5-Foot Wheat Thrives Among Dragon Fruit: A Farmer’s Innovation
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A Unique Innovation in Farming
Sunil Baradwal, a progressive farmer from Daiyad (Fatehabad), a village near the Rajasthan border, has set a unique example of agricultural innovation. By growing wheat among dragon fruit plants, he has not only reduced costs but also introduced a new model for increasing farmers’ income.
Success with Dragon Fruit Cultivation
Sunil Baradwal planted dragon fruit on approximately two acres of his land about three years ago. With proper care and hard work, he obtained excellent yields and earned lakhs of rupees. His success in dragon fruit cultivation encouraged him to explore new farming techniques.
Intercropping Wheat with Dragon Fruit
Later, he began experimenting with intercropping wheat in his field. This time, he sowed the 306 variety of wheat among the dragon fruit plants. Remarkably, the wheat crop reached a height of approximately 5 feet, resulting in a good yield. This experiment proved that two crops can be grown successfully on the same land.
Adoption of Organic and Traditional Methods
Farmer Sunil explained that he sowed wheat using traditional methods, with the help of a camel. No chemical fertilisers or pesticides were used in this crop. The entire crop was grown using organic manure, making it both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Benefits of Mixed Farming Model
He believes that if farmers maintain a balance between modern technology and traditional methods, they can achieve better yields at lower costs. By growing a second crop between horticultural plants like dragon fruit, farmers can significantly increase their income and make better use of their land.
Recognition and Inspiration for Farmers
Sunil Kumar Baradwal has received the Best Farmer Award in Delhi for his innovation and outstanding work in agriculture. His experiment is inspiring nearby farmers, and many are now preparing to adopt this model for better income and sustainability.
