Awarded the Padma Shri in 2024, Sarbeswar Basumatary inspiring journey from a daily wage laborer in Assam to an innovative farmer showcases resilience, sustainable farming, and agricultural success.

Imagine a childhood where the jungle was both a playground and a battleground—a world of wonder, danger, and survival. For young Sarbeswar Basumatary, growing up in Assam remote Chirang district, farming was an impossible dream as wild animals destroyed crops, leaving families dependent on forest produce.

Now 62, Sarbeswar has defied the odds, earning the Padma Shri for his revolutionary contributions to agriculture.

With eight siblings—five brothers and three sisters—life in Panbari village was a daily struggle. His parents, working as laborers on construction sites and in land owners homes, did their best to provide, but opportunities were scarce.

“Some days, my parents found work; other days, we survived on forest produce and the kindness of others,” Sarbeswar recalls. “Farming wasnt an option because wild animals would destroy the crops. We had only two choices: become laborer or venture into the jungle to collect wild potatoes.”

His journey from hardship to becoming a pioneer in sustainable farming is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of determination.

Since there was no concept of a market, Sarbeswar family depended on the generosity of landowners and wealthier villagers for rice. “That what we would eat. I grew up on that khichdi,” he recalls.

Determined to learn, he braved multiple challenges to attend night school but had to drop out after class 5. By the age of 15, survival took priority, forcing him to take a job at a local forest guard office, where he spent a year tending to poultry.

“Our parents did their best to provide for us, but to do more than just survive, we had to work extremely hard,” Sarbeswar recalls.

Like many of his peers, he left home in search of better opportunities, taking up work in a coal mine in Meghalaya. Earning just Rs 2 to Rs 4 a day, he could barely cover his own expenses, leaving little to send back home.

“It natural for someone earning Rs 1 to think about making it Rs 2, to figure out how to double it. Many people work hard, but not everyone escapes that cycle. I was lucky that I could,” he admits.

From Struggle to Success

Sarbeswar never let adversity break his spirit. Instead, he made a promise to himself: “Thirty years ago, I saw how landowners were respected, while we—without land or stable work—were not. My only goal was to do something that would earn my family and me that honor.” 

“I knew I would never be a wealthy landowner, but I vowed to work tirelessly to earn respect. That commitment shaped my character, my work, and who I am today,” he reflects. 

In the early 1980s, as tensions rose in Assam Bodoland Territorial Region, locals, including Sarbeswar village, began claiming forest land to farm. With no other options, they cleared the jungle for cultivation. Sarbeswar joined the effort and leased a 12-acre plot, determined to build a better future through farming.

With no formal training but a deep desire to learn, Sarbeswar started farming using traditional methods. “I followed what the elders did—growing eggplant, chilli, Assam lemon, and other vegetables,” he recalls. However, the lack of fertile soil and effective techniques made it difficult to sustain a profitable farm.

“Challenges like limited finances, inadequate facilities, and a lack of scientific farming knowledge were constant obstacles. Chirang was a backward area,” he admits. “But working on that leased land taught me valuable lessons. After years of farming on others land, I finally bought a small plot in 1995.”

A chance visit to the agriculture department in 1998 became a turning point. From then on, Sarbeswar actively collaborated with experts, learning modern techniques, improving yields, increasing profits, and mastering intercropping—transforming his approach to farming.

Embracing Integrated Farming for Sustainable Growth

Areca nut farming, widely practiced in Assam, requires years before yielding results, and even then, the returns can be low. Understanding this, Sarbeswar adopted intercropping—a strategy he saw as essential for long-term sustainability.

“As families grow, land gets divided and smaller. To survive, we must cultivate multiple crops and have harvests in every season,” he explains.

Initially focusing on areca nuts, he gradually introduced bananas, turmeric, and other crops, ensuring a steady income year-round.

“Our profits improved significantly. I kept experimenting with new techniques and realized that intercropping was the key to success,” he says.

