“One of the best time to plant a tree was 20 years in the past. The second greatest time is now.”
Within the serene village of Sirkot, tucked away within the picturesque Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, lives a 60-year-old farmer whose life story is an inspiring testomony to perseverance, dedication, and environmental stewardship. Jagdish Chandra Kuniyal’s ardour for the surroundings has not solely remodeled his personal life however has uplifted his neighborhood.
For over 4 a long time, he has labored tirelessly to revive his land, plant bushes, and create a sustainable future, regardless of numerous challenges. His work got here to nationwide consideration when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his programme, Mann Ki Baat, praised Jagdish’s efforts, a recognition that introduced each pleasure and a way of fulfilment to the standard farmer.
Jagdish’s journey started within the shadow of non-public loss. He misplaced his father on the age of 18, a pivotal second in his life that left a deep impression. The tragedy may have crushed him, however as a substitute, it turned the catalyst for a life constructed round resilience and a deep connection to the earth.
“On the age of 20, I made a agency determination to honour my father’s legacy by doing one thing significant with the land he had left behind,” he tells The Higher India. Along with managing his household’s farm, Jagdish additionally runs a small ration store, which serves as one other means he contributes to his village’s livelihood.
From disappointment to triumph
In 1990, with no formal coaching however an unshakeable need to enhance his circumstances, Jagdish set out on a mission to plant fruit bushes on his land. He started by planting guava and walnut bushes, assured that these fruit-bearing bushes would thrive and supply a great yield. However, like many ventures, issues didn’t go as deliberate.
“The yield was not nice, and I confronted quite a few challenges. The bushes I planted weren’t rising properly, and the outcomes have been disappointing,” Jagdish confesses.
However giving up was by no means an choice for Jagdish. Decided to discover a resolution, he experimented with different tree species that might face up to the area’s harsh local weather. He planted seesham, deodar, oak, and rhododendron, and to his delight, these bushes flourished.
Within the early years, Jagdish’s work was met with scepticism and outright resistance. The villagers, accustomed to conventional farming strategies, have been fast to query the knowledge of planting bushes within the arid, rocky soil of Sirkot.
“They used to say, ‘What’s the purpose of planting bushes right here? Nothing will develop’,” he remembers. He saved pushing ahead, pushed by a perception that one thing higher was potential for the land and its folks.
The land itself was as unforgiving because the doubts surrounding his endeavour. The farm was far-off from his house, and every single day, Jagdish needed to trek virtually 5 kilometres by foot to take care of the younger bushes. As if that weren’t sufficient, irregular rainfall, coupled with the frequent destruction of his vegetation by wandering cattle, added to his frustration. “Generally, the cattle from the village would roam by way of my fields and trample over the saplings,” he explains.
Regardless of the quite a few challenges, Jagdish remained undeterred, repeatedly discovering modern options. He dug deeper into the soil, reaching underground water sources that may assist maintain his vegetation. Slowly, issues started to enhance. The bushes began to develop, and as they did, the underground water ranges started to rise.
The underground water that had been trapped beneath the earth started to resurface. “I began offering water to the folks within the village,” Jagdish explains. This easy act made the villagers realise the worth of his efforts. What was as soon as seen as a futile endeavour started to yield efficient outcomes. “At first, folks didn’t perceive, however as soon as they noticed the water movement, they started to understand the work I had put in,” Jagdish displays.
Venturing into tea
The success of his tree planting efforts gave Jagdish not solely the satisfaction of restoring his land but additionally the fulfilment of realizing that his work had a broader impression on the neighborhood. It wasn’t nearly enhancing his yield or securing a livelihood; it was about constructing one thing sustainable for future generations.
Because the years handed, Jagdish’s success with bushes impressed him to suppose even larger. The federal government, recognising the potential of his land, inspired him to diversify into tea cultivation, a transfer that may not solely add one other layer of sustainability to his work but additionally present much-needed employment for the native folks.
