In the scenic hills of Himachal Pradesh, a unique agricultural transformation is taking place. Colonel Divya Thakur, a retired Indian Army Officer, after decades of military service, has chosen an unconventional second career: restoring integrity to India’s organic farming sector. His mission is clear: to ensure that when consumers buy organic produce, they receive genuinely chemical-free products, not just cleverly marketed conventional crops.
Coming from a distinguished military lineage spanning four generations, including being the grandson of Brigadier Rajinder Singh, recipient of the first Maha Vir Chakra in 1947 and honored as the ‘Saviour of Kashmir,’ Colonel Thakur has applied the same principles of service, discipline, and integrity to agriculture that defined his military career.
His venture involves establishing a high-density apple orchard using imported rootstock, currently undergoing rigorous three-year government certification to guarantee authentic organic status with complete traceability. This initiative represents more than agriculture; it’s a principled stand for transparency and consumer trust in an industry plagued by misleading claims. The UI NEWZ team spoke with Colonel Thakur about his journey, the challenges he faces, and his vision for authentic organic farming in India.
Q: What prompted your shift from military service to organic apple cultivation?
After retiring in 2019, I initially settled in Greater Noida. Our plans to relocate to Himachal Pradesh in March 2020 coincided with the COVID-19 lockdown, giving us substantial time for reflection. My father-in-law, also a retired officer, suggested I manage the family’s apple orchard rather than pursue another conventional job.
Though initially daunting, particularly given my lack of farming experience, I spent an entire year studying apple cultivation. The ancestral orchard, previously contracted out annually, provided a solid foundation for my agricultural journey.
Q: How has your military background influenced your farming philosophy?
My upbringing in a military family, spanning multiple generations, instilled values that are inseparable from who I am. Education at Sainik School, followed by military academy training and decades of service, embedded integrity, honesty, and discipline deeply in my character. These aren’t merely professional attributes for me; they’re fundamental to my identity.
When I entered farming, these same principles naturally guided my approach. They’re particularly crucial in maintaining commitment to genuinely organic practices despite market pressures to compromise.
Q: What patterns of deception have you observed in India’s organic market?
The term ‘organic’ has unfortunately become a marketing tool rather than a farming commitment. The prevalent practice involves farmers applying chemical treatments throughout cultivation, then merely polishing and repackaging produce as organic near harvest time to command premium prices.
Market traders compound this problem by purchasing conventionally grown products and relabeling them as organic. Minimal regulation or enforcement allows these practices to flourish unchecked. Consumers unknowingly pay premium prices for products that were never cultivated organically. This systemic dishonesty pushed me toward establishing a transparent, ethically grounded model.
Q: What obstacles have emerged during the certification process?
Organic certification presents considerable complexity. You can register either as an Individual Farmer or within a Local Group, but individual registration eventually requires merging into an existing group within three years, a transition that essentially resets your certification timeline.
Establishing a Local Group brings its own challenges. Convincing five or six farmers to adopt unfamiliar organic methods requires overcoming significant skepticism and fear. Many doubt these practices will prove effective. The extensive documentation and procedural requirements add further difficulty to an already demanding process.
Q: What specific methods ensure your produce remains truly chemical-free?
Three years ago, I installed a solar bio-fermenter sourced from Maharashtra, becoming the fifth adopter in Himachal Pradesh. This equipment, combined with drip irrigation, forms the backbone of my operation.
I prepare Jeevamruth through this fermenter, which takes approximately six days and provides essential nutrients while promoting beneficial soil microbes. For pest management, I rely on biocontrol agents, neem oil, certified organic products, and intercropping strategies.
I’m continuously expanding my knowledge. Recently, I enrolled in a three-month online program at the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management in Hyderabad to deepen my understanding of natural and organic practices relevant to our context.
Q: Why did you choose the high-density planting approach?
Deciding to replace our traditional Royal Delicious trees, considered among the world’s finest apples, with high-density planting was challenging. However, after a year of market research, the advantages became clear.
The high-density model dramatically increases yield per acre while simplifying pruning, maintenance, and harvesting. Crucially, Gala variety apples mature in the third week of July, allowing me to reach markets before the seasonal glut that drives prices down. This combination of higher yields, easier management, and strategic market timing justified the model’s adoption.
Q: How do you guarantee transparency for buyers?
Initially, I sold through local mandis. This year marked my shift toward limited Direct-to-Consumer sales, connecting with societies in Chandigarh, Delhi, and Greater Noida. I’m approaching this deliberately and gradually to refine logistics and transportation procedures while pursuing product registration and certification.
Starting next year, complete traceability will be implemented. Consumers will access a digital platform showing precisely where their produce was grown, when it was harvested, and which practices were followed. This transparency will build genuine trust in product authenticity and quality.
Q: What advice would you offer farmers facing pressure to compromise on organic principles?
Individual marginal farmers struggle with Direct-to-Consumer marketing alone. The solution lies in collective organization. I actively helped establish the Jujurana Farmer Producer Company three years ago, which now connects approximately 500 farmers. Within this network, we’ve created specialized wings: 40 beekeepers, 40-50 natural farming practitioners, and 10-15 organic farmers.
The strategy involves expanding this collective umbrella. Organized groups can effectively pursue D2C and B2C models while securing better prices. This approach not only improves income but inspires others to adopt sustainable, chemical-free practices.
Q: Is the current certification system sufficient to prevent greenwashing?
The system incorporates sound practices, including peer-to-peer farmer appraisals and external agency inspections every six months to verify compliance. This structure makes greenwashing difficult when properly implemented.
However, strengthening awareness and enforcement, particularly at grassroots levels, remains necessary. Enhanced training, improved monitoring mechanisms, and increased consumer education would make the system more robust and trustworthy.
Q: What are your future plans?
We’re actively encouraging more farmers to join the Jujurana Farmer Producer Company to increase aggregate quantities and negotiate better prices through collaboration with other FPCs and B2B organizations.
As an active member, I guide fellow farmers while continuously educating myself to help them achieve better returns. My goal is to provide meaningful motivation; if successful, I’ll have made a worthwhile contribution to my community after serving my country.
I also aim to develop my farm into a model facility where others can observe and replicate these practices. That embodies the true spirit of promoting authentic organic farming in our region.
Colonel Divya Thakur’s journey demonstrates that the principles of service, integrity, and discipline that define military life can transform agriculture. His commitment to genuine organic practices and transparent consumer relationships offers a blueprint for restoring trust in India’s organic sector, one apple at a time.
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