“If there is no land in the city, can farming be done in the sky?”
He started an indoor farm inside an old factory building – in which farming was done without soil, only with water and nutrient solution (Hydroponics).
🥬 Vegetables grown on 5 floors
Today at his “SkyFresh Farms”:
More than 20 vegetables grown on a height of 5 floors
Like: Lettuce, Spinach, Basil, Green leaves, Microgreens
Crop ready every 10 days, production throughout the year
Entire farming is done with AI and sensor control – water, light, temperature all automated
🌍 A boon for the environment too
95% less water usage
No need for pesticides
Almost zero carbon emissions
Fresh vegetables within the city – no need for transport
💰 Earning model
Vegetables at premium prices to hotels, restaurants, supermarkets
$1.5 million annual turnover (~₹12 crores)
Along with vegetables, he also sells “Smart Farming Kit”
Now 5+ franchise farms in the US, Europe and Dubai
🧠 Stuart’s message:
Farming Now it is not just about tractors and ploughs. Now farming means technology + vision + power of nature.”
Lori Stabar started her journey in 2007. She started growing some flower species on just 1 acre of land – like dahlia, sunflower and tulip. Initially, she started selling flowers in local markets and wedding events.
🌿 Farming with organic methods
Lori never used chemical or synthetic fertilizers. He:
Used homemade compost and cow dung manure for fertilizer
Grows a variety of flowers for each season
Started his own “Pick Your Own Flowers” farm tour service
💐 The Smell of Success
In just a few years, his “Floret Flower Farm” became one of the largest organic flower farms in the US.
400+ species of flowers in 2 acres
Sales of thousands of dollars every season
Separate income by selling flower seeds, books and online courses
1 million+ followers on Instagram
💰 Sources of income
Direct sale of flowers: $2-3 lakhs annually
Seed and plant sales: $1 lakh+
Courses, books, branded merchandise: $1 lakh+
Total estimated annual income: ₹4 to ₹5 crores
📖 Inspiration for others
Lori wrote a book: “A Year in Flowers”, which was a success worldwide.
Now she is teaching thousands of small farmers (especially women) that even with less land, crores can be earned from flowers.
🌼 Lori’s message:
“If you love the land, the land will give you fragrance, peace and prosperity in return.”
In the early 1990s, Gabe Brown purchased a small 1,760-acre ranch near Bismarck, North Dakota. Like most American farmers at the time, he followed conventional farming methods — tillage, monoculture crops, and chemical inputs.
Then came disaster: Four years of crop failures in a row due to hail and drought pushed Gabe to the brink of financial collapse. With massive debts and declining soil health, Gabe was forced to think differently.
Turning to Regenerative Agriculture
Instead of giving up, Gabe abandoned chemical fertilizers, tillage, and monoculture in favor of:
Cover crops
No-till farming
Diverse crop rotations
Mob grazing (rotational grazing of cattle)
Natural compost and biological inputs
His goal: Heal the soil and restore the land.
Results and Success
Over the next decade, Brown’s Ranch transformed into one of the most productive and profitable farms in the region:
Reduced input costs by 85%
Soil organic matter increased from 1.9% to over 6%
Water infiltration improved from 0.5 inches/hour to over 8 inches/hour
Profits soared — despite using fewer chemicals and less machinery
Today, Gabe Brown’s 5,000-acre farm includes livestock (cattle, sheep, and poultry), grains, cover crops, and vegetables — all managed organically and regeneratively.
Beyond Farming: Global Impact
Gabe is now a global regenerative agriculture educator.
His book, “Dirt to Soil”, is a bestseller among eco-conscious farmers.
He co-founded Soil Health Academy to train farmers worldwide.
His farm receives thousands of visitors annually, from India to Africa to Australia.
Income & Business Model
Gabe doesn’t just farm — he educates, consults, and sells products:
Farm income: ~$500,000+ annually from diversified produce and livestock
Consulting & book sales: Additional six-figure earnings
Online soil health courses: Major passive income stream
His success shows how regenerative farming can be highly profitable and sustainable long-term.
