For Rajkumar Huria of Lalpur village in Rudrapur Tehsil, Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, agriculture has always been more than a profession—it has been a way of life. Having grown up in a farming family, he developed a deep understanding of agriculture from an early age. Armed with a postgraduate degree in Economics, he established 'Huria Khad Bhandar' in 1999 to serve the farming community by supplying agricultural inputs.
His younger brother, an agriculture graduate, regularly shared information about newly released agricultural technologies, helping Rajkumar stay connected with emerging developments in the sector. However, farming in his region—widely known as the bowl of rice, wheat, and sugarcane—was increasingly facing challenges due to excessive pesticide use, which had led to declining soil health and greater susceptibility of crops to insect pests.
Recognising the need to upgrade his knowledge and better serve farmers, Rajkumar continuously pursued professional learning. In 2005, he underwent advanced agricultural technology training conducted by Esha Agro Limited, Mumbai, followed by specialised training in organic farming organised by Dayal Fertilizers Limited during 2021–22.
A Turning Point through DAESI
Rajkumar's professional journey took a decisive turn when he came to know about the Diploma in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI), a programme governed by MANAGE, Hyderabad. During 2017–18, he learnt that completion of the DAESI programme had become mandatory for continuing the licence of an agricultural input dealership.
Determined to fulfil this requirement and enhance his professional capabilities, he approached the Agriculture Department, located about 7 km from his shop, submitted his application, and was selected for the 2021–22 batch at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar, Uttarakhand.
Beginning in June 2021, the 48-week programme provided him with extensive classroom learning, practical sessions, and field visits. The curriculum covered a wide range of subjects, including crop, vegetable and fruit production technologies, mushroom cultivation, beekeeping, fisheries, organic farming, protected cultivation, the Seed Act, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and various farmer-centric schemes of the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Husbandry.
The programme not only strengthened his technical expertise but also equipped him with practical knowledge that could be directly applied in his day-to-day interactions with farmers.
From Input Seller to Agricultural Advisor
After completing the DAESI programme, Rajkumar fundamentally transformed the way he managed his business. Rather than following the conventional practice of simply selling seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, he began providing farmers with scientific recommendations and technology-based advisory services before suggesting suitable agricultural inputs.
As word spread that he was receiving advanced agricultural training from Pantnagar University, farmers increasingly began approaching him for guidance and technical advice. His shop gradually evolved into a reliable centre where farmers could access credible agricultural knowledge alongside quality inputs.
The DAESI programme also introduced him to essential life skills such as stress management and customer relationship management, enabling him to communicate more effectively with farmers and build stronger relationships based on trust. As his technical competence and advisory services improved, the number of farmers visiting his establishment continued to grow steadily.
Economic and Social Transformation
The impact of the DAESI programme extended far beyond knowledge enhancement. By integrating scientific advisory services with his business, Rajkumar recorded a 20 per cent increase in his income compared to his earlier earnings, with strong prospects for further growth.
The programme significantly improved both his economic condition and social standing within the community. Today, he is widely recognised not merely as an input dealer but as an "Agricultural Knowledge Centre", a trusted source of scientific guidance for farmers in the region.
Reflecting on his journey, Rajkumar proudly says:
"The DAESI course is the key to my success. I shall always remain grateful to MANAGE, Hyderabad, for giving me the opportunity to enrol at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, the most reputed university in Uttarakhand. It was my dream to study at this university, and today that dream has become a reality."
He proudly introduces himself as an alumnus of Pantnagar University—a recognition that symbolises both his personal achievement and professional transformation.
Conclusion
Rajkumar Huria's journey illustrates how continuous learning and scientific capacity building can transform an agricultural input dealer into a trusted extension partner for farmers. His story demonstrates the far-reaching impact of the DAESI programme in strengthening technical competence, improving livelihoods, promoting scientific farming, and enhancing the quality of agricultural advisory services at the grassroots level. Today, Rajkumar stands as an inspiring example of how knowledge-driven entrepreneurship can contribute to sustainable agricultural development while empowering farming communities.
(Source: SAMETI Uttarakhand, Directorate of Extension Education, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar)
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