Rajasthan’s First Fully Organic Gram Panchayat Emerges in Kotputli–Behror

Rajasthan’s Bamanwas Kankar Becomes First Fully Organic Gram Panchayat

Bamanwas Kankar gram panchayat in Rajasthan has achieved a landmark distinction by becoming the state’s first fully organic village body , setting a precedent for community-driven sustainable agriculture. Situated in the newly created Kotputli–Behror district, the panchayat comprises seven hamlets and has collectively adopted chemical-free farming and eco-friendly livestock practices to tackle environmental degradation and health concerns.

Community Decision to Embrace Sustainability

The shift towards organic agriculture began after farmers jointly reflected on persistent challenges such as declining soil fertility, depletion of groundwater, rising costs of chemical inputs, and health issues linked to pesticide exposure. Local leaders explained that villagers consciously chose to move away from yield-focused, short-term farming methods towards a long-term model centred on soil regeneration, environmental balance, and public health.

Chemical-Free Farming and Livestock Practices

All agricultural land under the panchayat is now cultivated without synthetic fertilisers or chemical pesticides. Farmers follow practices such as crop rotation , mulching , and biological pest control using traps and natural repellents. Soil fertility is maintained through vermicompost, farmyard manure, and organic soil conditioners. Livestock management has also been aligned with ecological standards, ensuring healthier animals and safer dairy products for consumers.

Role of Institutional and Technical Support

The transition was facilitated by the Cofarmin Federation of Organic Societies and Producer Companies, which extended technical guidance, capacity-building support, and assistance in certification and market linkage. Comprehensive data on farms and cattle across all seven hamlets has been documented, and the first cycle of organic certification for crops and livestock is currently in progress.

Benefits for Farmers and the Environment

Farmers report visible improvements in soil quality, better moisture retention, and a gradual return of biodiversity. Reduced dependence on expensive chemical inputs has lowered cultivation costs and enhanced economic resilience. The gram panchayat formally affirmed its commitment to chemical-free farming through a public pledge taken on January 2, reinforcing collective ownership of the initiative.

Replicable Model for Rural Development

Agriculture experts have described Bamanwas Kankar as a scalable model for sustainable rural transformation. Encouraged by the success, the supporting federation has announced plans to help convert 300 gram panchayats across Rajasthan into fully organic village bodies by the end of the year, promoting farmer-led solutions to environmental and health challenges.

Key Exam-Focused Points

• Bamanwas Kankar is Rajasthan’s first fully organic gram panchayat .

• Organic farming avoids synthetic fertilisers and chemical pesticides .

• Practices like crop rotation and mulching improve soil fertility and water retention .

• Organic certification enhances market access and price realisation for farmers.

• Community participation is central to sustainable rural development .