Gabe’s Message to Farmers:
The problem isn’t the land. It’s our management of it. Heal the soil, and everything else will follow — food, water, health, and income
🌽 Russell Hedrick – North Carolina’s first-generation farmer who set records with drones
🔥 Introduction
Russell Hedrick, a former firefighter, didn’t inherit a farm when he started farming. But he had the passion to adopt new technologies. And when he incorporated technologies like drones and RTK (Real-Time Kinematics) into his farming, he didn’t just grow crops — he made history.
🚁 Drones increased productivity
Russell started using drones in his first year, which gave him centimeter-level accuracy. He gave his crops only the fertilizer and spray they needed — no more, no less.
The result?
Corn and soybean yields double
State record soybean yield in 2021
World record dryland corn yield in 2022
🌎 Progress of the whole village, not just yourself
Russell believes that the benefits of drone technology are not limited to just one farmer. When a farmer’s yield increases, his income increases, the local economy also strengthens.
He says that if American agriculture is to remain competitive globally, then widespread use of technologies like drones is necessary.
💰 Benefits of drones in Russell’s view
Increase in production
Proper use of natural resources
More profit at low cost
New jobs to the local community
🔚 Conclusion
Russell Hedrick’s story is an inspiration to all those farmers who think that technology is only for those with big budgets. The truth is that drones are the weapon of every farmer today who wants to do smart farming.
Timothy Danley, who is farming on the fertile land of California, is not just a traditional farmer — he is part of a generation of farmers who are taking farming to new heights by connecting it with technology. There was a time when he had to take the help of an airplane or helicopter to know the condition of his fields. But now, he has a tool that has become the eye of his farm — the DJI Mavic 3T drone.
🚁 Drones usher in the era of Real-Time Farming
Timothy monitors his fields every day with the help of drones. He can not only do a complete aerial mapping of the field, but can now understand in real time where the crop needs more attention.
A typical example is when his orchard faced problems with flowers not blooming. Timothy created an NDVI map (Near Dense Vegetative Index) using the Mavic 3T, which gave him an accurate idea of the health of every tree in his orchard. This allowed him to immediately target specific trees that were in trouble.
💡 This technology is for every farmer
Timothy believes that the use of drones in agriculture is not just for big farmers. Starting with an entry-level drone, even small farmers can do aerial photography, crop health monitoring and soil mapping. He believes that future farming is incomplete without drones.
📈 Benefits at a glance
Time savings: Saves time compared to helicopter or manual inspections
Accurate diagnosis: Identify sick trees with NDVI maps
Cost reduction: Treat only affected areas
Improves crop quality
🔚 Conclusion
Timothy Danley’s story shows how combining tradition and technology can make farming smarter and more profitable. If you too want to make your farm future-ready, drone technology is no longer an option, but a necessity.
Farming is more than just a profession in Timor—it’s the main source of livelihood for many families. For Bernadus, a 39-year-old farmer from Bijaepasu village, farming started as a humble effort to meet daily needs. But through dedication, learning, and smart financial choices, he transformed his small vegetable garden into a thriving business. This is his inspiring story of growth and hope.
Bernadus’ Early Days: A Struggle to Meet Daily Needs
Initially, Bernadus and his wife grew only a few vegetables—mainly eggplants and chilies—in their small backyard garden. They sold their produce to neighbors and earned just enough to cover daily expenses. Life was simple but financially tight. Like many farmers in rural areas, Bernadus lacked access to advanced farming knowledge and capital to expand his business.
A Turning Point: Training and Financial Support
Everything changed when Bernadus received training from Wahana Visi Indonesia, a trusted partner of World Vision. The training introduced him to better farming techniques, pest management, and crop diversification, opening new possibilities.
Motivated by what he learned, Bernadus decided to expand his farm. But for that, he needed capital. He approached the People’s Bank of Indonesia (BRI) and took a loan of Rp 4,000,000. With this money, he improved his farm’s productivity and started selling vegetables beyond his immediate neighborhood.
