GHAZIABAD: When others were weeding out grass in their fields and throwing them away, Ratan Singh was growing them in acres. Everyone in his village wondered what he was up to. Some even rebuked him. Three decades on, more than 90% of the 5,000-odd farmers in Ghaziabads Raghunathpur are treading on the path laid by Singh – who is no more.But this is no ordinary grass.The villagers of Raghunathpur now grow various types of carpet grass – which are used for decorations in hotels, wedding venues and even on rooftops to keep houses cool. In the late 1990s, Singh had heard of farmers growing carpet grass in Delhis Burari. So, he thought of experimenting with it on a small patch of land one season. Other farmers werent sure of his decision. So, they stuck to growing vegetables and other usual crops.While others mocked, Singhs son Manoj – then 18 – backed him on the field. It was when the father-son duo started making profits of about Rs 4,000 every month that the villagers realised that the grass was indeed greener on Singhs side. Unlike other crops, carpet grass can thrive in relatively infertile areas. Other farmers of Raghunathpur saw an opportunity in its resilience in times of dehydration and capability to survive in flooded fields.I wish my father was here to see how successful his venture has become. Our village is now known for this, says Manoj, now 39. There was a time when villagers would take lessons from my father on how to grow carpet grass. Among them is Rajendra Yadav (60). He started growing grass on his 26-acre field more than two decades ago. When I grew vegetables, I targeted an annual income of Rs 10-15 lakh. But I was never able to generate that profit through traditional farming. Even in the 90s, Singh and son were earning around Rs 4,000 every month just by growing grass, he tells TOI.Raghunathpur today has around 200 acres where carpet grass is grown. Grass from the village is sold not just in other states, but in Dubai, Pakistan and other countries as well. Locally, it has generated employment among villagers as farm labourers.Four types of grass are grown in Raghunathpur – Bermuda, Mexican, Korean and Selection 1. Farmers in Raghunathpur believe the quality of their grass is way better than those grown in Burari.With years, the profit margin has grown manifold in Raghunathpur. A farmer who spends Rs 12,000 a year on cultivating the grass can earn up to Rs 80,000 on an average.Nidhi Singh, the district horticulture officer, lauds the farmers initiative. They have been doing incredible work. If this is reaping profits, it should be followed else where too, she says.

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