Defying the harsh climate and acute water scarcity of rural Rajasthan, Santosh Devi Khedar from Beri village in Sikar district has carved out an exceptional path through innovative horticulture. By combining advanced water-saving techniques with organic methods, she transformed arid fields into flourishing orchards, earning widespread local acclaim as the region's Pomegranate Queen. Her remarkable journey has now culminated in a prestigious state-level assignment to guide fellow farmers across Rajasthan.
Transforming Arid Soil Into a Diverse Fruit Orchard
Stepping far beyond traditional agricultural routines, Santosh Devi introduced a varied assortment of commercial fruit crops on her farmland. Alongside extensive pomegranate cultivation, she successfully raised Harman-99, a specialized apple variety tailored for warm weather conditions. Her flourishing fields also accommodate guava, sweet lime, lemon, and sapota saplings. Cultivating such a wide assortment in a drought-prone belt demands meticulous crop selection and strict water stewardship, turning her farm into a living showcase of high-value arid horticulture.
Water Conservation Through Drip Technology and Organic Practices
The cornerstone of Santosh Devi's farming model is the optimization of scarce natural resources. Relying on micro-irrigation systems, specifically drip setups, she ensures that each plant receives targeted moisture without wasting precious underground supplies. Complemented by natural and chemical-free soil nourishment, her regenerative practices have positioned her as a pioneer in sustainable agriculture. This approach offers a viable roadmap for growers operating in zones facing severe groundwater depletion and climate unpredictability.
Nursery Operations Producing Over One Lakh Plants Annually
Expanding her agricultural horizons, Santosh Devi also established an expansive plant propagation enterprise. Her commercial nursery holds official registration with the National Horticulture Board, yielding more than 100,000 top-tier saplings each year. The holding has evolved into an educational hub, attracting agricultural university students and researchers who seek practical exposure to arid farming systems. Growers traveling from neighboring states, including Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, frequently visit the site for field training and hands-on workshops.
National Accolades and a State-Level Mandate
Her grassroots innovations quickly garnered national visibility, securing her an exclusive invitation to Rashtrapati Bhavan as part of the Republic Day celebrations. In 2024, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute acknowledged her pioneering work with the prestigious Innovative Farmer Award. Building on these accomplishments, the Rajasthan Agriculture Commissionerate has now formally appointed her as the state's official farmer brand ambassador and master trainer.
As per the official notification issued by Agriculture Commissioner Naresh Kumar Goyal, she will travel to various regional training seminars and workshops to mentor agrarian communities in natural, organic, and traditional farming techniques. For this role, Shri Ramshantay Organic Agriculture Research and Training Centre, Kota will provide her a monthly honorarium of 11,000 rupees.
