Leena Sharma, a 40-year-old woman from Himachal Pradesh, has defied societal norms by embarking on a remarkable journey in natural farming. Her story challenges the notion that marriage is the ultimate milestone for women, showcasing instead the power of passion and determination in pursuing one’s dreams.
Leena Sharma’s Journey
Leena Sharma’s journey into natural farming began later in life, driven by a strong desire to learn and innovate. With the support of her husband, she took the bold step of venturing into a field dominated by traditional practices. Her decision was met with skepticism and criticism, but Leena Sharma remained undeterred.
Challenges and Resilience
Facing initial opposition and ridicule, Leena’s resolve only grew stronger. She viewed challenges as opportunities to learn and evolve, experimenting with different methods until she found what worked best for her crops. Her perseverance paid off, leading to significant achievements in sustainable farming.
Inspiration from Subhash Palekar
Leena found inspiration in the teachings of Subhash Palekar, a renowned advocate of natural farming techniques. Attending one of his workshops in 2018 proved to be a turning point in her farming practices. She adopted Palekar’s methods and tailored them to suit her land and crops, leading to remarkable results.
Practicing Natural Farming
Currently, Leena practices natural farming in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. Despite having limited resources and no machinery of her own, she has managed to cultivate five bighas of rain-fed land. She has also formed a group of 20 women to collectively farm an additional 80 bighas, showcasing her commitment to community-driven agriculture.
Innovations and Contributions
Leena has introduced several innovative techniques to her community, including discouraging the use of urea and promoting multi-crop farming without chemicals. She has also emphasized the use of natural components like jivamrit and khatti lassi for crop protection, resulting in higher yields and lower costs for farmers.
Sustainable Practices
Central to Leena’s farming philosophy is the belief in sustainable practices. By advocating for the use of natural components and discouraging chemical inputs, she has demonstrated the viability of eco-friendly farming methods. Her approach not only benefits the environment but also ensures the production of high-quality crops.
Empowering Women in Farming
Leena is a staunch advocate for women’s participation in farming, highlighting the crucial role women play in agricultural activities. Despite women comprising nearly 80% of the workforce in Himachal Pradesh’s farms, their contributions often go unrecognized. Leena strives to change this narrative by empowering women to take on leadership roles in agriculture.
Future Goals
Looking ahead, Leena envisions further success in natural farming. She believes that farming is a skill that can be acquired through practice, emphasizing the importance of practical knowledge over formal education. Her goal is to continue innovating and inspiring others to embrace sustainable farming practices.
Recognition and Awards
Leena’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she has received recognition from various quarters. In June 2019, the Vice President of NITI Aayog praised her farming techniques, showcasing her as a model for other farmers. Additionally, she has been honored by the SDM and MLA of Karsog for her outstanding contributions to natural farming.
Educational Initiatives
Beyond her farming endeavors, Leena is actively involved in educational initiatives, teaching natural farming to children in schools and NSS camps. She is also the only woman farmer from India to participate in organizing an international webinar on agricultural activities’ impact on the environment and economic cooperation, highlighting her commitment to knowledge sharing and community building.
Conclusion
Leena Sharma’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and innovation in transforming traditional practices. Her story inspires us to break barriers, challenge norms, and strive for excellence in whatever field we choose. Leena’s achievements in natural farming serve as a beacon of hope for a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural future.
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FAQs
- What inspired Leena Sharma to start natural farming?
- Leena Sharma was inspired by Padma Shri–awardee Subhash Palekar and his natural farming techniques, which she learned about at a workshop in 2018.
- How has Leena contributed to her community through farming?
- Leena Sharma has introduced innovative techniques like multi-crop farming and the use of natural components, benefiting her community with higher yields and lower costs.
- What challenges did Leena face in her farming journey?
- Leena Sharma faced initial opposition and criticism but remained resilient, viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
- What recognition has Leena received for her work in natural farming?
- Leena has been honored by the SDM and MLA of Karsog and recognized by the Vice President of NITI Aayog for her commendable work in natural farming.
- What is Leena’s vision for the future of natural farming?
- Leena envisions further success in natural farming and aims to continue innovating and inspiring others to embrace sustainable practices.
