Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh): A farmer in Mandsaur district resolved an issue for nearby farmers by discovering a way to turn flax stalks into fabric and a source of income.
Flax, an oilseed crop, is popular in the area, but after harvesting, the stalks go to waste, taking up space in fields and not being useful for cattle.
Farmer Dr Rakesh Patidar of Karnakhedi village and CEO of Mandsaur Agro Industry Producer Company Limited came up with an innovative solution.
Dr Patidar has always wanted to help farmers. He studied agriculture and earned a PhD, teaching at various institutions before focusing on his dream.
He formed a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) that now supports farmers from 35 villages, providing them with affordable seeds, fertilisers and advice.
Instead of burning the flax stalks, Dr Patidar has started producing fibre from them. He trained in fibre production in Chhattisgarh and brought that knowledge back to Mandsaur.
The fibre from flax is strong and in demand in the textile industry. Currently, he collects the stalks and sends them to a company in Gujarat, but he plans to start producing the fibre himself next year.
So far, he has collected flax stalks from 40 hectares and is paying farmers a fair price, which has made them happy. With support from the Agriculture Department, Dr Patidar aims to create jobs and make his innovation a model for others.
His efforts were also recognised by local leaders, including MP Banshilal Gurjar and Collector Aditi Garg.
