In the heart of Rajasthan’s scorching desert, where temperatures soar as high as 50 degrees Celsius, one woman’s vision and resilience have turned an unconventional dream into a flourishing reality. Santosh Devi Khedar, a farmer from Beri village in Sikar, Rajasthan, has not only defied the odds by growing organic apples in a hostile environment but has also carved a path towards sustainable and organic agriculture, showcasing how perseverance and organic practices can transform even the most challenging landscapes.
The beginning of a dream
Santosh Devi’s journey began in 2008 when she embarked on a mission to cultivate her small 1.25-acre farm organically. At the time, the idea of growing apples in the arid heat of Rajasthan seemed impractical, if not impossible. Apples traditionally thrive in cooler regions like Jammu and Kashmir, but Santosh’s belief in organic farming and her understanding of soil health led her to take on this daring venture.
Her journey into organic farming was not without its challenges. When her husband left for work and her children went to school, she would work tirelessly, often for 12 to 14 hours a day. Clearing weeds, preparing organic manure, and nurturing the land became her daily routine. Though it was gruelling work, she never lost hope. Over the years, she experimented, learned from her mistakes, and perfected her farming methods. It was this unwavering dedication that prepared her for the biggest risk of her farming career: cultivating apples in the desert.
Organic apple cultivation in the desert
In 2015, Santosh took the bold step of planting 100 HRMNN 99 apple saplings on her farm. This variety, developed in Himachal Pradesh and supported by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), is specially designed to withstand higher temperatures. While experts had warned her that the trees would only bear fruit after four years, Santosh’s efforts bore fruit sooner. In just two years, the trees began producing apples—an early sign of her eventual success.
By the fourth year, her trees were producing an average of 368 apples per tree, far exceeding the yield of apple orchards in Kashmir, which typically produce 50 kg of apples per tree. Santosh’s apples now yield between 70 kg to 80 kg per tree, with the fruits fetching a premium price in the market due to their superior sweetness and organic certification. Buyers from various states come directly to her Shekhawati Krishi Farm to purchase these prized organic apples at rates ranging from Rs 150 to Rs 200 per kilogram.
The secret to Santosh’s success lies in her commitment to organic farming. She attributes her bountiful harvests to the health of her soil, which she nurtures using only organic manure and bio-fertilisers. Each year, Santosh and her family apply dry organic manure made from neem, aged cow dung, and the local desert plant akda (Sodom apple) to the soil. Liquid organic fertilisers, made from cow urine and various plant leaves, are sprayed every 15 days to promote healthy plant growth. Her reliance on these natural inputs, coupled with water-saving drip irrigation techniques, has allowed her to cultivate a wide variety of fruits, including pomegranates, mosambi (sweet lime), kinnow, lemons, and chickoo, all grown organically on her one-acre farm.
Santosh also operates a successful nursery business, which adds to her farm’s impressive Rs 38 lakh annual turnover. With over 220 pomegranate plants, her nursery produces approximately 60,000 saplings annually, including apple, pomegranate, guava, and lemon saplings. Her son, Rahul, who holds a degree in agriculture, assists with the nursery business, which now has the capacity to produce 1 lakh saplings per year. The demand for these saplings is high, with buyers from states like Gujarat, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh flocking to her farm to purchase the organic plants.
Overcoming struggles and breaking barriers
Santosh’s journey was not without its fair share of struggles. Her initial years on the farm were marked by long hours of manual labour, often with little to no assistance. The challenges of transitioning to organic farming, combined with the inherent risks of apple cultivation in an extreme climate, required immense perseverance. Despite these obstacles, Santosh never wavered in her belief that organic farming could succeed even in Rajasthan’s harsh environment.
Her success has made her a respected figure in the farming community. Today, she not only cultivates apples and other fruits but also trains 15 to 20 farmers daily on her Shekhawati Krishi Farm. These training sessions focus on the preparation of organic manure, proper planting techniques, and sustainable farming practices. Through her workshops, Santosh is spreading the knowledge she has gained, helping others transition to organic farming methods.
Santosh Devi Khedar’s contributions to the organic farming field extend far beyond her own farm. Her dedication to sustainable practices and her refusal to use chemical fertilisers have positioned her as a role model for environmentally conscious farming. By relying solely on organic inputs, she is helping to preserve soil health, conserve water, and reduce the carbon footprint of her farm.
Furthermore, Santosh’s decision to grow apples in Rajasthan challenges the traditional agricultural norms, proving that with the right techniques and a commitment to sustainability, it is possible to grow a wide variety of fruits even in the most inhospitable conditions. Her work not only promotes biodiversity but also provides a blueprint for other farmers looking to adopt organic methods in regions that face extreme temperatures and water scarcity.
Santosh’s thriving nursery business is another testament to her contribution to the organic sector. By producing and selling grafted saplings of apple, pomegranate, and other fruits, she is enabling farmers across India to access high-quality, organically grown plants. Her commitment to educating fellow farmers further amplifies her impact on the organic farming movement in India.
Santosh Devi Khedar is a living example of what can be achieved when determination meets innovation. Her pioneering work in growing organic apples in Rajasthan, a state known for its arid climate, is nothing short of revolutionary. Through hard work, resilience, and a deep understanding of organic farming, she has not only transformed her small farm into a thriving business but also paved the way for a new wave of sustainable farming in India. Her legacy will inspire generations of farmers to come, proving that even in the most difficult circumstances, nature can flourish with care and commitment.
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