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From Soil to Success: How an Assam Farmer Turned Banana Farming into a Rs 30 Lakh-a-Year Business

In the quiet village of Madangaon, nestled in the Goalpara district of Assam, a story of rural grit, innovation, and agricultural transformation unfolds. Debabrat Rabha, a humble farmer, defied convention by choosing the fields over a formal job, turning 4 bighas of land into a 300-bigha banana empire and earning over Rs 30 lakhs annually. What sets him apart is not just his success, but a journey rooted in love for the land, family, and a vision of sustainable farming.

Sulakshana Baruah
From 4 to 300 Bighas - Debabrat Rabha’s banana empire grows where passion meets perseverance. (Image credit: Debabrat Rabha)
From 4 to 300 Bighas - Debabrat Rabha’s banana empire grows where passion meets perseverance. (Image credit: Debabrat Rabha)

Debabrat Rabha was born into a family of farmers, where his deep connection with the soil was nurtured from an early age. While his elder brother pursued a career in teaching and his younger brother joined the Assam Police, Debabrat found his true calling in agriculture. “Even as a child, I enjoyed helping my father in the fields,” he recalls. “I would work in the morning before school, and during vacations, harvesting vegetables was a joy, not a task.”

Unlike many of his peers who were encouraged to seek government jobs, Debabrat remained rooted in his passion. By the time he completed high school, he had already started saving money. In 2009, using those savings, he acquired 4 bighas of land and ventured into sugarcane farming. But his real breakthrough came in 2011 when he and his two cousins, Hiron Rabha and Dipankar Rabha turned to banana cultivation.

What started with just 4 bighas in 2011 gradually expanded year after year. Today, the trio manages over 300 bighas, earning them the unofficial title of “Banana Merchants of Lower Assam.”

Debabrat, Hiron, and Dipankar Rabha turned their passion into prosperity—revolutionizing banana farming in Assam. (Image credit: Debabrat Rabha)
Debabrat, Hiron, and Dipankar Rabha turned their passion into prosperity—revolutionizing banana farming in Assam. (Image credit: Debabrat Rabha)

Banana Revolution: From 4 to 300 Bighas

The Rabha cousins grow four major banana varieties: Malbhog, Jahaji, G9, and Senichampa. Each has its own demand and market, and they’ve carefully diversified their crops to ensure year-round income.

In the early years, they relied on chemical fertilizers, as is common in most commercial farms. But with time, Debabrat began noticing signs of soil fatigue and deterioration. “Our yield was good, but the soil was slowly losing its vitality,” he says. That concern marked the beginning of a gradual yet firm shift towards organic farming.

Cultivating Organically, Sustaining Naturally

Debabrat’s transition from chemical-based to organic farming wasn’t an overnight switch, it was a journey marked by keen observation, experimentation, and unrelenting persistence. “We realized that banana plants responded better to natural inputs, and the land stayed healthier,” he reflects. 

Over time, he adopted a mix of bio-fertilizers and farm-based inputs that now form the foundation of his organic approach. His toolkit includes Tech Potash, a bio-potash known to enhance banana flowering, nutrient-rich cow dung compost to boost soil organic matter, and recycled farm and piggery waste converted into compost. This sustainable shift hasn’t only improved soil health but also elevated the quality and shelf life of their bananas, giving them a competitive edge in the market. 

Throughout this journey, Debabrat acknowledges the timely guidance and support he has received from the State Agriculture Department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Assam Agricultural University (AAU) Jorhat, and its regional station at Kahikuchi. Their expert recommendations have played a crucial role in refining his organic practices and strengthening the sustainability of his farm.

Battling the Wind, Not the Flood

Unlike many flood-prone areas in Assam, Goalpara’s location at the foothills of Meghalaya spares it from waterlogging. However, that geography also brings with it a unique set of challenges, strong winds and thunderstorms.

“Wind is our biggest enemy,” Debabrat admits. “It can destroy 60–70% of our standing banana plants.” Thunderstorms not only break plants but also damage young banana fingers, leading to premature fruit drop and loss in yield.

To combat this, the Rabha cousins have adopted planting strategies that include staggered spacing and staking. While these efforts have helped minimize losses, dealing with unpredictable weather remains an ongoing challenge.

Rooted in Passion, Grown with Purpose: From 4 to 300 bighas—Debabrat Rabha’s journey proves that with patience, planning, and family, anything is possible. (Image credit: Debabrat Rabha)
Rooted in Passion, Grown with Purpose: From 4 to 300 bighas—Debabrat Rabha’s journey proves that with patience, planning, and family, anything is possible. (Image credit: Debabrat Rabha)

From Planting Materials to Market Mastery

In the early years, sourcing quality planting materials was a headache. G9 variety seedlings, in particular, had to be sourced from distant cities like Bengaluru. But things have changed. “Now, Assam’s agricultural markets are well-stocked,” says Debabrat. “We even produce our own planting materials for the Jahaji variety. It’s not a challenge anymore.” Their self-sufficiency doesn’t end at planting, it extends to marketing as well.

At the beginning of their banana journey, finding the right market was another uphill task. “We used to struggle to sell at fair prices,” he remembers. “Sometimes, middlemen would exploit us.”

But with time, experience, and growing credibility, Debabrat and his cousins built a solid network of buyers. Today, their bananas are supplied not just across Lower Assam, but also to West Bengal and Bihar. Even when supply exceeds demand, they manage to maintain steady prices and profits.

Debabrat and his cousins built a self-sufficient banana empire—growing, sourcing, and selling on their own terms. (Image credit: Debabrat Rabha)
Debabrat and his cousins built a self-sufficient banana empire—growing, sourcing, and selling on their own terms. (Image credit: Debabrat Rabha)

A Business Built on Resilience and Brotherhood

What makes this story even more heartwarming is the strong familial foundation on which it stands. Debabrat works hand-in-hand with his cousins, and their collective effort is supported by the entire extended family, parents, siblings, and children, creating a tight-knit unit that thrives together. “We are a happy family,” he says with pride. “My brothers have their own careers, but they’ve always supported me in this venture.” Their unity and perseverance have not only brought them success but have also inspired the community around them. 

Over time, their banana farming journey has motivated many others in the region to take up agriculture seriously, especially banana cultivation. Today, their venture employs over 15 men, and they frequently provide training and guidance to those interested in starting their own farms. Many locals have come forward, drawing inspiration from Debabrat’s story and viewing his model as a practical, sustainable, and profitable path in agriculture.

The results speak for themselves, while weather fluctuations occasionally impact yield, the family continues to earn a steady annual profit ranging between Rs 20 to Rs 30 lakhs, with Rs 30 lakhs becoming the new normal in recent years.

Lessons from the Banana Fields of Debabrat Rabha

Debabrat Rabha’s journey from a small farmer in Goalpara to the “Banana Merchant” of Lower Assam is more than just an inspiring tale, it’s a blueprint for sustainable rural entrepreneurship. His life underscores the power of following one’s passion, even when societal norms push for conventional job security. By choosing farming over a desk job, Debabrat not only built a fulfilling career but also ensured financial stability.

His steady expansion from 4 to 300 bighas exemplifies the wisdom of starting small and dreaming big, showing that growth rooted in patience and planning can lead to remarkable outcomes. His shift from chemical to organic farming wasn’t just an environmental choice; it became a competitive advantage, earning trust and a loyal market. Above all, his story is a testament to the strength of collective effort, how the unwavering support of family and the unity of shared vision can overcome even nature’s harshest trials.

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