The story of farmer Diwan Chand from Kullu district is an inspiring example for cultivators struggling with rising input costs and declining crop quality. Once dependent on chemical farming, he has now transformed his fields through natural farming methods. Today, he is not only earning better returns but has also become a role model for other farmers.
Chemical Farming Was No Longer Profitable
Diwan Chand recalls that he earlier followed conventional farming practices, relying heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In pomegranate cultivation alone, he had to spray chemicals 15 to 18 times during the season.
This significantly increased production costs and also raised health concerns. Despite spending so much, he was unable to get fair prices for his produce in the market. Over time, he realized that this method of farming was not sustainable or profitable in the long run.
That is when he decided to shift towards natural farming.
Training Opened a New Path
Diwan Chand first learned about natural farming through officials from the Agriculture Department. Later, in 2018, he attended a training camp where he was introduced to the techniques and principles of natural farming in detail.
The training completely changed his mindset, and he decided to adopt this farming method in his own fields.
Started on a Small Scale
He initially experimented with natural farming on 1.5 bigha of land by cultivating peas. By regularly using natural inputs, he soon began seeing positive results.
This early success boosted his confidence and encouraged him to gradually adopt natural farming in other crops as well.
Improvement in Soil and Crop Quality
According to Diwan Chand, years of chemical farming had damaged the fertility of his soil. The land was becoming hard, and crop quality was declining.
After switching to natural farming, the soil started regaining its fertility. Crop quality improved, and plant growth became visibly healthier.
Lower Costs, Higher Profits
Where chemical farming kept increasing his expenses, natural farming drastically reduced his input costs.
After comparing both methods on the same area of land, he found that natural farming earned him nearly ₹10,000 more income than conventional methods.
Lower costs and better productivity made farming profitable again.
Natural Farming Across Multiple Crops
Today, Diwan Chand cultivates around 4 bigha of land. Out of this:
- 2 bigha is under pomegranate cultivation
- 2 bigha is used for peas, tomatoes, apples, and maize
He follows natural farming principles in all these crops and reports positive outcomes across the board.
Better Farming with Less Water
He says mulching in natural farming helps retain moisture in the soil. Because of this, crops grow well even with less water.
This method is especially useful in areas facing water scarcity.
Better Yield and Higher Market Prices
From 550 pomegranate plants, Diwan Chand harvested around 400 carats of Sindoori and Kandhari pomegranates. He also achieved good tomato production, which he sold at attractive market rates.
This proves that natural farming can deliver both quality produce and better prices.
Inspiring Other Farmers
Diwan Chand is now actively motivating other farmers to adopt natural farming. Through five training camps, he has already educated hundreds of farmers about this method.
He has also developed his farm into a model demonstration field where farmers can visit and learn these techniques firsthand.
A Farmer Changing Mindsets
Diwan Chand believes that once farmers try natural farming themselves, they will understand its benefits.
He says when people visit his farm and witness the results, many become eager to adopt the practice.
His journey shows that natural farming is not just an alternative—it could be the future of agriculture. Today, his farm has become a center of learning, inspiring many farmers to return with new ideas and fresh direction.