Business Expansion and Smart Investments
Encouraged by his initial success and ability to repay the loan, Bernadus took a bigger step in 2013 by borrowing Rp 20,000,000. This capital was invested strategically. He purchased a water pump for reliable irrigation, upgraded his farming tools, and bought quality seeds.
In addition to eggplants and chilies, Bernadus added chicory and kangkung to his crops. This crop diversification allowed him to meet different market demands and increase revenue.
Results: Financial Stability and Family Welfare
Thanks to his expanded business, Bernadus now earns around Rp 400,000 daily from selling vegetables at traditional markets in several villages. This income covers his family’s daily needs, pays for his children’s school tuition, and allows him to save money for their college education.
Bernadus’ story highlights the power of education, access to finance, and hard work in transforming rural livelihoods. His success is an inspiration for other farmers in Timor and beyond.
Lessons from Bernadus’ Journey
Training Matters: Gaining knowledge on modern farming methods can drastically improve productivity.
Access to Finance: Small loans can help scale a farm business if invested wisely.
Diversification: Growing a variety of crops can reduce risks and increase income.
Planning for the Future: Investing profits in family welfare and education secures long-term benefits.
Conclusion: Farming as a Pathway to Prosperity
Bernadus’ journey from a small garden to a profitable vegetable farm shows that with the right support and determination, small farmers can overcome challenges and improve their livelihoods. Programs like those from Wahana Visi Indonesia and microfinance institutions such as BRI play a critical role in empowering farmers.
If you are a farmer or someone interested in agriculture, remember that continuous learning, smart investments, and diversification can open new doors of opportunity.
Did you know that urban farming can not only help you grow food for your family, but also benefit your entire community and the environment? This is the story of Greg Peterson, who has worked in urban farming for over 40 years and is one of the field’s leading educators and inspirations.
The Beginnings of Urban Farming
In 1975, Greg and his family moved into the Weldon House, a small half-acre plot. Greg was just 14 years old at the time. His parents started teaching him gardening—“The right side of the garden is yours, go dig,” his mother said. That’s where Greg first learned to grow cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, and began planting thousands of fruit trees.
Permaculture: A New Thought
After buying his first home in 1989, Greg began taking urban farming seriously. But the real change came in 1991 when he learned about permaculture. Permaculture is a way of farming in harmony with nature, where all elements support each other and nothing is wasted. Greg dedicated his 1/3 acre homestead to full food production, growing vegetables instead of flowers and fruit trees instead of non-food trees.
A Combination of Education and Experience
To further enhance his work experience, Greg received a Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies in 2004 and a Masters in Urban and Environmental Planning in 2006 from Arizona State University. In 2001, at the urging of a professor, he wrote a mission and vision for his life, and this is when the concept of Urban Farm was formed.
Contributing to the Community
Over the past 15 years, Greg has held several farming and gardening classes, opened the Urban Farm to the public, and run a successful fruit tree planting program that planted over 10,000 trees. In 2011, he began teaching Sustainable Food and Farms at Arizona State University.
Get Connected to Urban Farming
This story isn’t just Greg’s, it’s yours too. Through UrbanFarm.org, Greg shares knowledge, resources, and inspiration for urban farmers all over the world to help you start your own urban farm.
There are many problems with today’s agricultural system—we have too much food, but it’s poor in nutrition and harmful to the environment and human health. Urban farmers are a ray of hope in this situation. They’re doing good for their families and communities by growing local, fresh, and chemical-free food.
Get started!
So what are you waiting for? Name your urban farm, connect with your local farmers, and be a part of this green revolution. Urban farming will not only allow you to grow delicious and fresh food, but also build a new relationship with nature. What can we learn from Greg Peterson?
Growing your own food is possible through urban farming: Greg showed that even in the smallest of plots, you can grow fresh, healthy, and chemical-free food.
Living in harmony with nature is important: Through permaculture, he taught that farming is successful only when we help nature, not fight it.
