Sunita Choudhary, a natural farmer from Gujarat’s Tapi district, cultivates 15 rice varieties, including black rice and Sonamati. Earning a 650% return on black rice, she trains 3,000+ farmers, empowers tribal women, and promotes sustainable farming through workshops and community initiatives.

KJ Staff.

Sunita Choudhary, a resident of Kanjod village in Gujarat’s Tapi district, began her journey with an investment of just Rs. 4,000 and a determination to create a sustainable livelihood. Instead of relying on machines or chemicals, she turned to traditional knowledge and natural farming practices. Through patience and hard work, her efforts not only transformed her own life but also inspired and uplifted her entire community.

Beginning with Natural Farming

Sunita’s journey into natural farming began in 2013 after attending The Art of Living’s Youth Leadership Training Program. The experience transformed her perception of agriculture from a mere livelihood to a sacred practice. She saw the land as a temple, deserving of care and respect. With this philosophy guiding her, she turned to natural farming techniques that preserved the purity of the soil and ensured sustainable productivity.

Natural Techniques for a Thriving Farm

Her methods were simple yet revolutionary. She adopted mixed cropping, which diversified her yield, and introduced mulching to retain soil moisture. More importantly, she utilized bio-inputs like Jeevamrut, a powerful organic fertilizer made from cow dung and urine. These cost-effective and sustainable techniques revitalized her land, creating a thriving ecosystem where plants flourished naturally.

Black Rice Breakthrough

One of her earliest successes came when she cultivated 150 kg of black rice on just half an acre of land. With a modest investment, she was able to sell the rice at Rs. 300 per kg, earning an amazing 650% return. News of her success spread, and soon, buyers were traveling over 200 kilometers just to source produce directly from her fields.

Expanding the Vision: Cultivating 15 Rice Varieties

As she expanded her efforts, Sunita began cultivating over 15 different rice varieties, including the rare Sonamati, which was previously deemed unsuitable for the region. Her reputation for producing high-quality, chemical-free crops grew, attracting customers from multiple states. Social media and word-of-mouth further amplified her reach, making her a trusted name in sustainable agriculture.

Empowering Farmers and Tribal Women

But Sunita’s impact extended far beyond her own fields. Recognizing the potential of natural farming to transform lives, she dedicated herself to training others. To date, she has educated over 3,000 farmers in sustainable practices, empowering them to break free from chemical dependency and achieve financial independence. Among her trainees are over 300 tribal women who have found new opportunities and a sense of empowerment through her guidance.

Her influence transcends agriculture. Through meditation and pranayama, she has introduced a mindful approach to farming and daily life. One of the most remarkable stories from her village is of a young man struggling with alcohol addiction. Under Sunita’s mentorship, he took up raising a desi cow—a decision that marked a turning point in his life. Over time, he overcame his addiction, started a milk delivery business, and now owns seven cows, standing as a testament to Sunita’s transformative impact.

Spreading Awareness and Training Others

Sunita’s work continues to grow, reaching neighboring villages like Songar and Walod Taluka. Through workshops supported by government initiatives such as the ATMA project, she provides hands-on training to farmers in Uchchhal, Tapi, and Vihara, spreading awareness about the benefits of sustainable farming.

A Vision for the Future

Her efforts embody the philosophy of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: “Agriculture is the backbone of human existence. For nature to prosper, agriculture has to be healthy and sustainable.” Sunita Choudhary has turned this vision into reality, proving that farming is not just about cultivating crops—it is about nurturing communities, fostering resilience, and sowing the seeds of a brighter future.

Published Date: March 3, 2025