He once worked as an Associate Director in an IT company with an annual salary package of Rs 40 lakh, now Shivendra Singh Sengar has successfully carved a new identity for himself in modern agriculture. Returning to Jabalpur from Pune during the pandemic, he chose to leave the corporate world behind and explore opportunities in farming. Today, through net-house farming in Ashram village near Sihora, he is earning a substantial income while inspiring fellow farmers to adopt advanced agricultural practices. Shivendra said that in 2023, he purchased six acres of land in Ashram village at a cost of around Rs 6 lakh per acre. He initially experimented with dairy farming and conventional agriculture but soon shifted his focus to technology-driven farming methods. At present, he cultivates off-season crops in a one-acre net house and harvests three crop cycles annually. The venture generates a net income of Rs 3 to Rs 4 lakh per season. On the remaining five acres, he grows seasonal vegetables. Shivendra said the idea of adopting net-house farming came during his tenure in Pune, where he observed farmers successfully growing crops even in unfavorable seasons using protected cultivation techniques. Inspired by their success, he contacted the Horticulture Department after returning to Jabalpur to learn about the technology and government support available for such projects.

 

He established the one-acre net house at a cost of around Rs 28.5 lakh. Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme, the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing provided a subsidy of Rs 14.25 lakh. In addition, he received financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh during the first year for seeds and other agricultural operations. According to Shivendra, hybrid seeds used for off-season cultivation are significantly more expensive than conventional seeds. While ordinary seeds are relatively inexpensive, hybrid seeds can cost anywhere between Rs 2 and Rs 6 per seed or even more. However, the higher productivity and superior quality of produce ensure greater profitability for farmers. He initially cultivated capsicum in the net house, followed by marigold flowers and cucumbers. Currently, he is growing an advanced hybrid variety of cucumber, which enjoys strong market demand. Shivendra said that when he began net-house farming, very few farmers in the district had adopted the technology. Encouraged by his success, three to four other farmers have established net houses and are also earning better incomes. Combining modern agricultural techniques, government support, and an innovative mindset, Shivendra Singh Sengar has demonstrated that scientific farming can be as rewarding as a high-paying corporate career. His journey is emerging as an inspiration for young professionals and farmers.