Any place can be turned into fertile land: By replacing flower beds and non-edible trees, the entire land can be made edible.
The power of the local community: Greg planted more than 10,000 fruit trees in his area and built a strong farming community by connecting people together.
Urban farming protects both environment and health: By growing fresh and nutritious food, we can avoid chemical-laden market food and also protect the environment.
Continuous learning and experimentation: Greg adopted new methods through books and studies as well as self-experimentation that made him an even better farmer.
Everyone can become an urban farmer: Greg’s story inspires us that whether you have a small or big space, you too can bring prosperity in your life by farming.
Your step?
Now these lessons are for you—make your land or terrace, garden or balcony fertile, connect with local farmers, and contribute to the urban farming revolution.
Do you dream of growing your own fresh, organic vegetables but feel lost about where to start? You’re not alone. Urban life often leaves little space or knowledge for gardening. But Dr. Viswanath Kadur, the pioneer of terrace gardening in India, is here to change that. With decades of experience and thousands of happy gardeners inspired by him, Dr. Kadur reveals the secrets to creating a thriving terrace garden, right on your rooftop.
Who is Dr. Viswanath Kadur?
Dr. Kadur’s journey into terrace gardening is as inspiring as his garden is lush. An entomologist by profession, he also pursued film production in the USA and returned to India to make agricultural documentaries. But an unexpected flight delay over Bangalore sparked an idea that changed his life — and the lives of thousands of urban dwellers.
As he looked down at the city rooftops, Dr. Kadur realized how much potential these open spaces had. They could cool the city by covering hot roofs with greenery and bring back the kitchen gardening culture that was fading from urban homes. Inspired, he started growing vegetables on his own terrace, recreating the backyard gardens his family once had.
Since 1995, Dr. Kadur has been organizing workshops and community events, helping people everywhere to start their own terrace gardens. His team, including urban gardeners like Laxminarayan Srinivasaiah and Dr. Rajendra, has built one of the largest urban gardening communities — with over 23,000 members worldwide.
Secret #1: Getting the Right Space for Your Terrace Garden
Your terrace can be a fertile garden space if you plan it right. If your building follows good construction practices, it can support anything from pots filled with vegetables to even trees.
Use pots for beginners — easy and less risk of leakage
Create a soil bed or lawn by covering the terrace floor with soil, but waterproof the surface underneath to avoid leaks into your home
You can experiment — terraces can handle more than you think!
Secret #2: Use Nutrient-Rich Soil Mix
The soil you use makes a huge difference in your garden’s success.
Dr. Kadur recommends a balanced mix of:
Regular soil
Compost
Coir peat (or sand)
Vermicompost
Mix all these in equal parts for best results
After heavy rains, replenish nutrients by adding compost weekly, since water can wash away essential nutrients
Secret #3: If You’re a First-Time Gardener, Start Small
Starting your terrace garden can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
Begin with just one small pot and grow a single vegetable
Easy veggies like tomatoes and chillies are perfect for beginners as they need minimal care
Be patient — plants may take a few months before giving you produce
Gradually expand your garden as your confidence grows
Secret #4: What Can You Grow in a Terrace Garden?
According to Dr. Kadur, the possibilities are almost endless:
Root vegetables: Potatoes, onions, radish, carrots, groundnuts (need more space)
Fruits: Guava, banana, coconut — these have been grown successfully on terraces
Trees: Even bigger trees can grow if the terrace is strong, but avoid mango trees for beginners as they require lots of care
Dr. Kadur even shared seeing a coconut tree on a terrace!
Secret #5: Regular Watering and Enough Sunlight are Essential
Water your garden twice a day in summer, less in winter depending on soil moisture
Avoid watering on rainy days or immediately after rain, as excess water drains nutrients from the soil
Ensure the garden gets at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
In extremely hot regions, use shading to prevent plants from scorching
Use rainwater harvesting to save water and make your own compost from kitchen waste for a sustainable garden
Bonus: Join ‘Oota From Your Thota’ — The Terrace Gardeners’ Mela
One common problem gardeners face is scattered sources of supplies — seeds here, pots there. Dr. Kadur’s team organizes a quarterly event called ‘Oota From Your Thota’ (OFYT) which gathers everything a terrace gardener needs under one roof.
