Nabarangpur, Nov 24: Due to the lack of industries in Nabarangpur district, many educated unemployed youths are migrating to other states as migrant labourers in search of employment. In such a situation, a young man named Jitendra Maharana has become well-known for turning his kitchen-garden vermicompost preparation into a successful enterprise, creating employment opportunities for many youths.
Annual Production: 400 Tons | Income: ₹30 Lakhs
By producing vermicompost for his kitchen garden, Jitendra gradually established an organic fertilizer company. Not only has he become self-reliant, but he has also provided employment to 21 people. Without any government support, he is producing 400 tons of vermicompost annually, exporting it within Odisha and to neighbouring states, earning more than ₹30 lakhs per year.
At a time when chemical fertilizers are being used excessively, Nabarangpur district ranks first in the state in chemical fertilizer consumption. After creating awareness among several farmers, Jitendra successfully motivated them to adopt organic farming practices by teaching them the techniques of using vermicompost.
His Background
Jitendra is the third son of Ramahari Maharana and Lama Maharana from Jayantapur village of Jharigaon block. He faced many challenges since childhood. After completing his Class X in 2004, he assisted his father in traditional business while pursuing +2 Arts. After graduation, he started a general store and photo studio in 2008 and also worked as a media correspondent. But during COVID-19, his business shut down, making him unemployed once again.
Turning Point
In 2021, the condition of the district’s farmers deeply affected him. Knowing that Nabarangpur’s soil fertility was declining due to excessive chemical use, he decided to take action. He planned to produce organic fertilizers and train farmers to adopt them.
He collected information from YouTube, received training at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), and spent ₹2,000 to prepare a kitchen garden and experiment with vermicompost. After achieving success, he gradually expanded production, leaving his journalism career behind. Starting with just one labourer, he slowly grew his business and is now employing 21 male and female workers.
Growing Market
His organic fertilizer is now supplied across Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Balangir, Nuapada, and even exported to Chhattisgarh. His annual production of 400 tons gives him over ₹30 lakh in earnings. He aims to increase production to 5,000 tons per year.
His company, Khushi Agro, has received an official government entrepreneur certificate and GST registration. He sells 1 kg, 30 kg, and 50 kg packets. The market price is ₹1,000 per quintal (100 kg), and the wholesale price is ₹800 per quintal.
Though he does not own land, he produces vermicompost in an RMC (Regulated Market Committee) yard on a monthly rent of ₹4,000. Farmers from various districts visit him to learn about vermicompost production. He often struggles to get bank loans due to the absence of land documents, but one local bank has provided him a loan of ₹5 lakhs for his business.
Jitendra has requested the government to provide support for expanding vermicompost production and to allot land on lease for his unit.
Farmers using his product report improved soil fertility and higher crop yields. The 21 workers he employs are happy to earn a daily livelihood. Appreciating Jitendra’s efforts, senior scientist Shashank Lenka of the KVK at Bhramarakote stated that the institution will continue to provide all necessary support to help increase production in the future.
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