farming writers

Category: farming# tech #agro #tech #

  • Civil Engineer to Organic Mango Farmer: Rohan Prakash’s Journey to Green Success in Uttar Pradesh

    In a world where the youth are drifting away from agriculture, Rohan Prakash stands out. A 23-year-old civil engineering graduate from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Rohan didn’t just follow his degree — he followed his roots. Today, he is the only certified organic mango farmer in the state and is earning lakhs annually through sustainable farming.

    A Family of Engineers, A Legacy of Farming

    Rohan grew up in a family of civil engineers — both his father and grandfather practiced engineering, but their hearts remained connected to the land. Watching them manage farms alongside their careers, Rohan developed a natural interest in agriculture.

    Since childhood, I watched my father and grandfather work on farms. I gradually became inclined toward it,” Rohan shared in an interview with The Better India.

    From Classroom to Farmland: The Organic Shift

    While in the second year of his civil engineering degree, Rohan started seriously considering organic farming. After observing the soil and output on their farmland, he decided to eliminate chemical fertilizers and pesticides, replacing them with neem oil-based natural alternatives.

    The results were immediate.

    “From the very first year, we saw noticeable improvement in the size and taste of the fruits,” he said.

    Encouraged by this, the entire family committed to 100% organic farming. After three years of hard work, Rohan gained official recognition as Uttar Pradesh’s only organic mango grower.

    Sure Organics’ – Building a Brand in Northern India

    Rohan launched his brand, ‘Sure Organics’, and began selling his produce directly to organic stores in New Delhi. Within months, the brand gained popularity across North Indian markets. The results?

    3x–4x profit increase

    40% boost in productivity

    High-quality, chemical-free produce

    Their product line includes multiple mango varieties like:

    Dasheri

    Langra

    Chausa

    Safeda

    Gulab Jamun

     Beyond Mangoes: Expanding the Orchard

    Rohan didn’t stop at mangoes. He diversified the farm to include:

    Litchi

    Turmeric

    Guava

    Peach

    Rice

    These fruits follow a four-month growing cycle, and the newly planted guava and peach trees have already started bearing fruit. Rohan is optimistic about their future demand.

    Empowering the Local Community

    The impact of Rohan’s organic farm goes beyond profits:

    10–15 villagers employed in harvesting, packaging, and transportation

    Homemade organic compost and pesticides are also sold at low prices to local farmers, encouraging more sustainable farming in the area

    “We make organic fertilizers on our farm and provide them to nearby farmers at affordable rates,” Rohan adds.

    Vision for the Future: From India to the World

    While fulfilling Delhi’s organic store demands, Rohan now dreams bigger:

    Expand ‘Sure Organics’ across India

    Launch exports to international markets

    Inspire young, educated Indians to take up organic farming as a viable and profitable career

    Rohan’s Message to Young India

    “Farming is not a fallback; it’s a future. Educated youth must explore organic agriculture—it’s good for the planet, the people, and your pocket.”

    Key Takeaways from Rohan’s Story

    ✅ Education + Traditional Knowledge = Sustainable Innovation
    ✅ Organic Farming = Long-Term Profit + Environmental Impact
    ✅ Branding and Quality = Market Success

    Want more inspiring farmer stories?

    Follow World Farmer Story for real journeys of success, transformation, and hope — from soil to success, from villages to global markets.

  • Success Story: How Suman Sukhija Earns 3 Million Rupees Annually Growing ‘Kida Jadi’ (Cordyceps) at Home

    From Homegrown Herbal Farming to a Profitable Medicinal Mushroom Business

    Introduction

    In today’s modern world, farming is no longer confined to vast fields or farmlands. With the right knowledge and technology, farming medicinal herbs and mushrooms at home can open doors to lucrative income streams. One such inspiring story is that of Suman Sukhija from Delhi, who has turned her home into a thriving business by cultivating Cordyceps mushrooms — popularly known in Hindi as ‘Kida Jadi’ (literally “insect herb”). This mushroom is famous for its medicinal properties and commands a high market demand. Here is how Suman transformed her idle time and space into an enterprise earning millions every year.

    How It All Started

    Suman, a resident of Delhi, used to spend most of her time at home with idle hours. Wanting to use her time productively and do something unique, she explored growing medicinal herbs rather than common vegetables. In 2018, she enrolled for professional training in mushroom cultivation at HAIC (Haryana Agricultural and Industrial Corporation) Mushroom and Agricultural Development Center, Murthal, Haryana.

    During her training on button mushrooms, she also learned about Cordyceps militaris — a medicinal fungus found naturally in the Himalayan region but increasingly cultivated under controlled laboratory conditions. This fungus is known for its potent health benefits and has a growing demand in herbal and pharmaceutical markets.

