Women Leading Himachal’s Natural Farming Movement

In the heart of Himachal Pradesh's lush landscapes, a silent yet profound transformation is underway. The Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan Yojana (PK3Y), introduced five years ago, has turned into a beacon of change, and at its forefront are the remarkable women of the region. Of the staggering 1.65 lakh farmers who have embraced chemical-free farming, a staggering 60% are women, each contributing to the state's remarkable shift towards sustainable agriculture.

One name that stands out amidst this growing movement is Ganga Sarni Bisht, a 56-year-old trailblazer from Kinnaur, a tribal district in Himachal Pradesh. Her journey from being an M.Phil-educated teacher in Delhi to becoming a natural farming pioneer is a testament to the transformative power of determination and a deep-rooted connection to the land.

Ganga's awakening to the potential of chemical-free farming came in 2013 when she identified the surging demand for organic produce in the bustling markets of Delhi. Her resolve to eliminate harmful chemicals from her farming practices led her to explore alternatives, and she discovered the Subhash Palekar Natural Farming (SPNF) technique. Attending a training session by the Padma Shri awardee Subhash Palekar in Kufri, Ganga armed herself with knowledge that would shape her destiny.

With unwavering support from her husband, Sushil Negi, a retired Air India officer, Ganga embarked on a trial of the SPNF technique. Encouraged by its success, she expanded it across their 10-bigha land, even the barren patches that had long been overlooked. Her journey was not without obstacles; she faced resistance from her in-laws initially, but her determination paved the way for a new era of sustainable farming in her family.

The results were impressive. The diversified crops spanning six bighas – including beans, barley, peas, radish, carrot, beetroot, coriander, capsicum, garlic, and apple orchards – yielded fruitful outcomes. Ganga's annual income from crops reached ₹2.5 lakh, with the added benefit of seed savings amounting to ₹5,000.

The financial advantages, however, were only part of her success story. Ganga's embrace of mixed farming allowed her to harvest and sell produce year-round, garnering a loyal customer base due to the freshness and flavor of her crops. She became an inspiration for women around her, encouraging them to transition towards natural farming and reap its manifold benefits.

The PK3Y, initiated by the Himachal Pradesh government, plays a pivotal role in supporting such transformation. It fosters non-chemical, low-cost, and climate-resilient natural farming techniques, aiming to enhance farmers' incomes. The fact that over 60% of the participating farmers are women speaks volumes about the growing influence of women in reshaping the agricultural landscape.

With its focus on capacity building, advisories on natural farming techniques, and the promotion of locally sourced inputs, the PK3Y initiative has led to a significant shift towards sustainable practices. Today, almost all panchayats in Himachal Pradesh have embraced natural farming models, covering a total area of 19,915 hectares.

As the state's project director for PK3Y, Himas Negi, states, the vision extends beyond the present: "We are working on a business model for natural produce. We will consolidate the number of farmers practising natural farming and simultaneously increase the area under it."

Ganga Sarni Bisht's journey embodies the potential of determined individuals to bring about transformative change. Her success story, along with the initiatives of PK3Y, paints a promising picture of Himachal Pradesh's journey towards a sustainable and empowered agricultural future, where women play a pivotal role as catalysts of change.