◊ Tribute By Kapil Shah
Deepak Suchde—the creator of the natueco-based farming method, Amrut Krushi—passed away at age 70 on October 31, while travelling from Harda, Madhya Pradesh, to New Delhi for a programme. A massive heart attack caused his death before the train reached Itarasi, at approximately 4.40 pm.
Suchde commenced his social work journey in the early 1980s with Shri Shardagram, a Nai Talim institute based on Gandhian principles in Saurashtra, Gujarat. He possessed rich experience in rural industries such as soap making, oil mills, etc.
Two articles bylined by this author describing the social, ecological and health related ill-effects of the green revolution, published in Bhoomiputra around 1996, were instrumental in changing the course of Suchde’s life from the rural industry towards Sajiv Kheti or agroecology. And he dedicated the rest of his life to this cause.
Deepak Suchde, 1949 – 2019
In an interview in August 2019, Suchde said, “Being a social worker, I realised the need to work on chemical-free farming and reduce the misery of a vast majority of Indian farmers.”
He was a born experimenter, having learned from his guru, the Natueco Farming pioneer, Dr Shripad A. Dabholkar of Prayog Pariwar. Suchde experimented with and improved upon Dabholkar’s techniques at various locations in Maharashtra, including at the well-known Yusuf Meherally Centre near Mumbai.
He presented the results of his natueco experiments at many national and international fora, and innovated the concepts of Amrut Mitti, Amrutpani and the training of root systems, which were his unique technological contribution to the organic movement of India. Farmers, scientists and bureaucrats in the formal system were inspired and trained by him. Suchde also influenced mainstream agricultural systems like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
A passionate promoter of organic farming, since the last 12 years, Suchde was based at his farm Sharan (owned by the Malpani Trust) in Bajwada on the banks of the river Narmada near Indore. He is survived by his son Vatsal, who was helping him at the farm.
The organic farming community of India deeply mourns the loss of this great missionary and colleague.
Kapil Shah is founder, Jatan Trust, Gujarat.
Sorry to know about the demise of Sh Depak Sachde.Though i have met him couple of times only, Deepak Jee left a lasting impression on me. May God rest his Soul in peace
I was hugely saddened to read of the death of Deepak-ji. I had the great good fortune to study with him back in Nov 2011 at his farm in MP while a group of us from the Sadhana Forest reforestion project were travelling in North India as part of our permaculture certificate. His passion for helping Indian farmer’s to grow food for their families on small amounts of land so that the family could be health but also thrive economically were deeply inspiring. Also just as inspiring was his deep and abiding connection between the living soil and the living plants and trees around him – he was the first farmer I met who talked to his trees but then listened for their responses! I am forever in his debt as a teacher and a mentor and as a living example of being deeply human in times when such people are needed.
I had the right to be with Deepak suchde on his farm 2011, he gave me the feeling of a family member. He was truly transfer all his endless knowledge and experiance ,he was a great inspiration for me and all,i will keep on praying for him. Namu Amida Namuamida