VIDEO: One man’s revolutionary movement is saving 3.5 million farmers in Uttarakhand from starvation

Here’s how farmers of Uttarakhand are following a traditional method of farming called Baranaja (or twelve grains) to sustain their crops even in harsh climatic conditions. 

When farmers in distress are given tempting offers to use chemicals that can give them bumper crops, many farmers fall prey to such offers.

But these are the farmers of Tehri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. They have been following their traditional method of rain fed farming called Baranaja (twelve grains) which not only gives them a sufficient harvest but helps them carry forward the amazing seeds.

Similar Story

Black Potatoes? Meet the Man Taking Black Super Crops to 15 States

Ravi Prakash Maurya, a farmer in Uttar Pradesh is cultivating ‘black crops’ — rice, wheat, tomato, niger seeds, turmeric and potato — all with one thing in common, their colour and presence of antioxidants. Here's why he's promoting black potatoes across India.

Read more >

Baranaja enables the farmers to grow 12 different kinds of crops at the same time. The crops include grains, lentils, vegetables and even spices. Such mixed farming on a land area of two or less acres can feed a family of five for a year.

Thanks to Vijay Jadhari’s Beej Bachao Andolan (‘Save the Seeds’ movement), this method ensures food and nutrition security as there is a good chance that at least some of the crops will survive the vagaries of nature, and helps the farmers reduce their risk of falling into the traps of poverty and debt.

Watch the inspiring video that talks about the thoughtful method –

This video was originally published here.

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: [email protected], or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (@thebetterindia).