Sirsa farmer grows crops with zero budget, zero chemicals

In a remarkable example of sustainable farming, Jagdish Singh, a schoolteacher and farmer from Singhpura village in Sirsa’s Odhan block, has turned seven acres of barren and sandy land into a thriving organic farm without ever ploughing the soil, using chemical fertilisers or applying pesticides.

Jagdish, who teaches at a primary school in nearby Kewal village, began his farming journey on land that was considered unfit for agriculture due to lack of canal water and poor soil. Years ago, he planted an amla (gooseberry) orchard on five acres, but it failed to grow due to water scarcity. The land remained unused for nearly five years.

His breakthrough came when he adopted the drip irrigation system. To tackle water shortage, he used a farming method called mulching covering the soil with six inches of paddy straw. This helped retain moisture, reduce the need for water and improve soil health. Despite initial criticism from villagers, who doubted that crops could grow in such sandy and dry conditions, Jagdish’s efforts began to show results.

Today, his farm grows around 40 varieties of crops, including 18 types of fruits and 20 types of vegetables, all certified organic. His produce has been tested in labs and found to contain zero traces of harmful chemicals. He grows kinnow, amla, papaya, watermelon, jamun, mango and various seasonal vegetables. He also grows traditional millets like ragi, kodo and kutki, which are rich in nutrients and were commonly eaten centuries ago.

According to Jagdish, he uses no chemical fertilisers or pesticides. Instead, he relies on natural methods. He never removes weeds from his fields, as they support the growth of beneficial microbes and insects. He also prepares natural sprays using weeds to keep harmful insects away. He does not till soil, believing that tilling harms the soil’s natural fertility by killing helpful organisms.

Jadgish said, “Even during periods when canal water is not available, my plants survive by absorbing moisture from mulched soil and nutrients from the air and sunlight.” He has not used borewell water on his farm for the past 15 years.

Jagdish’s farm has become a model for other farmers. People from nearby Punjab and Haryana, including government officials, visit his fields to learn about his eco-friendly methods. He has also participated in over 25 farming programmes across the country.

In addition to farming, Jagdish is a nature lover. He plants trees every year and has built wooden nests in his orchard to attract birds, including migratory species in winter.

Sanjay Bhadu, Horticulture Officer, Odhan, said, “The government supports horticulture by giving Rs 43,000 per acre as subsidy for kinnow and guava farming.” He praised Jagdish’s model and encouraged other farmers to adopt similar methods of farming.

Bhadu said, “Jagdish Singh’s success proves that farming can be profitable and sustainable even on sandy and dry land when done in harmony with nature.”