Success Story: In the lush landscapes of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, Dili Maya Bhattarai’s organic farming odyssey is nothing short of inspirational. For her exceptional endeavors in organic cultivation and adept marketing strategies, she was rightfully honored with the Progressive Farmers Award 2021 by Meghalaya.
Embracing Organic Farming:
The shift towards organic cultivation began in 2014, when the Sikkim government was advocating for a complete transition to organic farming. Amidst this transformative phase, Bhattarai from Assam Linze village, situated 20 km from Gangtok, responded to the call. Even though she owned just 4 acres, previously used for chemical farming, her commitment led her to adopt organic methods, infusing new life into every inch of her land.
Initial Experimental Phase:
Initially, the 55-year-old Bhattarai and her husband ventured into organic farming as an experiment, attending various government-sponsored training programs. Their fervor for understanding organic techniques took them across India, gathering insights about novel crops and contemporary agricultural practices.
From Learning to Implementation:
With a repository of knowledge about organic methods at their disposal, the real challenge lay ahead: implementation. While switching to organic practices on a small land wasn’t daunting, the prevalent competition and similar crop cultivation by neighboring farmers posed challenges, especially concerning marketing and revenue. Seeking guidance on crop demand and modern farming techniques, Bhattarai also enrolled in training sessions at Sikkim’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
Innovative Shift to High-Demand Crops:
Bhattarai took a bold step, transitioning from traditional crops like peas and tomatoes to high-demand ones. Using a section of her 4-acre plot, she established a polyhouse and started cultivating in-demand vegetables such as broccoli, gourd, cucumber, and spinach. Bhattarai remarks, “Organic vegetables fetch superior market prices. We experienced a threefold to fourfold surge in profits within this compact 4-acre space. Due to the region’s chilly climate, vegetable organic farming became our primary focus.”
Organic: The Rising Star in Agriculture:
As India’s demand for organic products soared, marketing wasn’t a stumbling block. Apart from supplying to local markets, Bhattarai established loyal clientele within the Sikkim Agriculture Society. Her innovation-driven approach, coupled with her knack for integrating modern technology and diverse crop production, made her a revered figure in the farming community. Recognizing her profound impact, ICAR-RC NEHR, Umiam, based in Meghalaya, conferred upon her the Progressive Farmer Award-2021.
A Benchmark in Organic Farming:
Bhattarai’s organically grown broccoli stands out as a prime example of her success, retailing at a stellar Rs 200 per kg. With such exceptional returns from her organic produce, her income witnessed a meteoric rise. Today, her son Milu, having left his job, assists Bhattarai in her farming endeavors. Experts laud her organic farming model as exemplary.
Dili Maya Bhattarai’s story exemplifies the boundless potential of organic farming when combined with innovation, tenacity, and a passion for nurturing the land.
