Meet Mr. Gobi, a successful IT professional from Bengaluru. He is making a name for himself in the heartland of Marandahalli village in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu, India. Mr. Gobi’s inspiring journey with Jain Tissue Culture (JTC) pomegranate farming on a compact 1.5-acre patch is a shining example of the potential and profitability of unique agricultural ventures.

Planting the Seeds of Prosperity

In 2018, Mr. Gobi set out to cultivate a thriving pomegranate orchard. He carefully nurtured 600 Jain Tissue Culture (JTC) Pomegranate plants, ensuring they were spaced at 15 ft X 7 ft intervals. Each plant received its share of care with 8 LPH Jain drippers connected to 16mm lines, two drippers per plant. The key to his success lay in precise planting techniques. Each sapling found its home in a meticulously prepared 1M X 1M X 1M pit, enriched with a basal dose of 40 gms of Super Phosphate and 10 gms of Carbofuran.

Challenges and Resilience
Mr. Gobi’s journey has been a testament to resilience, marked by hurdles that tested his commitment. The envisioned 2020-21 harvest faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 lockdown, coupled with challenges like diseased crops and bird disruptions, delaying his harvest ambitions.

Following the lockdown, expert agronomists from Jain Irrigation lent their expertise to Mr. Gobi’s farm. Their guidance on later pruning techniques and the innovative creation of a cost-effective fish net shed proved instrumental in mitigating bird disturbances, providing a shield for his valuable crop.

The orchard encountered another formidable foe in anthracnose. To safeguard his orchard, systemic fungicides were applied rigorously—5-6 times in the previous year and a reduced but strategic 3 times this year. Despite grappling with reduced rainfall and a minor yield dip, the triumph lay in effectively reducing the anthracnose infection.

The challenges Mr. Gobi faced underscored the value of adaptation and strategic intervention. The amalgamation of expert advice, innovative solutions, and unwavering determination has fortified his orchard, setting the stage for future success.

Reaping the Rewards
The much-anticipated initial harvest, initially projected for 2021, faced unforeseen delays. However, in 2022, the orchard yielded a substantial bounty of 4.50 tonnes of pomegranates. This remarkable harvest marked the fifth year of the orchard’s growth, promising an even more fruitful future ahead.

Economics of Success
Mr. Gobi’s proactive approach extended beyond the farm as he strategically identified diverse markets. Residing in Bangalore, he cleverly engaged local vendors for smaller-sized fruits while securing lucrative deals with Big Basket, tapping into the robust demand for larger fruits weighing over 200 grams. This astute decision-making speaks volumes about his entrepreneurial acumen and adaptability in navigating varied market dynamics.

In the current season, the cost of cultivation for the 1.5-acre plot amounted to Rs 1,57,000. Mr. Gobi’s diligent efforts yielded substantial returns, culminating in a total income of Rs 6,37,500. This translated to a remarkable net profit of Rs 3,20,333 per acre, showcasing a commendable cost-benefit ratio of 1:3.06.

A Happy Farmer and Future Plans
Mr. Gobi’s radiant smile mirrors his satisfaction with the bountiful profits he has reaped. His enthusiasm knows no bounds, as he intends to expand his farming venture by booking an additional 1000 saplings this December.

In a world where agriculture is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, Mr. Gobi’s story epitomizes the spirit of Indian farming.