Khowai, Tripura: A remarkable tale of transformation is unfolding in the serene landscapes of Khowai, where a former corporate professional has traded his desk job for the fertile embrace of his native soil, sowing the seeds of agricultural innovation and community empowerment.
Bijoy Gope’s journey began in 2001 within the structured environment of a private insurance company, a realm where he honed crucial skills in communication, marketing, and team leadership over two decades. This corporate tenure, while successful, nurtured a deeper yearning for an entrepreneurial path rooted in his connection to the land.
The unforeseen circumstances of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 proved to be the catalyst for this profound shift. Returning to his ancestral village in Khowai to be with his family, including his wife, son, and his mother (who sadly passed away in 2021), Bijoy found himself at a turning point. Instead of succumbing to the challenges, he recognized an opportunity to cultivate his long-held aspirations.
A pivotal encounter with the officials at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Khowai, ignited a new passion within him. Inspired by their pioneering approaches to farming and sustainable practices, and with a heartfelt desire to honor his late mother, Bijoy embarked on his entrepreneurial venture, lovingly naming it Maya Nursery.
What began as a humble nursery rapidly flourished into a thriving agricultural enterprise, gaining official government recognition within a year. Demonstrating astute business acumen, Bijoy diversified his operations, establishing a one-hectare dwarf coconut orchard, a half-hectare banana orchard featuring the G-9 variety, and a quarter-hectare dragon fruit plantation.
Furthering his commitment to sustainable agriculture, Bijoy invested Rs. 3 lakhs to establish a vermicompost unit comprising 12 compartments, supported by a Rs. 1 lakh subsidy from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of Tripura. This unit now yields 25–30 metric tonnes of high-quality compost, which he utilizes in his own fields and sells at a premium of Rs 20 per kilogram in the local market. Embracing natural farming practices, Bijoy ensures that all his produce, from coconuts and bananas to dragon fruit and the increasingly popular naturally grown strawberries, is chemical-free and of superior quality.
Today, Bijoy’s integrated agricultural enterprise generates an impressive annual income of Rs. 15–18 lakhs and, more significantly, provides sustainable livelihoods for four local families. His influence extends beyond his own farm, as he actively encourages neighboring farmers to transition from chemical-intensive farming to the cultivation of high-value crops using environmentally friendly methods.
Maya Nursery has evolved into a vibrant center for agricultural learning and inspiration, attracting visits from students, field extension workers, input dealers, and members of the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission for exposure and training. The impact of his work has also garnered the attention of esteemed dignitaries, including the Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries from Tripura.
In recognition of his significant contributions, Bijoy has been appointed as a Member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of KVK, Khowai. In this role, he now mentors young individuals in the region, nurturing a new generation of farmers dedicated to the principles of ecological and economic sustainability. His exemplary efforts have been acknowledged through felicitations from KVK Khowai and the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region for his outstanding contributions to agriculture and allied sectors. Most recently, ICAR-ATARI Zone VII and the College of Fisheries, Lembucherra (Central Agricultural University, Imphal) honored him with the Best Start-Up award at the Annual Zonal Workshop of KVKs 2024, a testament to his transformative journey from the corporate world to the forefront of rural entrepreneurship.
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