In the quiet village of Amguripara in Assam’s Goalpara district, Upendra Rabha is a farmer who transformed his life and the farming practices in his region. Known for his pioneering work in cultivating black rice, he started with just a single seed and turned it into a thriving agricultural venture. This blog explores Upendra Rabha’s remarkable journey from planting that first seed to becoming a respected figure in Assam’s agricultural community.
The Humble Beginning: One Seed, One Dream
Upendra Rabha’s journey began in 2011 with a single black rice seed, which he received from an agricultural fair in Rajasthan. At the time, black rice was virtually unknown in Assam, and the idea of cultivating it seemed far-fetched to many. Upendra, however, saw potential in this unique crop. He planted the seed in his small plot of land and carefully nurtured it, despite facing skepticism from other farmers and dealing with limited knowledge and resources.
His initial harvest from that single seed was modest—just 150 gra
ms of black rice. But for Upendra, it was a sign of something greater. This small yield sparked his passion and determination to see how far he could take this crop.
Overcoming Challenges: The Roadblocks on the Path to Success
Upendra’s journey was far from easy. Living in a remote village with poor road connectivity, he struggled to access the necessary support and guidance from agricultural experts. In the early years, he lacked scientific knowledge about black rice cultivation, relying instead on agricultural radio programs to learn basic techniques. His fellow farmers doubted the viability of black rice, considering it an unconventional and risky choice.
Transportation issues further complicated his efforts, making it difficult for agricultural officers to visit his village and offer assistance. Additionally, there was little demand for black rice in the market, making it challenging for Upendra to sell his produce in the initial years.
Yet, despite these obstacles, Upendra remained undeterred. He continued to experiment and refine his cultivation techniques, learning from his mistakes and slowly expanding his black rice crop.
Growth and Expansion: From a Seedling to 1,000 Bighas
Upendra’s perseverance began to pay off. As he refined his techniques, his yields started to increase. What began with a single seed grew into a substantial crop, and over the years, he expanded his cultivation to 1,000 bighas of land. His unique strain of black rice, which he branded as “Upendra Rice I,” gained popularity for its rich nutritional value and unique flavor.
Realizing the potential of black rice, Upendra began encouraging other farmers in his community to adopt this high-value crop. His success inspired hundreds of farmers in Assam to try their hand at black rice cultivation, leading to a significant increase in production across the region. Together, they formed a black rice production committee, fostering a sense of community and shared knowledge among local farmers.
Recognition and Impact: From Assam to the World
As Upendra’s black rice gained recognition, demand for the crop surged, particularly from 2019 onwards. Buyers from across India and even internationally began seeking out his product, recognizing its value and quality. His work not only improved his own livelihood but also provided economic opportunities for many farmers in the region, helping to uplift the local economy.
In recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to agriculture, the Assam Agriculture Department named three strains of black rice after him: Upendra Black Rice, Upendra Black Rice 1, and Upendra Black Rice 2. His efforts culminated in 2024 when he was awarded the prestigious ‘Assam Gaurav Award,’ one of the highest civilian honors in the state. This award was a testament to his impact on agriculture in Assam and his role in promoting black rice as a viable and profitable crop.
The Broader Impact: A Role Model for Future Generations
Upendra Rabha’s story is not just about personal success; it represents a broader shift in the agricultural landscape of Assam. His journey has shown that innovation, when coupled with persistence, can lead to significant change. By introducing black rice to the region, Upendra has not only improved his own life but has also created a ripple effect, inspiring many farmers to explore alternative crops that offer higher returns.
