Kamkala Bhumia Journey:
In a small tribal village amidst the lush forests of Kupuliguda in Odisha’s Boipariguda Block, a quiet revolution is happening. It’s not driven by big machines or high-tech solutions, but by the hands and hearts of farmers who believe in working with nature rather than against it. At the forefront of this change is Kamkala Bhumia, a 42-year-old woman who has become an inspiration for resilience and sustainable farming for her entire community.
Her story is one of struggle, perseverance, and transformation—not only for herself but for those around her. Today, she’s helping others grow nutritious food, protect the environment, and build a future rooted in self-reliance and dignity.
From Challenges to Change: Kamkala’s Journey
Like many rural women, Kamkala’s life was once defined by uncertainty. Her family depended on erratic monsoons, and chemical fertilizers and pesticides had become an unavoidable expense for most farmers in the region. Growing crops was not only hard work but also a gamble—with unpredictable yields and rising costs.
Everything began to change when Kamkala joined the PRAGATI Producer Group in 2019. Through this platform, she received training from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, supported by CYSD’s Agriculture Production Cluster (APC) project. It was here that she learned Non-Pesticide Management (NPM) techniques and methods to improve productivity using natural resources.
Armed with this knowledge and a deep connection to her land, Kamkala decided to take the leap. She transformed her 3-acre farm into a sustainable vegetable garden that thrived in summer, kharif, and rabi seasons. Today, she earns between ₹1–1.2 lakh annually, a significant increase that has brought stability and hope to her household.
But Kamkala’s real strength lies not in her farm alone—it lies in her desire to give back.
Sharing Knowledge, Nurturing a Community:
Kamkala didn’t want her journey to be a solitary success. She believed that the whole village deserved the same opportunity to thrive. With determination and compassion, she began training her fellow farmers on how to prepare and use bio-inputs, including Jeevamruta and Agnistra, natural formulations that nourish the soil and protect crops without harming health or the environment.
Her workshops became a gathering place for farmers, especially women, who found in her not just a guide but a friend who genuinely cared about their struggles and dreams.
Register for the upcoming Online Course on Natural Farming MOOC by MANAGE here (Registration starts from 01.07.2025 to 15.09.2025):Â Click here to Register
What is Jeevamruta and How is it Made?
Jeevamruta, is a nutrient-rich bio-fertilizer that supports soil health and crop growth. Kamkala teaches her community members how to prepare it using locally available materials:
Ingredients:
Cow dung – 10 kg
Cow urine – 10 liters
Jaggery – 2 kg
Gram flour – 2 kg
Water – 200 liters
A handful of soil from a healthy field
Method:
- Mix cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, and gram flour in water.
- Add a handful of soil rich in microorganisms.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly and let it ferment for 3 to 5 days.
- The nutrient-packed liquid is then sprayed on crops or poured into the soil.
This simple preparation enriches the soil with beneficial microbes, improves nutrient availability, and boosts plant immunity—all without relying on costly chemicals.
What is Agni Astra and How is it Made?
Agni Astra is a natural pest-repellent formulation used to protect crops from harmful insects and diseases while preserving beneficial organisms in the soil.
This potent solution is a safe and affordable way to keep pests away without disturbing the ecological balance.
The Impact: More Than Just Farming
Through her trainings and personal example, Kamkala has not only helped improve yields but also changed the way her community views farming. Farmers are now more confident, less dependent on external inputs, and more connected to the natural rhythms of the land.
Her efforts have resulted in:
- Stronger Soil
The repeated use of Jeevamruta has increased organic matter in the soil, improving moisture retention and fertility.
- Diverse Crops
Farmers are experimenting with multiple varieties of vegetables and grains, enhancing their diets and reducing nutritional gaps.
- Safe Food
With fewer chemicals, families now enjoy fresh, pesticide-free produce, reducing health risks.
- Thriving Local Markets
Kamkala’s produce, along with that of other trained farmers, is sold at weekly markets in Boipariguda, Jeypore, Gobindpali, and Mathili, connecting farmers to buyers and strengthening local food networks.
Water Security: A Step Toward Resilience
Another milestone in Kamkala’s journey was the construction of a check dam through convergence between government initiatives like OLIC and OAIC. This structure captures waterfall runoff, ensuring that irrigation is possible even during dry spells.
This reliable water source has helped farmers reduce their reliance on erratic rainfall, making cultivation more predictable and less stressful.
A Role Model Who Inspires:
For Kamkala, farming is more than a livelihood—it’s a way of life. Her journey from hardship to leadership has earned her the admiration of her peers. Today, she’s seen as a role model, especially for rural women, who look up to her as someone who transformed adversity into opportunity.
Her story is a testament to the power of community-led initiatives, knowledge-sharing, and sustainable practices. She has shown that when we align with nature’s wisdom, farming becomes a source of nourishment, prosperity, and dignity.
A Call to Action: Let’s Support Sustainable Farming
Kamkala Bhumia story is not just about one woman or one village—it’s a reminder of how grassroots efforts can create lasting change. In an era where climate uncertainty and food insecurity loom large, adopting natural farming practices offers a path forward that is both ecological and empowering.
We invite you to celebrate and support such initiatives. Whether you’re a farmer, researcher, policymaker, or simply someone who cares about the environment—there’s a role for you in promoting sustainable agriculture.
Let’s learn from Kamkala Bhumia and help spread the seeds of change, one village at a time.
Author: Satya Prakash Tripathy, Block Program Co-ordinator, CYSD, Boipariguda