Dr. Hari Om: The Scientist Who Championed Natural Farming in India

Dr. Hari Om is one of India’s most respected agricultural scientists, widely known for his exceptional contribution to promoting natural farming across the country. A retired Principal Scientist (Agronomy) from Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar, he dedicated decades of his life to improving Indian agriculture through sustainable and farmer-friendly methods. His work has empowered thousands of farmers and inspired a shift toward chemical-free cultivation systems. In recognition of his service to the nation, he was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award.

Early Life and Education

Dr. Hari Om was born on 10 January 1959 in Siwana Mai village of Jind district, Haryana. Raised in an agrarian environment, he understood from a young age the challenges faced by farmers. This early connection with rural life shaped his future mission of helping agriculture prosper through science and innovation.

He pursued higher education at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, one of India’s leading agricultural institutions. He completed his B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture in 1980, followed by M.Sc. in Agronomy in 1982. Later, he earned a Ph.D. in Agronomy in 1995. During his doctoral studies, he received the V.D. Kashyap Gold Medal for the best research in the university, reflecting his academic excellence and commitment to scientific progress.

A Remarkable Career in Agricultural Science

Dr. Hari Om served for 36 years as a scientist in CCSHAU, Hisar. Throughout his career, he worked with sincerity, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility. His area of specialization was agronomy, which focuses on crop production and soil management. Over the years, he became known for practical solutions that benefited farmers directly.

Unlike many scientists who remain limited to laboratories and academic circles, Dr. Hari Om actively connected with farming communities. He believed that research must reach the field and create measurable change. This philosophy made him highly respected among farmers, extension workers, and policymakers alike.

Pioneer of Natural Farming

The most defining chapter of Dr. Hari Om’s career has been his leadership in natural farming. For more than a decade, he led programs promoting natural farming methods in India. Natural farming emphasizes the use of local resources, cow-based formulations, mulching, biological inputs, and chemical-free soil nourishment.

At a time when many farmers were struggling with rising input costs, soil degradation, and declining profits, Dr. Hari Om advocated a model that reduced dependence on expensive fertilizers and pesticides. He demonstrated that sustainable farming could also be economically rewarding.

His training programs helped farmers understand that agriculture should work in harmony with nature rather than against it. This vision has made him one of the strongest voices for regenerative and eco-friendly farming systems in India.

Training Thousands Across India

One of Dr. Hari Om’s greatest achievements is his large-scale farmer education work. He trained more than 10,000 farmers and stakeholders at Gurukul Kurukshetra and the Natural Farming Training Institute in Kurukshetra.

His impact was not limited to farmers alone. He also trained scientists from over 500 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across India. By educating agricultural officers, researchers, and field staff, he ensured that knowledge of natural farming spread rapidly through institutional channels.

This multiplier effect helped his ideas reach multiple states and farming communities. His training style combined scientific reasoning with practical demonstrations, making complex agricultural concepts easy to understand.

International and Administrative Recognition

Dr. Hari Om’s expertise attracted attention beyond India. He trained an international delegation of 25 members from Nepal under a program approved by the Union Ministry of Agriculture in September 2023.

He also guided senior officials, including 60 Collectors and District Development Officers from Gujarat, on the progress and potential of natural farming. Delegations from Sri Lanka and executive officers from Goa, Diu, and Daman also interacted with him to learn about sustainable agricultural practices.

His presentations were attended by distinguished dignitaries, including former President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Governors of Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh during a combined visit in August 2023. Such recognition reflected the national importance of his work.

Research Contributions

Dr. Hari Om has published more than 150 research papers, articles, bulletins, book chapters, and books on scientific agriculture and natural farming. His publications have helped bridge the gap between academic research and field-level application.

These writings continue to guide farmers, students, agricultural officers, and researchers interested in sustainable cultivation systems. His ability to combine evidence-based science with traditional wisdom makes his research particularly valuable.

Awards and Honours

Throughout his career, Dr. Hari Om received several honours for excellence in agricultural extension and research. In 2016, he was awarded the Best KVK Award in Haryana by the Chief Minister for outstanding scientific achievements.

Later, while serving at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kurukshetra, he received the Best KVK Award at the zonal level in 2018, conferred by the Prime Minister of India.

The crowning recognition came with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours. This award celebrated not just an individual scientist, but the larger movement toward sustainable farming that he helped strengthen.

Legacy and Inspiration

Dr. Hari Om’s life story is an inspiring example of how science can serve society. He chose a path where research, rural welfare, and environmental responsibility came together. At a time when climate change and soil health are major concerns, his message of natural farming is more relevant than ever.

His work has shown that true development is not only about higher yields, but also healthier soil, reduced costs, cleaner food, and stronger farmer livelihoods. For young scientists, he represents dedication to meaningful research. For farmers, he is a trusted guide. For India, he is a symbol of sustainable progress.

Dr. Hari Om’s contribution will continue to influence Indian agriculture for generations to come.