Vandana and Surendra are Climate-Smart Farmers of Bahera village, and the harbingers of change in the current chemically-intensive methods of cultivation.
2021Vandana Kushwaha and her husband Surendra have been forerunners of ClimateSmart Agriculture in their village. Piqued by the concept of improving agricultural returns through adoption of natural farming methods, Vandana and Surendra actively began participating in agricultural trainings and meetings held by SRIJAN. They learned the method to concoct natural fertilizers such as Ghanjeevamrut, Jeevamrut and pesticides; Neemastra and Dasperni Ark.
They had promising yields in their first cropping season manured by home-made fertilizers, however, they faced a problem in efficiently accumulating cow urine which is a key ingredient in the organic manure making process.
They approached SRIJAN with the challenge and the organization offered to support the in setting up a Prakritik Krishi Kendra on their farm. They elicited their interest in setting up a Prakritik Krishi Kendra in front of the Village Development Committee (VDC). Since they had 8 cattle and were interested in making fertilizers for other farmers as well, the VDC accepted their request.
SRIJAN has been promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture as part of the BIWAL initiative which is supported by Indusland Bank. Under this project the organization helps lead farmers set up Prakritik Krishi Kendra to promote sustainable agriclture practices In order to set up a Prakritik Krishi Kendra, their cattle shed was renovated. Concrete flooring with proper drainage and a gentle slope was provided for ease of cow urine collection. A sturdy shed roof and adequate ventilation were also provided. Fodder and watering containers, green fodder seeds were provided, along with drums and plastics for storing the natural fertilizers.
In their first Kharif season post the setting up of the Natural Farming Centre (Prakritik Krishi Kendra), they produced 1000 kg of Ghanjeevamrut, 800 litres of Jeevamrut, 200 litres of Neemastra, and 200 litres of Dasperni Ark.
They proactively encourage farmers to try out organic inputs on crops and also give out free samples for trial. Within the first season as organic entrepreneurs, they have managed to convince over a dozen farmers of the benefits of Climate-Smart farming techniques.
They sell Ghanjeevamrut at INR 4/kg which is very economical for farmers compared to chemical fertilizers which cost over INR 2500 per acre. The couple is also selling cow urine at INR 5/litre to encourage farmers to make their own fertilizers.
The Prakritik Krishi Kendra acts as a knowledge transfer hub for building the capacities of farmers on climate-smart agriculture practices. The farmers conduct regular meetings at the Prakritik Krishi Kendra. Apart from trainings, the farmers also meet regularly to share experiences and learnings.
The couple maintain a 1-acre plot on their field for demonstration purposes. In the Kharif season, they had cultivated improved variety of groundnut without use of any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. They used organic manures, bio stimulants and bio pesticides concocted by them. The demonstration plot groundnut had a handsome yield, and since most farmers had seen the results first hand they were convinced of the efficacy of the natural fertilizers.
Their Prakritik Krishi Kendra can be thought of as a living laboratory where farmers learn from each other through shared experiences and experimentation. Vandana and Surendra are planning to go 100% chemical free on their entire farm holding of 3-acres.
They are viewing this as a strategic move which will encourage more farmers to follow their lead and thereby enable their natural farming centre to not only serve more farmers but also to limit the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers on food, health and overall well-being of the community.
