In a remarkable journey of resilience and innovation, Bijoy Gope, a former corporate insurance employee, transformed adversity into opportunity by embracing sustainable agriculture in Tripura.
The Turning Point
- The COVID-19 pandemic forced Gope to leave his corporate job and return to his hometown, Khowai, Tripura, to support his family.
- Inspired by officials from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Khowai, he launched Maya Nursery, named after his late mother.
- Within a year, Maya Nursery became a government-registered unit, setting new benchmarks in horticulture and organic farming.
Agricultural Innovations
- Gope established a 1-hectare dwarf coconut orchard, a 0.5-hectare banana (G-9 variety) farm, and a 0.25-hectare dragon fruit plantation.
- He set up a vermicompost unit, producing 25–30 MT of compost annually, supported by a ₹1 lakh subsidy from the Tripura Agriculture Department.
- His venture into natural strawberry cultivation reinforced his commitment to chemical-free farming.
Recognition & Impact
- Gope’s efforts have created employment for four families and inspired local farmers to adopt high-value, eco-friendly crops.
- He was honored as the Best Startup at the KVK Annual Zonal Workshop 2024, recognizing his contribution to agriculture and rural development.
- With an annual income of ₹15–18 lakh, Gope has become a symbol of resilience and innovation in Tripura’s agripreneurship landscape.
His journey from corporate life to sustainable farming showcases the boundless possibilities of rural entrepreneurship, proving that crisis can be a catalyst for transformation.
