Samman 2024 : Farmer Mansingh Gurjar became an inspiration in the field of indigenous seed conservation and organic farming

Mansingh Gurjar, a resident of Gardha village in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, is not only a successful farmer but has also made a unique identity in the field of indigenous seed conservation and organic farming. Born on 10 May 1976, Mansingh has been doing organic and natural farming on his 17 acres of land as well as preserving and cultivating more than 600 endangered species of indigenous seeds for 20 years. His work not only gave him national recognition but also inspired millions of farmers to understand and adopt the importance of indigenous seeds.

Desi Seed Conservation: A Mission

Mansingh Gurjar has made the conservation of indigenous seeds his life’s mission. He says, “If the indigenous seed survives, the farmer will survive.” So far, he has preserved about 650 varieties of indigenous seeds, including 350 species of paddy, 160 species of wheat, and 45 species of chilli. These include rare seeds like Kala Namak rice, which is famous since the time of Lord Gautam Buddha.

Mansingh collects these seeds from village to village and preserves them on his farm. His method is to multiply endangered seed species by planting them in two acres of land and distribute them among farmers. This work is completely based on his personal expenditure, in which he does not use any government assistance.

Natural and organic farming: Harmony with the environment

Mansingh is a supporter of natural and organic farming. He uses Jeevamrit, Ghanjeevamrit, and Beejamrit in his fields, which are prepared completely through organic methods. Mansingh believes that organic farming is not only beneficial for the environment, but it also helps farmers become self-reliant by freeing themselves from dependence on chemicals.

He has also proved that crops produced in organic farming are more nutritious, tasty, and healthy. For example, the papaya grown in his fields is different from hybrid papaya. These indigenous papayas are not only tasty, but no artificial colours or chemicals are used in them.

Scientific approach and caution

Mansingh adopts a scientific approach in his work. He ensures that the species of seeds planted in his fields are not affected by cross-pollination. For this, he plants different species at a distance.

His efforts show how a balance of traditional agricultural knowledge and modern science can give better results to farmers. The methods adopted by him not only help in increasing agricultural production, but also maintain soil fertility and environmental sustainability.

Importance and distribution of indigenous seeds

Mansingh has distributed indigenous seeds to lakhs of farmers so far. He believes that using indigenous seeds makes crops more sustainable and disease-resistant. Crops grown from indigenous seeds are not only ready at a lower cost, but also do not require chemical fertilizers and pesticides to grow them.

He told that his protected seed varieties not only increase the quality of crops but also increase the income of farmers.

Honours and Awards

Mansingh Gurjar has received many honours and awards for his contribution. Prominent among them are:

1. Honoured by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat ji by giving Rs 51,000 (2022).

2. Honoured by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan by giving shawl and coconut (2016).

3. Honoured by Union Agriculture Minister Gaurishankar Bisen by giving shawl and coconut (2017).

4. Letter of Appreciation by District Collector and Deputy Director of Agriculture (2018).

5. Letter of Appreciation by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Govindnagar Bankhedi (2023).

These awards not only appreciated his hard work but also presented his work as an inspiration.

Challenges and Self-reliance

Mansingh Gurjar has continued his efforts without any government assistance. He told that this work is not easy, but his passion and patience constantly motivate him in this direction. He believes that farmers should adopt organic and natural agriculture to become self-reliant.

Mansingh also told that crops of indigenous seeds are more sustainable and require less water and fertilizer. This not only reduces the cost of farmers, but also protects the environment.

Future plans

Mansingh Gurjar plans to take his work of indigenous seed conservation to a wider level. He wants farmers across the country to use these seeds and promote organic farming. Along with this, he plans to start training programs to make farmers aware of the benefits of organic farming and make them self-reliant. 

Mansingh Gurjar’s work is not only limited to his village or district, but it is an inspiration for farmers across the country. Mansingh efforts prove that if farmers maintain the right balance of their traditions and modern science, they can not only improve the quality of their crops but also increase their income.

His message is clear: “Adopt indigenous seeds and organic farming, so that the environment is protected and future generations can benefit from our heritage.” His work is not only praiseworthy but also a guide for other farmers.