Ever thought farming was a young person’s game? Think again! Two sisters from Dehradun, Namita Rawat Negi and Manisha Gosain, have smashed stereotypes by starting Doon Gooseberry Farm in their 40s and earning a whopping Rs 11 lakh in just one year. Their journey from overgrown, neglected land to a flourishing organic farm is nothing short of inspiring.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, a casual visit to Manisha’s 10-bigha plot revealed a shocking sight: a jungle of weeds and creepers with a handful of gooseberry trees struggling to survive. “We knew we had to act fast,” says Namita. This sparked the idea of transforming the land into Doon Gooseberry Farm. With no prior experience in farming, the sisters took a leap of faith—and it paid off big time.
The duo wasn’t alone in their mission. Their husbands, Vineet Singh Negi and retired Army Colonel Vikas Gosain, jumped in to help. From planting crops to harvesting, Doon Gooseberry Farm became a family project. “Harvesting trees has become a reason for family and friends to come together,” shares Namita.
Initially focused on gooseberries (amla), the sisters quickly diversified their farm. Today, they grow a variety of fruits and vegetables, including mangoes, tomatoes, brinjals, pumpkins, and spinach. But the real magic lies in their value-added products like amla chutneys, pickles, mango jams, turmeric powder, and lemon preserves. The farm’s organic, chemical-free produce has captured the hearts—and taste buds—of their customers, contributing to their Rs 11 lakh revenue last year.
The farm’s produce is 100% organic, nourished by egg shells, vegetable peels, and cow dung. “Our mission is simple: to provide pure, healthy, and preservative-free food,” says Manisha. Every product is handcrafted with love and care, ensuring unmatched quality.
The sisters faced significant hurdles, including a persistent water crisis. “Despite a nearby river, the water availability in our hilly area is unreliable,” explains Namita. To tackle this, they are exploring rainwater harvesting and hoping for improved government support.
“We want to provide employment opportunities to local women and take our farm to new heights.”
Doon Gooseberry Farm isn’t just about profits; it’s about empowerment. Currently collaborating with local women and small processing units, Namita and Manisha envision setting up their own women-led processing unit. “We want to provide employment opportunities to local women and take our farm to new heights,” shares Namita.
When the sisters started their farming venture, many doubted they would last. Today, Doon Gooseberry Farm stands as a testament to their determination and vision. With organic farming, sustainable practices, and a community-focused approach, Namita and Manisha are redefining what success looks like at any age.
So, the next time you think it’s too late to chase your dreams, remember the story of Doon Gooseberry Farm. These two sisters didn’t just start farming—they started a revolution.
Want to know more about Doon Gooseberry Farm? Follow their journey of passion, perseverance, and profit!
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