Seeds, pots, soil, fertilizers, tools — all in one place
Workshops, demos, and discussions on organic farming, rainwater harvesting, vertical gardening, solar lighting, and more
Perfect for beginners and experts alike to learn and connect
Why Terrace Gardening Matters
Bangalore alone has over 5,000 terrace gardens, thanks to efforts by Dr. Kadur and his team. Terrace gardening helps:
Reduce the urban heat island effect
Provide fresh, organic vegetables within your home
Reconnect urban residents with nature and food sources
Create opportunities for income, especially when introduced in slums and schools
Dr. Kadur envisions a future where urban gardening supports the country’s food needs and reduces pressure on rural farmlands. He also encourages schools to adopt organic farming to teach children the value of growing their own food.
Final Words from Dr. Viswanath Kadur
“Put your soul into it, throw seeds and take care of them,” says Dr. Kadur. “Treat your plants like your babies, and they will reward you with amazing harvests.”
Ready to Start Your Own Terrace Garden?
Choose your space
Get the right soil mix
Start small and simple
Grow what you love and what’s easy
Water regularly and ensure good sunlight
Join a community for support and resources
Your urban terrace garden can transform your life — giving you fresh food, fresh air, and a fresh perspective. So why wait? Start sowing those seeds today!
In April 2009, Christine and her family purchased 32 acres of land with a plan to start breeding and selling meat sheep. Their goal was to help pay the mortgage and generate income after retirement. At the time, Christine fully believed in the concept of “humane slaughter” and thought their sheep had a good life — “a really great life, up until they no longer have one,” as she used to say. Looking back, she finds that phrase uncomfortable, but it reflected her understanding then.
Christine had always been an animal lover, rescuing dogs, cats, and horses. Yet, even with this love for animals, she didn’t initially connect that farm animals were no different in their desire and right to live. She soon discovered that sheep are smart, have individual personalities, form bonds with one another, and display a range of emotions—joy, fear, friendship, and much more. Despite learning this, she initially did not fully grasp the ethical implications of breeding animals for meat.
Family and the Primal Diet
Christine is married and has two adult sons. She, her husband, and her younger son Derek were following the Primal Diet—a diet similar to Paleo—that emphasized eating more meat than anything else. Christine always tried to buy organic, grass-fed meat, but it was hard to find locally and expensive. Derek, also an animal lover, suggested raising pigs, turkeys, and chickens for meat, in addition to the hens they already had for eggs.
To ensure that the animals were treated well and not stressed by transportation to the butcher, Derek decided to learn how to slaughter the animals himself. He believed that if he handled the process calmly and gently, the animals would not be afraid because they would know him. He planned to watch YouTube videos and then visit a local butcher to learn the process firsthand.
A Life-Changing Moment
One day, when Christine came home from work, Derek told her, “Mom, I’ve decided to become a vegan.” Christine initially assumed it was for health reasons. But Derek explained that he had watched a video of pigs being “humanely” slaughtered by someone they knew who handled them calmly, yet the pigs panicked and tried to escape. Other pigs in the pen saw what was happening, screamed, and also tried to flee.
Then Derek said something simple and profound: “Mom, they don’t want to die.”
This statement haunted Christine. She realized that the animals she had been raising and caring for did not want to die. It was a painful but important awakening.
Christine’s Transition to Veganism
Christine decided to give up meat. At first, she still consumed dairy products like cream in her coffee and cheese pizza and didn’t pay much attention to eggs or dairy ingredients. But then she saw a post on Facebook about dairy calves being separated from their mothers, and the reality hit her fully. She became fully vegan.
Her views on farming and animal rights changed dramatically. Christine moved away from the mindset that farm animals are commodities and embraced a compassionate understanding that all animals deserve to live their lives free from harm.
