From the Ground Up: Sarvan Kumar’s Leap into Natural Farming
In the quiet village of Draman, a quiet revolution is growing. It’s not led by politicians or corporations, but by farmers like Sarvan Kumar, whose journey from traditional farming to becoming a leader in natural agriculture is an inspiring testament to self-reliance.
This transformation echoes a larger movement across the state, where the government is championing natural farming—a method that is chemical-free, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. For Sarvan Kumar, it has become a way of life that is enriching not just his soil, but his entire community.
The First Seeds of Change
Sarvan’s journey began years ago, but the path wasn’t easy. “Shifting away from chemical fertilizers was a leap of faith,” he recalls. The initial challenges were daunting, but his determination didn’t waver. After a pivotal two-day training program under the ATMA project, he made the full switch, replacing chemicals with homemade mixtures using native cow dung and urine. This was the first step toward a healthier farm and a more sustainable future.
Branching Out: From Farmer to Entrepreneur
Sarvan’s hard work truly began to blossom when he joined the Sundarnagar Natural Farmers Producers Company. Today, he wears multiple hats with pride: he is not only a Director of the natural product sales center in Dhanotu but also manages its daily operations.
His passion didn’t stop there. He has become a master trainer, guiding fellow farmers on their own paths to self-sufficiency. And in a brilliant stroke of innovation, he started creating value from local resources, even developing smoke-free coal—an affordable and eco-friendly fuel alternative made right at home.
A Harvest of Community Benefits
The sales center in Dhanotu has become the heart of this local agricultural revival. It now connects 150 farmers to new markets, with over 40 of them seeing direct and significant economic benefits. The center generates a monthly income of ₹60,000 to ₹70,000, proving that ethical and natural business can be profitable.
The shelves are stocked with a vibrant array of goods—from turmeric and pickles to ancient grains like millet flour, syrups, apple chips, and cider vinegar. These products have found their way beyond the local market, reaching outlets at Noni University, Kamdhenu in Namhol, and even as far as Delhi and Dharamsala.
“This center has been a game-changer,” one local farmer shared. “We get a fair price for our produce, and we’re no longer at the mercy of middlemen.”
A Life Transformed
The impact on Sarvan’s life is profound. Government support through these schemes has slashed his farming costs while his income has steadily grown. The land is more fertile, and the benefits to health and the environment are immeasurable.
He now creates 50-60 different products, a true family enterprise where everyone lends a hand. Most importantly, this newfound stability has secured a precious gift: the ability to provide his children with a higher education.
Gratitude and a Growing Movement
Sarvan Kumar is deeply grateful. “Without the government’s push for natural farming, we would still be trapped in the cycle of chemical-dependent agriculture,” he reflects. “These schemes have brought the message of self-reliance to our village.”
His success is rippling outward. Prakash Chand, the BRC of Gram Panchayat Brikhamani, confirms the wider impact. “The sales center in Dhanotu has created employment opportunities right at farmers’ doorsteps. It’s not just a market; it’s a learning hub where farmers are taught how to make their own fertilizers and embrace natural methods.”
Sarvan Kumar’s story is more than a personal success; it’s a blueprint for a thriving, sustainable, and community-powered future.
