Every day, the agricultural sector witnesses the integration of new technologies. These advancements enable farmers to engage in agriculture on a larger scale. Concurrently, a growing trend emerges as more young individuals gravitate towards agriculture. Among them is Akash Chaurasiya, a young farmer from the Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, who has made significant strides in farming. Particularly noteworthy is Akash's innovation of crafting pillows from turmeric leaves, which not only provide health benefits but also serve as a source of substantial income.
Akash Chaurasiya has transformed residual turmeric farming into a lucrative avenue for farmers. Typically, farmers regard turmeric plant leaves as waste post-harvest, often burning or discarding them. However, Akash has ingeniously fashioned pillows from these leaves. These pillows not only offer relief from various ailments but also alleviate sleep and skin-related issues.
According to Akash, turmeric leaf pillows confer significant health benefits. Approximately two hundred and fifty pillows can be produced from the leaves harvested from a single acre of turmeric cultivation. Priced at 500 rupees per pillow, this translates to a potential income of around 50,000 rupees for the farmer.
For nearly 15 years, Akash has been immersed in farming, endeavoring to make it a profitable venture through innovation. He emphasizes the need to augment farmers' income, stating, "I have been engaged in farming for almost the past 15 years, and I observe that traditional wheat and chickpea farming yield no significant benefits. When farming lacks profitability, it fails to attract young people. Therefore, my goal is to transform farming into a profitable enterprise and explore avenues to generate revenue utilizing every aspect of farming, including waste utilization."
Akash Chaurasiya reflects on the profound impact of the coronavirus pandemic, acknowledging its devastating effects on communities. However, he highlights the lessons learned regarding the utilization of agricultural products. During the pandemic, there was a surge in interest in Ayurveda, with turmeric being utilized as an antibiotic in concoctions like kadha. This heightened demand prompted Akash to explore income opportunities from various turmeric-related products alongside turmeric farming.
Akash Chaurasiya elaborates, "I realized that every part of the turmeric plant, from its roots to stems and leaves, must possess beneficial properties. This led me to contemplate the potential utilization of every part of the turmeric plant without waste. Extensive research revealed the fragrant oil content in turmeric leaves, which offers significant benefits to humans.
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