Traditional wisdom and sustainability come together in this Rajasthan village to create Das Parni, a bio-pesticide that is free of chemicals, enhancing water security, along with flavours and nutrients of crops.
As villagers embrace bio-pesticides for farming, it has not only ensured economic relief but also nurtured long-term agricultural prosperity. By using natural solutions, farmers maintain soil quality, conserve water, and enhance the nutritional value of their crops. This shift from chemical-based to organic methods reflects a growing awareness of sustainable agriculture and the desire to create a healthier environment for future generations.
One such organisation working to make this vision a reality is Vaagdhara, which collaborates with farming communities in Banswara and runs the Farmer Field School to equip them with knowledge and skills for a climate-resilient future. The school serves as a platform where farmers come together to learn, exchange ideas, and adopt sustainable farming techniques.
Organic matter in Das Parni improves soil moisture retention, further reducing water consumption.
Through its programmes, Vaagdhara introduces innovative yet traditional practices that not only improve yield but also reduce the financial burden on small-scale farmers.
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Along with Jal Swaraji, the farmers demonstrate how to prepare Das Parni, or the 10-leaf organic pesticide. This age-old method involves collecting 10 different types of medicinal leaves, mixing them with cow dung, cow urine, and water, and allowing the mixture to ferment for 10 days in a drum or pot, stirring it daily.
The process, though simple, is deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge and has been passed down through generations. After 10 days, the mixture is ready to be used on crops in a 1:15:20 ratio with water. This natural pesticide protects crops from pests and fungal diseases, especially during the monsoon, eliminating the need for expensive chemical-based pesticides.
By relying on bio-pesticides, villagers protect their soil from harmful chemical residues that degrade fertility over time. This natural approach maintains soil structure, encourages beneficial microbial activity, and enhances crop resilience.
As a result, farmers experience higher yields and improved soil health, ensuring long-term productivity. The use of organic pesticides also means that pollinators like bees and butterflies are not harmed, further supporting biodiversity.
Unlike synthetic pesticides, bio-pesticides require less water and work in harmony with the environment. This is particularly crucial in drought-prone regions like Banswara, where water scarcity remains a persistent challenge.
By preserving water resources and ensuring their efficient use, farmers can sustain their crops even during dry spells. Additionally, organic matter in Das Parni improves soil moisture retention, further reducing water consumption.
Crops treated with Das Parni are chemical-free and retain their natural flavours and nutrients. Unlike chemically sprayed vegetables, which often contain pesticide residues, organic produce is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering villagers a healthier diet.
The shift to bio-pesticides is not just about increasing yield but also about improving overall well-being, particularly for families who rely on their farms for daily sustenance.
Also read: No-cost water conservation technique saves the day in a Gujarat village
One of the biggest advantages of using Das Parni is cost reduction. Since all ingredients are locally available, farmers save money on expensive store-bought pesticides and fertilisers. This fosters self-reliance, empowering communities to take control of their agricultural practices without depending on external inputs.
Additionally, the surplus money saved can be reinvested in better seeds, tools, or even children’s education, contributing to overall socio-economic growth.
With Das Parni, the integration of bio-pesticides has proven to be light on the pocket and heavy on the plate, demonstrating how traditional wisdom and sustainable practices can transform agriculture for the better.
By reviving and refining such ancestral techniques, farmers in Banswara are not only securing their present but also safeguarding the future of farming.
At 62, Jetu, a dedicated farmer from Badvas Choti, Banswara, has skillfully blended traditional wisdom with modern sustainability practices to transform her farm into a thriving, self-sufficient ecosystem. By embracing Das Parni, the organic 10-leaf pesticide, she has successfully cultivated 18 different crops, including pulses, vegetables, and leafy greens, all on the same plot of land.
This diverse farming approach not only provides year-round sustenance for her family but also significantly cuts farming costs, making her fields more resilient and productive.
Jetu also preserves ancestral farming methods, such as tying a purple cloth to the healthiest crop–a practice passed down through generations to identify and store the best seeds for future seasons. This ensures her harvest remains abundant and of high quality year after year.
Beyond feeding her household, Jetu has also ventured into commercial farming, growing and selling soybeans in the local market.
The additional income empowers her financially, allowing her to invest in better farming tools and meet other household needs. By relying on organic bio-pesticides like Das Parni, she not only avoids harmful chemical residues but also protects soil health, conserves water, and improves crop nutrition.
Her story is a testament to how reviving traditional knowledge and integrating it with sustainable practices can create prosperous and eco-friendly farming. Jetu’s fields are not just a source of food—they represent self-reliance, resilience, and the power of indigenous farming techniques in a rapidly changing world.
Also read: A better future takes seed in Andhra farmer’s hands
The lead photo on top shows the bio-pesticide Das Parni, which is sustainable and improves crop quality. (Photo by Priyanka Rawat)
Sagar Suri is Assistant Programme Manager at Hindustan Unilever Foundation.
Priyanka Rawat is Assistant Manager- Communications at Hindustan Unilever Foundation.
