From Borrowing a Cow to a ₹70 Lakh Enterprise: Anita Negi’s Natural Farming Success Story

Anita Negi has transformed nearly three decades of experience in agriculture and horticulture into a diversified enterprise generating approximately ₹70 lakh in income from nursery stock, apples and other crops. Her journey from conventional farming to natural farming demonstrates how women farmers can reduce input costs, diversify their livelihoods and create new business opportunities.

In 2018, an awareness camp in her village introduced Anita to natural farming. Curious to learn more, she attended a training camp in Ghaziabad and began experimenting with the method on part of her land. However, her first challenge was a practical one: she did not own a cow, an important source of dung and urine for preparing natural farming inputs. Anita  told , she initially borrowed these resources from neighbors until she could acquire a cow of her own.

Encouraged by the results, Anita gradually expanded natural farming across her holding. Today, she practises it on 20 bighas. Technical guidance from the State Project Implementing Unit (SPIU) of the Rajiv Gandhi Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana (RGPK3Y), through ATMA officials, supported her transition. Training programmes, exposure visits to successful farms and regular interaction with Block and District ATMA teams helped her improve her farming practices.

Anita prepares natural inputs using Pahari cow dung, urine and locally available resources. Formulations such as Agniastra, Brahmastra, Dashparni Ark and Saptdhanyankur Ark have replaced chemical pesticides and fungicides on her farm. She cultivates apples and pears alongside wheat, maize, rajmash, potatoes, garlic and peas.

The financial benefits have been significant. Earlier, she spent less than ₹20,000 on chemical fertilisers and pesticides for the relevant farming activity. Her expenditure on farm-made inputs is now around ₹1,500. The reduction in purchased inputs has helped her lower cultivation costs while continuing to diversify her farm.

Anita’s entrepreneurial vision extends beyond growing crops. She has developed a fruit nursery producing planting material for apple, pomegranate, pear and persimmon, along with exotic fruit varieties. Her nursery now has 60,000 rootstock plants, attracting farmers looking for quality planting material. By producing saplings herself, she has turned an agricultural requirement into an additional source of income.

Alongside nursery production, Anita sells naturally grown apples, pears, vegetables and other produce. Her diversified model combines seasonal crops with perennial orchards and nursery sales. Earnings from nursery stock, apples and other crops together amount to approximately ₹70 lakh, according to the information available. This combination allows her to build income from multiple agricultural activities rather than depend on a single crop.

Her farm has also become a learning centre for fellow farmers. Recent reporting indicates that Anita has mentored more than 2,000 farmers and motivated over 300 women farmers. Scientists, students and researchers visit her farm to understand natural farming practices. She also serves as a resource person at training camps organised with ATMA officials.

Her achievements have received recognition. In 2018, Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Minister Dr. Ram Lal Markanda presented her with a commendation award. In 2021, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bajaura, recognised her as a “Progressive Farmer and Source of Inspiration.”

Anita’s journey began with a village awareness camp and the determination to try a different approach, even when she had to borrow a cow to get started. Today, her experience demonstrates how natural farming, horticultural diversification and nursery development can create economic opportunities. By sharing her knowledge with other farmers, she is also helping women build confidence, develop entrepreneurial skills and contribute to a more resilient rural economy.