Organic turmeric farming on barren land changed the picture: 67 year old jawan presented a model of earning livelihood with Himachali farmers

More than 1000 farmers of Himachal Pradesh have set a new example of success by organic farming on barren and lack of irrigation land. Especially in the Changar area, where there was terror of unclaimed and wild animals, now organic turmeric is flourishing in the fields. Along with this, these working farmers have presented a wonderful model for sustainable livelihood and permanent employment. The model was designed by a 67-year-old retired soldier from the Indian Army.

Retired colonel PC Rana of Maseran village of Balugloa area of ​​Nagrota Bagwan assembly constituency of Kangra district had joined the Indian Army as a constable after 10th. While in the army, PC Rana passed the commission and became an army officer. When he returned to the village after retiring from the rank of colonel, he got involved in a new mission. After his in-depth study and research, he made preparations for organic cultivation of turmeric in the Changar area.

If he got success in this work, he also included other farmers in it. Colonel Rana set an example in turmeric production with seven years of hard work across the country. It is because of his efforts that he is called Turmeric Man of India. Rana has also witnessed socio-economic changes in the lives of thousands of marginal farmers.

Army’s experience gave a new idea

The Balugloa area of ​​the Nagrota Bagwan assembly is the Changar area. There is a lack of water for irrigation and even today most of the land is barren. After retiring from the army, PC Rana reached the village and realized that most of the youth are doing jobs of 5-7 thousand but do not want to work in the field. The main reason for this was that agriculture here is dependent on rain. Most of the farms were terrorized by wild animals and unclaimed animals. PC Rana, with the experience of his army, made preparations to cultivate the barren land in such a way that even the unclaimed and wild animals could not harm it.

Army officer from soldier, then became progressive farmer

After much deliberation and study, Rana found that turmeric is the only crop that can be grown on barren land and which is not harmed by animals. While turmeric is used for cooking in every household of the country, it is also used in cosmetics and many medicines. Colonel Rana studied the market. It emerged that there is a huge demand in the market for the improved quality of turmeric and the farmers can get good price.

Special seed prepared in Andhra Pradesh

Colonel Rana started his level efforts to mobilize improved varieties of turmeric seeds. His search was completed by going to Andhra Pradesh. He met progressive farmer Chandrashekhar and got complete information about turmeric production. Traditionally grown turmeric is a three-year crop.

Now with the efforts of Colonel Rana, such a variety of turmeric is available in the country, which is not only produced in eight months, but is many times better in production and quality than before. Colonel Rana hired ‘Experts’ of IIT Mumbai to get the variety named ‘Pragati’ developed in South.

‘Turnover’ in crores, focus on value addition

Himachal Pradesh is now writing a new chapter in turmeric production under the command of Colonel Rana. More than 1000 farmers are doing commercial cultivation of turmeric in different parts of the state. The turnover of turmeric business has reached in crores. Farmers have also started producing powder and oil by adding value to turmeric. While it is a bit difficult for the ‘farmer’ to access the ‘market’ right now, government statements like minimum sport price or government purchase are far-fetched.

The utility of turmeric as an immunity booster in the Kovid period, the need to encourage its cultivation is felt. According to Colonel Rana, if the state government gives any contribution in this, then better options can be available for the farmers.