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Rawataram Kalbi shared that he began cultivating dates in 2015 and started harvesting his first crop in 2018. (Local18)
A farmer from Barmer, Rajasthan has defied expectations by transforming barren desert land into a profitable date palm orchard. Rawataram Kalbi, an eighth-grade pass farmer from Rajasthan’s Bhakharpura village in the Gudamalani subdivision, has earned lakhs annually through date palm cultivation, demonstrating remarkable resilience and innovation.
Rawataram Kalbi, a farmer from Bhakharpura village in Barmer district’s Gudamalani subdivision, has achieved what many educated youths might not dare to attempt. While others dismissed the barren land as useless, Kalbi travelled to Gujarat to learn the techniques of date palm cultivation.
He drew inspiration from what he saw in Gujarat and began cultivating date palms on arid desert land. Though initially ridiculed by many, Kalbi’s determination has paid off—those who once mocked him now admire his success.
Kalbi shared that he began cultivating dates in 2015 and started harvesting his first crop in 2018. In the initial year, both the production and income from dates were low, but over time, the yield and profits steadily increased.
Today, his once-barren fields are filled with lush green date palm trees, and he earns a profit of several lakhs every year. Kalbi has proved that with strong determination, even desert land can yield gold. Notably, he has also received government subsidies for his efforts.
Kalbi shared that his income was Rs 2 lakh in 2018, Rs 4 lakh in 2019, Rs 5 lakh in 2020, Rs 6 lakh in 2021, Rs 7 lakh in 2022, Rs 8 lakh in 2023, and Rs 10 lakh in 2024. This year, he expects an income of Rs 12 lakh. These figures clearly show that his earnings from date palm cultivation are rising steadily every year.
Date palm is currently being cultivated on 250 hectares in Thar city, Barmer, generating an annual business of Rs 10–12 crore. Around 110 farmers are engaged in date farming across Barmer district, cultivating varieties like Medjool, Barhi, Ghanami, and Khuneji in the desert.
Barmer, India, India
