From chemicals to self-reliance: Women-led initiatives drive sustainable farming push

By Bharat Dogra 

Farmers in Bariyarpur village of Ajaygarh block (Panna, Madhya Pradesh) are increasingly adopting sustainable and self-reliant farming practices, responding enthusiastically to new opportunities created by recent development initiatives.

Rajni and Bharat, a farming couple from the village, are at the forefront of this transformation. Rajni has established a natural farming centre on her farm, where she produces bio-fertilisers and pest repellents using locally available materials—not only for her own use but also to support other farmers. Their farm well has also been renovated, improving water availability.

Rajni is an active member of a women-led Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), reflecting the growing participation of women in local agricultural development. She expressed optimism about various ongoing reforms and initiatives in the area.

These changes have largely been facilitated by a development project initiated by Arunoday Sansthaan (A.S.), a voluntary organisation working in the Bundelkhand region. The project has encouraged crop diversification, ecological farming practices, and greater self-reliance among farmers.

During a recent visit, Rajni and Bharat served a meal prepared entirely from their farm produce—except for salt. The meal included wheat rotis, mixed vegetables, gooseberry pickle, arhar dal, jaggery, and rice pudding—all cultivated using natural farming methods without chemical fertilisers or pesticides.

A group discussion involving around 30 farmers from nearby villages highlighted the growing acceptance of natural farming. Farmers shared their experiences and experiments, expressing confidence in its long-term viability. While some preferred a gradual transition, most agreed that natural farming offers clear advantages.

Prema, a farmer, said she was encouraged by the return of earthworms to her fields—an indicator of improving soil health. Others stressed the importance of crop rotation and knowledge-sharing through training programmes, which have fostered innovation and experimentation.

Water conservation efforts have also gained momentum. Arunoday Sansthaan has promoted the construction of farm ponds, despite initial resistance from small farmers concerned about losing cultivable land. With demonstrated success, more farmers are now adopting this practice. Proper site selection and soil assessment remain critical for their effectiveness, as noted by farmer Garjan Singh.

Some farmers have shown interest in pearl cultivation using mussels in farm ponds, while others are focusing on fisheries to supplement income.

Natural farming is also helping reduce input costs. Farmers highlighted the importance of focusing on net returns rather than gross output, and emphasised low-cost techniques in cultivation and irrigation. Affordable tools, including power tillers, are being made available to support this shift.

Additional measures such as repairing check dams, digging water channels, and strengthening field bunds have improved water retention. Farmers are also allocating land for vegetable gardens and orchards, enhancing both income and nutritional security.

These low-cost, sustainable practices are particularly relevant in Panna district, where displacement due to forest and development pressures remains a concern. Such methods can play a crucial role in supporting rehabilitation and livelihoods of affected communities.

Women in the project villages have also welcomed the construction of 10 community bathrooms, addressing long-standing challenges related to privacy and access to basic facilities.

Overall, the initiatives in Ajaygarh reflect a growing grassroots movement towards environmentally sustainable, low-cost, and self-reliant agriculture in Bundelkhand.

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The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include India’s Quest for Sustainable Farming and Healthy Food, Man over Machine, A Day in 2071, and Navjivan