- Organic pesticides are being prepared from neem oil and local herbs.
Mrs. Anima Khess, a progressive woman farmer from Dharampur village in the Sitapur block of Surguja district, has pioneered a revolutionary shift toward modern farming. For the past three years, Anima has embraced organic farming, saying goodbye to chemical farming and is not only producing pure grains but also increasing her income by reducing costs.
- Training opens a new path
Anima explains that she previously used traditional chemical fertilizers, which increased farming costs and degraded soil health. She received formal training through the Agriculture Department and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). Her quest for continuous learning led her to the fundamentals of organic farming, which she has now made a staple of her life.
- The farm itself has become a fertilizer factory
To promote organic farming, Anima has completely eliminated her dependence on the market. She produces organic fertilizers and pesticides in her own home and garden. Using an earthworm tank, she produces high-quality vermicompost fertilizer. Using indigenous techniques, she produces organic pesticides made from Kanda water, Nadep, and Panchpatti solutions, and neem oil and local herbs, which protect crops.
- Dual benefit of health and savings
Anima Khesh believes that organic farming has two-fold benefits. On one hand, the cost of chemical fertilizers and expensive pesticides is reduced to zero, while on the other hand, the family and society receive poison-free, nutritious food. She says, “Organic farming not only saves our pockets, but also protects our bodies and the environment.”
- Women were made aware through groups
As a conscious farmer, Anima is now educating other women in her self-help group about the importance and purpose of organic farming. She is also sharing her learnings through training with other women, inspiring them to embrace natural farming.