MP: How Pooja Mahore of Chhindwara Set Example of Success through Natural Farming
MP: It is often said that hard work and the right direction can transform one’s life. The story of Pooja Mahore, a woman farmer from Rohnakala village in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, reflects this truth. Once worried about rising cultivation costs and declining yields, Pooja has now become self-reliant through natural farming & animal husbandry, and is earning an additional income of around ₹40,000 per month.
Along with her husband, Tarun Mahore, she transformed the way they farm, and today she has become a source of inspiration for many women in her region.
When Farming Became a Concern
Pooja Mahore owns around 10 acres of agricultural land. Earlier, she practiced conventional farming using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. However, over time, the cost of farming increased and the fertility of the soil began to decline. As profits decreased, concerns about the future of farming also grew.
Training Brought a Change in Perspective
During this period, under the ATMA project of the Agriculture Department, she got the opportunity to work as an Agriculture Sakhi. Through this initiative, she received training under the National Mission on Natural Farming. During the training, she learned to prepare and use organic formulations such as Beejamrit, Jeevamrit, Panchgavya, Nirmastra and Brahmastra. She gradually implemented the knowledge gained during the training in her fields and began adopting natural farming practices.
Natural Farming Increased Income
Today, Pooja Mahore cultivates chemical-free vegetables on about one acre of land. Since her vegetables are completely natural, they have a high demand in the market. She sells her produce at natural organic haat bazaars, where she receives good prices. From the sale of vegetables alone, she earns a net profit of about Rs 10,000 per month.
Animal Husbandry Strengthened Her Income
Along with natural farming, Pooja Mahore also started rearing 10 indigenous cows of the Gir and Sahiwal breeds. The sale of milk from these cows provides her with an additional net income of about ₹30,000 per month. With the combination of farming and animal husbandry, her total additional income has now reached around ₹40,000 per month.
Recognition for Her Efforts
During the district-level Millet Fair organised under Krishak Kalyan Varsh 2026, Pooja Mahore set up a stall showcasing natural and organic vegetables, which received great appreciation from visitors. For her outstanding work, she was honoured with a certificate of appreciation by the Joint Director of Agriculture and the Deputy Director of Agriculture.
An Inspiration for Women
Today, Pooja Mahore shares her experiences and motivates nearby farmers and women to adopt natural farming practices. Her success demonstrates that by adopting low-cost natural farming along with animal husbandry, agriculture can become a profitable and sustainable livelihood.