Ravi Sharma, a resident of Banjani village in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, along with his brother Akshay Sharma, has touched new heights in organic farming. Once working in the field of electronic media and teaching, this duo has now become an example in the field of natural farming. By farming in a different way as compared to the adverse conditions of the hilly areas and traditional farming, they have not only made their mark, but have also become a source of inspiration for other farmers.
The journey of entering agriculture
Ravi Sharma and his brother Akshay Sharma started natural farming in 2018. Earlier, Ravi used to do documentary film making in Noida and Akshay was a lecturer in a private college in Shimla. Both of them decided to leave their professional careers and enter farming. The thinking behind this decision was that they should make proper use of their family farms and benefit both society and the environment through organic farming.
Their farming mainly focuses on horticultural crops (flowers and fruits). In his farms located at an altitude of 5800 feet, he grows crops like apple, plum, apricot, and peach. Along with this, he also has a polyhouse for protected cultivation in 6000 square meters, where he grows high quality flowers and crops.
Protected Cultivation: A Unique Effort
Protected Cultivation means using modern techniques to protect farming from external seasonal effects.
1. Polyhouse:
The polyhouse built in his farm is used to protect crops from rain, hailstorm and excessive cold. This increases the quality and production of crops.
2. Accurate Temperature Control:
The temperature in the polyhouse is controlled, which improves the production of flower and horticultural crops.
3. Saving Water and Resources:
Techniques like drip irrigation and mulching are used in protected farming, which reduces water consumption and keeps the crops healthy.
Challenges and their solutions
Farming in hilly areas is not easy. Despite the adverse conditions and limited resources there, Ravi Sharma faced these challenges.
1. Soil and climate analysis:
He understood the soil and climate of his area and selected crops that could give better production there.
2. Training in healthy farming:
Before starting farming, he consulted experts and visited various farms.
3. Use of natural methods:
He used organic manures and natural pesticides instead of chemical fertilizers.
Success and honors
Ravi Sharma’s hard work and innovation have been appreciated at many levels. He has received the following awards and honors:
1. Millionaire Farmer of India Award (2023):
This award given by Krishi Jagran was given for his income and progressive farming.
2. Best Progressive Farmer Award (2020):
Dr. Y.S. Awarded by Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan.
3. Progressive Farmer Award (2019):
Given by Red Cross Society.
Benefits of Government Schemes
Ravi Sharma made proper use of government schemes.
1. Subsidy on Polyhouse Construction:
He received subsidy in polyhouse construction for protected cultivation.
2. Assistance on Agricultural Equipment:
He took government assistance on modern agricultural equipment to save water and resources.
Profit and Income from Farming
His annual income from farming is between Rs 31-40 lakh.
1. Flower Farming:
The flowers grown in polyhouses are sold in big markets and hotels and earn good profits.
2. Fruit Gardening:
The fruits grown in his orchards like apples, plums, and peaches are in great demand in local and outside markets.
3. Local Employment:
His farming has also provided employment to the local people.
Future plans
1. Expansion of farming:
They want to take their farming to a bigger level and do natural farming on more land.
2. Training centre:
They are planning to set up a training centre for farmers, where they will be taught techniques of protected cultivation and organic farming.
3. Experimenting with new crops:
They are planning to grow new varieties of crops and flowers in their farm.
Message for farmers
Ravi Sharma believes that organic farming is not only beneficial for the environment but it can also be a profitable business for farmers. His message is:
“Farming should not be just a means of livelihood, but adopt it as a lifestyle and environmental protection. Use new techniques and increase your income from organic farming.”
Ravi Sharma and his brother Akshay Sharma have proved that if the right approach, hard work and technology is used, farming can become a successful business. His story is an inspiration for those farmers who dream of leaving their traditional farming and moving towards organic and natural farming. Coming out of the valleys of Himachal, his story is establishing new dimensions in the agriculture sector.
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.