Vadodara, June 23 — In the heart of Gujarat’s Padra taluka, the story of Maheshbhai Padhiar, a 35-year-old sarpanch and farmer from Lola village, stands as a remarkable example of resilience and transformation. Once battling a life-threatening brain tumor and burdened by chronic illness, Maheshbhai not only reclaimed his health but also discovered a new purpose — to promote natural farming in his village and beyond.
For years, Maheshbhai's life was entangled in a cycle of constant doctor visits and heavy medication. Faced with recurring ailments, he began to question whether his health issues were linked to his diet. This introspection became a turning point, leading him to explore the connection between food and farming.
Guided by Sachinbhai Patel and trained through the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Maheshbhai embraced natural farming in 2012. He turned to traditional organic practices like ‘jeevamrut,’ ‘ghan jeevamrut,’ and vermicompost to revitalize his fields. The shift was not only ecological but also economical — bringing balance to his land and yielding consistent produce.
Today, Maheshbhai cultivates a diverse range of crops including drumstick (saragva), millet, wheat, okra, native cucumber, turmeric, guava, and mango. His annual income has reached approximately Rs. 3 lakh. But beyond financial gain, his farm has evolved into a training hub, inspiring and educating others.
He has mentored 20 to 25 farmers across nearby villages like Lola, Majatan, Sandha, Chitral, and Chokri, naming them “Kisan Masters.” In addition, he has involved women’s self-help groups (Sakhi Mandals) to further spread the principles of natural farming.
Maheshbhai often shares that once his family switched to food grown through natural methods, they experienced significantly better health. Illnesses became rare, and well-being became a norm in their household.
His journey — from patient to pioneer — is not just a tale of individual triumph but a source of inspiration for anyone confronting adversity. Through determination and vision, Maheshbhai Padhiar has sown the seeds of change, proving that even in the face of illness and hardship, it is possible to create a positive impact for an entire community.
