Farmers in Bhojpur’s Maidane earning good income from commercial rudraksha farming

BHOJPUR: Farmers in Maidane of Arun Rural Municipality-7 in Bhojpur have recently been drawn to commercial rudraksha farming. As it requires less effort and offers better returns than traditional farming, many farmers are seeking to develop rudraksha cultivation as their primary source of income.

According to local farmer Pradeep Thapa, farmers earn between Rs 100,000 and Rs 500,000 annually from rudraksha farming. “Once the rudraksha harvesting season begins, traders come directly to the village,” he said. “There is no problem with marketing, as buyers arrive from different parts of the country. This has further encouraged farmers.”

Farmers say production has been good because the climate and soil in the area are well suited for rudraksha cultivation. Since the trees continue to produce for many years after planting, the crop has become a reliable source of long-term income.

Ward Chairman Kumar Thapa said that plans are underway to develop the area as a “Rudraksha Pocket Area” after the crop began generating good returns. “Farmers are earning better income from rudraksha than from other crops,” he said. “That is why we are preparing incentive programmes to support its expansion and promotion.”

According to him, the ward plans to focus on the distribution of rudraksha saplings, technical training, market management, and branding in the coming days.

Alongside rudraksha cultivation, farmers in the area also grow fruits and vegetables. However, many have recently begun giving greater priority to rudraksha because of its steady income potential.

Rudraksha cultivation has played an important role in creating local employment opportunities, improving household incomes, and increasing self-reliance in agriculture. Local farmers believe the practice could serve as a model for other drought-prone and hilly areas.

Following the construction of two irrigation ponds by the ward office, most farmers in Maidane have taken up rudraksha farming. Farmers also say that improved road access has made it easier to transport and market their produce.