From Contractor to Successful Farmer: Meghraj Prasad’s Journey in Lemon Grass Cultivation

Gopalganj: Meghraj Prasad of Kararia village in Gopalganj has carved a unique path in agriculture by moving away from traditional farming. A former contractor in Mumbai, Meghraj returned to his village and transformed his life by cultivating lemon grass, achieving remarkable success in the process.

In 2016, Meghraj started growing lemon grass on five acres of land. Initially, villagers mocked his unconventional approach, but today, they admire his success. His annual earnings from lemon grass alone have reached ₹10 lakh.

Apart from lemon grass, Meghraj has also ventured into cultivating medicinal plants such as Tulsi, Mentha, Khas, and Chiddi. His total annual income from these crops has now soared to ₹20–25 lakh, making him a role model for farmers in the region.

Despite studying only up to matriculation due to financial hardships, Meghraj always dreamed of doing something different. He wanted to pursue farming that was profitable with minimal investment. Unlike traditional crops, his farming is resilient to floods and heavy rains, ensuring a stable income.

“I plant lemon grass myself, extract oil from it, and sell it. My journey proves that hard work and innovative thinking can change a farmer’s fate,” says Meghraj.

Previously, Meghraj worked as a contractor in a construction company in Mumbai, but the job did not satisfy him. “I always wanted to farm. Finally, I started working under the ‘Naya Soch, Naya Savera’ initiative. This crop requires no expensive fertilizers or pesticides, making it a cost-effective option,” he explained.

Lemon grass is a drought-resistant crop that can be grown even in flood-prone areas. The aromatic oil extracted from its leaves is highly valued for its medicinal and commercial uses. Once planted, the grass continues to regrow after harvesting, forming a bush that remains productive for years. Additionally, cattle do not eat this crop, and it requires no chemical fertilizers.

Meghraj has ambitious goals. “By 2026-27, I want to become an international farmer. Initially, there were challenges due to the lack of oil extraction plants, but I set up my own. Contract work was stressful, but farming has given me happiness and peace of mind.”

Inspired by a visit to the Northeast, where he saw farmers working with medicinal plants, Meghraj started cultivating them himself. He now encourages others to view farming as a business rather than just a livelihood.

Lemon Grass: A Booming Industry

Lemon grass is in high demand in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties make it a key ingredient in medicines. It helps with headaches, insomnia, depression, and also works as an immunity booster.

Its oil is widely used in soap, shampoo, creams, and beauty products, and its leaves are now used to make herbal tea. With a natural citrusy flavor, lemon grass is also becoming a popular alternative to lemon in cooking.

Profitable and Sustainable Farming

Lemon grass cultivation requires an initial investment of ₹30,000–40,000 per acre. The plant allows for four harvests per year, with each quintal yielding about one liter of essential oil, which sells for ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 per liter. From five acres, a farmer can generate a revenue of ₹5 lakh annually.

The biggest advantage is that once planted, lemon grass continues to grow with minimal additional investment. This low-cost, high-profit model makes it a sustainable and lucrative option for farmers. 

Meghraj Prasad’s story is a testament to innovation in agriculture, proving that with the right mindset and determination, farming can be both profitable and fulfilling.