Shekhawati, February 12: Santosh Devi, a progressive woman farmer from Beri village in Rajasthan’s Sikar district, has received a special invitation to attend the Republic Day celebrations at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This invitation has brought joy and pride not only to Beri village but also to the surrounding rural areas.
The invitation was received via post, sparking discussions throughout the region. The Republic Day event at Rashtrapati Bhavan invites distinguished individuals from across the country who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields.
Santosh Devi has carved a niche for herself in agriculture through innovation and hard work, particularly in pomegranate cultivation, which has earned her recognition at both district and state levels. Her selection is viewed as a symbol of women’s empowerment and respect for farmers.
Residents and family members have congratulated Santosh Devi on this achievement, with locals stating that this honor is a matter of pride for the entire region and will inspire other women farmers to strive for success.
In an interview, Santosh Devi expressed her excitement about receiving the invitation three days ago, stating that it feels like the culmination of 17 years of hard work and struggle. She emphasized that this honor is not just for her but for all those who supported her journey and encouraged her to move forward. Santosh has innovated in the cultivation of various fruits, including pomegranates, apples, and guavas, practicing chemical-free farming.
She noted that the pomegranates she cultivates can weigh up to 800 grams, while her apples can reach around 200 grams. Despite the common belief that apple farming is not feasible in Rajasthan, she has proven otherwise.
Santosh believes that women should not be confined to household duties but should step out and become self-reliant. Her efforts have enabled thousands of women to earn through horticulture. Additionally, she is actively involved in environmental conservation, planting around 80,000 saplings each year with the help of farmers.
Concerned about the excessive use of chemicals in farming, she stated that many farmers today are treating their fields with harmful substances, adversely affecting crops and public health. While many farmers discourage their children from pursuing agriculture, she has encouraged her son to study agriculture, hoping he will join her in advancing their farming practices.
She has disproven the notion that farming is a losing venture through her success. Santosh shared that her husband’s income was once merely ₹3,000, while she now earns approximately ₹40,000 from her farming activities. She also mentioned receiving a ₹1 lakh award from the Chief Minister in 2016-17, after which she has never looked back.