Ajay Kewar, a progressive farmer from Baledi village in Ujjain district, has transformed his 3.5-acre land into a thriving example of productivity and sustainability through the support received under the Good Farming–Good Food programme. As the sole breadwinner for his family of seven, Ajay’s journey over the past three years highlights the profound impact that well-designed agricultural interventions can have in rural communities. His transformation began in 2022 when he was introduced to the programme by the team of GFGF. At that time, Ajay relied heavily on conventional farming techniques, including the overuse of chemical fertilizers and poor soil management, compounded by the lack of proper irrigation infrastructure. These practices resulted in low yields, high costs, and declining soil productivity.

A new chapter unfolded when Ajay received vermicompost through the programme, initiating his shift towards sustainable agriculture. Engaging deeply with the programme, he participated in regular training and Krishi Chaupal meetings held every Friday, where he learned and adopted eco-friendly, cost-effective methods such as the preparation and application of Jeevamrut and vermicompost, installation of drip irrigation and mulching systems for water conservation, and the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tools like yellow sticky traps to minimize chemical use. This holistic approach led Ajay to diversify his cropping pattern, cultivating a variety of vegetables including cabbage, cauliflower, ridge gourd, tomato, garlic, onion, potato, and ladies’ finger.

The impact on the ground has been remarkable. Ajay managed to reduce his annual cultivation costs by ₹70,000, from ₹200,000 to ₹130,000, while boosting productivity, particularly for high-value crops like garlic and onion. Water usage became more efficient with the adoption of drip irrigation, and the increase in his income enabled him to lease additional land and venture into flower cultivation, with future plans to explore fruit farming aligned with market demand. Reflecting on his journey, Ajay shared, “With the support and knowledge shared through the Good Farming–Good Food programme, I have not only reduced costs but also improved the quality and quantity of my produce. I now feel more confident to explore new crops and modern practices.”

Today, Ajay Kewar is recognized as a local role model in his village, standing as a beacon of sustainable farming. His story underscores the transformative potential of combining farmer training, ecological methods, and community engagement. Through initiatives like the Good Farming–Good Food programme, farmers like Ajay are not only growing better crops but also nurturing confidence, resilience, and a brighter future.