Arun Kumar Sao transforms his fortunes through pineapple cultivation, emerging as a model of agricultural diversification
Published on: June 27, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
What began as a few pineapple plants grown out of personal interest along the boundary of a farm has transformed into a successful farming enterprise for Arun Kumar Sao, a progressive farmer from Salheona village under Sakarboga Panchayat in Raigarh district. Today, by cultivating pineapples on two acres of land, he earns an additional annual income of ₹2 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh, making his journey an inspiring example of agricultural innovation and crop diversification.
A Hobby That Evolved into a Sustainable Farming Model
Before venturing into horticulture, Arun Kumar Sao cultivated traditional crops, including paddy. Several years ago, he planted a few pineapple saplings along the field bund solely for household use. Encouraged by the healthy growth of the plants and the quality of the fruit, he gradually expanded the cultivation.
Using the suckers produced by mature pineapple plants for replanting, he steadily increased the plantation area. Technical guidance provided by officials of the Agriculture Department further strengthened his confidence. Over time, what started as a small experiment evolved into a two-acre pineapple orchard.
Today, neatly aligned rows of pineapple plants growing alongside mango and guava trees in his field present a successful model of multi-crop farming.
Low Investment, Higher Returns
One of the key advantages of pineapple cultivation, according to Arun Kumar Sao’s experience, is its relatively low production cost. The crop requires comparatively less expenditure on fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation, helping farmers keep cultivation costs under control while maintaining profitability.
At the same time, the market demand for pineapples remains consistent. Depending on quality, each fruit harvested from his farm is sold for ₹40 to ₹80, contributing to a stable source of income.
Additional Earnings Through Sale of Plant Suckers
Apart from selling the fruit, Arun Kumar Sao also generates income by selling the suckers produced by pineapple plants, creating an additional revenue stream.
His success has encouraged several farmers in the surrounding areas to adopt horticultural crops alongside conventional farming, promoting greater agricultural diversification across the region.
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Message to Fellow Farmers
Sharing his experience, Arun Kumar Sao said that success in farming depends not only on hard work but also on selecting the right crop, adopting modern cultivation practices, and following expert technical guidance.
He believes that if farmers choose crops based on local climatic conditions and market demand, it is possible to earn good returns even with limited land and resources.
