Transition to Organic Farming by Iba Miniaka

Iba Miniaka, wife of Nari Miniaka, is a 30-year-old farmer from Jhumuka village, Kutuli GP, Rayagada block, Rayagada district. Her family consists of four members—her husband and two sons. The family owns 5 acres of land, out of which Iba has developed an organic brinjal field on ½ acre.With the intervention of SHALAR Foundation, Iba was motivated to adopt organic farming. Sheshared that due to the continuous use of chemical fertilizers, the soil fertility was decreasing. Over time, this not only increases the dependency on chemicals for crop production but also harms human health and the environment. Through the support of SHALAR Foundation, Iba attended several awareness programs on organic farming and learned about its long-term benefits. Motivated by this knowledge, she decided to shift her cultivation practices from chemical-based to organic farming. Her main objective is to ensure long-term food security, nutritional well-being, and sustainable income for her family. Today, Iba Miniaka stands as an example of how awareness and support can help farmers adopt eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural practices.

Women as Change Makers in Agriculture

Women are playing leading roles in every sector, and agriculture is no exception. If we want real change in farming, women farmers can play a vital role.Here is the inspiring story of Site Majhi, a woman farmer from Jhumuka village of Kutuli GP, Rayagada block, Rayagada district. She lives with her family of seven members and owns 10 acres of agricultural land. On 1.5 acres, she is cultivating brinjal and arhar organically.

Earlier, her family was mainly focused on achieving high production at any cost. They relied heavily on chemical pesticides and fertilizers. However, in 2024, after attending a Climate Smart Agriculture Awareness Program organized by SHALAR Foundation, Site realized the harmful effects of chemicals on soil health, human health, and the climate.

Determined to bring a change, she gradually shifted towards organic farming. Today, she is cultivating brinjal and arhar using organic manure and achieving satisfactory yields. Site believes that transformation will not happen overnight. As she says, “Chemical farming cannot be replaced in one day or one night, but surely a time will come when people will shift from chemicals to organic practices.”.