Kripal Singh, a progressive farmer from Chhawani village in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, has made a notable shift from traditional farming to organic and sustainable practices. His journey has improved his own livelihood and serves as a practical example for other farmers considering similar changes.
Kripal Singh’s journey into modern farming began with a realization that traditional farming methods were no longer yielding satisfactory profits. Driven by a desire to improve his family's financial situation, he delved into extensive research and made the bold decision to shift to organic and natural farming techniques. His commitment to innovation became the cornerstone of his success.
Embracing Sustainable Farming Practices
Kripal Singh adopted key practices such as intercropping and crop rotation, which brought about significant improvements in his farming outcomes. These methods not only helped enrich the soil but also ensured consistent and sustainable crop yields. Over time, his dedication to these practices resulted in a substantial increase in profitability. Today, Kripal Singh generates up to 4 lakhs in net profit annually through his production of crops, vegetables, dairy products, fruits, and organic fertilizers.
Leveraging Government Support
Recognizing the importance of modern agricultural tools, Kripal Singh took full advantage of government initiatives. Through the Rajya Krishi Yantrikaran programme, facilitated by the Department of Agriculture of Himachal Pradesh, he received a Rs 25,000 subsidy, which allowed him to purchase a power tiller. This purchase significantly streamlined the process of land preparation, saving both time and money. Furthermore, under the Mukhya Mantri Khet Sanrakshan Scheme, he installed a 198-meter-long composite fence around his fields, effectively protecting his crops from wild animals.
Diversification and Expansion
Kripal Singh’s journey did not stop at organic farming. Recognizing the benefits of diversification, he ventured into dairy farming, which further boosted his income. Through the Subhash Palekar Natural Farming initiative, he received an additional Rs 25,000 subsidy to purchase a cow, further enhancing his earnings.
His strategic land-use planning also paid off-on his 3-acre farm, he allocated 1 acre to pear and apple orchards, while the remaining 2 acres were used to grow a variety of crops, including peas, cabbage, tomatoes, coriander, and spinach. This diversification significantly increased his profitability.
Commitment to Natural Fertilizers
For the past two years, Kripal Singh has been a passionate advocate of natural fertilizers. By using compost and cow manure instead of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, he has not only saved a substantial amount of money but has also seen higher yields and greater profits.
His dedication to sustainable farming practices is evident in his production of Jeevamrut and Ghanjeevamrit, which he uses on his own fields and sells to other farmers. In addition, he actively educates and trains fellow farmers on progressive and sustainable farming techniques.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Kripal Singh remains committed to environmental sustainability and animal welfare. In a conversation with Krishi Jagran, he shared his vision for the next five years: "My goal is to make Mother Earth poison-free and to provide a shelter for stray cattle. Both are sacred and motherly to me."
His passion for protecting the environment and improving the welfare of animals highlights his holistic approach to farming and his dedication to community well-being.
A Story of Transformation
Despite completing only up to the tenth grade, Kripal Singh's journey is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the pursuit of knowledge. Through his resilience and willingness to embrace innovation, he has transformed his farming practices and improved his family's livelihood.
Today, he is a thriving example of how even small landowners can achieve remarkable success by adopting progressive farming methods and sustainable practices. His story continues to inspire farmers across the region to follow in his footsteps and achieve their own success.
