Jamshedpur: Mukru Hembram, 70, of Bhatin panchayat under Potka block, has become a source of inspiration for many. He is bearing the expenses of higher education of his children by his income earned through vegetable farming.
Himself an illiterate, Hembram, while working under the hot sun in his farm, said, “I have never been to school. I could not study due to poverty. But I have always wanted my children to get educated and become something. I have toiled as a labourer for several years. Since last 10-12 years, I have been growing vegetables in my farms for a living.
” Hembramearns Rs 3000 to Rs 4000 every month. His income is enough for him to sustain his family and the studies of his two kids, one son, Kuna Hembram and the other Jamuna Hembram. Kuna is an Intermediate Commerce student while Jamuna is a first year undergraduate student of Arts. Mukru’s wife, Gauri Hembram, helps him in his work. “All I want is that my children become educated and lead a comfortable life,” she said.
Mukru said he grows various types of green leafy vegetables from October till June. Later, he works four months as a labourer. “If I get help from somewhere, I will grow cauliflower next year,” said Mukru.
Mukru does not have any infrastructure provided by the government for vegetable farming. Whatever he does is solely the result of his hard work. If he gets the assistance of the state government, farmers like him will be able to reap much greater benefits of farming.
