Uttarkashi, situated in the Garhwal Himalayan hills of Uttarakhand, was once famous for its rich agricultural tradition. But in recent years, the process of migration of farmers towards cities had started becoming the identity of this place.
Generations of people who had farmed these rugged mountain slopes were now moving to the cities for a better life. But in the midst of these difficult conditions, Swatantri Bandhani, a local female farmer, saw what others might have missed: Immense potential. With a strong belief in sustainable farming, Swatantri Bandhani took up the task of reviving her community’s agricultural tradition, which changed the lives of the community. Swatantri’s return to red rice The journey started with a simple idea and that was to return to the cultivation of red rice. Red rice is a very hardy and nutritious crop, which had almost disappeared after the shift towards the cultivation of modern commercial crops. For this, he initially united 30 farmers like himself, who, like him, were engaged in the agricultural traditions of Uttarkashi. Swatantri says, “Many people said we were crazy to invest in crops that had low yields and required more care. But we did not give up and With a shared vision of healthy food, sustainable practices and community empowerment, the group continued their work. Organic Farming: A Confluence of Tradition and Nature Their mission was to transform traditional farming practices and practices that have been passed down through generations. Using the same methods, he diligently cultivated his crops, a process that required a lot of effort, and the initial yield was disappointing – compared to high-yielding commercial varieties of rice. 30% less. But he did not give up hope and his hard work paid off. Gradually this small group of 30 farmers increased to 300. The red rice of Uttarkashi got recognition at the national level. Farmers proudly displayed it at the India International Trade Fair, where they won second place in the ‘One District One Product’ competition. By getting recognition, he also made his place in the eyes of other people, which helped him in expanding his market and inspired other farmers to join this movement. Struggling amidst natural disasters, farming in Uttarkashi is not an easy task. Farming in high altitude areas is very risky. “While working on these mountain slopes, there is always a risk of natural disasters like drought and landslides,” says Swatantri. As marginal farmers, extreme events of nature define our struggle.” Natural disasters have been threatening the livelihoods of local farmers for a long time. But under government programs like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), they have access to benefits like crop insurance. Received economic security, which is no less than a lifeline for them. Through these schemes, farmers are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices without worrying about crop loss. The big lesson behind the Red Rice Revolution in Uttarkashi is that when women have access to resources, training and opportunities, they can change the world. Swatanthi’s leadership not only restored lost crops, but also hundreds of families. Helped provide economic stability. “When women lead, communities thrive,” she says. “We have proven that sustainable farming can secure our future and preserve our heritage.” Today of Uttarkashi The flourishing red rice crops are a testament to their faith and determination. In the words of Swatantra: “When we farm together, we not only grow crops, we also grow hope for future generations.” In a once hard-to-reach region, one woman and her group of farmers helped the world Showed that women can change the world if they have proper access to opportunities.