Kalaburagi (Karnataka) [India]: Students from the College of Agriculture Kalaburagi practiced a multi-cropping system on a small tract of land with the vision of doubling farmers’ incomes. The initiative, called ‘learning through earning,’ was part of their final-year course.
The students harvested various vegetables on 38 guntas of land at the ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra campus despite weather fluctuations. According to the students, selling crops through digital platforms is both helpful and less burdensome.
A student from the University of Agricultural Sciences Raichur said, “As the population grows and land availability decreases, we are focusing on the multiple cropping system. Within a given area of land, we can grow multiple crops, which can help double farmers’ incomes.”
The student further explained that farmers can connect directly with customers through the ‘digitalization of the market,’ which helps reduce crop costs.
They continued, “As part of the ‘learning through earning’ programme, we have learned about market digitalization. Farmers may grow crops well but often struggle with marketing and reaching end-users. Middlemen increase costs for consumers. After harvesting, we are connecting directly with customers through digital marketing and WhatsApp channels.”
Another student mentioned that they cultivated five different varieties of crops on 38 gunta of land.
She said, “As PM Modi has emphasised the goal of doubling farmers’ incomes, we have grown these crops despite weather fluctuations. Farmers can achieve this goal through multiple cropping systems and market digitalization to connect directly with consumers.”
Assistant Professor Mahantesh Jogi from the Agriculture College added, “Students cultivated crops even at temperatures of up to 46 degrees Celsius. Our concept is ‘farm to plate.’ We created a WhatsApp channel and avoided middlemen to align with PM Modi’s vision. After completing the course, students will share this knowledge with farmers.”