Khunti Farmer Turns Away from Opium to Grafted Tomatoes, Earns More and Creates Local Jobs

Ranchi: (Khunti ) long plagued by issues like migration, opium cultivation, unemployment, and poverty, is now witnessing a remarkable transformation thanks to progressive farmer Soto Manki from Jiuri village under Kuda Panchayat in Murhu block. Through his hard work and dedication, Soto Manki has taken up grafted tomato farming and claims it to be more profitable than opium. According to him, tomato farming brings peace and satisfaction compared to opium cultivation.

Soto Manki has planted grafted tomatoes across three acres of land in his village. The plants have started bearing fruit, and harvesting began two days ago. Traders are purchasing the tomatoes directly from his farm at ₹50 per kilogram. Currently, around two quintals of tomatoes are being harvested daily, earning him approximately ₹10,000 per day. He estimates the harvest will continue for another month and a half, potentially earning him up to ₹4.5 lakh.
He added that had there not been excessive rainfall this year, the yield could have been at least 40% higher. The total investment in farming was around ₹50,000. He received a drip irrigation system with 90% government subsidy, and also technical support from Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra from time to time.

Providing Employment to the Village
Soto Manki is not only increasing his own income but is also generating employment in the village. Around 10 laborers work on his farm daily. At a time when over 20% of Jiuri village’s population has migrated in search of employment, Soto Manki has not only made himself self-reliant but has also helped prevent migration by offering local employment opportunities.