    Setting Up a Lab at Home and Initial Investment

    After completing her training, Suman converted a 200 sq ft room in her house into a small cultivation lab. The setup cost approximately ₹4 lakh, including infrastructure and equipment. She imported the Cordyceps culture (the mushroom “seed”) from Thailand — the culture comes in small 3-inch petri dishes, which form the base for growing mushrooms.

    The initial investment was significant but carefully planned. Suman now sells the Cordyceps culture at ₹93,000 per kilogram and earns around ₹30 lakh annually from this business alone.

    Cultivation Process and Workload

    Growing Cordyceps mushrooms does not require excessive labor or constant attention. Suman explains that maintaining optimal temperature and humidity is essential, but once set up, the process is fairly manageable. To start cultivation, a minimum of 100 sq ft space is needed.

    One of the biggest advantages of Cordyceps mushrooms is their long shelf life, which means sellers don’t have to rush to sell them fresh immediately — making the business more flexible.

    Medicinal Benefits and Market Demand

    Cordyceps mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and known to help with:

    Autoimmune diseases

    Respiratory issues

    Diabetes control

    Lowering cholesterol

    Kidney health maintenance

    Due to these health benefits, Cordyceps is in high demand among pharmaceutical companies, Ayurvedic product manufacturers, and health food markets, making it a highly profitable crop.

    Training Others and Expanding the Business

    Suman did not stop at just growing mushrooms herself. She started training 20-30 people every month on how to cultivate Cordyceps mushrooms successfully. She charges ₹15,000 per person for these training sessions and also assists interested farmers in setting up their own labs and sourcing quality cultures.

    Through this, she has empowered many budding entrepreneurs, especially women, to start their own medicinal mushroom farming business.

    Lessons and Inspiration

    Suman’s story clearly demonstrates that with the right knowledge, effort, and vision, even home-based farming can turn into a million-rupee business. Her journey inspires those looking to diversify farming or start agribusiness without large landholdings.

    This success also highlights the growing potential of medicinal plants and mushrooms, an emerging sector with increasing global demand.

    How You Can Start Your Own Cordyceps Farming Business

    Get professional training from a recognized institute or agricultural center.

    Ensure you have at least 100 sq ft of clean, controlled space for setting up a cultivation lab.

    Be prepared for an initial investment of around ₹3-4 lakh for infrastructure and culture procurement.

    Source quality Cordyceps culture from reliable suppliers.

    Keep yourself updated on best cultivation practices and market trends.

    Conclusion

    From a small home lab to earning over ₹30 lakh annually, Suman Sukhija’s journey is a testament to how determination and innovation can unlock new opportunities in agriculture. If you are interested in medicinal herb farming, Cordyceps cultivation offers a promising path to success.

  • Desert Turned Green: The Inspiring Story of Paul Mutua from Kenya

    Category: World Farmer | Location: Machakos County, Kenya | Focus: Drought, Regenerative Farming, Hope

    Introduction: A Farmer with No Rain

    In the semi-arid lands of Machakos County in Kenya, farming is not just an occupation — it’s a battle for survival. This is where 48-year-old Paul Mutua, a smallholder farmer, once stood at the edge of despair.

    For years, Paul depended on the rains to grow maize, beans, and vegetables. But as the years passed, rainfall became increasingly erratic. Droughts lasted longer. The soil hardened. And the crops… disappeared.

    There were days when I stared at the empty sky and wondered, ‘Will it ever rain again?’” Paul recalls

    The Collapse: When the Fields Gave Up

    Between 2012 and 2014, Paul faced three consecutive years of crop failure. The borewell dried up. His wife fell sick. His children were forced to drop out of school. Debt piled up. Food became a struggle.

    I was no longer a farmer. I was just a man watching his land die,” he says.

    A Seed of Hope: Training, Not Charity

    In 2015, an NGO named Green Horizons Africa launched a regenerative agriculture program in Paul’s village. They offered local farmers training in:

    Rainwater harvesting

    Contour farming

    Drought-resistant crops

    Drip irrigation

    Organic soil management

    Paul, though skeptical at first, decided to join the workshops.

    I realized I didn’t just need help — I needed to relearn farming,” he says.

    The Turnaround: Farming With Nature, Not Against It

    Paul began small. He built a cemented rainwater harvesting tank next to his home. He dug contour trenches on his sloped field to trap runoff water. And most importantly, he switched to climate-resilient crops like:

    Sorghum

    Cassava

    Cowpeas

    Amaranth

    He also installed a basic drip irrigation system using low-cost pipes and gravity-fed tanks.

    The results were remarkable.

    In the first season, I harvested more food than in the last four years combined,” Paul shares proudly.

