Subhash Khetulal Sharma, a farmer from Yavatmal district, Maharashtra, has emerged as a beacon of hope for sustainable agriculture, earning the Padma Shri in 2025 for his pioneering work in ecological and natural farming.
Early Journey and Turning Point
Sharma’s journey began with conventional chemical farming, but by 1994, declining productivity and rising costs prompted him to seek alternatives. Witnessing the adverse effects of chemical inputs on soil health and farmer livelihoods, he transitioned to organic and natural farming methods, focusing on restoring ecological balance and farmer prosperity.
Innovations in Natural Farming
- Chemical-Free Cultivation: Sharma advocates for farming without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, instead using locally available resources like cow dung, cow urine, and jaggery to enrich the soil and combat pests.
- Rainwater Harvesting: He has implemented extensive rainwater harvesting systems, conserving up to 1 crore liters of rainwater annually on his farm, ensuring water security even in drought-prone Yavatmal.
- Soil Health Restoration: By adopting crop rotation, mulching, and green manure, Sharma has improved soil fertility and structure, leading to higher yields without chemical inputs.
- Community Training: Sharma regularly shares his techniques with fellow farmers, conducting workshops and field demonstrations to promote organic methods and reduce dependence on costly agrochemicals.
Economic and Social Impact
- Increased Yields and Profitability: Sharma’s methods have shown that natural farming can deliver yields comparable to, or even exceeding, chemical farming, with significantly reduced input costs.
- Empowering Farmers: His advocacy has inspired many in his region to adopt ecological practices, helping them achieve better incomes and resilience against climate change.
Vision for Bharatiya Agriculture and Legacy
Sharma is vocal about the systemic issues facing Bharatiya farmers, including market exploitation and policy gaps. He emphasizes the need for farmer-centric reforms, better market access, and supportive government policies to make sustainable agriculture viable for all.
Subhash Khetulal Sharma’s life and work exemplify how ecological farming can be both economically rewarding and environmentally sustainable. His grassroots leadership continues to inspire a new generation of Bharatiya farmers to embrace natural farming for a healthier future.
