Ayush Gangwar, a young farmer from a small village in Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh, is making a name for himself in organic farming. His family traditionally practiced sugarcane and rice farming, but Ayush decided to take a different path and ventured into organic farming. The villagers were initially skeptical—how could farming be done without chemical fertilizers and pesticides? But Ayush, through hard work and experimentation, proved that organic farming is not only possible but also profitable.
Setting an Example for Youth
Ayush, coming from a family that traditionally grew sugarcane and rice, has now become a source of inspiration for young farmers. He didn’t just change his farming practices; he sparked a movement for organic farming across his region. Despite owning just 4 acres of land, Ayush is now cultivating on 6 to 10 acres, reflecting his determination to think beyond conventional practices.
How Did the Organic Farming Journey Begin?
Farming is not new to Ayush’s family. His father and grandfather have been in agriculture for decades, but in his village, cultivating crops other than sugarcane and rice was deemed impossible. When Ayush started organic farming, people were taken aback. He gained knowledge and inspiration from Bareilly’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), where he underwent training in organic farming. During the training, Ayush learned about using vermicompost, Jeevamrit (a natural growth enhancer), and other organic methods, which he later implemented on his farm.
Impact and Changes in Organic Farming
Ayush shares, “After training at KVK, I began using vermicompost and Jeevamrit on my fields, which not only increased crop yields but also improved soil health.” He observed that crops grown using organic fertilizers were healthier compared to those grown with chemical fertilizers, and pest attacks were also minimized. Moreover, organic produce fetched better prices in the market, significantly boosting his income.
Moving Beyond Traditional Farming
Ayush is currently pursuing a B.Sc. in Agriculture, set to complete in 2026. Balancing his studies and farming, he has skillfully combined theory with practical knowledge. While most youngsters of his age head to cities to build their careers, Ayush has chosen to prioritize farming in his village.
Self-Reliance is Ayush’s Strength
Ayush believes that self-reliance is the greatest honor. With his efforts, traditional knowledge, and support from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, he has turned his farm into an ideal model of organic farming. Initially, Ayush faced several challenges but did not give up. He focused on improving soil quality, increasing the use of organic manure, and adopting organic pest control methods.
Today, Ayush is not only self-reliant but also inspiring other farmers in the village to switch to organic farming. He has become a role model for the local community, demonstrating that with self-reliance and proper guidance, any farmer can achieve the best results through hard work.
A Step Towards Environmental Protection and Healthy Living
Ayush mentions that the biggest advantage of organic farming is that it not only enhances soil fertility but also positively impacts the environment and human health. Diseases caused by chemical fertilizers and pesticides are reduced, and consumers get pure and nutritious food. Ayush dreams of encouraging more farmers in his village and nearby areas to adopt organic farming.
Growing Influence and Innovations in Organic Farming in India
Young farmers like Ayush are not just transforming their own fields but are also contributing to the promotion of organic farming nationwide. Several initiatives, such as the ‘Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana’ (PKVY) and ‘Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region’ (MOVCDNER), have been launched in India to support organic farming. These schemes aim to train farmers in organic practices and develop a value chain for organic products to ensure better market prices.
Various Krishi Vigyan Kendras and research institutes across India are also researching different aspects of organic farming. For instance, in hilly states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, new techniques are being used to convert wild grass and crop residues into compost, making it easier for farmers to use organic fertilizers on their farms.
Advanced Techniques Making Organic Farming More Efficient
In several regions, modern technologies like drones, soil health cards, and sensors are being used. Drones help in spraying organic fertilizers, reducing time and costs. With soil health cards, farmers can identify nutrient deficiencies in the soil and choose appropriate organic fertilizers.
Benefits and Statistics of Organic Farming
Organic farming is not only environmentally beneficial but also has the potential to increase farmers’ income. Given the progress of organic farming in India, the government has supported its expansion through various schemes like PKVY, MOVCDNER, and the National Food Security Mission (NFSM). In 2016, the government set a target of bringing 500,000 hectares of land under organic cultivation.
In 2007, organic farming covered 528,171 hectares in India, which increased to 1.2 million hectares in 2014. Although this is only 2.5% of the total cultivable land, India has the highest number of organic producers globally, indicating that farmers are gradually embracing this practice.
Environmental and Health Benefits
Organic farming positively impacts the environment. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides increase the amount of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, arsenic) in the soil, which degrades soil fertility and poses long-term health risks. Organic farming addresses these issues and promotes biodiversity. Some studies suggest that organic farming can increase local species diversity by 34% and their numbers by 50%, creating a balanced ecosystem.
The Way Forward
Young farmers like Ayush are an example that with determination and hard work, traditional farming methods can be successfully transformed. This farmer from Bareilly has shown that even with small landholdings and limited resources, adopting new ideas and the right techniques can give agriculture a new direction.
Inspired by the story of young farmers like Ayush Gangwar, it is hoped that more farmers will turn to organic farming in the future, contributing to their villages, districts, and the nation’s agricultural development. The innovations in organic farming, government schemes, and the hard work of farmers are jointly shaping a new future for Indian agriculture, where Ayush and farmers like him play a significant role.
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.