Dr. Kamini Singh, a former scientist at the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH) and CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), transitioned from academia to agriculture to bridge the gap between research and practical farming. Her initiative focuses on promoting organic moringa cultivation, aiming to enhance farmer incomes and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Key Highlights:
- Transition from Research to Farming: Recognizing that her scientific research was not reaching the grassroots level, Dr. Singh left her 17-year research career to directly engage with farmers in Uttar Pradesh.
- Introduction of Moringa Cultivation: In 2017, she leased seven acres in Lucknow to pilot moringa farming, a crop known for its high nutritional value and low input requirements. The success of this pilot demonstrated moringa’s potential as a sustainable crop for small-scale farmers.
- Formation of Farmer Producer Company (FPC): To scale the initiative, Dr. Singh established the Jaivik Vikas Krishi Sanstha, an FPC that collaborates with over 1,050 farmers, providing training in organic moringa cultivation and facilitating the sale of their produce.
- Value Addition and Product Diversification: Under the brand ‘Doctor Moringa’, the FPC processes moringa into various products, including powders, teas, oils, soaps, and capsules, enhancing market value and providing additional income streams for farmers.
- Economic Impact: The enterprise has achieved an annual turnover of Rs 1.75 crore, with projections to reach Rs 2.5 crore by the end of FY25, reflecting the economic viability of sustainable farming practices.
- Empowerment of Small Farmers: By promoting intercropping with moringa and providing access to processing facilities, the initiative enables small farmers to increase their incomes and adopt environmentally friendly farming methods.
Dr. Singh’s work exemplifies how scientific knowledge can be effectively translated into practical solutions, fostering sustainable agriculture and empowering rural communities.
