Agartala, May 03, 2025: What began as a routine corporate career in the insurance sector has blossomed into a flourishing agricultural enterprise, thanks to the indomitable spirit of Bijoy Gope. Once a private insurance employee since 2001, Gope’s professional transformation post-COVID-19 has not only earned him acclaim but also created a ripple effect across Tripura’s farming landscape.
During the nationwide lockdown, Gope returned to his native village in Khowai to be with his family. The shift was triggered by personal circumstances and the unfortunate demise of his mother in 2021. Back home and jobless, Gope sought purpose—and found it through interactions with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Khowai. Inspired by their progressive agricultural initiatives, he launched Maya Nursery, named in memory of his mother.
In under a year, Maya Nursery achieved government registration (Reg. No. 0004/Khowai/2020). It now produces high-quality planting materials and supports diversified farming. Gope has established a 1-hectare dwarf coconut orchard, a 0.5-hectare banana (variety G-9) orchard, and a 0.25-hectare dragon fruit plantation. His innovation also extended to organic practices with the establishment of a 12-compartment vermicompost unit, built with a Rs. 3 lakh investment, of which Rs. 1 lakh was subsidized by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Tripura.
Today, the unit yields 25–30 metric tonnes of compost annually, much of which is used on his own farm, with the surplus sold at Rs. 20/kg. Gope has also ventured into strawberry cultivation for the past three years, adopting completely natural farming methods.
“All my produce follows natural farming principles,” said Gope. “This not only ensures better quality but builds trust among customers. That’s why Maya Nursery products are in demand across Tripura.”
His success story reflects more than personal achievement—it signifies empowerment. Gope’s enterprise now earns an annual return of Rs. 15–18 lakhs and supports four families through employment. Beyond his own business, he encourages neighboring farmers to adopt organic and high-value crops like strawberries and dragon fruit.
Maya Nursery has become a hub for learning and exposure, attracting students, agriculture extension workers, and officials from Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission. His achievements have drawn attention from state dignitaries, including the Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries. Recognizing his contributions, he was appointed to the Scientific Advisory Committee of KVK Khowai and received multiple awards from ICAR and CAU-Imphal, including the prestigious Best Startup award at the KVK Annual Zonal Workshop 2024.
Bijoy Gope’s journey exemplifies how adversity, when met with vision and perseverance, can lead to remarkable success. His story now inspires a generation of youth in Tripura to embrace agriculture not just as tradition, but as a sustainable and rewarding enterprise.
