Suhagrani’s Success Story: A Triumph of Kitchen Gardening and Natural Farming
In Imaliya village of Lalitpur district, Uttar Pradesh, Suhagrani is a shining example of how natural farming and kitchen gardening can transform a woman’s life. Starting her journey in 2021, Suhagrani embraced the practice of natural farming with the help of Ishara Sri Gayatri Vikas Samiti (ISGVS). She developed a multilayer kitchen garden on a 20-disimal plot of land surrounding her house.
Challenges and Perseverance
At first, her garden only produced enough to feed her family. But unprotected by barriers, the crops often faced damage from animals, resulting in the loss of about half of her yield. Despite this, Suhagrani did not lose hope. She worked hard and, with the guidance of a natural farming expert, decided to build barriers around her kitchen garden in April 2022.
This simple yet effective step was a game-changer. Not only did she protect her crops, but she was also able to sell the surplus vegetables in the market.
Growth and Profit
Her garden flourished, and she began growing a variety of vegetables, including cauliflower, tomatoes, ladyfinger (okra), onions, and garlic. The turning point came when she sold 10 quintals of brinjal (eggplant) for INR 30 per kilo, earning a gross income of INR 25,000. This achievement marked the beginning of her success in organic farming.
Her vegetables, known for their natural taste and organic appearance, gained popularity in the market, allowing her to demand better prices. With her expanding business, Suhagrani now enjoys a steady income, selling seasonal vegetables such as ridge gourd along with her other produce.
A Better Future for the Family
The profits from her kitchen garden have allowed Suhagrani to meet her family’s needs—food, medical expenses, and education for her children. Her success is a perfect example of how hard work, determination, and capacity building can yield abundant rewards, not just for the farmer, but also for the wider community.
Afforestation for a Greener Earth
In its efforts to fight climate change, ISGVS has worked on various afforestation projects across Lalitpur, Mahoba, and Hamirpur districts. Collaborating with NABARD, the organization has increased the income of farmers by planting orchards over 555 acres under the Watershed Development Project and Tribal Development Project. As part of this initiative:
- 350 acres of barren land have been converted into productive agricultural land through horticulture, yielding fruits like mangoes, guavas, and pomegranates.
- Farmers have benefited from improved irrigation techniques, including wells, bore wells, drip irrigation, and sprinklers.
- Farmers have seen an increase in income, averaging an additional Rs. 40,000 annually due to horticulture and intercropping, which involves planting multiple crops in the same field to increase productivity.
Promoting Organic and Natural Agriculture
ISGVS has been actively promoting organic farming and natural agriculture in the project areas. A major initiative has been the promotion of seed production through its Farmer Producer Company (FPC). Some highlights of this initiative include:
- The promotion of foundation and certified seeds of varieties like wheat and mustard in Lalitpur district with support from the Uttar Pradesh State Seed Certification Agency.
- The initiative has covered 33.5 hectares of land and involved 15 farmers, helping them enhance their income by providing locally available certified seeds.
- Linkages with seed companies, such as Srikar Seeds Limited (Hyderabad), have provided farmers with access to high-quality seeds for increased seed production in the area.
Conclusion
The kitchen garden success of Suhagrani and the organization’s broader initiatives in afforestation, organic farming, and seed production underscore the transformative power of sustainable farming practices. By empowering farmers with the right tools, knowledge, and resources, ISGVS is helping farmers like Suhagrani build a sustainable livelihood while also contributing to a greener, healthier planet.