By Sairupa Dola, MIS Coordinator, Asifabad
CYDA under the HDFC Bank Parivartan program, demonstrates how grassroots interventions and youth-led knowledge can help make farming more viable and sustainable.
In the village of Routsankatpalli in Asifabad, Telangana, lived Yapala Kamalakar—a farmer involved in cotton cultivation. Like many others, . Year after year, despite his hard work, his yields were shrinking, soil fertility was declining, and debt was growing. Farming, once his pride, had become a source of stress and uncertainty, dedicated to his land but struggling with persistent challenges
Youth-Led Change in Indian Agriculture
Acoss India, thousands of small and marginal farmers face mounting challenges due to conventional agricultural practices, escalating input costs and excessive reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These issues degrade soil health, reduce crop yields, and trap farmers in cycles of debt, threatening both their livelihoods and long-term agricultural sustainability.
The Struggle: High Costs, Low Returns and a Lack of Knowledge
Kamalakar cultivated cotton using conventional practices, heavily depending on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Lacking awareness of his soil’s actual nutrient requirements, he applied these inputs without proper understanding. This not only increased his farming costs but also led to declining soil fertility and inconsistent yields, ultimately affecting both productivity and profitability. The result?
- Soil health worsened
- Cotton yields dropped to 5 quintals per acre
- Costs soared
- Profits became negligible
“I was investing money and effort, but something was missing. Every year I hoped for better, but things only got harder,” he recalled.
Kamalakar’s struggles were a result of a broader issue faced by many farmers – a . Without access to modern farming techniques or proper training, he lacked the skills to improve productivity sustainably. With limited access to modern farming practices and scientific insights, young farmers like him were left to depend on costly methods with diminishing returns, major gap in information and awareness.
The Turning Point
Recognizing Kamalakar’s willingness to learn and improve, CYDA, in partnership with the HDFC Bank Parivartan initiative, chose him for a demonstration plot under the HRDP Project. This marked the beginning of a focused on practical learning, hands-on experimentation and young farmer empowerment. Kamalakar was actively involved, gaining knowledge and skills that were directly relevant to his challenges, journey of learning and growth.
Practical, Simple, and Farmer-Led
The team at CYDA introduced Kamalakar to sustainable agriculture practices that were simple, affordable and did not rely on advanced technology. These methods emphasized natural techniques, resource conservation and long-term productivity. As a result, Kamalakar was able to improve his crop yield, reduce costs, and adopt eco-friendly and sustainable farming practices.
🔬 Soil Testing:
Soil samples were tested to understand nutrient deficiencies, leading to more targeted and efficient fertilizer use.
🌿 Organic Farming Inputs:
Kamalakar was trained to prepare and use Jeevamrutham, a fermented organic manure. Neem oil replaced chemical pesticides, while sticky and pheromone traps helped manage pests naturally.
🌾 Improved Spacing and Crop Mix:
He adopted a 6:1 cotton-to-red gram planting ratio with proper spacing of 2.5 feet, improving air circulation and reducing disease incidence.
💰 Input Support:
Under the HRDP project, he received subsidized seeds, fertilizers, and pest control materials, reducing his initial investment burden.
Numbers that tell a powerful story
| Impact Area | Earlier to CYDA intervention | Post intervention |
| Cotton Yield | 5 Quintals per acre | 11 Quintals per acre |
| Revenue per Acre | Rs.31000/- | Rs.81400/- |
| Total Cost per Acre | Rs.21550/- | Rs.21350/- |
| Net Profit per Acre | Rs.9450/- | Rs.60050/- |
More than just an increase in numbers, the quality of cotton saw a remarkable enhancement—longer fiber length, stronger threads and a brighter, more uniform color made it more appealing to buyers and fetched better prices in the market. For Kamalakar, this transformation was not only financial; it strengthened his pride as a farmer and brought him peace of mind, knowing his efforts were yielding results that met high-quality market expectations.
I used to spend a lot but the results were not good. Now, after changing my methods, I see better crops and save money. This has helped me manage my farm better and support my family – Admits Kamalakar
Youth Empowerment: A New Generation of Smart Farmers
What makes this story even more powerful is its . Kamalakar, a relatively young farmer, represents the future of Indian agriculture. By equipping young farmers with practical knowledge, hands-on training, and access to supportive networks, initiatives like this nurture a generation ready to innovate and lead youth-focused approach.
Key Lessons Learnt
- Soil testing is foundational to good farming decisions.
- Small changes, like crop spacing and crop diversity, can yield big results.
- Organic inputs not only reduce costs but enhance soil health and sustainability.
- Handholding support and training build farmer confidence and capacity.
- NGO-corporate partnerships can catalyze real transformation in rural livelihoods.
