Engineer Seed Saver and Moringa Maverick

Dear Reader,

It is common knowledge that health problems are rising across India, particularly non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart problems, stones, and cancer. Our ancestors did not suffer from most of these disorders. However, rising pollution, the use of chemicals in farming, high-stress workplaces, and unhealthy lifestyles are playing havoc with people's lives now.

While most individuals accept these issues as fate, Pradeep Kumar did not. A mechanical engineer with L&T, he developed kidney stones while working in various cities during his stint. When his mother too fell ill, his savings of two years were wiped out.

An online search on 'leading a healthy life naturally' led him to organic food. Since he could not find chemical-free organic vegetables and fruits anywhere, he quit his job, returned to his village in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, and began organic farming.

Today, he grows a food forest and has conserved native seeds of 800 types of vegetables. He propagates the seeds using organic farming methods and sells them at a nominal rate of Rs30 per packet.

The surplus from his food forest after household needs is sold in the local market. When I asked him about profitability, he replied, “Life’s true treasures are health, happiness, and family; the rest is only numbers.” I fully agree.

Another interesting story is about S Umesh Rao, who began organic moringa farming in 2010. With the rising moringa demand post-COVID, he took a barren plot of land on lease in Gauribidanur, Karnataka and converted it into a lush green farm.

He changed the soil chemistry by adding truckloads of soil to the rocky land and applying cow dung and chicken manure. He sells dry moringa leaves to pharma and nutraceutical companies and earns Rs 40 lakh annually. Umesh is now gearing up to launch moringa honey.

To read our earlier newsletters, click here 

My colleague Anu discovered that some women mushroom entrepreneurs have transitioned from teaching to farming. Armed with degrees in microbiology and biotechnology, these professors are turning their subject knowledge into thriving mushroom businesses.

She has written about four teachers, who are blending science, innovation and entrepreneurship to transition from professors to profit-makers. It is an interesting read.

The demand for dehydrated vegetables and fruits is rising in urban India as these products are convenient to store and save cooking time. My colleague Riya has written about five farmers who began dehydrating their produce and now earn lakhs as they do not depend on market rates or middlemen. Solar, electric and infrared drying are changing lives in rural India. Do look up this one.

Happy Reading!

Warmly,

Rashmi

L&T engineer quits job for organic farming; saves and sells 800 varieties of native vegetable seeds

Karnataka farmer converts barren land into moringa farm; annual turnover at Rs 40 lakh

Four women professors who became mushroom millionaires

Five farmers who found profit in dehydrating vegetables and flowers