Santosh Devi: An example of organic farming, a confluence of greenery and health

Santosh Devi, a resident of Beri village in Sikar district of Rajasthan, has created a new identity in organic farming. Without using chemical pesticides and by resorting to modern techniques, Santosh Devi has not only increased the quality of her crops, but has also contributed significantly in preserving the environment. She says, “Doing organic farming not only makes our land fertile but also provides us with pure and safe food.”

Santosh Devi’s journey in organic farming

Santosh Devi’s journey started in the year 2008, when she received subsidy under the Horticulture Mission for pomegranate cultivation in her field. During this time she understood that organic farming is the key to the future. She reduced the production cost by 30% while saving 80% of water through drip irrigation. Santosh says, “Drip irrigation solved my water problem to a great extent. Along with water conservation, plants also get the right amount of nutrients.”

Initiative to increase carbon levels in soil

Santosh Devi has increased the amount of carbon in the soil by using organic manure and natural remedies, which has also improved the water holding capacity. According to her, “Earlier the field used to get drought easily, but now by adopting organic methods, the soil’s ability to retain moisture has increased.” According to Santosh, this step is beneficial not only for the crop but also for the environment.

Preservation of biodiversity

Santosh Devi’s farm now has many types of beneficial insects, such as bees, butterflies and ladybird beetles. All of these are increasing her crop due to organic farming. Santosh says, “By not using chemical pesticides, not only our crop is safe, but the natural pollinators coming to the field are also safe. This has increased biodiversity.”

Awards and Honors

Santosh Devi’s work has been appreciated at many levels. She was awarded the “Best Farmer Award” at the state level in the year 2016 and was honored by the Vice President and the Chief Minister in the Krishi Mela. In 2018, she was awarded the “Farmer Scientist Award” and in 2024, she received the “Innovation Farmer Award” (ICAR-IARI). She said proudly, “Every award has inspired me to move forward. This made me understand that this effort of mine is not only mine but also the effort of the society.”

Contribution of government schemes

Many government schemes helped Santosh Devi simplify her journey. In 2008, under the Horticulture Mission, she received subsidy on pomegranate plants and grant for drip irrigation. In 2012, subsidy on 5 HP solar pump made her irrigation problem even simpler. Apart from this, in 2020, she received a grant on mini sprinklers. Santosh says, “Government schemes helped me a lot in improving my farming. This not only increased my production but also saved water and electricity.”

Inspiration for farmers

Santosh Devi believes that adopting organic farming is possible for every farmer, and it can also protect the environment. She says, “We should not be afraid of new experiments in our farming. Organic farming does require some hard work, but its results are beneficial in the long run.” Santosh Devi’s journey shows that with dedication and efforts in the right direction, farming can not only be profitable, but can also prove beneficial for society and the environment.

Santosh Devi’s story is an inspiration for every farmer who dreams of entering the field of organic farming. These innovations made by her are not only making her farming successful but are also inspiring the farmers around her towards organic farming. Government schemes have also played an important role in her journey of hard work and success, which has strengthened her dream.