This Bathinda Farmer has changed his fortune through Organic Farming

Organic Farming is an Indian heritage and people are breaking stereotypes and embracing the change.

One such inspiring organic farmer, Gurdeep Singh has carved an extraordinary path through his natural farming practices.

This Bathinda farmer transitioned to organic farming twenty years ago, before it was a trend, and this shift has transformed his life while contributing to a healthier community and employment opportunities.

From the Humble Beginnings:

Initially, Gurdeep was farming on 1.5 acres of his land and an additional 3.5 acres leased from neighboring farmers.

Twenty years ago, he realized the impact of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on soil health and decided to embrace organic farming and natural practices.

Today, he cultivates a diverse range of seasonal vegetables he cultivates a diverse range of seasonal vegetables and provides employment to five workers.

This transformation has created sustainable farming awareness and his community feels the difference of natural farming practices.

Gurdeep grows varied crops from peas, broccoli, radish, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, pumpkin, beans, lady finger, bitter gourd, and colocasia, to potato, tomato, chilies, bell pepper, fenugreek, cholai, turmeric, onion, and garlic – all cultivated without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

This organic farmer also cultivates wheat, which he sells for ₹ 2,425 per quintal, which is way above the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Half an acre of his farm is decided to grow green fodder for his three cows, ensuring this animal gets perfect food and every resource is utilized efficiently.

Explore natural and organic products that empower farmers like Gurdeep.

Finding support and success:

Many people feel that organic farming doesn’t reap the desired results and puts the farmer at a loss, but that’s a lie. Gurdeep has had a successful journey with patience and resilience.

The turning point in this organic farmer’s life came when Amarjit Singh Sandhu, a vegetable expert from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, encouraged him to take up organic farming.

Read More: How Nari Shakti is Leading the Organic Revolution in India

Organizations like Ambuja Cement and a private bank further empowered him to grow organic vegetables, install a greenhouse, and set up a vermicompost plant.

Gurdeep's transformation began with a kitchen garden using organic seeds.

In his early days, he used to transport his produce to the city on a bicycle, then a scooter, and eventually, he upgraded to a Maruti car.

Now, he uses a Gypsy with a trolly, a symbol of slow and steady growth. Many farmers struggled in their early days, but with patience, organic farmers reap great results.

These initiatives not only improved his yield but also helped him connect with a wider market seeking organic produce.

Sustainable and Self-Reliant:

Organic Farmer Gurdeep has implemented several sustainable practices on his farm, to support sustainability.

One of the innovative solutions to support his natural practices is through a solar-powered tube well and underground pipelines to conserve water, ensuring efficient use of resources.

A Report by NITI Aayog states that India is running short of underground water due to rampant use. Building sustainable techniques to conserve water can go a long way.

As Gurdeep has cattle, he also runs a small daily business, selling milk and producing desi ghee.

His sustainable farming system has a closed-loop arrangement where he grows his seedlings, composts waste, and produces his organic inputs, reducing reliance on external sources and minimizing environmental impact.

To protect his produce without the use of chemical pesticides, Gurdeep employs 7-8 month-old sour buttermilk as a natural pest control agent.

This simple yet effective technique works wonders on fungi and other pests, ensuring his crops remain healthy without the use of chemical pesticides.

From being a small farmer, Gurdeep is now providing jobs and pays Rs 2.80 lakh annually in rent for 3.5 acres, an inspiring journey for many natural farmers.

He is also willing to provide free training about organic farming to aspiring farmers who want to transition to sustainable agriculture.

Gurdeep's story highlights the potential of organic farming in transforming rural economies.

By adopting sustainable practices, farmers can promote environment conservation and empower green income sources.

As consumers increasingly seek organic products, the demand for natural farming is likely to grow and farmers can get new opportunities.

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