Chaitrali Krushna Fadatare, a 42-year-old farmer from Nasrapur, Pune, is revolutionizing agricultural practices in her village by inspiring change and setting new standards for farming through innovative approaches and sustainable methods. With 35 acres of land, she transitioned from chemical-based farming to natural farming, focusing on sustainability and profitability. In addition to growing a variety of crops, she has created an agro-tourism initiative that educates others about natural farming and its benefits, encouraging more farmers to follow suit.
A Transformative Journey: Shifting from Chemical to Natural Farming
For over 25 years, like many farmers in her region, Chaitrali followed the traditional route of chemical farming without questioning its long-term impact. High input costs, declining soil fertility, and the health hazards of chemical pesticides were seen as the price of doing business. Workers on her farm often suffered from rashes and gas emissions caused by the chemicals, making farming a risky and challenging profession.
However, everything changed when Chaitrali attended a natural farming training session in May 2024, led by Prabhakar Rao, the expert in natural farming from The Art of Living's Sri Sri Shetkari Munch initiative. This was the turning point in her life. Under the guidance of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s vision, which aims to create a healthy and financially stable farming community, Chaitrali learned about the benefits of natural farming techniques.
A key takeaway was the realization that a single Desi cow could fertilize up to 20 acres of farmland, drastically reducing costs and improving crop yield quality. This discovery inspired her to take immediate action and transition her land to a natural farming model. She stopped using chemical fertilizers and pesticides and replaced them with organic alternatives like Jeevamrut (a fermented bio-fertilizer made from cow dung and urine), mulching, and intercropping techniques.
Reaping the Rewards of Natural Farming
The results of Chaitrali’s decision were nothing short of remarkable:
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Reduced Input Costs: Her expenses dropped significantly, leading to increased profitability per acre. Today, she earns Rs 1 lakh in profit from just half an acre of land—a huge contrast to the unpredictable profits of chemical farming.
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Healthier Crops and Soil: The soil, once depleted by chemicals, began to regenerate and breathe again. The crops—coriander (coriander), tomatoes, spinach (spinach), bottle gourd (bottle gourd), and bitter gourd (bitter gourd)—became healthier, chemical-free, and more resilient.
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Improved Health for Farmers and Consumers: With no exposure to harmful chemicals, both the workers on her farm and the consumers of her produce were free from health risks, ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
Agro-Tourism: A New Frontier in Sustainable Agriculture
Chaitrali’s passion for sustainable farming goes beyond just changing her own land—it extends to spreading awareness and inspiring others. Recognizing that education is key to transformation, she launched her own agricultural tourism initiative at her farm in Baneshwar. This program welcomes tourists from around the world, including those from Germany, the United States, and various parts of India.
For visitors, the experience is immersive and educational:
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Traditional Welcome: Guests are greeted with fresh, farm-to-table snacks made from ingredients grown right on the farm.
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Guided Tour: A tour of the fields takes visitors through both natural and chemical farming areas, allowing them to witness firsthand the stark differences in soil health, crop quality, and sustainability.
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Cultural and Spiritual Experience: Tourists also visit the Baneshwar Temple, offering a deep connection to the land’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
On weekends, between 150-300 tourists visit Chaitrali’s farm, while school children from the local community participate in interactive farm tours known as the “Shet Shivar Feri,” where they learn about sustainable farming in a hands-on and fun way.
A Ripple Effect: Inspiring a Farming Revolution
While Chaitrali’s farm stands as a beacon of change, most farmers in Nasrapur continue to rely on chemical-based farming. However, her story has started a ripple effect, encouraging others in the region to reconsider their methods. Many farmers are now showing interest in transitioning to natural farming, inspired by the proven success of Chaitrali’s farm.
Her success story is not just about her personal achievements; it’s about reshaping the future of farming for the better. By proving that sustainable and profitable farming can go hand-in-hand, Chaitrali is leading the way towards a healthier and more prosperous farming community.
Her future vision is clear:
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Educate More Farmers: Chaitrali plans to spread awareness about the benefits of natural farming, helping more farmers embrace this life-changing method.
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Expand Agro-Tourism: She hopes to use her farm as a model to educate people globally about the long-term impact of natural farming on public health and the environment.
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Create a Self-Sustaining Model: Chaitrali aims to create a self-sustaining model of farming that can be replicated in other villages, building a more resilient agricultural system for the future.
Chaitrali Fadatare’s story is a testament to the power of innovation rooted in tradition. In a world dominated by chemical farming, she stands as proof that nature holds the answers—we just need to listen and act. As she continues to inspire and educate, her journey reminds us all that the future of farming is in our hands, and it can be both sustainable and profitable.
