One-acre farming model propagates a shift from cash crops to diversified organic farming
“Every time I share my journey from a reluctant group member to a confident agri-preneur, I can’t believe how far I’ve come”. Archana Tawade
Introduced to Swayam Shikshan Prayog’s one-acre model set Archana Tawade on the path of sustainable agriculture. Developed specifically for small holding farmers, the model propagates a shift from cash crops to diversified organic farming.
“We were growing Soyabean and using chemical pesticides on our one acre. We barely saved 30% of our earnings,” says Archana. “After the training, I convinced my husband to give me 10,000 square feet of farmland to apply my learnings”.
Experimenting with a variety of crops – vegetables and cereals and using only organic fertilizer, Archana was amazed to see the yield multiple three-fold. While she netted a tidy profit, her biggest accomplishment was the nutritious food she put on the family table. Encouraged by the success, Archana’s husband adopted the one-acre organic farming model. Cultivating 23 varieties of crops – vegetables, pulses, cereals and oil seeds, they save almost 60% of their earnings.
Today Archana is a sought-after speaker and trainer. Her experience serves as a powerful motivator for other women to take the plunge and implement the one-acre model. “As a woman, a mother and a farmer – the health of my family and my land is critical. The one-acre model helps me meet both my goals. This is the message I share with other women”.