Ruby Pareek, a progressive woman farmer from Rajasthan, has made an impact on the world of organic farming. Through her hard work and dedication, she has achieved an impressive annual turnover of Rs 50 lakhs from her 10-acre farm. Her journey is more than just a personal success story; it stands as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of organic farming, environmental stewardship, and the empowerment of women in agriculture.
Turning Point: From Struggles to Success - Embracing Organic Farming
Ruby’s journey is rooted in adversity. Growing up in a family grappling with financial hardship due to her father’s battle with cancer, Ruby experienced firsthand the devastating effects of medical expenses. This crisis resulted in the loss of family property and land, leaving a lasting mark on Ruby. Motivated by the challenges her family faced, Ruby became determined to understand the root causes of illnesses like cancer, which she linked to the widespread use of chemical fertilizers in conventional farming.
In 2006, Ruby’s life took a pivotal turn when she met a team from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Dausa, who introduced her to organic farming. Inspired by their methods, Ruby transitioned to organic farming, committed to reducing the environmental and health risks caused by chemicals in agriculture. With unwavering support from her husband, Om Prakash Parik, she founded Kisan Club Khatwa, an organization dedicated to educating and promoting organic farming techniques.
Innovative Practices and Sustainability
Ruby adopted sustainable farming practices on her land, planting around 10,000 trees to increase greenery and ecological balance. In 2008, with support from NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), she established Rajasthan’s largest vermicompost unit. Producing 200 metric tons of organic compost annually, Ruby distributes it free of charge to farmers, alongside earthworms and Azolla, which enhance soil health and provide employment opportunities.
In addition, Ruby has successfully implemented natural farming inputs such as Jeevamrut, Panchagavya, and Dashparni Ark on her farm. These organic fertilizers and pest control solutions have significantly improved the quality of her crops, encouraging other farmers to adopt them.
Empowering Communities and Women Farmers
Ruby’s impact extends beyond her own farm. Recognizing the need to empower women in agriculture, she founded a ‘Community Traditional Organic Seed Bank,’ which provides women farmers with free seeds for nutrition gardens. Through her efforts, women are able to enhance their family’s well-being and gain independence.
Furthermore, Ruby created a platform for women farmers to connect with markets, enabling them to sell products like vermicompost and earthworms at competitive rates. By equitably distributing profits, Ruby ensures that these women are fairly compensated for their hard work.
Ruby also actively trains farmers and agricultural students, having educated nearly 25,000 individuals on organic farming techniques. Through workshops and training sessions, she equips them with the skills necessary to implement sustainable practices and improve their livelihoods.
Recognition and Achievements
Ruby’s dedication to organic farming has earned her national recognition. Her pioneering work through Kisan Club Khatwa received state-level honors in 2011-12. Over the years, she has continued to expand her efforts, founding Khatwa Kisan Organic Producer Company Limited in 2015-16 with support from NABARD. This initiative links organic farmers with fair markets, ensuring that they receive better returns for their produce.
In addition to these initiatives, Ruby has also focused on branding and packaging organic products, which has helped farmers secure higher profits. She has received numerous prestigious awards for her contributions, including:
-
Earth Friend National Award (2021) from Organic India at the Dada Saheb Phalke International Film Festival.
-
Swavlambi Siddha Shikhar Award (2022) from Kavikumbh, Shimla, for her empowerment-driven initiatives.
-
Innovative Farmer National Award (2023) from ICAR, presented by the Union Minister of State for Agriculture.
-
Organic India National Award (2023) for excellence in organic agriculture.
-
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Agricultural Excellence Award (2024) presented by the Governor of Gujarat.
A Legacy of Hope and Empowerment
Ruby’s farm, spanning 10 acres, generates an impressive Rs 50 lakh annually, but her true legacy lies in the lives she has transformed. Through her hard work, innovation, and commitment to sustainability, she has empowered women, uplifted farmers, and contributed significantly to the organic farming movement.
Ruby Parik’s story is one of resilience and vision. She has not only redefined agricultural practices in her community but has also inspired countless others to dream big, push through adversity, and make a difference in their own ways. Her journey shows that with determination, creativity, and a drive to improve lives, it’s possible to create lasting change that transcends generations. Ruby’s legacy is a living testament to the fact that even a single individual, driven by passion and purpose, can spark a movement that transforms entire communities and industries.
