At the age of 65, Reeva Sood, known as Himachal’s Dragon Fruit Lady, has turned a barren landscape into a thriving agro-empire. Located in the lush hills of Himachal Pradesh, Reeva transformed 70 acres of previously unusable land into a flourishing organic farm. Her annual turnover now exceeds Rs 90 lakh, and she has empowered over 300 women through her initiatives.
Reeva’s journey began in 2012 when her husband, Dr. Rajeev Sood, was diagnosed with cancer. This life-changing experience led her to rethink the importance of healthy eating and the harmful effects of chemical-laden foods. In 2015, after her husband’s recovery, the couple purchased rocky land at a low price in the Behar Jaswan panchayat. Despite the challenges posed by the land’s uneven terrain, Reeva saw potential for organic farming.
She embraced the philosophy of natural farming, avoiding chemicals entirely. To enrich the soil, she adopted abandoned cows and used their dung as organic manure. This approach not only improved the earth but also provided a safe haven for these animals. Reeva’s innovative methods included intercropping dragon fruit with various medicinal plants such as Ashwagandha, Moringa, and Tulsi.
In her first year of harvest in 2018-19, Reeva began to see results. She planted a wide variety of medicinal plants, some maturing in just six months. The demand for these plants skyrocketed, and she began selling saplings and extracts to agricultural universities and medicine producers across India.
One of her most significant achievements has been the cultivation of dragon fruit. Currently, Reeva has 30,000 plants on her farm, which yield substantial profits thanks to their resilience against pests and minimal water needs. The American Beauty variety she grows is particularly well-suited for her region, allowing her to earn Rs 20 lakh annually from dragon fruit alone.
In addition to farming, Reeva has turned her land into an ecotourism destination. She conducts workshops for students, farmers, and researchers, sharing her knowledge about organic farming and the importance of sustainability. Her farm has become a hub for learning, inspiring others to adopt chemical-free lifestyles.
Recognizing her impact, the World Bank has supported Reeva with a grant to establish a dragon fruit juice factory, which will be India’s first of its kind run by a woman entrepreneur. This factory is expected to create more job opportunities in the region and enhance the value addition of her products.
Reeva’s success story is a testament to her vision and dedication. She has shown that even barren land can be transformed into a profitable venture with hard work and innovative practices. Her commitment to sustainability not only benefits her but also uplifts her community, proving that one person’s efforts can lead to widespread positive change. Through her journey, Reeva Sood has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for many aspiring farmers, especially women, in India.