-value crop production, he adopted modern agricultural technologies and ventured into protected cultivation after receiving professional training and technical guidance.
TRAINING :
Mr. Phusaram Patel received structured training on protected cultivation from the Agri Business Incubation Centre, ICAR–CAZRI during 20–29 August 2024. Motivated by the success stories of earlier trainees and strengthened by the confidence gained during training, he established a 3,000 sqm polyhouse unit in February 2025.
ACHIEVEMENTS :
After completing the training, Mr. Patel established a naturally ventilated polyhouse covering 3,000 sqm in the summer of 2025. He received a government subsidy of ₹23 lakh for polyhouse installation, with a personal investment of ₹10.0 lakh. The enterprise generated encouraging net returns: ₹2.5 lakh from the first summer cucumber crop (20 tonnes) and ₹4.0 lakh from the second autumn–winter cucumber crop (35 tonnes), highlighting the sustainability and growth potential of the venture. He integrates eco-friendly practices by using biogas slurry, vermiwash, and other locally prepared inputs, reducing chemical input use by about 25% in polyhouse cultivation. In addition, he grows fruit crops such as ber, vegetables, and field crops under open conditions. With dedication and entrepreneurial vision, he also launched his own brand, “Apani Dhani Farm House.”
IMPORTANCE FOR FARMERS :
This success story underscores the economic viability of protected cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions. Mr. Patel’s farm represents a unique integrated farming ecosystem, combining fruit orchards, a cattle unit, bio-waste recycling, on-farm production of organic inputs, rainwater harvesting, and the use of modern tools and equipment. The unit has benefitted numerous visiting farmers and trainees, motivating them to adopt scientific horticultural practices for higher income and year-round employment.
RECOGNITION :
Mr. Patel’s success story has been published in the weekly newspaper Haldhar Times. His farm has become a model farm of modern and traditional farming practice blend. He plans to further strengthen his enterprise by expanding the area under protected cultivation. His farm has now become a role-model agricultural unit, inspiring youth and farmers to adopt agriculture as a profitable and sustainable livelihood.
