Among my most memorable meals was a delicious farm-to-fork organic feast at Savitri Garjaula’s home in village Mankanthpur, about an hour’s drive from Bijrani Gate, Jim Corbett National Park.

The big cats are elusive treasures in India’s oldest national park. But a delicious and authentic meal at Savitri Garjaula’s home is just a phone call away.

Running a self-help group and farming school called ‘Durga Organic Farming School’, Garjaula has been credited with pioneering an organic revolution of sorts in the green belt of village Mankanthpur.

Along with a group of 25 women, she grows vegetables, wheat, and rice, offering many other organic products. Notably, their rice was even exported to Switzerland thanks to a tie-up with Haryana-based Kohinoor Foods Ltd.

While things are flourishing now, it wasn’t always easy. Garjaula faced many challenges when she started the school in 2000. Organic farming offers lower yields compared to traditional methods, and she had to fight against gender and caste prejudices. In villages, women rarely took such bold steps towards independence. She overcame all these barriers to create a better way of life, where families wouldn’t have to migrate to cities for work or depend on others financially.

Seeing her success, seven neighboring villages have also adopted her model and opted for organic farming.

Savitri Garjaula’s home sits under a clear blue sky, surrounded by verdant fields and ancient trees. To get there, we took an hour-long drive from Bijrani Gate, traversing a rocky and dry riverbed.

We ascended the stairs to the first-floor visitors’ room, where rows of pickles and snacks lined the wooden shelves. Her son, who helps her manage the operation, made us feel comfortable as Garjaula brought up large steel bowls filled with food.

Buffet-style, we devoured traditional gehad dal (soy lentil), aloo methi (spinach and potato), ragi roti, and soft, boiled rice. Dessert was a warm kheer (milk and rice pudding) made with fresh cow’s milk from her own backyard.

Satiated, conversation flowed naturally. “Times change perceptions,” Garjaula remarked thoughtfully. “There was an era when people considered jobs akin to slavery, and farming was a superior choice of livelihood. Nowadays, people think farming is not a good profession. But if everyone moves to the city, who will feed the nation? I think this is the best work. It took time to convince the women to join hands and get this rolling.”

The group had divided their work, with their product range including ragi snacks, turmeric powder, amla juice, and pickles. “We try to participate in local melas and exhibitions with our products,” she added. “I also make vermi-compost.”

As we walked out to the compound, she pointed to a weighing scale hanging from a tree and said, “We weigh our own produce here.”

Many people approach her for day-long sessions, costing approximately INR 1,000. Besides teaching them the techniques, she often speaks of the benefits of living an organic and green life. “The youth try to find their livelihood in the cities, but my son works with me,” she smiled. “Organic farming can offer a sustainable livelihood and bring people back to their roots.”

Taking her business further, Garjaula has opened her home to tourists for special Kumaoni meals. Until recently, she hadn’t tapped into the digital world, content to live in her little village, master of her skills, time, and money.

Savitri Garjaula can be contacted at: +91 8859032491

Getting to Corbett National Park

By road: The closest town is Ramnagar and is well connected via road (260km). The route from Delhi goes via Hapur, Garhmukteshwar, Moradabad, Thakurdwara, Ramnagar, Corbett National Park.

By train: The nearest railway station is also at Ramnagar. Major trains from Delhi are Ranikhet Express, Corbett Link Express and Kathgodam Express.

Where to stay: Click here