Achala Ram Jat, a resident of Mohangarh village in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, is not only a farmer but also an example in organic farming, water conservation and conservation of Khejri trees. Born on 11 May 1970, Achala Ram has dedicated his life towards organic farming and environmental conservation. Through his innovative efforts, he has not only succeeded in increasing his income but is also providing a new direction to thousands of farmers by inspiring them.
Organic Farming and Khejri Conservation Campaign
Khejri Trees: Life of the Desert
Achala Ram’s “Har Saal Khejri: Ek Abhiyan” is a unique effort to increase greenery in the desert. He started this campaign in 2000 by planting 100 Khejri trees on the boundaries of his fields. Today more than 11,000 Khejri trees flourish on the boundaries around his fields. The importance of Khejri is not only in environmental protection, but it also helps in organic farming.
Benefits of Khejri:
– Improvement in soil fertility.
– Fodder for animals.
Maintaining environmental balance.
Achala Ram says, “Sir Sante Rukh Rahe, To Bhi Sasto Jaan” (If the tree remains, life will be cheap and simple).
Contribution in water conservation
The importance of water conservation in a dry area like Jaisalmer is not hidden from anyone. Achala Ram has taken many impressive steps for water conservation.
1. Construction of Diggis
– Construction of 5 Diggis (2 concrete and 3 made of plastic).
– Their total water holding capacity is about 11 crore liters.
2. Solar pump and automation technology
– Use of 3 pipe sets to draw water, which does three times the work of a single machine.
– The entire system is powered by solar energy.
With these efforts, Achala Ram not only made his farm self-sufficient for irrigation, but also inspired the surrounding farmers to conserve water.
Bhura Baba Farmers Producer Company (FPO)
Achala Ram established “Bhura Baba Farmers Producer Company” by connecting more than 900 farmers. This company provides modern technologies, better market access and training to farmers.
Major functions of FPO:
– Motivating farmers for organic farming.
– Providing better market for the products.
Training farmers on water conservation and use of modern technologies.
Economic success and social contribution
Achala Ram’s farming and innovation has taken his annual income to between Rs 1-50 crore. His success is not only limited to economic benefits, but he has also provided employment opportunities to many rural women and youth.
– Economic model:
Sale of Khejri based products.
Marketing of organic farming products.
Use of water conservation techniques.
– Social Contribution:
– Providing employment to rural youth and women.
– Motivating farmers to become self-reliant.
Honours and Awards
Achala Ram has received several national and state level awards for his contributions:
1. IARI Innovative Award 2022 – By ICAR-IARI, Pusa, New Delhi.
2. IARI Fellow Farmer Award 2024 – By ICAR-IARI, Pusa, New Delhi.
3. Prashasti Award 2024 – By Arid Forest Research Institute, Jodhpur.
Benefits of Government Schemes
Achala Ram has also availed several government schemes in his efforts. These schemes have been helpful in making his water conservation and organic farming efforts successful.
Government Support:
– Solar pump subsidy.
– Training and incentives for organic farming.
– Financial assistance for water conservation schemes.
Future Plans
Achala Ram dreams of spreading his model of organic farming and water conservation across the country.
Plans:
– To connect more farmers to Bhura Baba Farmers Producer Company.
– To establish a brand for organic products.
Khejri conservation into a national campaign.
The story of Achala Ram Jat proves that if farmers blend traditional knowledge and modern technology, farming can not only be profitable but also beneficial for the environment and society.
His message is:
“Planting trees, saving water and doing organic farming is a gift to our generations. Farmers have to become aware and adopt new technologies.”
The life and work of Achala Ram Jat is a source of inspiration not only for the farmers of Jaisalmer but for the farmers of the entire country. His efforts show that if a farmer is determined, he can bring about a change in the entire society.
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.
