Empowering farmers through knowledge: The success story of Adatya Kumar Swain

Bhubaneswar (28/02/2025): Farming isn’t just a livelihood for Adatya Kumar Swain—it’s his legacy, his passion, and his purpose.

A native of Naranpur village in Kendrapara district, Adatya made a bold decision to leave a stable banking career and return to his roots, dedicating himself to agriculture.

With 12 acres of land, he grows paddy on 6 acres while cultivating green gram, black gram, vegetables, and mustard on the rest. Struggles and Setbacks: Despite his dedication, Adatya faced relentless challenges.

His paddy fields were plagued by diseases like root rot and leaf blight, while chemical treatments from local suppliers failed to deliver results.

The Kharif season of 2023 brought a devastating blow—leaf blight, leaf curl, and a cyclone ravaged his crops.

His 3-acre paddy field yielded a meager 25-30 quintals, earning just Rs.40,000—far from what he needed to sustain his farm and aspirations. A Game-Changer: The Reliance Foundation Digital Farm School Adatya’s turning point came in March 2024 when the Reliance Foundation launched agricultural programs in Naranpur.

Desperate for solutions, he eagerly participated and discovered the Foundation’s toll-free farmer helpline (1800 419 8800).

This lifeline connected him with expert advice on soil health, pest control, and sustainable farming. Through Digital Farm School, he got engaged in one-on-one consultations, interactive audio conferences, and in-person training.

Armed with newfound knowledge, he adopted high-yield paddy varieties like Saguan, Puja, and Sarala.

He embraced scientific soil management, advanced pest control strategies, and disaster-resilient farming techniques. Overcoming Cyclone-On October, 2024, Cyclone Dana tore through Odisha, leaving a trail of destruction.

But this time, Adatya was well prepared.

Thanks to Reliance Foundation’s proactive disaster preparedness initiatives-including early cyclone warnings, voice alerts, expert guidance, and live sessions—he took preventive measures to safeguard his crops. While many farmers in his village suffered heavy losses, Adatya minimized the cyclone’s impact through timely interventions.

The results were astounding.

His yield soared to 110 quintals from 6 acres, and his earnings skyrocketed to Rs.1,90,000 (local market price), marking a remarkable turnaround in his farming journey. A Legacy of Knowledge and Gratitude- Reflecting on his transformation, Adatya attributes his success to the unwavering support of the Reliance Foundation. He says, "The toll-free helpline (1800 419 8800) became my lifeline.

The guidance I received empowered me to overcome challenges and improve my farm’s productivity.

I urge all farmers to leverage this invaluable resource and embrace knowledge-driven farming." Adatya’s story is a powerful testament to how knowledge, technology, and timely support can revolutionize agriculture.

With initiatives like Digital Farm School and disaster resilience programs, the Reliance Foundation continues to uplift farming communities, ensuring that every farmer is equipped to thrive, even in the face of adversity.

His journey inspires countless others to believe in the power of informed farming and collective progress. Expanding Agricultural Horizons- Inspired by his success, Adatya has now ventured into advanced farming practices.

He is experimenting with precision agriculture, integrating drip irrigation for water efficiency, and using bio-fertilizers to enhance soil fertility.

Recognizing the importance of value addition, he has started exploring processing and packaging techniques for his produce to fetch better market prices. Additionally, Adatya has become a mentor for fellow farmers in his village.

He organizes training sessions to share best practices, demonstrating innovative methods that can boost productivity and resilience.

His efforts are fostering a knowledge-sharing community where farmers collaborate, innovate, and grow together. A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture-Looking ahead, Adatya envisions transforming his farm into a model agricultural hub.

He plans to diversify into agroforestry, integrating fruit orchards and medicinal plants alongside traditional crops.

His goal is to build a self-sustaining ecosystem that aligns with climate-smart agricultural principles, ensuring long-term sustainability and profitability. Through continuous learning and adaptation, Adatya Kumar Swain exemplifies the essence of modern farming—where tradition meets innovation, and challenges pave the way for new opportunities.

His story serves as an inspiration for farmers across India, proving that with the right knowledge, guidance, and determination, agriculture can thrive and prosper.