From Salutes to Soil: How Retd. Army Officer Divya Thakur is Leading the Organic Charge

Indian Army veteran Colonel Divya Thakur is spearheading a new generation of truly organic farming in Himachal Pradesh. With his impeccable track record of stringent methodology, Divya has raised a high-density apple orchard with imported M9 rootstock, aimed at harvesting truly chemical-free, certified organic apples. His farm is going through a stringent three-year government certification process for transparency and trust.

 

Key Points:

 

Divya employs solar bio-fermenters to make natural fertilizers such as Jeevamruth, improving soil health and microbial activity without the use of chemicals.

 

Drip irrigation and biocontrol products like neem oil control pests in a sustainable manner.

 

He promotes farmer organization actively through the Jujurana Farmer Producer Company by uniting over 500 farmers to embrace organic farming and collectively gain access to better markets.

 

Divya emphasizes traceability and transparency, where customers can see where and how their food is being produced through online platforms.

 

He keeps himself updated, having recently attended a course on organic farming at the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE).

 

His vision is to set up a model farm that inspires and trains other farmers to turn to genuine organic farming.

 

Prospects: Colonel Divya Thakur's story is an example of how honesty, creativity, and community building can restore faith in organic farming. His efforts will take India's sustainable agriculture to new heights, empowering farmers and providing consumers with safe, healthy produce.

 

Source: Krishi Jagran, ASQI, Inshorts