Sri Deen Dayal Singh – Transforming Lives Through Relay Cropping in Rohtas District
Sri Deen Dayal Singh -
Transforming Lives Through Relay Cropping in Rohtas District

Introduction
In the heart of Rohtas district, Bihar, Sri Deen Dayal Singh has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for rural youths and their families. Engaged in family farming for over 15 years, he has brilliantly leveraged the concept of relay cropping to enhance productivity and improve livelihoods in his community.
Background
Sri Deen Dayal Singh, at just 31 years old, is a testament to the transformative power of agriculture. Born into a family with humble beginnings, he committed himself to farming alongside his family members, creating an environment that fosters collaboration and hard work. Together with his parents, brothers, and sisters-in-law, they have dedicated 1.5 hectares of their land to relay cropping.
The Innovation: Relay Cropping
Relay cropping involves planting different vegetables in a sequential manner throughout the year. This sustainable agricultural practice allows multiple crops to be harvested from the same piece of land annually, maximizing land use and improving soil health. Sri Deen Dayal’s farm focuses on:
Summer Vegetables: Brinjal, Cucumber, and Pumpkin
Monsoon Crops: Bottle Gourd, Bitter Gourd, and Sponge Gourd
Winter Harvest: Spinach, Cabbage, Cauliflower, and Radish
Thanks to the continuous technical guidance from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Rohtas, Singh has mastered the art of crop rotation and diversification, enabling him to adapt to seasonal changes and market demands effectively.
Economic Impact
The results of Sri Deen Dayal Singh’s dedication to relay cropping are impressive. His innovative approach has allowed his family to achieve a net profit of approximately ₹6.0 lakhs per year. This substantial income has led to improvements in their quality of life, including better access to education, healthcare, and housing.
Key Economic Highlights:
Average Profit per Crop:
Bottle Gourd: ₹80,000
Coriander: ₹1,40,000
Okra: ₹1,40,000
Total Net Return from Relay Cropping: ₹6,70,000
With an efficient labor management model, they maximize productivity with minimal external labor costs, relying solely on family involvement.
Recognition and Community Influence
Sri Deen Dayal Singh’s success has not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and accolades at both the district and university levels for his innovative contributions to agriculture. His commitment to sustainable practices and community welfare has earned him recognition and respect among his peers and local agricultural institutions.
His practices have inspired many other farmers in the region, helping them understand the benefits of relay cropping and sustainable farming methods. Today, Sri Deen Dayal serves as a master trainer for KVK, sharing his knowledge and skills with aspiring farmers, thus fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation.
Conclusion
Sri Deen Dayal Singh’s story exemplifies how innovative farming practices like relay cropping can uplift rural communities and transform livelihoods. His success serves as an inspiring model for others in the region who seek to improve their agricultural productivity and economic stability. With continued education and community support, Singh’s contributions promise to shape a brighter future for farming families in Bihar and beyond.