Harsh Singh Dangwal’s inspiring journey towards innovation in organic farming and harmony with nature

Harsh Singh Dangwal, a resident Sunkiya village in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, is known for his unique methods and innovation in organic farming. Harsh Singh believes that organic farming is not just a distance from chemical fertilizers and pesticides, but it is a means of promoting soil nutrients, conserving water, and protecting the environment. The innovations he has made in organic farming with his hard work and commitment are going to show a new direction in this field.

Unique identity of organic farming 

A major aspect of Harsh Singh’s organic farming is that he does not limit farmers to only emphasizing the use of organic fertilizers. He ensures that every crop is grown in organic method and there is no use of chemical elements at all. He uses a variety of organic methods in his fields, such as organic manure, biofertilizer, a mixture of cow dung and cow urine, and cultivation of herbs in the fields. All these natural products not only maintain the fertility of the soil but also provide more nutrition to the crops.

Harsh Singh has developed a special method of implementing organic farming in the hilly region. Under this, he conserves water by making ponds, which conserve rainwater. He uses this water for irrigation and fish farming in summer, which also makes maximum use of the water source.

Unique use of water harvesting and fish farming in fields 

Keeping in mind the need of water in farming and the importance of water conservation, Harsh Singh has made ponds in his fields, in which he stores rainwater. This water is used for crop irrigation and fish farming. He rears fish like silver carp, common carp and grass carp in his ponds, which increases his income. In this way, he inspires himself and other farmers to earn additional income from fish farming.

Using rocky and infertile land for herb farming 

Another unique initiative of Harsh Singh is that he has used rocky and infertile land for the cultivation of herbs such as lemon grass, rosemary, and netier grass. By producing herbs where traditional farming is not possible, he not only utilizes that land but also gets economic benefits from these medicinal plants. These herbs are also used in the manufacture of organic pesticides, which protects crops from pests and maintains the quality of the products.

Solution to the problem of stubble burning 

Harsh Singh has adopted a new method to control the pollution caused by stubble burning. Instead of burning stubble in his fields, he has used Pusa Decomposer, which converts stubble into manure. He puts this manure in his fields, which improves the quality of the soil and also prevents environmental pollution.

Group formation and training in the community 

Harsh Singh Dangwal has formed a DMT (Dairy Manufacturing Tactics) group, in which farmers are given information about various aspects of organic farming. From time to time, he also calls farmers of the area and gives them training and tells them the benefits of farming through organic methods. He told that till now he has made more than a thousand farmers aware about organic farming and natural methods. This effort of his is a milestone in the direction of empowering farmers and encouraging them towards organic farming.

Benefits received from the government and their utility 

Harsh Singh Dangwal has received the benefit of various government schemes for his excellence in organic farming, which has proved helpful in making his agricultural work more effective and sustainable. He has received a mini tractor under the Horticulture Department in grant, which has made it possible to carry out agricultural work smoothly. This tractor not only helps in plowing the field, but also helps him in other agricultural works. In addition, the polyhouse on 80% subsidy received from the Horticulture Department itself gives him a new direction in the field of vegetable production and plant nursery. This polyhouse ensures better quality of crops and they are also protected from the effects of changing weather. Along with this, he has used the water storage tank received under the Pradhan Mantri Sinchai Yojana for irrigation and fish farming. This tank is helpful in water conservation, which supplies the necessary water in farming during water crisis and also becomes a source of additional income through fish farming.

Apart from these, Harsh Singh has also taken advantage of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, through which crops get insurance for damage caused by natural disasters. This scheme not only protects his crops, but the compensation received from this insurance can also be used in other essential agricultural works. According to him, these government schemes are an important resource for farmers, which provides them convenience and financial security in modern methods of farming. Thus, farmers like Harsh Singh get an opportunity to make their agricultural business successful and financially strong by taking advantage of such schemes. 

Honours and achievements 

Harsh Singh Dangwal’s hard work and dedication has resulted in him receiving many prestigious honours at the state and national level. In the year 2016, he received the “Kisan Shri Samman” at the block level, which recognizes his innovation and dedication in agriculture. Similarly, in 2021, he was awarded the “Krishi Karman Award” at the district level. This award was given by Pantnagar Agricultural University, which is given to the outstanding farmers of the state. At the state level, he was awarded the “Farmers Leadership Award 2018” by the Indian Agricultural Food Council and the same year he was awarded the “Uttarakhand Pride Award” by Ray Foundation Malaysia in Uttarakhand. This honor established him as an inspiration and guide among the farmers of Uttarakhand.

At the national level too, the Indian Institute of Agricultural Research (ICAR) honored him with the “Innovative Farmer Award 2019”. Apart from this, he was awarded the “Krishi Shiromani Samman” in 2022 and the Bio Defense Research Institute DRDO Award for Excellence in 2023. Through these honours, Harsh Singh has been appreciated for his efforts in the interest of organic farming and farmers. He has also received the Mahindra Tractor Millennium Farmer of India Award and the Agriculture Today Award 2023 for agricultural journalism, recognizing his knowledge and experience at the nationwide level. All these honours not only recognize his hard work and contribution, but also encourage him to move further in the agricultural sector. These achievements of Harsh Singh make him a role model for future farmers.

Future Plans in Organic Farming 

Harsh Singh dreams that more and more farmers should benefit from organic farming and the use of natural methods. He emphasizes that only through organic farming can we create a clean and healthy environment for future generations. He believes that organic farming is not only beneficial for the soil and crops, but also increases the income of farmers.

Harsh Singh Dangwal’s journey gives the message that if done with the right guidance and dedication, farming can not only be profitable but can also lay the foundation for a healthy and secure future. Harsh Singh’s work is inspiring the farmers of his area and presenting an example in the field of organic farming.