In Rajasthan, numerous farmers are employing innovative farming techniques to yield profitable results from cultivation. Despite facing various setbacks, their persistence and relentless hard work eventually paid off, yielding favourable results. Some farmers have even received the President's Award, not once but twice. Among them is Santosh Devi, a farmer from Sikar district in Rajasthan. Known for her meticulous and patient approach, she successfully developed a new variety of carrot through careful and dedicated efforts.

Background

Santosh Devi has studied up to class 8. She possesses immense knowledge about farming and has been involved with the same work since she was 12 years old. Alongside farming, she shoulders responsibilities of her family. As a farmer, Santosh faced challenges with her produce. To find a solution, she began attending state government-organized fairs and workshops and gained valuable information there.

 

Being an inspiration

Santosh Devi experimented with carrot seeds using desi cow's ghee and honey to improve their quality. Results began to show after some time: production time shortened, wastage decreased, and carrots grew up to about one and a half feet long. She also earns significant earnings from her pomegranate farms. 

Initially, she made an annual profit of around Rs 2 to 2.5 lakh. Today, her earnings have increased to Rs 50 lakh. Over the years, she has imparted this special technique to over ten thousand farmers. Santosh Devi was honoured with the President's Award in the years 2013 and 2017. Farmers from across the region now travel long distances to receive training from her.