The soil is more than just earth beneath our feet—it is the silent giver of life, nurturing every seed into sustenance. When we heal the soil, we heal ourselves, our communities, and the future of our planet. On this Earth Day, the inspiring journey of over 30 lakh Indian farmers comes to light—farmers who have revived dying soil through natural farming. Turning away from harmful chemicals, they embraced sustainable practices inspired by The Art of Living and Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Their efforts have restored soil health, revived biodiversity, improved water conservation, and boosted community well-being. This is a powerful story of how healing the Earth begins right from its roots—the soil.
From Chemicals to Natural Farming: Reviving Soil, Restoring Life
“How did earthworms and beetles vanish from my land?” wondered Subhakaran Konhain, a tea and paddy farmer from Dibrugarh, Assam. Ten years ago, before he began using chemicals, Subhakaran’s 30-acre farm was teeming with life. But as a college student, he turned to chemical farming and soon noticed the soil begin to deteriorate. What was once rich, fertile earth became hard and lifeless. To maintain the same yields, he had to apply increasing amounts of fertilizer each year—like keeping the land on life support.
Disturbed by these harmful effects, Subhakaran started looking for alternatives. In 2007, he discovered The Art of Living’s Natural Farming. Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, he trained with The Art of Living and now shares his knowledge with thousands of farmers in Assam, promoting natural farming practices. “I found natural farming at the right time and I converted,” he says.
When the Birds Returned: A Story of Natural Farming and Renewal
Yash Mishra, a natural farmer from Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, faced a similar crisis. Despite using more and more chemicals, his land turned barren. Eventually, even the birds stopped visiting, a clear sign that the soil had lost its vitality.
In 2000, Yash discovered The Art of Living’s natural farming training. Since making the switch, his land has flourished and is now home to over 50 bird species that help naturally control pests. “No side effects. No pollution. Just nature doing its job,” he says.
Reviving Water Sources
Yash dug a pond that not only serves as a vital water source but also attracts birds and enhances sustainability. As part of his work with the Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Trust, he also educates others on groundwater recharging techniques.
Subhakaran employs trench systems to channel water from nearby rivers, effectively reducing irrigation costs—even in higher-altitude regions.
Resuscitating the Soil, Naturally
“My farm looks like a jungle,” Subhakaran says proudly. His soil, once hard, is now soft and rich.
Yash shares that natural fertilizers like Jeevamrit, Panchagavya, and vermicompost have rejuvenated his soil, which now contains 108 poshak tattva (nutrients). With just two cows, Subhakaran is able to produce all the natural fertilizers he needs.
Healing the Earth, Healing Ourselves!
Natural farming also improved health. “We hardly visit doctors now,” says Subhakaran. Food grown naturally tastes better and is more nourishing. Mishra adds that desi (native) seeds possess stronger immunity—and help boost ours as well. With over 30 lakh farmers in India now embracing natural farming, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar affirms, “Natural farming is the future of farming, globally.”
This Earth Day, their journey stands as a powerful reminder that sustainability isn’t just a concept—it’s a way of life rooted in respect for nature. As Indian farmers return to traditional wisdom and eco-friendly practices, they offer a blueprint for a greener, more resilient future. Their success shows that when we align our actions with the rhythms of the earth, we don’t just preserve the planet—we help it thrive for generations to come.
