A farmwoman practising sustainable farming system from Solan district of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The increasing presence of women in farming as entrepreneurs has led to significant business and economic growth in the country. These enterprises play an important role in society by generating employment opportunities, bringing demographic shifts, and inspiring future generations of farm women. One such example is Smt. Pinky Devi from a small village in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. She is a role model in her area for adopting sustainable agricultural practices and promoting millet recipes. She grows various cash crops like tomato, capsicum, pea, and cauliflower under a natural farming system, achieving higher net returns compared to chemical farming. Her commitment to healthy soil builds a sustainable agricultural system. By growing crops without chemical fertilizers and pesticides, Smt. Pinky Devi is improving soil health and increasing bioturbation, enhancing water-holding capacity and soil porosity.