A Thriving Farm and a Legacy of Knowledge

Today, Sarbeswar farm spans nine acres, with an additional 15-16 acres of leased land where he practices integrated farming—combining fisheries, piggery, and sericulture. In 2003-04, with guidance from the horticulture department, he expanded into horticulture, further diversifying his agricultural practices.

His nursery, home to 70,000-75,000 saplings, serves as both a source of income and a training ground for fellow farmers. Committed to uplifting his community, Sarbeswar focuses on helping others adopt better farming techniques to improve their livelihoods.

As his farm grew in both size and productivity, he experimented with new crops, including pineapples and other fruits. His thirst for knowledge led him to Odisha, Kolkata, and Andhra Pradesh, where he studied advanced farming techniques in collaboration with Assam horticulture department.

His impact extends beyond his own farm—his 32-year-old nephew, Purno Boro, has been learning from him and applying these lessons to his own 16-acre farm. “Bananas are a major crop on my farm, but I also grow papayas and areca nuts,” Purno shares. “By using intercropping techniques year-round, our profits have nearly doubled.”

A passionate learner, Purno stays updated through YouTube videos, continuously refining his skills. “Since I didnt secure a government job, farming became the best option for me. Having someone like Sarbeswar to guide me has been crucial for my family financial stability,” he says. Looking ahead, he has planted cacao on four acres intercropped with areca palms and introduced king chilli alongside watermelon for the upcoming season.

Integrating Fish Farming for Sustainable Growth

Sarbeswar commitment to innovation led him to explore new farming techniques. In 2007, he attended a week-long training by the fishery department, which introduced him to the benefits of integrating aquaculture with agriculture.

“Our soil was not very fertile, so crop yields were low. We thought that creating a pond and raising fish could improve overall farm productivity,” he explains.

Seeing the potential, he dedicated 2.5 acres of his land to five fish ponds, practicing pisciculture for about 10 months each year. Initially, he harvested fish at the standard six-month mark but found the profits unsatisfactory. Determined to optimize his approach, he refined his methods to maximize returns while maintaining a sustainable farming ecosystem.

Maximizing Profits Through Smart Integration

Understanding the ecosystem within his ponds, Sarbeswar ensured optimal conditions for fish growth. “Zooplankton and hydroplankton are essential for fish. Without them, the fish would not thrive. Since we were creating artificial ponds, we introduced these organisms to support their growth,” he explains.

By refining his approach, he discovered that integrating crops like turmeric, banana, and oranges alongside fish farming significantly boosted his farm profitability. Each pond, roughly 0.4 acres in size, generates up to Rs 1.6 lakh in revenue, yielding a Rs 1 lakh profit. Additionally, crop cultivation around the ponds brings in Rs 70,000 in expenses but results in another Rs 1 lakh in profit—proving that a well-balanced integrated farming system can maximize both productivity and earnings.

The Key to Modern Farming

Sarbeswar firmly believes that education plays a crucial role in transforming agriculture. He emphasizes the need for young, educated individuals to bring innovation and scientific methods into farming.

“These days, young people are highly innovative and proactive. I want to encourage them to embrace agriculture and apply scientifically backed techniques,” he says. While traditional farming has its place, Sarbeswar believes it is no longer sufficient to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape. By blending modern knowledge with experience, he hopes to inspire the next generation to revolutionize farming for a more sustainable and profitable future.

A Legacy of Recognition and Impact

Sarbeswar dedication to agriculture and community development earned him the Assam Gaurav, the state third-highest civilian award, in 2022-23. In 2024, his remarkable journey was further recognized with the prestigious Padma Shri.

Reflecting on these honors, he shares, “I have received immense respect, love, and admiration. Today, I own my own land. But true fulfillment comes from helping others—educating farmers, sharing better techniques, and improving lives.”

As he continues to mentor and uplift his community, Sarbeswar remains committed to making farming a sustainable and respected profession for future generations.

Edited by Gayathri