Originally reported and written in July 2022, this story has been republished as part of our archival content.

Reeva and Rajeev Sood were rudely awakened from their routine way of life in Delhi when, in 2012, Rajeev was diagnosed with cancer.

This unfortunate news forced the couple to take stock of their eating habits. They realised that vegetables laced with toxins, which are precursors for deadly diseases the world over, could have played a role here as well.

It was this realisation that would lead to the inception of a lush organic farm in Himachal's Una district, as well as Him2Hum, a farmers producer company where hundreds of women spearhead important farming-related tasks.

“[Rajeev’s cancer] was a turning point in our mindset,” Reeva, who had been working in the development sector for 30 years then, tells The Better India.

Transforming barren land into a paradise of green

Six years ago, Reeva stood in front of the 30 acres of barren land with a promise to herself that one day, this area would not only teem with vegetation, but also with the self-confidence of the village women.

Slowly, through the years, the land saw a spurt of shatavari (asparagus), sarpagandha (snakeroot), ashwagandha (Indian ginseng), tulsi (holy basil), stevia, harsingaar (night jasmine), aloe vera, vetiver grass, lemon grass, and more. By 2019, it was almost unrecognisable from its earlier state. A land that once stood empty and barren, now hosts 17 varieties of crops.

Reeva also decided to take a risk and introduce two crops that weren’t mainstream — black wheat and dragon fruit. She says she saw their potential and believed in them. “We wanted to introduce black wheat as a substitute for gehu,” she explains, adding that it is perfect as a superfood.

Meanwhile, it was the dragon fruit’s resilience that drew her in. “I knew if I was going to take a chance on a crop, I had to choose........

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