Ashish Kumar Rai’s Organic Approach: Escaping the Trap of Chemical Farming and Bringing Greenery Back to the Fields

Ashish Kumar Singh, a name making a mark in the field of organic farming while living in a small village in Uttar Pradesh. Without relying on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, he grows his crops, believing that both soil and human health can be safeguarded through this method. At a time when the agricultural sector is getting increasingly entangled in the web of chemical inputs, Ashish chose the path of organic farming and is now moving forward as the fourth generation in his family’s farming lineage with a new and innovative approach.

Adopting New Farming Techniques

Ashish Kumar Rai cultivates a variety of crops, such as paddy, wheat, chickpeas, peas, pigeon peas, sesame, and flaxseeds. He shares, “I have started organic farming only in some parts of my fields.” Concerned about pest infestations, he opts for neem oil spray instead of chemicals like urea. This not only benefits the environment but also keeps his crops healthy for a long time.

To nourish his crops, he uses vermicompost, cow dung manure, and green manure (Dhaincha). Ashish explains, “After harvesting the paddy crop, I decompose its straw using a decomposer, which enhances soil fertility and prepares the field for the next crop.” By growing different crops in the same fields, he maintains soil quality and increases productivity.

Passion for Farming Over Profit

Despite the fact that organic farming requires more effort and involves higher costs, Ashish has not yet availed himself of any government schemes. He believes that profit and loss in farming largely depend on nature. He says, “We don’t have a market facility in our region, which sometimes makes it difficult to sell our produce. But I haven’t given up. Local people buy my organic produce, which supports my family.”

Inspired by Success Stories

Ashish’s hard work and experiments were recognized at the state level in 2018-19 when he was awarded the “Chaudhary Charan Singh Kisan Samman” for his excellent performance in organic chickpea cultivation. He had grown HC 5 variety chickpeas imported from Haryana, producing 40.40 quintals per hectare—an outstanding result for organic farming. During this time, he replaced chemical fertilizers with neem oil, and the experiment proved successful.

Dedication to Farming and Family Support

Ashish lives with his parents, wife, son, and daughter. He states, “We have enough to eat, the children are studying, and I hope they build a better future.” Despite the challenges in farming, he never considered switching back to chemical farming. He firmly believes, “We might eat less, but we won’t be sick. It’s better to invest in farming and health rather than spending money on medicines.”

Stepping Toward Organic Farming

Ashish dreams of inspiring more farmers in his village to adopt organic farming. He shares, “When they saw that crops were yielding well without chemicals, they started showing interest in this method.” His goal is not only to improve his own health but also to contribute to a healthier society and environment.

Challenges and Opportunities

Although organic farming has potential benefits, it is not without challenges. Issues like the lack of market facilities, inadequate pricing for produce, and rejection from supporters of chemical farming are frequent. Ashish says, “Our region is not developed for organic products, making it difficult for us to sell. But I believe that gradually people will become more aware, and the demand for organic produce will grow.”

Vision for the Future

Ashish believes that organic farming is not just a method but a lifestyle. He sees it as a legacy he learned from his ancestors and wants to pass on to future generations. He hopes that his children and other young people in the village will think along these lines and promote organic farming.

“If we don’t save our soil and environment, what will we leave for the coming generations?” he often asks his fellow farmers. Ashish is determined to adopt and promote organic farming, no matter how tough the road ahead.

Key Techniques in Organic Farming:

1. Green Manure: Growing crops like Dhaincha, hemp, and mung beans to enhance soil fertility.
2. Crop Rotation: Growing different crops in the same field in different seasons to maintain soil nutrients.
3. Vermicompost: Using compost created by earthworms to improve soil quality.
4. Natural Pesticides: Managing pests using neem, cow urine, and other organic substances.
5. Crop Residue Management: Converting leftover crop residues into organic manure.
6. Jeevamrit and Ghanjeevamrit: Using a mixture of cow dung and urine from indigenous cows to increase microbial activity in the soil.
7. Mulching: Covering soil with dry leaves to retain moisture.
8. Organic Seeds: Using untreated local seeds without chemical treatment.
9. Intercropping: Growing two or more crops together to enhance yields.
10. Integration of Farming and Animal Husbandry: Increasing soil fertility by combining crop farming with animal rearing.
11. Use of Decomposer: Decomposing crop residues to prepare organic manure.
12. Water Conservation: Using drip irrigation and other techniques to save water.
13. Weed Management: Controlling weeds through organic methods.

These techniques are beneficial for farmers in the long term, as they are both environmentally friendly and health-conscious. Farmers like Ashish Kumar Rai are setting new benchmarks in organic farming by achieving success through these methods.