The interviews and reporting for this story were conducted in 2024.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

In the serene village of Sirkot, tucked away in the picturesque Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, lives a 60-year-old farmer whose life story is an inspiring testament to perseverance, dedication, and environmental stewardship. Jagdish Chandra Kuniyal’s passion for the environment has not only transformed his own life but has uplifted his community.

For over four decades, he has worked tirelessly to revive his land, plant trees, and create a sustainable future, despite countless challenges. His work came to national attention when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his programme, Mann Ki Baat, praised Jagdish’s efforts, a recognition that brought both joy and a sense of fulfilment to the humble farmer.

Jagdish’s journey began in the shadow of personal loss. He lost his father at the age of 18, a pivotal moment in his life that left a deep impact. The tragedy could have crushed him, but instead, it became the catalyst for a life built around resilience and a deep connection to the earth.

“At the age of 20, I made a firm decision to honour my father’s legacy by doing something meaningful with the land he had left behind,” he tells The Better India. In addition to managing his family’s farm, Jagdish also runs a small ration shop, which serves as another way he contributes to his village’s livelihood.

From disappointment to triumph

In 1990, with no formal training but an unshakeable desire to improve his circumstances, Jagdish set out on a mission to plant fruit trees on his land. He began by planting guava and walnut trees, confident that these fruit-bearing trees would thrive and provide a good yield. But, like many ventures, things didn’t go as planned.

“The yield was not great, and I faced numerous challenges. The trees I planted were not growing well, and the results were disappointing,” Jagdish confesses.

But giving up was never an option for Jagdish. Determined to find a solution, he experimented with other tree species that could withstand the region’s harsh climate. He planted seesham, deodar, oak, and rhododendron, and to his delight, these trees flourished.

In the early years, Jagdish’s work was met with........

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