After completing his studies in 2011, Utkrisht Pandey worked for his dream career in the CAPF. He appeared for the exams and was selected for the position of Assistance Commandment in 2011. He served in various states for over five years. However, later he realized that farming would give him more joy.
Utkrisht Pandey, a resident of Bhadauna village in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, was employed as an Assistance Commandment in Sashastra Seema Bal. Like many he had aspired to secure a stable government job. However, five years later, Utkrisht quit his job and embarked on his farming journey on his ancestral land. His aim was to uplift the rural economy, focusing on the importance of sustainable development and environmental conservation. Utkrisht wishes to create more employment opportunities in the village, particularly for women.
Dream career
After completing his studies in 2011, Utkrisht Pandey worked for his dream career in the CAPF. He appeared for the exams and was selected for the position of Assistance Commandment in 2011. He served in various states for over five years. However, later he realized that farming would give him more joy. Subsequently, he did his research and found the concept of planting sandalwood trees.
Vocal for Local initiative
Utkrisht Pandey shares why he decided to venture into sandalwood farming. He wished to integrate his farming activities with rural employment opportunities. In future, he will venture into producing soap and oil from sandalwood plants, profiting from its medicinal and cosmetic properties. Remarkably, Utkrisht’s endeavour aligns with the Vocal for Local initiative.
Receiving training
Earlier, Utkrisht Pandey believed that sandalwood plant could only be grown in South India. However, during his research he discovered its potential for cultivation in North India. In the year 2016, he resigned from his job and underwent training at the Institute of Wood Science and Technology in Bangalore. Initially, his family expressed concerns about his endeavours, but they eventually provided him with their support. Notably, his wife Tulika Pandey stood by him and offered him immense support throughout the journey.
Sandalwood cultivation
Utkrisht Pandey’s farming activities span over 5 to 7 acres of land. He cultivates around 2000 sandalwood saplings alongside crops like kasturi turmeric, black turmeric, and black salt. A sandalwood plant reaches maturity in 14 to 15 years and requires consistent maintenance. Furthermore, Utkrisht shares his views that each farmer can allocate a portion of their land for 2 to 4 sandalwood plants. Engaging in these farming practices can reap a lot of profits.
Educating farmers
Remarkably, Utkrisht Pandey offers training sessions on sandalwood cultivations. Moreover, he also educates farmers about the cultivation of millets, pulses, turmeric, and other crops. He believes that diversification of crops can lead to increased profits. His farming models are also being employed by farmers across states like Bihar, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, and Haryana. Utkrisht has also been honoured with the Devbhoomi Bhagwan Award and Tarumitra Samman for his contributions.
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