Balishankara: Farming is man’s first occupation and the connection with nature is our basic instinct that needs to flourish and supplement the crucial man-environment symbiosis. If every individual works in sync with nature, the slogans that prompt cleanliness and vitality will become a mantra and a way of life. Here is the story of a teacher, who realized this goal through his mother’s wishes and is relishing his achievement.
Hailing from Sadar panchayat’s Telijor village under this block, in Sundargarh district is an accomplished man. His content not only comes from the students who are doing well in their career and studies but also as he is able to fulfill his mother’s wish to see him grow crops and plant trees.
Teacher and farmer Pramod Kumar Naik’s success story came to the fore after district Collector Surendra Kumar Meena visited Telijor village to meet Pramod and his mother Haripriya Naik December 31. After seeing Pramod’s garden, Meena was convinced that the former is not only a good teacher but an accomplished farmer.
Haripriya (the mother) is an observant lady with entrepreneurial ambitions. She noticed that capsicum, mango and fish were doing very well in the local market. She thus took the initiative to cultivate the produce and see what befalls, despite financial difficulties that clutches the family.
When the yield was coming of time she advised her son to devote some time to the farm so that they can earn a good return. Striking a balance between his job as a teacher and helping his mother realise her dream, Pramod soon started seeing the fruits of his labour and hard work.
From a humble beginning in 2015-16, Pramod’s cultivation has mushroomed into an acre of capsicum, 250 grafted mango trees, and a fish culture. All in all, his farm is yielding an income of over Rs 4 lakh per annum.
“Initially I was just helping my mother, it was all occasional. Later I put my heart out to see through that my mother’s dream comes true and we become successful,” boasts Pramod.
As Sundargarh Collector Meena is encouraging farmers, he directed officials of horticulture and agriculture department to extend all possible help to Pramod.
Assistant officer Geetikrushna Naik and Harekrushna Naik of horticulture department, gram rojgar sevak’s Samson Ekka also accompanied the Collector during his visit.
PNN