Rajasthan: Two Brothers Carve a Pond from a 35-Foot Hill and Now Earn Lakhs Through Gardening

Rajasthan: In the heart of Bhilwara, Rajasthan, progressive farmer Subhash Chaudhary has emerged as an inspiration for scientists and farmers alike, transforming the rocky, inaccessible terrain of the Aravalli hills into a flourishing garden. Through innovation and hard work, Chaudhary has successfully turned barren land into a profitable farm, showcasing that the right approach can overcome even the harshest conditions.

Subhash Chaudhary, along with his brother Parakram Singh, has pioneered a revolutionary farming method that has captivated the attention of experts. The brothers have created an artificial pond by cutting through a 35-foot-high hill, thus collecting rainwater to irrigate their 125 bighas of land in Gurla village, situated along the Bhilwara-Udaipur Highway. What was once considered land unsuitable for farming by agricultural scientists has now become home to various fruit trees, including Kesar mango, sapota (chikoo), custard apple (sitafal), amla, lemon, and fig.

The Beginning of a Remarkable Journey

The journey began during the challenging COVID-19 period when many businesses were halted, and most people were confined to their homes. However, for Subhash and Parakram Singh, this became a time to seize an opportunity. In a region where land was considered unfit for cultivation, the brothers invested their efforts into planting fruit trees. The rocky terrain and limited access to the site posed significant challenges, but the brothers were undeterred. Their dream was clear: to turn the barren hills into an oasis of greenery.

Over four years of tireless work, the land that seemed impossible to farm has transformed into a lush orchard. The brothers planted fruit trees on approximately 125 bighas (around 40 hectares). The diverse plantation includes Kesar mango, a variety famous in Gujarat, sapota, custard apple, lemon, fig, and amla. Their hard work has paid off, and today, the farm thrives with abundant harvests, including ripe Kesar mangoes, which have already earned them a lucrative income of Rs 2.5 lakh.

The Farm Pond and Water Conservation Efforts

One of the most remarkable innovations introduced by the brothers is the creation of a farm pond, which has become the lifeblood of their farm. By cutting into the rocky land and creating a reservoir, they captured about 3 crore liters of rainwater. The water collected in the pond is used to irrigate the entire farm, enabling the cultivation of crops in an area that otherwise receives limited rainfall. The farm pond spans 4 bighas (approximately 10,000 square meters). It has a depth of 25 feet, ensuring sufficient water storage for the entire year.

The strategic use of the collected rainwater has made it possible to cultivate water-intensive crops like Kesar mango and custard apple. By using the farm pond for irrigation, the brothers have ensured that their crops remain hydrated even during dry spells, turning a once arid piece of land into a flourishing garden.

Innovation in the Aravalli Hills

Subhash Chaudhary’s farm near the Sundarpura village has become an innovation model. The rocky land, once deemed unsuitable for agriculture by experts, is now a hub of horticultural success. Through modern irrigation techniques, including a drip system, Subhash has been able to conserve water and maximize crop yield. The entire 30 hectares of land is equipped with a drip irrigation system, ensuring each plant receives the necessary amount of water without wastage.

Installing the drip system is significant, as it minimizes water usage while promoting healthy growth. Subhash’s fruits, including Kesar mango, sapota, fig, and custard apple, have grown into mature trees, and fruiting has already begun. These trees provide the family a steady income and make the farm a sought-after example of modern, sustainable agriculture.

Supporting Government Schemes and Subsidies

Subhash Chaudhary’s success has been supported by various government schemes encouraging modern farming techniques. As part of these initiatives, the brothers have received subsidies for installing drip and solar systems to power their irrigation systems. The government provides up to 75% subsidy for drip irrigation installations on 5 hectares of land and up to 60% subsidy for solar pumps. These subsidies have allowed the brothers to invest in modern technology, significantly reducing their dependence on traditional methods and the local electricity grid.

The Horticulture Department has recognized Subhash Chaudhary’s farm as a model project and has presented it as a pilot initiative to other regional farmers. According to Rakesh Kumar Mala, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department, the farm’s success serves as a beacon of hope for Mewar’s farmers. The Horticulture Department actively promotes modern farming techniques, such as drip irrigation, solar-powered systems, and farm ponds, to enhance productivity and water conservation.

A Model for Modern Farming

Subhash Chaudhary and Parakram Singh’s innovative work is a testament to their perseverance and a showcase for what can be achieved when modern farming methods are integrated with traditional knowledge. They have demonstrated that even the most challenging landscapes can be turned into profitable farming land with the proper planning, technology, and hard work.

By utilizing the support of government schemes and adopting cutting-edge irrigation methods, the brothers have successfully cultivated an area once considered barren. Their farm is a shining example of how innovation and traditional farming knowledge can lead to sustainable and profitable agriculture in regions facing land and water challenges.

Through their journey, Subhash Chaudhary and Parakram Singh have proven that farmers can turn obstacles into opportunities with vision and determination, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

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