How Natural Farming Changed the Life of Rajasthan Farmer Navroop Singh

For nearly a decade, Navroop Singh lived in Canada. Like many Indians working abroad, he had a comfortable life, but he wanted to reconnect with his roots. In 2009, he returned to his village in Raisinghnagar, Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan, determined to live closer to nature. Today, his farm has become a successful example of natural farming, organic dairy and sustainable living, inspiring farmers from across the region.

Instead of following conventional farming practices, Navroop chose a different path. He stopped using chemical fertilisers and pesticides and gradually shifted to natural farming. Over the years, this decision has improved his farm’s sustainability while reducing production costs and creating multiple sources of income.

Navroop believes healthy soil is the foundation of successful farming. On his farm, crops are grown using natural inputs instead of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. Organic manure prepared from livestock plays a central role in maintaining soil fertility.

He says excessive use of chemicals not only affects soil health but also reduces the nutritional quality of food and increases health risks for consumers. By restoring natural biological activity in the soil, he has created a farming system that supports long-term productivity without depending heavily on external inputs.

Today, his farm produces a variety of organic crops and seasonal vegetables that are grown using environmentally friendly methods.

Sahiwal Cows Support the Entire Farming System

Animal husbandry has become an important pillar of Navroop’s farming model.

He maintains around 50 Sahiwal cows, one of India’s best indigenous dairy breeds. The cows provide fresh milk while also supplying large quantities of dung and urine, which are used to prepare organic manure and natural farming formulations.

This integrated farming system reduces dependence on purchased fertilisers and creates a circular economy where crop production and livestock support each other. According to Navroop, combining dairy farming with natural agriculture has made his farm more stable and economically sustainable.

Navroop’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond agriculture.

He has built an eco-friendly house using unbaked mud bricks and recycled materials. Several household items have been creatively repurposed, including old steel plates converted into washbasins and brass vessels reused as decorative chimneys. His home also includes a rainwater harvesting system that helps conserve water throughout the year.

His lifestyle reflects the same principles he follows in farming—reducing waste, using local resources and living in harmony with nature.

Environmental conservation is another important part of Navroop’s work.

Since returning to India, he has planted more than 750 trees representing around 150 species, including fruit trees, medicinal plants and flowering species. The plantation has improved biodiversity on his farm while creating shade, supporting birds and improving the local environment.

His efforts have encouraged many neighbouring farmers to take up tree plantation alongside natural farming, creating a wider impact beyond his own fields.

Inspiring Farmers Through Sustainable Agriculture

Navroop Singh believes prosperity comes from producing healthy food while protecting natural resources. His journey demonstrates that natural farming is not only an environmentally responsible choice but can also become a sustainable business model when combined with dairy farming, tree plantation and efficient resource management.

Today, farmers and visitors regularly visit his farm to understand his methods and learn how integrated natural farming can reduce costs while improving long-term sustainability. His experience shows that returning to traditional farming practices, supported by modern knowledge, can help build resilient farms and healthier rural communities.