“Switching to organic farming was the best decision I've made. My production costs have decreased, my soil is healthier, and customers are willing to pay more for my chemical-free produce.”

Maya Gurung, a farmer from Chitwan district, had been practicing conventional agriculture for years, relying heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. While her farm produced decent yields, she was concerned about the rising costs of inputs, declining soil fertility, and potential health impacts of chemicals.

In 2021, Maya participated in Akumaya Foundation's sustainable agriculture program, which provided training in organic farming techniques, including composting, natural pest management, crop rotation, and water conservation.

After completing the training, Maya decided to convert one acre of her land to organic production. The foundation provided her with seeds, tools, and ongoing technical support during the transition period, which can be challenging as soil recovers from chemical dependency.

Maya started by growing a diverse range of vegetables using organic methods. She created her own compost using farm waste and prepared natural pest repellents from local plants. She also installed a simple drip irrigation system to conserve water.

Initially, Maya faced skepticism from neighboring farmers who doubted the viability of organic farming. However, as her crops flourished and she began to sell her produce at premium prices in local markets, attitudes began to change.

By September 2022, Maya's organic farm was fully established and thriving. She had expanded her organic production to include all three acres of her land and was growing over 20 varieties of vegetables, fruits, and herbs.

"Switching to organic farming was the best decision I've made. My production costs have decreased, my soil is healthier, and customers are willing to pay more for my chemical-free produce. Most importantly, I know I'm growing food that is safe for my family and my community," says Maya.

Maya's farm has become a learning center for other farmers in the region. Through a farmer-to-farmer training approach, she has shared her knowledge and experience with over 50 other farmers, many of whom have begun to adopt organic practices on their own farms.

The success of Maya's organic farm demonstrates the potential of sustainable agriculture to provide economic, environmental, and health benefits. By supporting farmers in transitioning to organic methods, we can promote food security, environmental sustainability, and rural livelihoods.