Ravi Kumar Nishad: A Trailblazer in Organic Farming and Rural Development
Ravi Kumar Nishad, an agriculturalist from Dhanbad, Jharkhand, has emerged as a visionary leader in the field of organic farming and rural development. Born on April 3, 1988, in Dhanbad, he has dedicated 15 years of his life to improving the lives of farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and advocating for rural empowerment. With a passion for plantation, acting, and music, Ravi has not only contributed to agriculture but also touched upon various aspects of community upliftment and environmental protection.
Through his relentless efforts, Ravi has transformed barren lands into thriving fields of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. His leadership at Jai Dharti Maa Foundation has earned him recognition at the national level, including the prestigious Bharatshree National Award for his outstanding work in organic farming.
Early Life and Background
Ravi Kumar Nishad was born to Shiv Shankar Nishad and Late Parvati Devi in Dhanbad, a city primarily known for its coal mining industry. From an early age, Ravi was inclined towards agriculture, a passion he inherited from his family, which had deep roots in farming. Despite facing challenges such as the untimely loss of his mother, Ravi remained focused on his goal of transforming the rural landscape of Jharkhand through sustainable farming techniques.
The Beginning of a Revolutionary Journey
Ravi’s career in agriculture began 15 years ago when he recognized the need to promote organic farming practices in Dhanbad and surrounding regions. He realized that the over-reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides was not only harming the environment but also reducing the long-term productivity of the soil. His vision was to revive the age-old tradition of organic farming, which is not only environmentally friendly but also yields healthier crops.
In the early stages of his career, Ravi encountered numerous challenges. The barren lands in his region were considered unsuitable for farming, and many locals were skeptical of his vision. However, his determination and hard work paid off when he successfully transformed these barren lands into productive agricultural plots. By using organic methods, he was able to cultivate fruits, vegetables, and flowers, proving that even the most neglected lands could be made fertile through innovative farming techniques.
Jai Dharti Maa Foundation: A Vision for Rural Development
In collaboration with his colleague Ranjit Kumar, Ravi Kumar Nishad founded the Jai Dharti Maa Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting organic farming and rural development. The foundation aims to empower farmers, tribals, women, and youth by providing them with training in modern agricultural techniques and government schemes that can improve their livelihoods.
The foundation has gained a reputation for its work in transforming barren lands into fertile agricultural zones. Ravi’s team has focused on cultivating fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which have not only improved food security in the region but have also created new opportunities for income generation. Through the foundation, Ravi has worked to spread awareness about the importance of organic farming and environmental protection, emphasizing the need to reduce the use of harmful chemicals in agriculture.
One of the key missions of Jai Dharti Maa Foundation is to ensure that farmers in Jharkhand and across India have access to modern agricultural facilities and technologies. Ravi’s vision extends beyond Dhanbad, as he believes that India has the potential to become a global leader in agriculture through sustainable practices. His work has had a significant impact on rural communities, improving their quality of life and enabling them to achieve self-sufficiency.
Bharatshree National Award: A Recognition of Excellence
Ravi Kumar Nishad’s efforts in organic farming have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Bharatshree National Award for his groundbreaking work in organic farming and rural development. This prestigious award, which is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to agriculture and rural development, has brought immense pride to Dhanbad and the state of Jharkhand.
The award was a moment of celebration not only for Ravi but also for the entire team of Jai Dharti Maa Foundation. The recognition has motivated them to continue their work with even greater dedication and passion. Speaking about the award, Ravi expressed his gratitude to the farmers, tribals, and women who have supported him throughout his journey. He reiterated his commitment to making organic farming a widespread practice in India, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier and more sustainable environment.
Collaboration with IIT-ISM and NITI Aayog
Ravi Kumar Nishad’s work has attracted the attention of prominent institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology – Indian School of Mines (IIT-ISM) and NITI Aayog, India’s policy think tank. Recognizing the success of his organic farming techniques, IIT-ISM’s senior scientists honored Ravi on June 17, 2023. The scientists, led by Dr. Partho, were particularly impressed with the innovative use of marigold flowers for producing incense oil, which has applications in perfumes and bathing soaps.
Ravi’s achievements in organic farming also caught the attention of a team from NITI Aayog, which visited his farming site to study his methods. The team was highly impressed with the dedication and passion that Ravi and his colleague Ranjit Kumar had towards organic farming. This recognition from two of India’s leading institutions highlights the importance of Ravi’s work in advancing sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Achievements in Agritree Research Innovation and Rural Upliftment
In May 2022, Agritree Research Innovation Private Limited, incubated by Ravi Kumar Nishad and his team, launched the Agritree IFRA Fund Scheme, aimed at promoting agricultural research and innovation. The scheme was inaugurated at a ceremony attended by key dignitaries, including the Joint Director of MSME Department and the CMD of Coal India Limited, Mr. P.M. Prasad, who honored Ravi’s contributions to agriculture and rural development.
In December 2022, MSME Department and Coal India Limited organized the Vendor Development Program, where Ravi’s efforts were once again recognized. The event, held in Ranchi, Jharkhand, highlighted the importance of Ravi’s work in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the agriculture sector.
In January 2023, Ravi was invited to a national seminar organized by the Ministry of MSME, where he presented his work in organic farming. On this occasion, he was also honored by the Union Minister of Education, Mrs. Annapurna Devi, to whom Ravi presented fruits and flowers grown in Dhanbad. This interaction further strengthened Ravi’s commitment to promoting organic farming and rural development across India.
International Recognition
Ravi’s efforts have not been limited to the national stage. On December 22, 2023, his organization, Jai Dharti Maa Foundation, was awarded the International Agriculture and Rural Development Award at an event held at the LTG Auditorium in New Delhi. The award was presented to Ravi by Padma Shri Jitendra Singh, further cementing his reputation as a pioneer in organic farming and rural empowerment.
Future Goals and Vision
Despite his numerous achievements, Ravi Kumar Nishad remains focused on the future. His vision is to expand the reach of Jai Dharti Maa Foundation and continue promoting organic farming as a viable and sustainable solution for Indian agriculture. He believes that with the right support and resources, India can lead the world in sustainable farming practices, ensuring food security and environmental preservation for generations to come.
Ravi is also committed to empowering rural communities, particularly tribals, women, and youth, by providing them with training and opportunities in agriculture. His goal is to create self-sufficient rural communities where farmers have access to modern technologies and government schemes that can improve their livelihoods. Through his work, Ravi aims to bridge the gap between traditional farming methods and modern agricultural practices, ensuring that rural India can thrive in the 21st century.
Conclusion
Ravi Kumar Nishad’s journey from a small town in Dhanbad to becoming a nationally and internationally recognized agriculturalist is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and vision for a sustainable future. Through his leadership at Jai Dharti Maa Foundation, he has not only transformed barren lands into thriving agricultural zones but has also empowered rural communities by providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.
His recognition, including the Bharatshree National Award and the International Agriculture and Rural Development Award, highlights the significance of his work in promoting organic farming and rural development. As Ravi continues to work towards his vision of a prosperous and sustainable agricultural sector, he serves as an inspiration to farmers, policymakers, and environmentalists alike.
Ravi’s story is a reminder that with determination and innovation, even the most challenging problems can be overcome. His work has brought pride to Jharkhand and India, and his efforts will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of agriculture in the country for years to come.
