Gopinath Mohapatra, one of the project-affected families at GMR Kamalanga Energy Ltd. received Lal- KUBER variety paddy seeds and fertilizer to grow paddy using SRI method under the supervision of the GMRVF team. He was able to grow 25 quintals of paddy on 1-acre land with an estimated net profit of Rs. 20,000/- under the guidance of GMRVF team.

Gopinath Mohapatra is from one of the project-affected families at GMR Kamalanga Energy Ltd. He is a farmer by profession who contributed 1 acre of his land to the energy plant. Now, he has 2 acres of agricultural land, which he has been cultivating.

GMRVF started a pilot project, with 4 farmers in 2021-22 in the area, to grow a high yield paddy variety called Lal-KUBER using “System of Rice Intensification” method (SRI method). With the success of this pilot, in FY 22-23, 20 farmers joined the program to use the same variety of crop and SRI technique.

Gopinath is one among them and received Lal-KUBER variety paddy seeds and fertilizer to grow paddy using SRI method under supervision of the GMRVF team. The high-quality seedlings resulted in nearly 90% yield. Additionally, the application of organic fertilizers and pesticides such as “Jeevamrutha” and “Handikhata” ensured supply of required nutrients and pest control to the crops. Through regular guidance from the GMRVF team, Gopinath's confidence increased. He grew 25 quintals of paddy on one acre, netting Rs. 20,000/-, a significant increase from his previous yield of 15 quintals and Rs. 10,000/-. The SRI method contributed to this enhanced productivity.

He has also started dairy farming with 5 high yielding milch cows for an additional income of Rs. 4000/- per month.