Lessons from Christine’s Story
Christine’s journey teaches us:
Farm animals are emotional, intelligent beings with personalities and feelings.
The idea of “humane slaughter” is often a comforting myth that masks the reality of animal suffering.
Real change begins when we acknowledge the feelings and rights of animals.
Farming is not just a business but also a profound ethical responsibility.
Christine’s story is an inspiring example for anyone struggling to reconcile animal welfare with farming practices.
When God did not make any difference while creating humans, then why should we humans do so? We are all one — being born in different religions does not mean that we are different. The real purpose of religion is to unite us, not to divide us.”
Be it a temple, mosque, church or gurudwara — all paths lead to the same God. Humans are not born with religion, they are given religion after birth. Therefore, the real religion is humanity.”
We should respect every religion, because every religion teaches love, compassion and brotherhood. When mother can be one who brings us to this earth, then why can’t God be one who gives us life?”
If you look with the eyes of the heart, every human being is the same — only the clothes, language, and way of worship are different.” My Religion – Humanity
My religion is Hinduism, and it teaches me to respect people of all faiths. Religion should never be a wall that divides — it should be a bridge that connects hearts.
We must respect every religion, every caste, and every human being. Our hearts should be filled with love, compassion, and kindness. No one is small, no one is great — we are all equal, because we are all children of the same Divine.
God has sent us to this Earth to enjoy life with meaning and purpose. Money, homes, clothes — all these are just tools for living. But the real wealth is Humanity.
Today may be my time, tomorrow it may be someone else’s. So live life to the fullest, spread laughter, spread love. We came into this world empty-handed and we will leave the same way. We take nothing with us — but the goodness we leave behind in people’s hearts will live on.
What is Hinduism
Hindu Dharma, also known as Hinduism, is not just a religion — it is a way of life that has evolved over thousands of years in the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the oldest spiritual traditions in the world and embraces diversity, tolerance, and inner growth.
Core Principles of Hindu Dharma
1. Dharma Means Duty and Righteousness In Hinduism, dharma means more than religion. It refers to living a life of duty, truth, compassion, and balance — fulfilling one’s responsibilities with honesty and kindness.
2. “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – The World is One Family Hindu Dharma teaches unity and universal brotherhood. Every being on Earth is part of one large family.
3. Compassion, Truth, and Non-Violence Speak the truth (Satya), practice non-violence (Ahimsa), and show kindness (Karuna) these are essential values in Hinduism.
4. Law of Karma As you sow, so shall you reap Every action (karma) has a reaction. Good actions lead to good results and spiritual growth.
5. Rebirth and Moksha (Liberation) Hinduism believes in rebirth (reincarnation). The ultimate goal is Moksha liberation from the cycle of birth and death, and unity with the Divine.
6. One God, Many Forms Hindus believe in one Supreme Reality (Brahman) but worship it in various forms like Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, Krishna, Rama, etc. All deities are different expressions of the same Divine.
7. Diversity and Tolerance Hindu Dharma respects all paths to truth. It teaches that no one religion is the only way every path that leads to truth is valid.
8. Yoga, Meditation, and Inner Peace Spiritual practices like Yoga, Meditation, and Chanting are integral parts of Hindu life. They bring mental peace and connect us with our higher self.
Sacred Texts of Hinduism
Vedas – The oldest scriptures containing knowledge of life, nature, and spirituality.
Upanishads – Deep philosophical teachings about the soul and ultimate reality.
Bhagavad Gita – A divine conversation about duty, devotion, and wisdom.
Ramayana and Mahabharata – Epic stories filled with moral and spiritual lessons.
What Does Hindu Dharma Teach Us?
Let all be happy, let all be free from illness.” (Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah)
“Truth is one, the wise call it by many names.” (Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti)
“Non-violence is the highest duty.” (Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah)
In Simple Words
Hindu Dharma teaches us to love, respect, and serve all living beings. It tells us: Live with purpose, spread peace, seek truth, and realize your divine self.
