From Teacher to Natural Farming Pioneer: Ganga Sarni Bisht's Inspirational Journey
Ganga's journey has not only transformed her life but has also become a beacon of hope for other women in the region. Through her association with the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana, she has learned to prepare inputs at home, gaining independence from the market. Moreover, her husband has secured an outlet at Tapri for selling their natural produce.
In the picturesque Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, a remarkable success story is unfolding – that of Ganga Sarni Bisht, a woman who has emerged as a pioneer of natural farming and a role model for women in the field. At the age of 56, Ganga's transformation began in 2013 when she noticed the growing demand for chemical-free produce in bustling Delhi markets. Determined to make a difference, she decided to return to her roots and eliminate harmful chemicals from her farming practices.
Armed with a burning desire to find eco-friendly alternatives, Ganga embarked on a quest that led her to the Subhash Palekar Natural Farming (SPNF) technique. In 2018, she attended a training session conducted by the esteemed Padma Shri awardee, Subhash Palekar, at Kufri in Shimla district. This pivotal moment armed Ganga with knowledge that would change her life forever.
With unwavering support from her husband, Sushil Negi, a former Air India officer, Ganga embraced the SPNF technique on a trial basis. Encouraged by its initial success, she fearlessly expanded its implementation across their 10-bigha land, even reclaiming barren patches. Despite facing resistance from her in-laws initially, Ganga's determination and perseverance paid off, and she gained the freedom to farm in her innovative and sustainable way.
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Together with her husband, who took voluntary retirement six years earlier to join her in this green journey, Ganga dedicated herself to natural farming on six bighas of their land. Their farm soon bloomed with diversified crops, including beans, barley, peas, radish, carrot, beetroot, coriander, capsicum, garlic, and apple orchards, spanning an impressive five bighas. These efforts yielded fruitful results, with an annual income of ₹2.5 lakh from crops and seed savings of ₹5,000.
One of the significant benefits of adopting natural farming principles was the remarkable reduction in farm expenditure. Ganga proudly revealed that her expenses plummeted from ₹12,000 to just ₹3,000 per six bighas, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of her eco-friendly methods.
However, Ganga's success story goes beyond financial gains. By embracing a mixed-farming approach, she managed to harvest and sell crops throughout the year, securing a loyal customer base drawn to the freshness and exceptional taste of her produce. Her farm's reputation grew so much that she now receives advance orders for special occasions like marriages.
Ganga's journey has not only transformed her life but has also become a beacon of hope for other women in the region. Through her association with the Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana, she has learned to prepare inputs at home, gaining independence from the market. Moreover, her husband has secured an outlet at Tapri for selling their natural produce.
To promote sustainable agriculture and reduce the dependence on chemical inputs, the Himachal Pradesh government introduced the Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y) five years ago. From a humble start of 2,669 farmers adopting natural farming, the movement has now spread to include an impressive 1.65 lakh farmers, with over 60% of them being women farmers. Presently, the total area under natural farming in the state stands at 19,915 hectares.
Natural farming, with its non-chemical, low-cost, and climate-resilient techniques, encourages the use of desi cow urine and dung, along with locally sourced leaves as farm inputs. This approach not only harmonizes with nature but also ensures the production of chemical-free and nutrient-rich crops.
Ganga's journey from being a teacher in Delhi to becoming a natural farming pioneer in the serene landscapes of Kinnaur exemplifies the power of determination, knowledge, and a passion for sustainability. Her remarkable success story continues to inspire others, offering a glimpse of a greener and more prosperous future for Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
As Ganga and other like-minded farmers work tirelessly to expand the reach of natural farming, they sow the seeds of hope and transformation, proving that with dedication and the right techniques, a bountiful harvest of success is indeed possible.
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