Success through natural farming: The story of Shailendra Sharma’s colourful capsicum cultivation

Today, we are going to tell you the inspiring story of a progressive farmer from Himachal Pradesh who, by breaking away from traditional farming practices and adopting natural methods for farming like colourful capsicum cultivation, not only transformed his own life but also showed other farmers a new direction through his experiences. This is the story of Shailendra Sharma, a resident of Dyaregukhar village, Tehsil Jaunaji, District Solan, in the beautiful and lush region of Himachal Pradesh. Shailendra has worked so hard and diligently in his fields that today he has become an example for farmers not only in the region but across the state.

Beginning of farming and inspiration

Shailendra Sharma began farming in 2015. However, his real inspiration came in 2018 when he attended a seven-day training on natural farming from Padmashree Subhash Palekar. After this, he decided to completely abandon chemical farming and adopt natural methods.

Today, colourful capsicums are being successfully cultivated on his 4.80 acres of land. Shailendra explains that he initially used chemical pesticides, but they caused skin allergies. He then began using organic pesticides like Neemastra and Brahmastra, which both benefited him and protected his health.

Natural Farming Methods

Shailendra Sharma has adopted several indigenous methods on his farm that make natural farming successful. He rears three cows and produces Ghanjiwamrit and Jeevamrit from cow dung, which are useful in crop nutrition management.

To protect crops from diseases, he uses dry ginger-astra and buttermilk as fungicides. Additionally, he uses natural pesticides like Neemastra, Brahmastra, Agnaastra, and Dashparni. These methods not only ensure his cultivation of colourful capsicums is safe, but the yield is also excellent.

What does Shailendra grow?

Shailendra’s farming is diverse, but his primary identity lies in cultivating colourful capsicums. He also grows crops such as beans, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, ginger, coriander, peas, kidney beans, and corn. However, he has achieved particular success and recognition in cultivating colourful capsicums.

Appreciation received at the state and national level

Shailendra Sharma has received honours at the Panchayat, Block, and State levels for his farming. He also received a cash award from the state government. His biggest achievement came when Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a colourful capsicum grown by him at an exhibition and praised his farming.

Receiving such praise from the Prime Minister is a matter of pride for any farmer. This is why Shailendra has become an example in the field of natural farming.

Branding and Marketing

Shailendra sells his coloured capsicums in supermarkets (Chandigarh) and Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi. He also manages his own transportation system, transporting the crop to the markets via bus or pickup van.

This systematic marketing strategy has made his coloured capsicum cultivation more profitable.

Benefits of Government Schemes

Shailendra Sharma has also taken advantage of central and state government schemes for equipment such as polyhouses, drip irrigation, and power tillers. Furthermore, he received certification as a trainer in natural farming from the Agriculture Department, Solan, in 2018 and today serves as a master trainer.

He is now training farmers in various states on natural farming so that other farmers can also practice chemical-free and low-cost farming.

Why should you consider coloured capsicum farming? (Why adopt the cultivation of colourful capsicum?)

Shailendra Sharma believes that the cultivation of colourful capsicum has immense potential. Its market value is good, and if grown naturally, profits increase even more. This requires a polyhouse, organic fertilizers, and natural pesticides, but the cost is low and the yield is better. Today, his cultivation of colourful capsicum has become a role model.

Conclusion

Shailendra Sharma’s story shows that with strong determination and proper guidance, any farmer can not only become financially strong through natural farming but also earn respect in society.

Cultivating colourful capsicum has become his hallmark, and he is a source of inspiration for farmers across the country. If you too want to do something different in farming, starting a natural capsicum cultivation can be a great option.