Farming is not just a profession — it’s a way of life that connects families, land, and legacy. For Chandraram, a 42-year-old farmer from the village of Maliyo Ki Dhani in Rajasthan, this connection runs deep. Over the years, his farming journey evolved from traditional methods to embracing organic farming, a transformation that not only revived his soil but also restored his family’s health and financial stability.
The Land and Legacy
Chandraram cultivates multiple crops on his 2.7 acres (1 hectare) of land. His fields produce wheat, millets, mustards, fodder, and cotton — the latter grown on nearly 0.9 acres (0.3 hectares). Cotton farming holds special importance in his family, passed down through generations as a cherished tradition. However, despite the rich legacy, Chandraram’s farming life was fraught with challenges that many conventional farmers face.
Facing Challenges: Soil Degradation and Health Concerns
Around 2016, Chandraram began to notice troubling changes. The soil’s fertility was deteriorating, yields were stagnating, and his family was suffering health issues, most severely his wife’s declining condition. She was afflicted with serious health problems — vision loss, persistent headaches, swelling, and skin rashes. These symptoms were not only a source of personal anguish but also led to mounting medical expenses that strained the family’s finances.
The chemical-intensive conventional farming methods, which included heavy use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, were beginning to show their darker side. Chandraram realized that the very methods intended to increase productivity were harming the land and his loved ones.
A Ray of Hope: Discovering Organic Farming through OCA
Amid this crisis, Chandraram was introduced to the Organic Cotton Accelerator (OCA) Implementing Partner (IP) in his region. The IP conducted awareness sessions highlighting the benefits of organic farming — improved soil health, safer crops, better income, and crucially, a healthier environment for farmers and their families.
Inspired by this knowledge and motivated by his wife’s health, Chandraram decided to make a bold shift. He committed to transitioning his farm from conventional to organic cultivation.
Learning and Adopting Organic Practices
The transition was not easy, but Chandraram received hands-on training and ongoing support from the OCA IP. He learned to prepare bio-inputs like compost and natural pesticides, which helped replenish the soil’s nutrients naturally. These techniques were new to him, but with determination and guidance, he implemented them diligently.
Crop diversification became a key strategy — he continued to cultivate wheat, millets, mustards, and fodder alongside cotton. Although intercropping presented challenges due to differing harvest cycles, Chandraram embraced it for its ecological benefits, pest resistance, and improved soil structure.
Economic and Health Benefits
One of the most significant benefits came from the OCA’s procurement system. The IP assured Chandraram a premium price for his organic cotton, removing the uncertainty and risk often faced by farmers in selling their produce. This guaranteed market helped Chandraram invest confidently in organic inputs and improved farming methods.
More importantly, the switch to organic farming drastically improved his family’s health. Without exposure to harmful chemicals, his wife’s symptoms eased considerably. Chandraram estimates that since embracing organic farming, his family has saved nearly ₹2 lakhs (around 2,300 Euros) on medical bills in just one season. This financial relief allowed him to clear longstanding debts and invest in a sturdy storage shed to protect his harvests.
His wife, now healthier and more energetic, contributes actively to farm and household work, strengthening the family’s overall resilience.
Challenges and Aspirations
While Chandraram’s journey is inspiring, he candidly shares the ongoing challenges he faces. Access to quality, non-GMO organic seeds remains a hurdle. Seeds are the foundation of successful farming, and securing reliable sources is crucial for maintaining crop quality and yield.
He hopes for more support and collaboration from government agencies, NGOs, and agricultural organizations to ease access to seeds and further technical assistance.
A Message to Fellow Farmers
Chandraram’s journey reflects the true spirit of sustainable agriculture — nurturing the land, caring for the family, and securing the future. He passionately encourages fellow farmers to consider organic farming not just as a method of cultivation but as a lifestyle choice that benefits their health and the environment.
> “Let’s not feed our kids poison!” he says with conviction. “Organic farming saved my wife’s life, saved my land, and saved our future.”
His story stands as a beacon for many smallholder farmers across India and beyond, proving that with knowledge, support, and courage, a sustainable and prosperous farming future is possible.
Conclusion: Farming with Heart and Hope
Chandraram’s transformation from conventional to organic farming is a testament to resilience and vision. His commitment to improving soil health, securing his family’s well-being, and embracing sustainable practices is a powerful example for the farming community.
As more farmers like Chandraram adopt organic farming, the ripple effect can lead to healthier soils, safer food, and stronger rural economies — a future where farming is truly farming with heart and hope.
