From Barren to Bountiful: Uttarakhand Farmer Turns Dry Land into Forest of 1 Lakh Trees
In the quiet village of Sirkot in Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar district, a 60-year-old farmer has become a symbol of hope, perseverance, and environmental revival. Jagdish Chandra Kuniyal has spent more than 40 years transforming a patch of barren, rocky land into a flourishing green forest of over 1 lakh trees — a feat that has inspired not only his community but the entire country.
What began as a personal mission of healing and purpose has now grown into a movement of sustainable change.
A Journey Rooted in Loss and Resilience
Jagdish lost his father when he was just 18. It was a devastating moment, but rather than let grief defeat him, he decided to honour his father’s memory by nurturing the land he left behind.
“I made a promise to myself to do something meaningful with the land,” Jagdish recalls. Alongside running a small ration shop to support his village, he took on the daunting task of transforming the dry, lifeless soil into something vibrant.
Early Struggles: When Nothing Seemed to Work
In 1990, with no formal training, Jagdish began planting guava and walnut trees, hoping for a good harvest. But the harsh terrain and climate worked against him — the fruits didn’t grow well, and the results were disappointing.
Yet, he didn’t give up. Instead, he experimented with local and hardy tree species like seesham, deodar, oak, and rhododendron. These trees adapted well to the environment, and soon, he started seeing growth — both in plants and in hope.
Walking Miles, Facing Doubts – But Never Quitting
Every day, Jagdish would walk nearly 5 km on foot to reach his remote farmland. Rain was unreliable, and often, stray cattle trampled his young saplings. Many villagers mocked his efforts.
“They said nothing would grow here,” he remembers. But Jagdish persisted, fueled by a belief that nature just needed care — not control.
He dug deeper into the soil, found underground water, and slowly, life returned to the land. As the trees grew, so did the groundwater level. Eventually, he was able to provide water to the village, changing public perception entirely.
A New Leaf: Tea Cultivation and Jobs
As his green forest flourished, Jagdish took another bold step — tea plantation. Supported by government encouragement, he began cultivating tea, which not only made his land more productive but also created employment for locals.
“I wanted to give work to people in my village and protect the land,” he says.
Two workers have stayed with him for over 25 years, helping maintain the plantation and the forest. This steady work has given them income and purpose — a testament to how environmental work can also uplift rural economies.
National Recognition: Mann Ki Baat Moment
In 2021, Jagdish’s efforts caught the attention of none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who mentioned his story in the widely broadcast ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio program.
“It was a proud moment,” Jagdish says. “I wasn’t doing it for recognition, just for peace and the future of our children.”
The recognition had a ripple effect — suddenly, tree planting wasn’t just his mission. Villagers began planting trees on their own land, understanding the true value of nature.
Inspiring a Community
People like Vinod, a local shop owner, were directly inspired. Jagdish gifted him a few saplings, and now he proudly grows guava and orange trees at his home.
“Trees give us so much — oxygen, shade, fruits. I tell everyone to plant them,” Vinod says.
Another farmer, Harish Pandey, also began cultivating a small forest of his own. His garden now attracts wildlife like monkeys — proof that the ecosystem is reviving.
A Lasting Legacy of Green
Jagdish’s story is proof that even one person, with dedication and vision, can bring about transformational change. What started with a few struggling saplings is now a massive forest, a thriving tea garden, and a community united by nature.
“I’ve worked for years, but it was worth it,” he says. “This land is now alive — and so is our hope for the future.”
His message is clear: “Plant trees like you raise your children — with care and love. They will repay you with shade, water, and life.”
He also urges the government and society to step up: “We must protect trees through strong policies and educate people on the power of nature in fighting climate change.”
Conclusion: From One Farmer to a Forest Movement
Jagdish Chandra Kuniyal’s work is not just a personal achievement — it’s a green revolution in a corner of Uttarakhand that the world can learn from. Through patience, hard work, and deep respect for the land, he has shown that real change begins at home — and in the soil beneath our feet.
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