Dhanpal Yellatti’s Fields of Prosperity: A Guide to Intercropping Success

Geethalakshmi K

Intercropping is an agricultural practice in which two or more crops are cultivated simultaneously on the same piece of land. According to the CEEW report on Intercropping and Crop rotation in India, currently the country has an area of 1-million ha under intercropping and 0.70 to 0.90 million people are estimated to be practicing the same.

Dhanpal Yellatti in his farm

Dhanpal Yellatti is a seasoned farmer from the picturesque village of Halingli, Bagalkot district, Karnataka. He practices farming across a 45-acre land and his farming philosophy is rooted in intercropping- where different crops coexist in the same land. He cultivates various crops including brinjal, turmeric, capsicum, cucumber, tomato, sugarcane, maize, watermelon, banana, and more. 

He plants at least 3 crops at a time on the same land. Yellatti's wisdom shines through his strategy.  In one cycle he grows brinjal, cucumber, and capsicum on a 3-acre land through row intercropping method. Each crop, with an average harvesting period of 70 days, complements the others. "Even though the market fluctuates, out of the three crops, at least one always turns a profit," he remarks, emphasizing the resilience and flexibility that intercropping offers. 

During the initial phases of sugarcane growth, Dhanpal intercropped with legumes, vegetables, and other crops, contributing to nitrogen fixation and enhancing soil fertility. As we walk through the rows of vibrant vegetables, Dhanpal shares a glimpse of his daily earnings, a testament to his dedication and the success of his approach. "Today, I earned 1 lakh just from tomatoes," he says with a smile. His average daily income ranges between 3 to 3.5 lakhs, a result of disciplined farming and a deep understanding of market dynamics. For Dhanpal Yellatti, success in intercropping is not just about cultivating crops; it's a holistic journey that demands discipline, willpower, hard work, and an intuitive understanding of the ever-changing market. Each day on his farm is a lesson, and each harvest is a celebration.

Dhanpal Yellatti in his stable