Solanki Sumitra Ben Rajubhai, a progressive farmer from Dhantej village in Savli Taluka of Vadodara district, has successfully implemented a mixed cropping system on her farm. As a member of the Bal Krishna Sakhi Mandal SHG, she has been encouraged to adopt sustainable and organic farming methods that support both natural resource conservation and market-oriented cultivation.
With support from the Deepak Foundation, Sumitra Ben introduced a combination of cotton, pigeon pea, and marigold on her land. This mixed cropping model helps improve soil quality, promote nutrient balance, and reduce farming risks. Cotton, supplied as part of the agriculture kit, serves as a high-value commercial crop, while pigeon pea enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen. Marigold adds further value as a profitable flower crop and enhances soil activity when grown alongside other crops.
To support her transition into organic farming, the Deepak Foundation also provided Neem Sattva, Azotobacter, and PSB biofertilizers, ensuring healthier crop growth without chemical dependence. The crops were sown on one hectare of land with the goal of boosting income through diversified production and improving soil health for long-term sustainability.
The benefits of mixed cropping were clearly reflected in Sumitra Ben’s results. She harvested 240 kg of cotton, earning ₹16,800 at the market rate of ₹70 per kg. Pigeon pea has been stored to be sold later at a better price, while marigold sales—through both wholesale and retail—have so far earned her ₹2,000, with harvest still ongoing. This system ensured continuous income and better utilization of land and resources.
Sumitra Ben’s experience demonstrates the practical advantages of integrating multiple crops in a single field. Her successful adoption of the mixed crop scheme shows how cotton, pigeon pea, and marigold grown together can increase profitability, improve soil fertility, and reduce farming risks. Her journey stands as an inspiring example for other farmers who wish to adopt sustainable and diversified agricultural practices.