Buxar: Land once considered barren along the Kanv river in Bihar’s Buxar district is now witnessing a quiet agricultural transformation, thanks to the initiative of a young progressive farmer who combined modern technology with determination.
In Dumraon block, the sandy and infertile stretch along the Kanv river was long avoided by farmers due to poor water retention, lack of permanent irrigation facilities and low returns compared to input costs. However, Abhishek Kumar Rai, a resident of South Tola in Dumraon, has challenged this long-held belief by converting nearly 22 bighas of completely barren land in the Amsari area into productive farmland.
Technology and effort change the narrative
By adopting Israeli drip irrigation technology, Abhishek has made cultivation possible on land once considered unsuitable for farming. Today, the fields are yielding cash crops such as bananas, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans and capsicum. Local residents describe the transformation as remarkable and a matter of pride for the village.
Abhishek hails from a farming family that practices traditional agriculture on nearly 80 bighas of land. Rising input costs and declining profits prompted him to explore alternative methods. Viewing agriculture as a science rather than just a tradition, he conducted extensive research and selected the infertile Mathila Mauja land as a test case for modern farming practices.
Water and cost savings through drip irrigation
About four years ago, Abhishek leased 22 bighas of land in Amsari and installed a drip irrigation system. Pipelines were laid to each crop bed, allowing water and soluble fertilisers to reach plant roots directly. This significantly reduced water consumption and almost eliminated labour costs.
At the time, the installation cost of the drip system was around Rs 20,000 per acre. With government subsidies now available, the technology has become more affordable for farmers.
G-19 bananas change local markets
The land is currently under cultivation of G-19 variety bananas grown from certified nursery saplings, known for high yield and superior quality. Abhishek said that earlier, bananas in Dumraon were sourced from Hajipur and Bhusawal in Maharashtra. Now, the same produce is being grown locally in Amsari.
The bananas and vegetables have strong demand in local markets, ensuring better prices for farmers while reducing transportation costs. This has created a mutually beneficial situation for both producers and consumers.
Expansion and inspiration for others
Encouraged by the success, Abhishek has expanded his farming operations. In addition to the leased land, he has purchased 1.5 bighas along the Kanv river. His father, Sanjay Rai, actively supports the initiative. Farmers from nearby areas are now visiting the fields to understand and adopt this model.
Once written off as wasteland, the Amsari fields have now become an example of what is possible with the right mix of technology, hard work and vision. Abhishek Rai’s journey is emerging as an inspiration for farmers not only in Buxar but across similar regions facing agricultural challenges.
