Success Story: This farmer woman from Gujarat earned a lot by cultivating black rice
Success Story: An inhabitant of Kanjod village in Gujarat’s Tapi district, Sunita Choudhary, started her adventure with only Rs. 4,000 and a resolve to establish a stable income. She resorted to natural agricultural methods and traditional knowledge rather than using machinery or chemicals. Her perseverance and diligence not only improved her personal life but also encouraged and elevated her community as a whole.
Natural Farming First
After completing the Youth Leadership Training Program at The Art of Living, Sunita embarked on her natural farming adventure in 2013. She now views agriculture as a religious activity rather than just a means of subsistence as a result of the encounter. She believed that the land was a temple that needed to be respected and cared for. She used natural agricultural methods that guaranteed sustained production and maintained the soil’s cleanliness while following this concept.
Natural Methods for a Successful Farm
Her techniques were straightforward yet ground-breaking. She started mulching to keep the soil wet and varied her produce by using mixed crops. More significantly, she used bio-inputs such as Jeevamrut, a potent organic fertilizer derived from pee and cow dung. Her property was regenerated by these economical and environmentally friendly methods, which produced a flourishing ecology where plants organically thrived.
Breakthrough of Black Rice
Growing 150 kg of black rice on about half an acre of land was one of her first achievements. She made an incredible 650% return on her investment by selling the rice for Rs. 300 per kg. Soon, consumers were driving more than 200 kilometers to purchase vegetables straight from her fields as word of her achievement spread.
Broadening the Perspective: Growing 15 Types of Rice
As she increased her efforts, Sunita started growing more than 15 types of rice, including the uncommon Sonamati, which was thought to be inappropriate for the area. Her reputation as a producer of superior, chemical-free crops spread, drawing clients from other states. Her reach was further expanded by social media and word-of-mouth, solidifying her reputation as a reliable figure in sustainable agriculture.
Strengthening Tribal Women and Farmers
However, Sunita’s influence went much beyond her specialized domains. She committed herself to teaching others because she saw how natural farming might change lives. She has so far trained more than 3,000 farmers in sustainable methods, enabling them to become financially independent and overcome their reliance on chemicals. More than 300 indigenous women are among her learners, and under her leadership, they have discovered new possibilities and a feeling of strength.
She has an impact outside of agriculture. She has brought mindfulness to farming and everyday life via pranayama and meditation. A young guy battling alcoholism is the subject of one of her village’s most amazing tales. A pivotal moment in his life occurred when he decided to raise a Desi cow under Sunita’s guidance. He eventually recovered from his addiction, launched a milk delivery company, and now has seven cows, all of which are evidence of Sunita’s life-changing influence.
Raising Awareness and Educating Others
As Sunita’s work spreads, it now reaches nearby communities like Walod Taluka and Songar. She raises awareness of the advantages of sustainable farming by giving farmers in Uchchhal, Tapi, and Vihara practical training via seminars funded by government programs like the ATMA project.
A Prospective Perspective
Her work exemplifies Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s belief that “agriculture is the backbone of human existence.” Agriculture must be sustainable and healthy for the environment to thrive. This ambition has become a reality thanks to Sunita Choudhary, who has shown that farming is about more than simply growing food; it’s also about building resilient communities and planting the seeds for a better future.
