An opportunity go to to Manisha Gosain’s land in Dehradun in the course of 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 constructed from 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 need 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 willpower 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.
In the present day, they proudly function Doon Gooseberry Farm, a comfy setup born from their dedication and keenness, supported steadfastly by their husbands.
“Through the COVID-19 pandemic, we first visited my sister’s land in Dehradun. The scene was not promising. We have been confronted with 10 bighas of land lined in unruly grass and creepers,” shares Namita.
“Nonetheless, what instantly caught our consideration have been the gooseberry timber (amla) laden with fruit, a lot of which have been going to waste. We immediately felt the necessity to take motion, not solely to guard our land but additionally 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 means of trial and error, they’ve discovered 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 timber has developed right into a household affair,” Namita shares. “We even invite our mates to affix us because it’s a terrific 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 corresponding to amla, mango, turmeric, garlic and lemon, Doon Gooseberry Farm has expanded its choices to incorporate a various array of merchandise, making a internet 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 varied greens corresponding to tomatoes, brinjals, pumpkins, spinach, mustard, and woman’s fingers. Whereas they promote merchandise constructed from amla, mango, turmeric, lemon, and tomatoes, the opposite greens fulfill their family wants, making certain a self-sufficient and homely setting.
“At Doon Gooseberry Farm, our mission is straightforward and but profound: to supply the world with delectable, wholesome meals choices which might be free from dangerous preservatives. Our journey started with the will to embrace a life-style wealthy in vitality, the place we might savour all these flavours nurtured in our very personal yard,” says Manisha.
She provides, “Our produce thrives beneath 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 easy. “Water availability is a essential subject,” Namita explains.
“Being in a hilly space with a non-perennial river close by, water shortage is a big 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, significantly in the course of the summer time months. “We’re at present exploring rainwater harvesting as a possible answer 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 subject earnestly, it won’t solely profit us but additionally many others who want to pursue farming with better ease and happiness.”
Presently, Doon Gooseberry Farm collaborates with native girls and small processing items to fabricate its merchandise. Nonetheless, the farm aspires to ascertain 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 develop additional, with a concentrate on offering employment alternatives to locals, significantly girls.”
This text has been written by Shweta Bhanot Mehrotra. Image credit: Manisha and Namita.
Edited by Padmashree Pande.
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