Suman Patel and her family, residents of Dhaturia village in Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh, are writing an inspirational story through organic farming. This family, which has been involved in traditional farming for years, moved towards organic and natural farming four years ago. Suman Patel believes that farming is not only a means of livelihood, but it can also be a means to improve our environment and health.
The journey of farming and the beginning of change
Suman Patel’s family has been engaged in farming for generations. However, the challenges that come with traditional farming and the increasing use of chemical fertilizers inspired them to adopt this new form of farming.
Suman Patel’s son, who is currently studying in college, drew the family’s attention towards organic farming. The family started making organic fertilizer using cow and buffalo dung.
Wheat and gram are the main crops in their fields. Through organic farming, these crops are being produced with better quality and more nutrition.
Unique blend of organic and natural farming
Suman Patel’s family has developed a unique model by combining organic and natural farming.
1. Organic manure:
Jeevamrit is prepared from the dung of the indigenous cow, which increases the fertility of the soil.
2. Vermicompost:
Buffalo dung is converted into vermicompost and used in the fields.
3. Crop diversification:
Along with wheat and gram, spices, such as turmeric, are also cultivated.
Marketing and sales model
Suman Patel’s family sells their produce in the mandis. However, he realized that middlemen buy the crop from the farmers at a low price and sell it at a higher price in the market.
According to Suman Patel, “We should make proper use of government schemes and digital marketing platforms so that farmers can get a fair price for their crop.”
Contribution of animal husbandry
His family also contributes to animal husbandry.
1. Four cows and a few buffaloes:
Milk is obtained from these and sold to the dairy.
2. Cow dung:
Used to make organic manure and vermicompost.
Animal husbandry not only helps in farming, but it also becomes a source of additional income.
Government assistance and schemes
Suman Patel’s family has taken advantage of some government schemes.
1. Vermicompost unit from the Horticulture Department:
Through this unit, they are preparing organic manure in large quantities.
2. Borewell and sprinkler system:
These techniques are being used for water management.
Challenges and solutions
Although organic farming has many advantages, there are challenges while adopting it.
1. Initial investment:
Initial investment was required to make organic manure and change farming.
2. Marketing problem:
Accessing local markets and getting a fair price is not always easy.
3. Training and awareness:
The family resolved these problems by taking training and learning from other farmers.
Impact of organic farming
After adopting organic farming, Suman Patel and his family got many benefits:
1. Cost reduction:
The need for using chemical fertilizers and pesticides ended.
2. Improved soil quality:
The use of organic manure increased the fertility of the soil.
3. Health benefits:
Organic crops are better in nutrition and beneficial for health.
Future plans
Suman Patel’s family wants to expand their farming.
1. Direct marketing:
The farmers are planning to go beyond the mandis and middlemen and directly deliver their produce to the customers.
2. Turmeric and spices:
The plan is to make turmeric powder and market it as a brand through packaging.
3. Training center:
Want to set up a training center to inspire other farmers to adopt organic farming.
Message for farmers
Suman Patel believes that farmers should adopt organic farming to not only increase their income but also contribute to environmental protection. His message is:
“Farming is not just a source of profit, but it is a means to improve nature and human health.”
Suman Patel and his family are today an inspiration for those farmers who want to leave traditional farming and move towards organic and natural farming. Through their struggle and hard work, they have proved that even if there is less land, farming can become a successful business if the right approach and technology is used.
Contact us: If farmers want to share information or experiences related to farming with us, then they can do this by calling us on the phone number 9599273766 or by writing an email to [email protected] or by sending your recording. Through Kisan of India, we will convey your message to the people, because we believe that if the farmers are advanced then the country is happy.