Samman 2024 : A different perspective to organic farming from farmer Surendra Ram

Surendra Ram, a resident of Deepnagar village in Nalanda district of Bihar, is making a remarkable contribution towards environmental protection and health benefits through organic and natural farming. His aim behind adopting organic farming instead of traditional farming is not only economic benefits but also to fulfill his responsibility towards society and nature.

Step towards organic farming

Surendra Ram started organic farming about 10-12 years ago. His main objective was not only to maintain the fertility of the soil through chemical-free farming but also to improve crop production. He believes that organic farming is the only medium through which pure food and clean environment can be ensured for the coming generations.

He says that “chemical-based farming has not only reduced the fertility of the soil but also has a negative impact on human health. Solution to these problems is possible through organic farming.”

Farming model and innovation

Surendra Ram uses many innovations in organic farming.

1. Burmese Compost Unit:
He has established Burmese Compost Unit with the help of Horticulture Department. Organic manure is prepared in this unit which is highly beneficial for crops.
2. Jeevamrut:
Jeevamrut prepared from cow dung and cow urine of native cow is used in the fields, which increases the fertility of the soil.
3. Conservation of trees and plants:
Surendra Ram has also grown neem, agavan, and other medicinal plants in his fields, from which organic pesticides are prepared.
4. Crop Diversification:
Along with crops like wheat, gram, turmeric, and tomato, spices are also cultivated.

Training and Awareness

Surendra Ram is not only doing organic farming himself, but is also sharing his experiences with other farmers.
– He has so far given training in organic farming to farmers of more than 20 panchayats.
– With the cooperation of ATMA and Agriculture Department, he regularly organizes training programs. – He not only teaches farmers the method of preparing organic manure, but also tells them the methods of marketing.

He believes that “if farmers become aware and adopt organic farming, their health as well as their financial condition will improve.”

Benefits of government schemes

Surendra Ram has taken advantage of some government schemes, such as:

1. Vermi Compost Unit:
He set up this unit with assistance from the Horticulture Department.

2. Sprinkler System:
For water management, he adopted the sprinkler system, which saves water.

3. Training programs:
He has received several trainings through the Agriculture Department and other institutions.

Model of crop production and sales

His produce is sold in mandis, and many times traders come directly to buy the produce from his farms. However, he believes that direct marketing and use of digital platforms are necessary to get a fair price for organic products.

He also says that “If the government ensures a better market system to give fair prices to farmers, the number of farmers doing organic farming will increase.”

Future plans

Surendra Ram wants to expand his farming work further.

1. Processing unit:

He dreams of setting up a processing unit, where products like tomatoes, potatoes, and turmeric can be processed and sold in the market.

2. Farm skill center:

There is a plan to set up a farm skill center to make farmers aware and train them.

3. Direct marketing:

They want to use digital platforms to deliver their organic products directly to customers.

Challenges and solutions

Despite the many advantages in organic farming, Surendra Ram says that there are many challenges in adopting it:

1. Initial cost:

The initial cost for organic fertilizers and equipment is high.

2. Marketing problem:

Due to middlemen, farmers do not get the right price for their produce. 3. Lack of training:
Many farmers are not aware of organic farming techniques.

To overcome these problems, he has started a collective effort with local farmers.

Message to farmers

Surendra Ram believes that “farming is not just a source of profit, but it is a gift to our nature and future generations.”
He appeals to farmers to adopt chemical-free farming and contribute to environmental protection.

Farmers like Surendra Ram are setting an example in the field of organic farming today. His efforts are not only improving his own financial condition but also making other farmers aware. He believes that by using the right approach, technology, and government schemes, farming can be made a profitable and sustainable business.

His story is an inspiration for every farmer who sees farming only in a traditional way and is ready for a change.