Dasmantpur: “There is no fun without challenge. Where others stop, I start. I never felt there is anything I can’t do. The word impossible does not exist in my dictionary,” says Nityananda, a differently-abled farmer, from Sishpas village under Dasmantpur block in Koraput district.
Nityananda, who lost his right hand in a boar attack 25 years ago, converted an acre of barren land into a fertile vegetable and fruit orchard.
While farmers turn away from farming due to losses, the hard work of Nityananda is indeed an inspiration.
Nityananda’s family comprises six children and his elderly wife. He used to do odd jobs to maintain his family. However, things took an ugly turn after he lost his right hand in a boar attack 25 years ago.
The family fell into distress as he was the sole breadwinner. With no other option left, Nityananda’s children took up family responsibility.
Nityananda decided not to depend on his children’s income and started farming. He just had an acre of barren land inherited from his ancestors.
Although Nityananda decided to cultivate his land, water was a problem as it was available only two km away from his farm.
So he started digging a small canal from a water body in Akumunda and successfully channelised water to his land. It took him a month to turn his barren land fertile.
After this he and his wife purchased saplings of vegetables, fruits and flowers from Andhra Pradesh and planted it. The couple built a hut near the land to keep watch on the vegetables and fruit saplings.
They spent months in the hut taking care of the saplings. After lots of efforts, success came their way. Now they have eight mango trees, six berry trees, 10 orange trees, five lemon trees, three date palms, two litchi trees, 26 banana plants, six betel nut trees and six papaya trees.
They also have 300 cauliflower plants, 500 cabbage plants, 1,000 brinjals, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, among others. Flower plants like rose, white tulip among others have added to the beauty of his garden.
The fruits and vegetables from Nityananda’s farm are in good demand in the markets of Dasmantpur block and Rayagada district. People also purchase vegetables for marriage ceremonies from him.
Nityananda has earned a good name for his products and hard work. People now look up to him for farming ideas.
PNN