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Rajouri's Organic Farming Boom: Sunderbani's Green Revolution Fuels Economic Growth

The Sunderbani area of Rajouri district is experiencing an organic farming revolution, driven by government initiatives and high market demand for chemical-free produce. Local farmers, who rely on agriculture as their sole income, have expanded from traditional foodgrains to diverse vegetables like cauliflower and radish, despite challenges such as water scarcity. This shift has transformed the region into a major supply hub, with produce reaching far-flung areas and supporting thousands of livelihoods. The transition is celebrated as both an environmental victory and a key economic driver for this border district.

Key Points: Organic Farming Transforms Rajouri's Sunderbani into Economic Hub

  • Government promotion of organic clusters
  • High market demand for organic produce
  • Farming as primary family income
  • Expansion from grains to diverse vegetables
2 min read

J-K: Organic farming boom in Rajouri's Sunderbani transforms district into economic powerhouse

Discover how Rajouri's Sunderbani area is thriving through organic farming, boosting local incomes and supplying chemical-free produce across the district.

"There is a huge demand for organic products in the market. - Rajesh Verma, District Agriculture Officer"

Rajouri, January 2

In a significant shift towards sustainable practices, locals in the Sundarbani area of Rajouri district have embraced organic farming, turning it into not just an environmental victory but also a key economic driver for this border region.

Rajesh Verma, District Agriculture Officer, Rajouri, highlighted the government's efforts in promoting these initiatives.

"We are focusing more on sustainable and organic agriculture. We have a scheme to promote natural farming. Organic farming clusters have been identified and are being promoted... There is a huge demand for organic products in the market. The government is trying to promote organic farming among farmers...," Verma said.

Local farmers shared their experiences, emphasising the challenges and rewards of this transition.

Meenu, a farmer, described her daily operations: "... We grow organic vegetables in our farm. Currently, we are growing cauliflower, radish, and other vegetables. Our produce depends on how hard we work. During the summer, there was no water supply, so we had to carry water on our heads to water our crops. Now we have a water supply... This is our only source of income... Our entire family helps on the farm..."

Ajay Gupta, President of the Fruit and Vegetable Association in Sunderbani, emphasized the long-standing agricultural heritage and its impact on the community.

"People here have been working very hard for the last 35-40 years. Agricultural produce is very good. It is a big mandi, so vegetables from here are supplied to many far-flung areas of the district... Thousands of people here are engaged in farming...," Gupta stated.

Another farmer, Mintu Sharma, echoed these sentiments, noting the expansion in crop variety and market reach. "... We supply our vegetables to far-flung areas as well. We grow cauliflower and other seasonal vegetables... People here work very hard, and we are dependent only on farming... Earlier we only grew foodgrains, but now we also grow vegetables, so it is good for us," Sharma added.

This move to organic farming is seen as a boon for both the environment and the local economy, with increased demand for chemical-free produce boosting incomes in the district.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Fantastic to see J&K leading in organic farming! The government scheme is a good step, but the real heroes are the farmers. Carrying water on their heads in summer... that's dedication. Hope they get more support with irrigation and better market linkages soon.
A
Aman W
This is the real "Vocal for Local" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" in action. Transforming Rajouri into an economic hub through organic farming is a brilliant model for other hill districts. The demand for chemical-free food is only going to grow.
S
Sarah B
As someone who tries to buy organic, I would love to see these products available on e-commerce platforms or in supermarkets in metro cities. There's a premium market waiting. The story of their hard work would make me choose their brand over others.
V
Vikram M
While the initiative is praise-worthy, the article glosses over the initial struggle. Switching to organic means lower yields for the first few years. Did the government provide any income support during that transition phase? We must ensure farmers don't bear the entire risk.
K
Kriti O
Heartwarming to read! Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan. When our farmers in border areas prosper, the entire nation becomes stronger. Wishing the people of Sunderbani all the very best. May their organic vegetables reach every corner of India! 🇮🇳

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