Shailendra Raghuvanshi Empowers Farmers

Shailendra Kumar Raghuvanshi, a resident of Babiyanav village in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh, has set an example of natural gardening on his 14-acre farm. Shailendra says, “A combination of modern technology and natural methods in farming is the need of the hour.” He has developed varieties of fruits like mango, guava, lemon, apple plum, amla, bael, fig, litchi, pomegranate, kinnu, seasonal fruit on his farm using drip irrigation and mulching techniques. Through this crop management, he is making maximum use of water and resources.

Natural gardening and conservation of local varieties

Shailendra says that he has tried to preserve the extinct traditional fruit varieties of Banaras. He says, “There are many varieties on our land that people have forgotten. We have taken up the responsibility of protecting them so that the coming generations can see these plants and crops.” Along with this, Shailendra has also grown turmeric and ginger crops along with fruits, which are helpful in increasing the income of his farm.

Training farmers and new technological interventions

Shailendra not only prepares new saplings by grafting the plants grown on his farm, but also disseminates his techniques and knowledge of horticulture to thousands of farmers. Shailendra says that “training farmers is very important to take farming to new heights. Farmers from other states also come to us to get training in horticulture and pruning.”

Formation of FPO and community empowerment

In 2021, Shailendra established a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), which today includes more than 4300 farmers. Through this FPO, they are promoting natural farming, cultivation of coarse grains and vegetables. This effort of Shailendra is linked with the empowerment of rural women, in which he is providing employment opportunities to women from self-help groups. He said, “Women and farmers associated with FPO are earning good income, which is also reducing the migration of youth to rural areas.”

Benefits of government schemes

Regarding government support, Shailendra says that he has used drip irrigation and sprinklers in 12 acres of his farm. Apart from this, he has also done plantation in 2 acres under the National Horticulture Mission. He has also installed wire and pillars for security around his farm with government assistance, so that his gardening remains safe.

Achievements and Honors

Shailendra has received many important honors for his gardening work. In 2012, he was awarded the L.M. Patel Award, and in 2013 he was honored by the then Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Vibrant Gujarat. Apart from this, he has been praised many times by the Horticulture Department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture.

Future plans and ideas

Shailendra aims to promote technological intervention in farming and horticulture and make farmers self-reliant. He says, “Our goal is not only to increase production but also to preserve local crop varieties and maintain environmental balance. If more and more farmers join natural farming and horticulture, employment and prosperity will spread in the rural area.” His efforts are not only changing the farming scenario but also providing new opportunities to the youth of the region.

This work model of Shailendra Kumar Raghuvanshi is an inspirational step across the country. His experience and dedication is not only empowering farmers but also providing new paths to farming to the coming generations.