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Munish Sood
Mandi

In the secluded village of Tikkri Mushehra, located in the Jogindernagar subdivision of Mandi district, farmer Ajay Kumar exemplifies resilience. For over twenty years, he has been committed to natural farming, embodying the struggles of those who championed chemical-free agriculture long before it gained policy backing or market visibility.

Ajay embraced natural farming in 2003, a time when the concept was largely unrecognized and lacked a structured market. Selling his organically grown produce was challenging, with fluctuating prices and a heavy reliance on local buyers. "Those were tough times," he reflects, noting that many farmers abandoned the practice due to the absence of guaranteed returns.

Gradually, the landscape has shifted with the introduction of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for organic products, offering farmers a newfound sense of security. Recently, Ajay sold two quintals of his naturally grown maize at MSP, earning over ₹6,000. While the income is crucial, the acknowledgment of natural produce as a legitimate agricultural product holds even greater significance for him.

A parallel narrative of transformation is unfolding in Sagnehar gram panchayat, also within the Jogindernagar region. Here, Kamla Devi and a collective of nearly 20 rural women have established a sustainable livelihood model through natural farming. Since 2018, these women have been cultivating crops without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, prioritizing health and sustainability.

Operating as a self-help group, they successfully sold two quintals of maize and six quintals of wheat under the MSP framework. With transportation support included, the group received a total of ₹37,200, a substantial sum for a women-led rural initiative. Members express that this income has enhanced their financial independence and self-esteem.

In addition to cereals, both Ajay Kumar and the Kamla Group are now growing vegetables, ragi, and other crops using natural methods, which has further diversified their income streams. Agriculture officials report that the Kamla Group received training through the ATMA project, which included a two-day on-site workshop focused on natural farming techniques. Following this training, the naturally grown ragi produced by the group has attracted traders, resulting in better market prices.

Currently, MSP rates for natural produce are set at ₹40 per kg for maize, ₹60 per kg for wheat, and ₹90 per kg for turmeric, prompting a noticeable shift among farmers towards chemical-free farming practices in the area.

Kamla Devi emphasizes that the greatest benefit of natural farming extends beyond financial gains. "It guarantees safe food for our families and safeguards our health. Additionally, it keeps the soil fertile for future generations," she states, urging more farmers to embrace this practice.

The experiences of Ajay Kumar in Tikkri Mushehra and the women of Sagnehar illustrate how market assurance, training, and persistent effort can convert natural farming into a dependable income source, quietly bolstering rural livelihoods in Himachal Pradesh.