Empowering Farmers Through Sustainable Contract Farming
At Abhita Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd., we believe in transforming agriculture by building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with farmers. One of our key initiatives is contract farming, a model designed to ensure guaranteed income, access to markets, and technical support for farmers while enabling us to maintain consistent quality and supply of agricultural produce.
Our recent contract farming initiative in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district reflects our long-term commitment to rural empowerment and sustainable agriculture. With a focus on soyabean and tur (pigeon pea) cultivation, this pilot project has laid the foundation for future growth and innovation in the agri-sector.
What is Contract Farming?
Contract farming is an agricultural production system in which farmers agree to produce and supply agricultural products to buyers under pre-agreed terms. These agreements typically include provisions for crop type, quantity, price, delivery date, and support services such as training, inputs, and logistics.
At Abhita Agro Industries, our model ensures a win-win partnership. Farmers receive expert guidance, input supplies, and market assurance, while we get high-quality produce for processing and distribution.
The Pilot Project: A New Beginning in Buldhana District
In 2024, Abhita Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd. launched a pilot contract farming project in Buldhana district, Maharashtra. This initiative was developed to promote alternative livelihoods and improve income stability for rural communities through sustainable and scientifically guided crop cultivation.
Key Highlights of the Project:
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Crops Cultivated: Soyabean and Tur (Pigeon Pea)
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Number of Farmers Participating: 20
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Total Land Covered: Approximately 300 acres
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Region: Buldhana District, Maharashtra
Soil and Water Testing
Before planting began, our agronomy team conducted comprehensive soil and water testing on farmers' land. This helped assess the suitability of land for soyabean and tur cultivation and allowed us to recommend proper agronomic practices.
Testing helped identify:
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Soil pH and nutrient levels
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Water quality and irrigation potential
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Land suitability for targeted crops
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Required amendments to improve yield
By understanding the land better, we could reduce risks and enhance productivity right from the start.
Farmer Training and Support
Education and support are critical to successful contract farming. As part of the pilot, Abhita Agro provided hands-on training to participating farmers across all stages of the crop cycle. This included:
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Land Preparation and Tillage: Modern methods for better root development and moisture retention.
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Seed Selection and Sowing Techniques: Using high-yield, pest-resistant varieties for better results.
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Crop Management: Best practices for irrigation, pest control, and nutrient management.
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Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling: Ensuring quality is maintained from field to market.
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Packaging and Storage: Proper use of materials and techniques for efficient transport and storage.
Farmers were also guided on record-keeping, understanding input costs, and calculating net profits equipping them with financial literacy for long-term success.
Logistics and Material Support
To ease the burden on farmers and ensure timely execution, we provided the necessary logistics support. This included:
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Transport Vehicles: For moving seeds, fertilizers, packaging materials, and harvested produce.
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Input Supplies: High-quality seeds, organic inputs, and eco-friendly pest solutions.
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Packing Materials: Standardized bags and crates to maintain product quality during transport.
Our support ensured that farmers could focus more on farming, while we handled the backend operations making the process efficient and hassle-free.
Market Linkage and Income Assurance
One of the biggest concerns for small-scale farmers is market access and price volatility. With contract farming, we offered them a guaranteed buyer Abhita Agro Industries thus eliminating middlemen and price uncertainty.
Through our market linkage program, farmers were assured:
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Fair and pre-agreed prices for their produce
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Immediate payment upon delivery
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Consistent demand and repeat opportunities
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Reduced dependency on local traders
By integrating farmers into the value chain, we helped them achieve financial stability and increased confidence in commercial agriculture.
Building Trust and Farmer Acceptance
At first, farmers were skeptical about trying something new. But after understanding the model, its benefits, and seeing real-time support, they agreed to participate. The result was 300 acres of land under soyabean and tur cultivation a significant step forward.
The trust built through transparent communication, technical support, and timely assistance helped us form lasting relationships with our farming partners.