Cowpea Farming: Earn Up To Rs 1 Lakh In Just 3 Months If You Have 1 Bigha Land And Rs 5,000

Last Updated:July 09, 2025, 12:07 IST

With just 1 bigha of land and a small investment of Rs 5,000, a farmer from UP is earning up to Rs 1 lakh in just 3 months by cultivating cowpea using the scaffolding method

Cowpea (locally known as Boda) is widely consumed in many parts of Uttar Pradesh. Progressive farmers in the region have started shifting from traditional methods to more market-driven and profitable farming techniques. One such farmer is Dharmaraj Yadav from Kewalpur village in the Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh. By switching to cowpea cultivation, he is now earning lakhs of rupees annually.

From Traditional Farming to Innovation

Speaking to Local 18, Dharmaraj shared that he initially practised traditional farming, but the high input costs and low returns pushed him to explore better alternatives. He realised the need to grow crops that require less investment and offer higher profits. This led him to start cultivating cowpea.

Teaching and Farming Go Hand in Hand

A graduate with a BTC qualification, Dharmaraj also works as a Shiksha Mitra (education assistant) in the village’s primary school. Alongside teaching, he has a deep interest in farming. He mentioned that he initially grew cowpea directly on the ground. However, upon advice from the Pani Sansthan (Water Institute), he adopted the scaffolding method, which raised the crops above ground level.

Using the scaffolding method has proven especially beneficial during the monsoon season. Unlike traditional methods, where crops may rot due to waterlogging, crops grown on scaffolds remain safe and elevated. This method ensures better yield and quality.

Minimal Investment, High Return

This season, Dharmaraj has cultivated cowpea on one bigha of land using the scaffolding method. He says that the cost of cultivating one bigha is just Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000. Cowpea is ready for harvest in three months. In that short span, he earns a turnover of Rs 80,000 to Rs 1 lakh from just one bigha of land.

A Model for Aspiring Farmers

Dharmaraj Yadav’s success is a testament to how modern techniques and a willingness to adapt can transform farming outcomes. His journey inspires many young farmers to look beyond traditional practices and embrace innovative, cost-effective solutions to make agriculture more profitable.

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Location :

Gonda, India, India

First Published: