During a chance visit to Manisha Gosain's property in Dehradun amid the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her sister, Namita Rawat Negi, came up with the idea to transform it into what is now known as the Doon Gooseberry Farm.

When the sisters decided to pursue farming, their decision raised more eyebrows than smiles. But their self-belief and desire to protect their agricultural land is what kept them going.

At their age, people expected Namita and Manisha to give up farming and sell the land, but they surprised everyone by sticking with their agricultural venture.

Today, they grow vegetables like tomatoes, brinjals, pumpkins, spinach and more at their Doon Gooseberry Farm, and sell value-added products made from them. The farm is a cozy setup born from their dedication and passion, supported steadfastly by their husbands.

The land in Dehradun was a mess with tall grass and vines when the sisters first saw it during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the fruit-laden gooseberry trees caught their eye, and they decided to protect and make the most of the land.

The sisters started farming with no experience, but they've learned to grow and care for their crops through trial and error.

The farm now produces chutneys, pickles, and jams with ingredients like amla, mango, turmeric, garlic, and lemon. Last year, they made Rs 5 lakh in profit from a total income of Rs 11 lakh.

The farm includes poultry and a vegetable garden with items like tomatoes and pumpkins. They sell products made from amla, mango, turmeric, lemon, and tomatoes, and use the remaining vegetables for their own household needs.

"At Doon Gooseberry Farm, our mission is simple and yet profound: to provide the world with delectable, healthy, homegrown food options that are free from harmful preservatives," says Manisha, adding that their produce grows naturally in sunlight, free from chemicals.

They use shells of organic eggs, vegetable peels, and cow manure as the prime source of nourishment for their cultivation.

The journey hasn't been easy. The hilly area with a non-perennial river makes water scarce, driving others away from farming. Currently, the sisters are considering rainwater harvesting as a solution.

The farm works with local women and small processors to produce its goods. In the future, they hope to build their own processing unit run solely by women.