Rs 2 Lakh From One Acre: How A Jharkhand Farmer Turned Tomato Farming Profitable

Gumla district in Jharkhand has neither large industries nor major factories, and it lacks an extensive railway network. As a result, nearly 95% of its population resides in villages, with agriculture

remaining the backbone of the local economy. For most families in this region, farming is not just an occupation but a way of life.

In recent years, the lack of employment opportunities has forced many young people from Gumla to migrate to other states in search of work, often at great personal risk. Some even lose their lives in accidents while working far from home.

Amid this harsh reality, one farmer from a remote village in the district has proved that agriculture itself can be a stable, dignified, and profitable source of income, without leaving home.

A Farmer Who Chose Farming Over Migration

That farmer is Karma Oraon, a resident of Anjan Kansi Toli near the Gumla block headquarters. With education only up to Class 8, his interest in farming began in childhood. He started cultivating a small piece of land and gradually expanded his work by learning through experience.

Today, Karma Oraon grows tomatoes on around one acre of land and earns a steady income from it. Farming has become his family’s main source of livelihood, and the profits are used to support household expenses and his children’s education.

Learning Farming From His Father

Speaking to Local18, Karma Oraon said he has been farming since childhood and learned the practice from his father. He explained that agriculture not only feeds his family but also helps him bear the cost of his children’s schooling.

During the rainy season, he planted tomatoes across his one-acre field and initially received a good yield. However, extreme cold later caused some damage to the crop. Despite this setback, current tomato prices in the market remain favourable.

Earnings And Market Conditions

The farmer said that after nearly four months of hard work, he is still expecting a decent income due to good market rates. In previous seasons, he earned between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh by working from home.

This time, earnings have been slightly affected by the unusually cold weather in Gumla, otherwise profits would have been higher.

Farming Despite Difficult Conditions

Karma Oraon pointed out that while farming has become more common, weather-related losses remain a major challenge for farmers. Even so, he has never given up. He continues to farm through difficult conditions and has managed to build a stable livelihood.

Today, Karma Oraon earns a respectable income through farming and no longer needs to migrate to another city for work. His success stands as an example of how dedication, patience and hard work can turn agriculture into a reliable source of income, even in remote rural areas.