Prakash Chandra Belwal, a dedicated farmer from the tranquil village of Lakhanmandi in Nainital, Uttarakhand, has become a respected name in his region for his commitment to sustainable agriculture. Surrounded by the lush Nandhaur Forest Range, Prakash has been actively involved in farming for over three and a half decades. After the sudden demise of his father in 1990, he embraced the responsibility of managing his 20-acre ancestral land, transforming it into a thriving hub of organic cultivation and diversified crops.
Recently, Prakash Chandra Belwal became a part of Krishi Jagran’s Global Farmer Business Network, an initiative aimed at connecting progressive farmers across the globe. Through this platform, he hopes to share his decades-long journey, learn from others, and promote the benefits of sustainable farming practices to a wider audience.
Serenity of Lakhanmandi and the Bhabhar Advantage
Lakhanmandi lies in the heart of the Bhabhar region, which spans across the lower foothills of the Garhwal and Kumaon ranges. Known for its fertile soil and dense vegetation, Bhabhar is enriched with natural water channels that carry runoff from the Himalayas. This region, stretching from Haldwani to Ramnagar, benefits from its proximity to the Tarai belt, where the terrain naturally filters and retains underground water, making it highly conducive for agriculture.
Prakash acknowledges that water scarcity has never been an issue on his farm, thanks to the network of natural mountain streams and concrete irrigation canals that ensure a steady water supply throughout the year. “Sometimes, depending on nature works better than interfering with it,” he reflects. His respect for ecological balance is evident in how he manages his farm, not just to maximize yield, but also to protect and nurture the land.
A Diverse Farm Rooted in Tradition
Spanning 20 acres, Prakash’s farm is a testament to both biodiversity and traditional farming wisdom. He grows a wide variety of crops, including summer rice, seasonal vegetables, and an impressive collection of fruit trees. Among his most cherished plantations is a mango orchard, which not only adds to the beauty of the farm but also serves as a major source of income.
What sets Prakash apart is his hands-on approach. He single-handedly manages all farm operations, without relying on hired labor. His deep involvement in every stage of the agricultural process reflects his passion and commitment. “The land has a soul, and when you care for it yourself, it responds,” he says.
Committed to Organic and Low-Chemical Farming
In an era dominated by chemical fertilizers and pesticides, Prakash Chandra Belwal stands firmly by traditional and organic farming techniques. He has significantly minimized the use of chemical inputs on his farm, using them only when absolutely necessary and in very small quantities. His primary reliance is on organic manure, particularly cow dung compost, vermicompost, and decomposed plant matter, which enrich the soil and promote long-term fertility.
These organic practices not only preserve the health of the soil but also enhance the nutritional quality of the produce. Prakash believes that the overuse of chemicals is not just harmful to the crops and environment but also reduces the vitality of the land over time. His farm management practices revolve around crop rotation, natural mulching, and green manuring, all of which contribute to maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Wildlife and Vigilance: A Daily Challenge
While the farm’s location next to the Nandhaur Forest Range offers a serene setting, it also brings challenges. This forest, famous for its Sal plantations and rich biodiversity, is home to numerous wild animals, including elephants and langurs, which often pose a threat to standing crops. Crop damage from these animals is a constant concern for Prakash and fellow farmers in the area.
To safeguard his produce, Prakash has implemented stringent crop supervision measures, often spending nights patrolling his fields during sensitive seasons. “Coexisting with wildlife is part of our reality,” he says. “We can’t blame them for venturing into farmland. It’s up to us to find a balance.”
Market Access and Financial Growth
One of the major advantages Prakash enjoys is the farm’s easy access to Haldwani Mandi, the second-largest agricultural market in Uttarakhand after Dehradun. This logistical convenience ensures that he faces minimal hurdles in selling his produce at fair market prices. The proximity to the market has significantly contributed to his financial stability, enabling him to earn more than ₹30 lakh annually from the sale of cereals, fruits, and vegetables.
By maintaining consistent quality and volume, Prakash has built a network of loyal buyers, wholesalers, and market agents. His produce is well-regarded not only for its freshness but also for being largely free of harmful residues, a rarity in today’s pesticide-laden market.
Recently, Prakash Chandra Belwal became a part of Krishi Jagran’s Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN), an initiative aimed at connecting progressive farmers across the globe. Through this platform, he hopes to share his decades-long journey, learn from others, and promote the benefits of sustainable farming practices to a wider audience.
He believes that such platforms can empower grassroots-level farmers by providing access to new knowledge, better resources, and markets. “Farming needs a community,” he says. “When we share our struggles and solutions, we all grow.”
Awards, Recognition, and Legacy
Over the years, Prakash’s hard work has earned him several accolades. He was the first recipient of an award in the Mango Festival of Dehradun in the early 2000s, recognized for the quality and taste of his mangoes. He has received an award for multi-dimensional farming from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jeolikot. He has also received multiple certificates of excellence for his consistent contribution to sustainable agriculture and also he has successfully achieved first position in milk production for fourteen consecutive years in the Lakhanmandi Milk Producers Cooperative Society.
Despite these recognitions, Prakash remains grounded. He views farming not just as a livelihood but as a lifestyle and legacy, one that he hopes to pass on to the next generation. With a calm demeanor and strong conviction, he encourages young people to return to their roots and explore the untapped potential of agriculture.
Blending Tradition and Innovation to Cultivate Prosperity
In a time when urban migration and chemical-heavy agriculture are on the rise, farmers like Prakash Chandra Belwal stand out as guardians of tradition and torchbearers of sustainability. His journey from a small village in Nainital to becoming a voice in a global farming network is inspiring not only for fellow farmers but also for anyone seeking a deeper connection with the land.
By blending age-old wisdom with modern resilience, Prakash proves that farming can still be a prosperous, dignified, and ecologically sound way of life. His farm is not just a place where crops grow, it's where hope, health, and harmony thrive.
Note: Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN) is a dynamic platform where agricultural professionals, farmer entrepreneurs, innovators, buyers, investors, and policymakers - converge to share knowledge, experiences, and scale their businesses. Powered by Krishi Jagran, GFBN facilitates meaningful connections and collaborative learning opportunities that drive agricultural innovation and sustainable development through shared expertise.
Join GFBN today: https://millionairefarmer.in/gfbn
