Assam: Young farmer champions papaya farming with Centrally sponsored scheme, scripts success story

A young farmer from Boko, Assam, Prasenjit Boro of Katalgaon, has emerged as a beacon of grassroots agricultural entrepreneurship. By transforming approximately 20 bighas of land in Dari village into a thriving hub for organic papaya farming, Boro has demonstrated how determination and sustainable practices can chart an alternative path to success beyond government employment.

What started as a vision fueled by online learning and community enthusiasm has now evolved into a full-scale farming initiative. “We planned to cultivate papaya after watching a few YouTube videos. The idea inspired me and my friends, so we approached the agriculture office,” shared Prasenjit during a media interaction. "We met SDO Gautam Roy Choudhury, who assured us of his full support. Today, our team includes 20 women and 8 men, with 11 members working exclusively on the farm. We are confident that our hard work will soon bear fruit—literally.”

Recognizing the potential of the initiative, the Assam Government’s Agriculture Department has extended significant support through centrally sponsored schemes. On Saturday, a team of senior officials visited Prasenjit’s farm to assess progress and offer further assistance. The visiting delegation included Manab Jyoti Das (District Agriculture Officer), Rajiv Bhuyan (Director, Samiti Assam), and SDO Gautam Roy Choudhury, along with several officers from the Boko Agriculture Office.

Speaking to the media, SDO Gautam Roy Choudhury praised the initiative and outlined the various schemes supporting the venture. “The project falls under ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency), a centrally sponsored scheme. We have supported the team with high-quality seeds and plot leveling. Now, the plantation is at the fruiting stage, and within the next 25 days, the produce will be market-ready,” he explained.

He further added that under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), the farm has also been equipped with drip irrigation systems, with up to 85% subsidy provided to promote water-efficient horticultural practices. “This is a model project combining sustainability, innovation, and employment generation,” he noted.

The initiative has not only uplifted Prasenjit and his team but also set a powerful example for the youth of Assam, showcasing how farming can be a viable and rewarding profession when supported by proper guidance, technology, and government schemes.