“I began the tea plantations as a means to enhance the land and create extra employment alternatives,” he says.
Jagdish created jobs for 2 native employees, who’ve been with him for over 25 years, caring for the tea vegetation and sustaining the forests he had planted. This has not solely supplied secure revenue for his employees however has additionally contributed to the long-term sustainability of his land. “I wished to be sure that folks in my village had work and that the land was taken care of,” Jagdish explains.
From recognition to motion
In 2021, Jagdish’s life took a outstanding flip when Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about his work in Mann Ki Baat. “Once I heard that the Prime Minister had talked about my work, I used to be overjoyed. I by no means anticipated any recognition for what I used to be doing, I used to be doing it for my very own peace and for the nice of future generations,” Jagdish says, his voice full of humility and satisfaction.
The point out of his title introduced a flood of recognition, not only for Jagdish, however for all the village. “After PM Modi praised my work, folks in my village began caring for the forest and vegetation. A few of them even started planting bushes on their very own land,” Jagdish joyfully shares.
“Folks in my village now perceive the significance of planting bushes. It’s not one thing that’s regarded down upon,” he says with satisfaction. The villagers haven’t solely began planting bushes on their very own lands however have additionally learnt to maintain them. The as soon as barren land is now dotted with flourishing bushes, and the neighborhood has embraced the tradition of sustainability that Jagdish has labored so onerous to domesticate.
With over one lakh bushes planted, Jagdish plans to broaden his efforts. “I proceed to plant extra bushes throughout numerous lands in my village,” he says. His work has grow to be a shining instance of environmental guardianship, inspiring others to take proactive steps in safeguarding their very own communities.
Regardless of the popularity and reward, Jagdish stays grounded. “I’m completely happy to see folks in my village planting bushes, however I’m not doing this for any private achieve,” he says. “The true reward for me is realizing that I’m forsaking a greater world for the subsequent technology.”
Jagdish’s dedication to his land and his work stays unwavering. His recommendation is straightforward but profound, “Work with sincerity and from the guts. Don’t anticipate something in return. Do it as a result of it’s the precise factor to do and since it helps others.”
Altering lives, inspiring motion
Vinod, a 42-year-old small enterprise proprietor and farmer, was impressed by Jagdish Kuniyal to start out planting bushes. “Jagdish gave me vegetation for my plot and home, and it opened my eyes to how highly effective bushes are for the surroundings,” Vinod says. He has planted guava and orange bushes at his house, which not solely present fruit but additionally beautify the realm. “Crops give us all the things they’ve — oxygen, shade, and meals,” he shares. Vinod encourages others to plant bushes, believing it’s one of many easiest methods to assist the surroundings.
Harish Pandey, a 54-year-old farmer, was additionally motivated by Jagdish. After seeing Jagdish’s backyard, he determined to create his personal. “Jagdish made me realise that planting bushes may gain advantage not simply the land however the entire ecosystem,” Harish remembers. His backyard has attracted wildlife, particularly monkeys, which he sees as a optimistic signal of his efforts. “It’s an indication that my vegetation are thriving and serving to the ecosystem,” he says.
Jagdish Kuniyal’s story is a strong reminder that one individual’s actions can create a ripple impact that modifications not simply their very own life however the lives of many others. His dedication to planting bushes, restoring his land, and provoking his neighborhood has made an enduring impression on the surroundings and the folks round him. “No matter work I did, I’m very happy with it. It was years of onerous work, but it surely has been price it,” he displays with contentment.
Jagdish additional emphasises, “Think about the well-being of society and begin planting bushes to fight local weather change. The federal government should introduce insurance policies to guard bushes, and other people must recognise the very important position of planting extra.” He firmly believes that by way of collective motion, we are able to make a significant impression in addressing local weather change and constructing a sustainable future for all.
“Once you plant bushes, you should nurture them like your personal kids. In case you give them care, they’ll repay you with a flourishing future,” he concludes.
