Tripura’s Rupankar Debnath transformed 1.6 acres of land into the largest lotus orchard in Santirbazar, earning Rs 50,000 per month. With no government support, he urges youth to embrace self-reliance through innovative farming. His journey highlights the power of grassroots entrepreneurship and digital learning.
In the heart of Betaga village under Tripura’s Santirbazar subdivision, a story of quiet transformation is blooming — quite literally — in the form of lotus flowers. What started as a spark of inspiration during teacher training in West Bengal has grown into the largest lotus orchard in the region, thanks to the efforts of Rupankar Debnath, a young man who chose the path of self-reliance over conventional employment.
Rupankar’s journey began not in the fields, but in the classroom. He was training to become a teacher, preparing for the Teachers’ Eligibility Test after completing his B.Ed. However, while pursuing his training in West Bengal, he observed the thriving world of progressive farming. The potential of agricultural entrepreneurship struck a chord with him, leading to a dramatic shift in his life goals.
“I saw how farmers in West Bengal were experimenting with different crops and finding success. That got me thinking — why not try something new back home?” Rupankar recalled in a conversation with Tripura Times. Upon returning to Tripura, he turned to the internet, particularly YouTube, to conduct research on viable crop options. One flower stood out for both its religious importance and commercial value — the lotus.
With the help of online tutorials and digital farming communities, Rupankar laid the groundwork for what would soon become a pioneering venture in the region. He acquired about 1.6 acres of land and began cultivating lotus flowers, sourcing seeds from various parts of the country including Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Kerala. His aim was to grow a diverse range of lotus varieties, and today his farm features ten distinct types of the sacred bloom.
His strategy paid off. Not only has the orchard become a local attraction, drawing hundreds of curious visitors and flower vendors daily, but the income generated from the flower sales has turned him into a successful small-scale entrepreneur. “On normal days, I sell each flower for Rs 10. During festivals like Manasa Puja and Durga Puja, the price can go up to Rs 50 per flower. On average, I earn about Rs 50,000 per month,” he revealed.
Rupankar’s farm thrives particularly during religious festivals, when demand for lotus spikes significantly. This seasonal boom, coupled with steady year-round sales, makes lotus farming a highly profitable venture. His story is a living example of how traditional crops, when approached with innovation and market awareness, can transform rural livelihoods.
Despite his success, Rupankar expressed disappointment at the lack of recognition or support from the government. “No official from the agriculture or horticulture department has ever visited my farm or contacted me. I have built everything on my own, guided only by research and hard work,” he said.
His words underscore a recurring issue in many parts of India — grassroots innovators often go unnoticed and unsupported by the very systems meant to empower them. His farm could serve as a model for agricultural entrepreneurship, yet it operates without any formal assistance or subsidies.
Rupankar’s message to the youth of Tripura is clear: “Don’t wait endlessly for a government job. Look around, learn new skills, and try something different. Self-reliance is possible if you are willing to take risks and work hard.”
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His story is more than a tale of personal success; it is a beacon for change in rural Tripura. It calls for a broader shift in mindset among young job-seekers and a more responsive approach from government bodies. As lotus flowers bloom across his farm, they stand as a symbol not just of purity and devotion, but of resilience, innovation, and the untapped potential of rural entrepreneurship.
