Premchand Sharma, born in the small village of Atal in the Jounsar-Bawar hilly region of Uttarakhand, began his journey with only a fifth-grade education and, through sheer hard work, achieved the prestigious Padma Shri award. His life is a testament that with diligence and progressive thinking, one can rise to great heights even from humble beginnings.
Progress in Agriculture and Horticulture
Premchand Sharma approached farming differently from traditional methods. In 1994, he started organic pomegranate farming using innovative techniques, which proved successful. Inspired by this, he encouraged other farmers to adopt modern methods.
By implementing drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, he ensured efficient water management, significantly improving crop quality. His scientific approach led to remarkable success in agriculture, even in hilly regions.
Organic-High-Tech Farming Model
Premchand developed an ‘organic-high-tech’ model to make farming more profitable and efficient. This model emphasizes eco-friendly practices and the application of scientific methods. It has increased the yield of profitable crops and boosted their demand in the market.
New Pathways for Rural Areas
In 2013, Premchand Sharma established the ‘Fruit and Vegetable Producer Committee,’ uniting around 200 farmers and guiding them toward progressive farming. He encouraged farmers to grow cash crops, empowering small-scale farmers economically.
He educated farmers about the importance of organic farming and worked to improve the economy of his village.
Moving Beyond Traditional Farming
Unsatisfied with the results of traditional farming, Premchand decided to innovate. He visited other states to learn about pomegranate farming and implemented his newfound knowledge in his village. His innovative approach brought new energy to the hilly regions.
Leadership and Management Skills
From 1984 to 1998, Premchand served as the deputy head and head of the panchayat, playing a significant role in promoting progressive farming in his village. During his tenure, he introduced innovations that transformed the lives of many villages.
Struggle and Recognition
Premchand Sharma’s struggles began in childhood. After his father’s passing, the responsibility of the family farm fell on him. Despite this, he revolutionized agriculture using science and technology.
His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 2021.
Vision for the Future
Premchand aspires for other farmers to adopt his ‘organic-high-tech’ model to make farming profitable and improve their lives without leaving their villages. He aims to strengthen the economy of rural areas, reducing the need for migration to cities.
An Inspiration for Hill Farmers
Premchand Sharma’s life is an inspiration for every farmer. It demonstrates that with hard work and unwavering commitment, success is achievable even with limited resources and minimal formal education.
Update as of July 31, 2025: Premchand Sharma continues to inspire farmers across Uttarakhand and beyond, with his organic-high-tech farming model gaining traction. Recent reports indicate that his initiatives have led to a significant increase in organic farming adoption in the Jounsar-Bawar region, further strengthening the local economy.
