An opportunity go to to Manisha Gosain’s land in Dehradun throughout the COVID-19 pandemic gave her and her sister, Namita Rawat Negi, the thought to transform it into the Doon Gooseberry Farm. They develop greens like tomatoes, brinjals, pumpkins, spinach, and extra, and promote value-added merchandise comprised of them.
In 2021, when Namita Rawat Negi and Manisha Gosain, two sisters from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, determined to pursue farming, their choice raised extra eyebrows than smiles.
Nonetheless, pushed by their sturdy self-belief and a want to guard agricultural land, they ventured into what’s broadly considered one of many hardest occupations — farming.
This journey calls for immense perseverance and endurance, however their dedication has remained unwavering.
Of their 40s, many believed that Namita and Manisha would solely dabble in farming for a couple of months earlier than returning to their earlier lives and jobs; presumably promoting the land. Nonetheless, they defied expectations and continued in constructing their agricultural enterprise.
Right this moment, they proudly function Doon Gooseberry Farm, a comfortable setup born from their dedication and keenness, supported steadfastly by their husbands.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we first visited my sister’s land in Dehradun. The scene was not promising. We had been confronted with 10 bighas of land coated in unruly grass and creepers,” shares Namita.
“Nonetheless, what instantly caught our consideration had been the gooseberry bushes (amla) laden with fruit, a lot of which had been going to waste. We immediately felt the necessity to take motion, not solely to guard our land but in addition to nurture it and reap the rewards of its bounty,” she provides.
The 2 sisters entered the world of farming with no prior expertise or publicity. Nonetheless, by trial and error, they’ve realized to plant and nurture their crops successfully. Right here’s their story.
A mixed effort
The 2 sisters are ably helped by their husbands, Vineet Singh Negi and retired military Colonel Vikas Gosain.
“Harvesting the bushes has advanced right into a household affair,” Namita shares. “We even invite our mates to affix us because it’s an excellent alternative to spend the day collectively and benefit from the fruits of our labour.”
From chutneys and pickles to jams crafted from the recent produce comparable to amla, mango, turmeric, garlic and lemon, Doon Gooseberry Farm has expanded its choices to incorporate a various array of merchandise, making a web revenue of Rs 5 lakh. Their complete earnings was Rs 11 lakh for the final monetary 12 months.
Along with this, the farm additionally homes poultry and cultivates numerous greens comparable to tomatoes, brinjals, pumpkins, spinach, mustard, and girl’s fingers. Whereas they promote merchandise comprised of amla, mango, turmeric, lemon, and tomatoes, the opposite greens fulfill their family wants, guaranteeing a self-sufficient and homely setting.
“At Doon Gooseberry Farm, our mission is easy and but profound: to offer the world with delectable, wholesome meals choices which can be free from dangerous preservatives. Our journey started with the will to embrace a way of life wealthy in vitality, the place we may savour all these flavours nurtured in our very personal yard,” says Manisha.
She provides, “Our produce prospers underneath the solar, untouched by chemical sprays or pesticides. It’s right here that the roots of Doon Gooseberry Farm run deep, the place our dedication to purity and high quality is agency.”
They use shells of natural eggs, vegetable peels, and cow manure because the prime supply of nourishment for his or her cultivation.
Nonetheless, the journey has been removed from clean. “Water availability is a essential situation,” Namita explains.
“Being in a hilly space with a non-perennial river close by, water shortage is a major problem. It is a major cause why many individuals round us are abandoning their agricultural lands.”
Regardless of the federal government’s efforts to create canals for water provide, Namita notes that there’s nonetheless a extreme scarcity, notably throughout the summer time months. “We’re at the moment exploring rainwater harvesting as a possible resolution to create a dependable supply of water,” Namita shares.
“Nonetheless, we sincerely hope that the water scenario improves. Whereas the river has some water at sure factors, different areas stay fully dry. We imagine that if the federal government addresses this situation earnestly, it is not going to solely profit us but in addition many others who want to pursue farming with higher ease and happiness.”
At present, Doon Gooseberry Farm collaborates with native girls and small processing models to fabricate its merchandise. Nonetheless, the farm aspires to determine its personal processing unit staffed fully by girls sooner or later.
“We initiated our enterprise with the help of an agricultural mortgage and assist from household,” Namita explains. “This enabled us to make the land cultivable and fulfill our primary necessities. Now, our aim is to broaden additional, with a give attention to offering employment alternatives to locals, notably girls.”
When you discovered our tales insightful, informative, and even simply gratifying, we invite you to contemplate making a voluntary fee to assist the work we do at The Higher India. Your contribution helps us proceed producing high quality content material that educates, conjures up, and drives constructive change.
Select one of many fee choices beneath in your contribution-
By paying for the tales you worth, you straight contribute to sustaining our efforts targeted on making a distinction on the earth. Collectively, let’s make sure that impactful tales proceed to be informed and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.
Thanks in your assist. Listed below are some incessantly requested questions you may discover useful to know why you might be contributing?
This text has been written by Shweta Bhanot Mehrotra. Image credit: Manisha and Namita.
Edited by Padmashree Pande.
