Ravi Kumar Nishad

Ravi Kumar Nishad
Born	{{|1988|04|03}}
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Agriculturist, SHG & MSME Trainer, Social Entrepreneur, Agricultural Development Worker
Occupation	Agriculturist, SHG & MSME Trainer, Social Entrepreneur, Agricultural Development Worker
Known For	Organic farming promotion, Tribal and rural development, Sustainable agriculture initiatives
Parents	Shiv Shankar Mallah (father), Parvati Devi (mother)
Awards & Recognition	Bharat Vibhushan Samman, Bharat Shri National Award, Bharat Bhushan Award, National Icon Award, International Awards (4)

Ravi Kumar Nishad (born 3 April 1988) is an Indian social entrepreneur, agriculturist, and rural development activist known for his pioneering contributions to organic farming in the Dhanbad region of Jharkhand. He is widely recognised for transforming coal-affected and barren lands into sustainable agricultural zones and for empowering tribal and rural farming communities through training, awareness programmes, and large-scale development initiatives.

He played an instrumental role in establishing the Tribales Farmer-Producer Groups and Jai Dharti Maa Foundation, through which more than 1,250 farmers were encouraged to adopt organic and commercial cultivation practices. Over the past decade, his model of modern and eco-friendly agriculture has influenced farmers across Jharkhand, Bihar, and nearby regions.

Early Life and Education

Ravi Kumar Nishad was born on 3 April 1988 at Matri Sadan Hospital, Jharia, Dhanbad, Jharkhand. He was raised in a humble family by his parents, Shri Shiv Shankar Mallah and Shrimati Parvati Devi, who inspired him to value community service and environmental conservation from an early age. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSCIT) before beginning his career in the IT and engineering sector.

Career

Transition from IT to Agriculture

Despite beginning his professional journey in the IT industry, Nishad chose to leave his job and dedicate himself full-time to agricultural development and social upliftment. His commitment to rural transformation led him to work directly with farmers, tribal families, and self-help groups.

Formation of RPA Farming (2016)

In 2016, he helped establish RPA Farming, an initiative focused on:

• Organised organic agriculture
• Horticulture development
• Farmer skill enhancement
• Promotion of sustainable farming methods

Under his leadership, the project successfully converted approximately 20 acres of barren land into more than 140 acres of productive farmland through organic models.

Agricultural and Social Development

Ravi Kumar Nishad's work primarily focuses on:

• Organic farming expansion in coal-affected areas
• SHG & MSME training for rural and tribal women
• Horticulture projects (fruit, flower, and vegetable cultivation)
• Farmer-producer organisation development
• Skill and capacity-building workshops
• Large-scale plantation initiatives
• Health and education awareness in tribal regions

He has directly assisted 400+ farmers in transitioning to organic and commercial farming, leading to increased income stability and sustainable livelihoods.

Achievements and Recognition

Major National Recognition

Ravi Kumar Nishad has received several high-level honours for his service:

• Bharat Vibhushan Samman – for outstanding contributions to agriculture and social development
• Bharat Shri National Award – for transforming barren and coal-affected lands into fertile organic farms
• Bharat Bhushan Award – for excellence in organic farming and sustainable agricultural innovation
• National Icon Award (25 June 2024) – for leadership in rural and tribal development and environmental projects

International Recognition

He has also been honoured with four international awards for:

• Eco-friendly sustainable farming
• Large-scale plantation initiatives
• Rural and tribal community empowerment
• Health and education awareness campaigns

State and District-Level Honours

• 2 National Awards
• 112 State-level Awards & Certificates in agriculture, social welfare, and environmental development
• 72 District-level Awards for SHG training, farmer workshops, plantation drives, and rural upliftment

Notable Works and Initiatives

• Introduction of innovative organic farming techniques
• 1 crore plantation campaign promoting environmental sustainability
• Development of horticulture and modern cultivation models
• Establishment of Education Centres in tribal regions
• Self-Help Group (SHG) workshops for women empowerment
• Farmer Training Workshops for skill development
• Tribal community awareness programmes
• Health awareness camps in rural and remote regions
• Social initiatives supporting the welfare of underprivileged communities

Media Coverage

Ravi Kumar Nishad’s work has been featured in multiple regional and national news platforms, including:

• The Better India
• The Telegraph
• Hindustan / Live Hindustan / Hindustan Metro
• UP18 News
• Borok Times
• Happen Recently News
• Several digital and rural development news portals

Legacy

Over 15 years, Ravi Kumar Nishad has emerged as a leading figure in organic agriculture, rural development, and tribal upliftment in Jharkhand. His contributions include:

• Transforming 400+ farmers to organic agriculture
• Leading a 1 crore plantation drive
• Establishing education and awareness centers in tribal belts
• Training thousands through SHG and farmer-capacity programmes
• Converting barren land into sustainable farming zones

His continued dedication toward environmental sustainability, community growth, and rural empowerment has made him a respected figure in India's agricultural development sector.