Samman 2024 : Progressive farmer Chatar Singh Jam is the hero of organic farming in the desert
Born and brought up in Ramgarh village of Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, Chatar Singh Jam has proved that farming can be made successful even in the absence of natural resources with the help of unique efforts and traditional knowledge. He has given a new identity to agriculture through natural farming (Khadin farming) in one of the lowest rainfall areas of the country.
Importance and success of Khadin farming
Khadin farming is a traditional technique in the Ramgarh region, in which crops are grown by collecting rainwater. This technique has been prevalent in the area for hundreds of years. Chatar Singh says,
“Our ancestors gave the knowledge of how wheat, gram and mustard can be cultivated without any irrigation, chemical fertilizers or pesticides by collecting rainwater.”
Today, with his inspiration, Khadin farming is being done on about 500 hectares of land. 100 families of the tribal Bhil community have also joined his campaign and are getting good yield every year. His own Khadin produces 6 to 16 quintals per hectare, which is unique in this arid region.
Water conservation and recharge efforts
Chatar Singh not only farms but also plays a leading role in the field of water conservation. He has built about 200 Rejwani wells, ponds and Patal wells in his area. These structures not only help in storing rainwater but are also solving the problem of farming and drinking water in the surrounding areas to a great extent. His efforts have not only increased the water level but have also brought back greenery in the drought-prone areas.
“Water is the biggest challenge in our village. I saw that if water is conserved, crops will be better and so will life,” he says.
These efforts have not only reduced the problem of water for farming in Ramgarh and surrounding areas but have also made drinking water available to the people.
Inspiration for the community
Chatar Singh did not limit his success but spread his knowledge to the village and tribal community.
“I taught the tribal Bhil families the technique of Khadin farming. Today they have also become self-reliant. This has improved their livelihood,” he says proudly.
Chatar Singh Jam also ensured that local farmers adopt organic methods along with traditional farming. He motivates farmers to use organic manure, vermicompost and Jeevamrit.
Success in organic farming
Along with Khadin farming, Chattar Singh has made his farms completely organic. Without the use of chemical fertilizers, not only has the fertility of his land increased, but the production has also become sustainable. His organic farming has improved the quality of the products, which fetches them better market prices. Along with this, his farming is also proving to be beneficial for the environment. He considers it a sustainable solution for the future.
“Chemical fertilizers and pesticides harm both our farm and health. Organic farming is the way to our future,” he says.
Award and achievements
Chatar Singh’s efforts have been appreciated by both the society and the government. He has been awarded many awards, prominent among which are:
• Marwar Ratna Award (2021)
Maharawal Jaitsingh Water Conservation Award
• Jal Prahari title
These honors are proof of his contribution to water conservation and organic farming.
Challenges and their solutions
Challenges were no less in Chattar Singh’s journey. Farming in the desert is a difficult task in itself. He says,
“In the beginning, it was not easy to mobilize resources for water storage and teach farmers the technique of Khadin farming. But gradually everyone understood it and now we are all taking it forward together.”
Future plans
Chatar Singh Jam dreams that every farmer in Rajasthan should adopt Khadin farming and organic methods. He says,
“If we combine our traditional knowledge and modern technology, new dimensions of farming can be established even in the desert.”
His next goal is to build more structures for water conservation and take organic products to bigger markets.
Lack of government schemes and support
Although Chattar Singh has not yet availed any government scheme, he believes that his efforts can be given more momentum if he gets government support.
“Farmers like us need technical and financial help. This will help us bring more change in our area.”
The life and work of Chattar Singh Jam is an inspiration not only for the farmers of Rajasthan but for the entire country. His hard work and dedication has shown that if the resolve is strong, success can be achieved even in the toughest of circumstances. His Khadin farming techniques, water conservation measures and organic farming model can become the basis of sustainable agricultural development in the times to come.
In his words,
“Agriculture is not just a means of livelihood, it is the foundation of our culture, environment and society. It is our duty to preserve and advance it.”
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.