Natural Farming in Marathwada: The Borole Family Story

15 December 20251 min read

Why in the news

Sumantai and Namdeorao Borole of Babhulgaon, Nanded (Marathwada) moved from chemical farming and debt to natural, diversified farming.

For nearly 20 years they used chemical-heavy sugarcane, cotton and soybean, facing poor soil and rising costs.
Private loan interest ran to 10% a month.
In Nanded, 69% depend on agriculture and 79% are small or marginal farmers; 110 farmer suicides were reported in eight months.

Begun 2023 by NABARD; implemented by Sanskriti Samvardhan Mandal, technical partner WASSAN, funding by GIZ via SuATI.
Integrates crops, livestock and trees for climate resilience.
Training: Beejamrut (seed treatment), Jeevamrut (soil enrichment), mulching, Wafsa moisture monitoring; botanical pest control such as Agniastra.

Borrowed from Andhra Pradesh’s natural farming: Any Time Money, with many crops for steady income.
2024-25: 0.4 ha of 20-25 vegetables sold directly at Kandhar market; net income Rs 1.02 lakh on Rs 15,640.
Next, spine gourd (Kartule) on 10 gunthas fetched Rs 1.06 lakh in two months.

Darker, porous soil with earthworms; birds such as the Asian green bee-eater returned.
Buffalo supply milk and compost; most household food comes from the farm.
Neighbours copy Jeevamrut, mulching and botanical pest control; NABARD and SSM call it a blueprint for climate-stressed regions.

Test yourself

1. Which institution started the JIVA programme in 2023 that guided the Borole family's natural farming?

The notes say NABARD initiated JIVA in 2023.

2. In the Borole farm story, what does the ATM model stand for?

ATM means Any Time Money, a diversified model giving continuous income.

3. Jeevamrut, used in the JIVA training, is applied mainly for what purpose?

Notes list Jeevamrut for soil enrichment; Beejamrut is for seed treatment.