From the parched land of Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region to the ceremonial heart of the Republic Day celebrations, Santosh Devi’s story is one of quiet defiance against geography and convention. Selected as a special invitee for this year’s Republic Day programme in Jaipur, the farmer from Sikar district has earned national recognition for transforming arid land into thriving orchards, growing apples and pomegranates where farming was once thought impossible.
A native of Beri village, Santosh Devi received the prestigious Republic Day invitation for achieving what many believed was impossible. She successfully cultivating fruits in dry, unfriendly terrain where traditional farming rarely thrives. Her selection has turned her into a local icon and a source of inspiration for women farmers across Rajasthan.
The invitation, which arrived by post, quickly became the talk of the region. As word spread, villagers, family members and local residents came together to celebrate what they see as a collective achievement for the area.
From arid land to national recognition
Santosh Devi’s success is the result of nearly two decades of perseverance. Through constant experimentation and determination, she transformed barren land into productive orchards. Her work in pomegranate cultivation, in particular, earned her recognition at both district and state levels.
Her selection for the Republic Day event is being viewed as a strong message on women’s empowerment and the importance of recognising farmers who innovate against the odds. Local residents say the honour will motivate more women to step into agriculture and explore sustainable farming practices.
Speaking to IANS, Santosh Devi shared her joy and said that she received the invitation from Rashtrapati Bhavan three days ago and has been excited since then.
She said that she feels that her 17 years of hard work and struggle have finally paid off.
Talking about farming in harsh conditions, she said that she made it a point to practice chemical-free farming while growing pomegranates, apples, and guavas.
Championing sustainable farming and women’s empowerment
The scale of Santosh Devi’s achievement is reflected in the quality of her produce. The pomegranates grown in her fields weigh up to 800 grams, while her apples weigh nearly 200 grams — remarkable figures for crops grown in arid soil.
Santosh Devi says that women should not remain confined to the kitchen but should venture out and become self-reliant.
Her journey has already inspired thousands of women to take up horticulture as a livelihood option. Beyond farming, she is deeply committed to environmental conservation and, along with fellow farmers, plants nearly 80,000 saplings every year.
On the use of chemicals in farming, she said that today the soil is getting poisoned and has a detrimental effect on crops and people’s health.
She is also preparing the next generation to carry the work forward, encouraging her son to pursue a degree in agriculture so that he can help expand the family’s farming enterprise.
Santosh Devi said that she has disproved those who claim that farming is an unprofitable venture.
According to her, her husband’s income was once only 3,000 rupees, while today she earns around 40,000 rupees from farming.
She also mentioned that in 2016-17, she received Rs 1 lakh award from the then Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, and since then, she hasn’t looked back.