Patanjali's agricultural model is not merely focused on increasing farmers' income; it also prioritizes environmental conservation and job creation in rural areas. It represents a new ray of hope for farmers across the nation. The 'Kisan Samridhi Program,' initiated by Patanjali Ayurved, is transforming rural India through organic farming. This model not only boosts farmers' income but also contributes to environmental protection.
What is Patanjali's Kisan Samridhi Model?
This Patanjali program operates on three main pillars:
- Promoting Organic Farming: Farmers receive free organic fertilizers, high-quality seeds, and natural pesticides.
- Eliminating Intermediaries: The company directly purchases crops from farmers, ensuring they receive fair prices.
- Training and Technology: Farmers are trained in modern farming techniques.
- A key feature of this model is its ability to revitalize barren land. Areas like Mauganj in Madhya Pradesh, where farming was previously challenging, are now yielding good harvests.
How are Farmers Benefiting?
- Lower Costs, Higher Profits: Organic farming has reduced farmers' input costs while increasing crop prices.
- Benefits of New Technology: Farmers are learning modern methods, leading to increased yields.
- Advantages of Direct Sales: The absence of intermediaries ensures farmers receive the full value of their hard work.
- Ramswaroop, a small farmer, shared, "Previously, I spent ₹20-25,000 annually on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Now, with organic farming, my costs have halved, and I'm receiving 30% higher prices for my crops."
Transformation in Villages
Patanjali's model is bringing about several positive changes in rural areas:
- New Employment Opportunities: Processing units and other activities are creating jobs for rural youth.
- Women's Empowerment: Many women's self-help groups are producing organic products.
- Environmental Protection: Reduced use of chemical fertilizers has improved soil and water quality.
Future Plans
Patanjali aims to expand this model to 10,000 villages within the next five years. The company is also developing an industrial park in the Vindhya region to generate further employment. Agricultural expert Dr. Rajendra Prasad states that this model is truly revolutionary. He believes that if similar initiatives are undertaken, India's agricultural system could undergo a complete transformation.
