Pakistan Meet Ganeshwar Bhagarathi, a middle-aged in-conversion cotton farmer, whose face reflects the story of hard work and wisdom. In his hands, he holds the precious seeds that will grow into the purest cotton.
Ganeshwar’s life unfolds against the backdrop of Bandhapada Village, in the heart of the Kalahandi District, Odisha, India. With only a high school education, Ganeshwar has been rooted in agriculture for 15 years. But two years ago, he stood at a crossroads.
The journey to in-conversion farming
Previously, the high costs of fertilisers and pesticides strained his financial resources and often forced Ganeshwar to take loans and incur additional interest. This cycle of debt was a burden that he was determined to break free from.
However, Ganeshwar’s interest was piqued by the benefits such as reduced cost of production and healthy soil due to the elimination of chemicals, despite the challenging journey it entails, as he recognised it as the only pathway to organic farming. The support provided by OCA and its Implementing Partner, Suminter India Organics, during the in-conversion period, played a pivotal role in his decision-making process. Although initially apprehensive, Ganeswar decided to leap, seeking a more organic and cost-effective approach to agriculture.
In-conversion benefits
Switching to in-conversion farming breathed new life into Ganeshwar’s agricultural pursuits. The provision of seeds significantly reduced the financial burden. With 2.5 acres of his land dedicated to organic cotton, this support was a game-changer.
Moreover, Ganeshwar received training from the OCA Implementing Partner, Suminter India Organics on preparing bio-inputs, reducing his reliance on costly agrochemicals.
Ganeshwar’s efforts paid off with a yield of
1,826 kgs
in-conversion cotton
55%
gross income
10%
premium in 2022-2023 season
Diversified income sources
Ganeshwar wisely used the remaining 2 acres of his land to grow rice and experimented with crop diversification, including red gram and various vegetables alongside his cotton crop. These intercrops served a dual purpose, supporting household consumption and diversifying his income streams.
He created additional income by selling milk from his livestock, adopting a multi-pronged approach to financial security for his family.
A vision for the future
Ganeshwar’s shift from traditional to organic farming is a remarkable transformation. He is now dedicated to preserving soil health and advocates for more significant premium bonuses for organic cotton farmers. His training in bio-fertilisers has opened his eyes to new possibilities.
Learn more about the impact of organic farming and explore ways to contribute. Brands need to invest in supporting initiatives to empower farmers like Ganeshwar and foster organic agriculture globally.
