Shri Bhavarlal Jain
Industrialist who Brought Revolution in Indian Agriculture
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Bhavarlal Hiralal Jain - B. H. Jain (often known as Bade Bhau - Big Brother or Bhumiputra - son of the earth) is the Founder of Jain Irrigation Systems. He began his business in 1962 by trading in agricultural inputs and equipments. In 1978, he acquired a sick unit which he used to manufacture Papain. In 1980, he commenced PVC Pipe manufacturing operations. During 1987 and 1988, he pioneered the concept of micro irrigation in India. He has received many awards and accolades for outstanding work in agriculture including the prestigious Crawford Reid Memorial Award instituted by Irrigation Association, U.S.A. for "Significant Contribution to the Irrigation Industry outside the United States" in 1997. He was the first Indian and the second Asian to receive this honor for his significant achievements in promoting proper irrigation techniques and in fostering major advancements in the industry.
Jain was born in to a farming family of tiny village Vakod of Maharashtra, India in 1937. In 1963, selling kerosene from a pushcart, the young law graduate Bhavarlal Jain, founded the family business in trading. The family formed a partnership with a meager Rs. 7,000, the accumulated savings of three generations, as capital. Soon, agencies for two wheelers, auto vehicles, and automobile accessories were established. After inspired by a quote, "Agriculture: a profession with future" young Bhavarlal Jain added a dealership of tractors, sprinkler systems, PVC pipes, and other farm equipment. In order to broad-base the business he also added, agencies for farm inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides. His business grew from Rs. 1 million in 1963 to Rs. 110 million till 1978. He has done considerable amount of work particularly regarding the water management systems.
At its modern 1000 acre R&D Farm, research and demonstration is taking place for providing cost effective measures of wasteland development, soil and water conservation, greenhouse, fertigation, adoption of bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers, effective farm management and improving productivity for horticultural crops. 'Grand Nain'- a tissue cultured banana variety introduced by him has emerged as the leading variety with banana farmers in Maharashtra. He has been striving hard to earn a place of pride for Indian agriculture by augmenting yields and adding value, through scientific inputs of technology. Mr. B. H. Jain has been the recipient of large number of national award and honors. He founded the Anubhuti School, an experiential residential International Academy, which is operational from July 2007. The school is based on experiential learning approach and has started with Classes 5, 6 & 7. Mr. Jain is Managing Trustee of Jain Charities an organization working in social activities.
Recognitions : He has received 19 International and National Awards. He has also received 2008 - Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award by the Government of India. Also awarded with the degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) from Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology in 2006 for "tremendous service to the nation by putting up Research Projects and Drip Irrigation Projects which is a unique boon to the agriculturists all over.
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Information Courtesy : Mr. Mahavir S. Chavan
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Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation
www.jainsamaj.org
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