From Cleaner to Progressive Farmer: Attik Shaikh Earns ₹18 Lakhs Profit in Just 5 Months Through Marigold Farming

From Cleaner to Progressive Farmer
The life story of Attik Shaikh from Salegaon, Kej taluka, Beed district is truly inspiring. Due to lack of formal education, Shaikh began working at a young age, initially as a cleaner on a jeep. Within a few months, he learned driving and became a jeep driver. But he dreamt of building something of his own. Determined to change his future, Attik left driving and turned towards agriculture — a decision that became the biggest turning point of his life.

Turning to Modern Agriculture

After quitting driving, Attik decided to cultivate his ancestral land using modern techniques. He adopted mulching, drip irrigation, precise fertilization, new-age farming methods, and market-driven planning. This year, he experimented with marigold cultivation on three acres, planting 30,000 saplings.

Within just two months, the first round of harvesting began. With Diwali and the wedding season approaching, marigold demand skyrocketed. At the Kalyan wholesale market, marigold flowers fetched an impressive price of ₹80,000 per ton, proving to be a golden opportunity for Attik.

High Yield, High Profit

Attik harvested 6–7 tons per acre, benefitting from the two-to-two-and-a-half-month harvesting window. Winter also helped, as marigold crops suffer fewer pests and diseases during the season.

With three acres combined, Attik is expected to earn ₹18–20 lakhs, out of which ₹15–17 lakhs will be net profit — a remarkable achievement within just five months.

Expense Breakdown (Total Cost: ₹3,50,000)

Saplings: ₹90,000

Mulching: ₹1,50,000

Fertilizers & Sprays: ₹50,000

Labour & Intercultivation: ₹50,000

Miscellaneous: ₹10,000

Helping Other Farmers

Attik not only farms himself but also guides other farmers in the region. He conducts experiments with multiple crops such as capsicum, tomato, melon, marigold, and onion, sharing all results with fellow farmers.
“If farmers help each other, everyone’s income can grow,” he says.

Agriculture Officer Kamalakar Raut also praises his dedication, saying, “Farmers can earn big profits when they adopt modern methods, technology, and market research.”

A Story of Hard Work & Transformation

From a jeep cleaner to a progressive modern farmer, Attik Shaikh’s journey is a powerful example of determination, discipline, and consistency. His success is motivating thousands of farmers across the region.