    Rising From the Dust: The New Normal

    Today, Paul’s farm is green — even in dry months. He harvests two seasons a year. His income has risen from less than ₹40,000 annually to over ₹2.25 lakhs (KES 350,000).

    His children are back in school. His wife receives medical care. The family even installed solar lighting at home.

    Paul now sells surplus vegetables in nearby markets and saves seeds to share with fellow farmers.

    Giving Back: From Farmer to Mentor

    Paul didn’t stop at his success. He converted a small patch of his land into a Community Learning Plot. Every weekend, he trains 30–50 neighboring farmers in low-cost, water-efficient techniques.

    We don’t need to wait for big governments. Farmers can save themselves — and each other — if we share knowledge,” Paul says.

    Key Lessons from Paul’s Journey

    ✅ Adaptation beats dependence. Waiting for rain is not a strategy — building systems is.
    ✅ Local knowledge matters. Paul used indigenous crops and local materials to transform his farm.
    ✅ Community is power. One farmer’s change can inspire a whole village.
    ✅ Climate change is real — but so is resilience.

    Final Thoughts: A Story That Sprouted from Dry Earth

    Paul Mutua’s story is not just about drought or poverty — it’s about determination, innovation, and transformation. It reminds us that farming is not just about the harvest… it’s about the hope you plant in the soil every day.

    If your land is dry, water your ideas. That’s where the next crop will come from.” – Paul Mutua

    Featured in “World Farmer Story” — where every farmer’s struggle becomes a global inspiration.

  • How an Engineer Couple Built an Electric Bull to Solve Farmers’ Problems

    After 14 years, mechanical engineer Tukaram Sonvane and his industrial engineer wife Sonali Veljali returned to their ancestral village, Andarsul. Witnessing the struggles of local farmers firsthand, they invented a unique device — the Electric Bull — that helps small farmers by making agricultural work easier, affordable, and more efficient.

    Lockdown Inspired Innovation

    During the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, many people returned to their villages. Tukaram and Sonali, both working in Pune as engineers, also came back to their village for the first extended period in 14 years.

    While staying there, Tukaram observed the persistent challenges farmers faced. Despite advancements, small farmers were still dependent on animals and manual labor for many farming tasks. Modern machinery was either unaffordable or unsuitable for their needs, resulting in high costs and delayed farming activities.

    Understanding the Farmers’ Challenges

    Tukaram noticed that farmers relied heavily on bulls and laborers for plowing, sowing, and spraying pesticides. However, the number of bulls was declining due to high maintenance costs, and hired labor was expensive and unreliable.

    Sonali also observed how these inefficiencies were increasing production costs and affecting the quality of harvests.

    Tukaram explains, “Farmers face difficulties in completing tasks on time because of reliance on animals and labor. This impacts crop quality and their income.”

    Together, they decided to develop a cost-effective, electric-powered tool that could perform multiple tasks traditionally done by bulls — and thus, the idea of the Electric Bull was born.

    What is the Electric Bull and How Does it Work?

    Using their engineering skills, Tukaram designed the Electric Bull during the lockdown with parts sourced from outside and local fabrication support.

    The Electric Bull is a compact, electric-powered device that can be used for plowing, sowing seeds, pesticide spraying, trimming, and other farm tasks. It runs on a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 4 hours per charge, with a full charge taking just about 2 hours from a single-phase electrical connection available in rural homes.

    Tukaram says, “Tasks such as seed sowing and pesticide spraying require precision, which bulls cannot provide. Our Electric Bull can perform these tasks efficiently and at a fraction of the cost.”

    Benefits for Farmers

    Traditionally, managing 2 acres of farmland could cost a farmer nearly ₹50,000 due to labor and animal expenses. With the Electric Bull, the cost reduces dramatically to just ₹5,000, a tenfold decrease.

    Farmer Subhash Chavan from Ahmednagar district shared, “Earlier, I needed 12 laborers and 3 days to finish the work. Now, it takes only a few hours and is much cheaper.”

    This device is especially beneficial for small and marginal farmers who cannot afford tractors or large machines.

    Growing Demand and Future Plans

    Tukaram and Sonali have established a startup named Krishigati Private Limited to manufacture and promote the Electric Bull. Interest is growing rapidly from Maharashtra and other states such as Andhra Pradesh.

    So far, they have received over 300 inquiries and booked more than 10 units. They are also in talks with seven dealers to expand distribution.

    Sonali shares, “We are developing six more devices to meet varied farming needs. Our vision is to help farmers not just in India but across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.”

    Commitment to Farmers and Innovation

    Both engineers are deeply connected to farming communities through family and personal experiences. Sonali says, “We understand farmers’ pain points closely. The lockdown gave us an opportunity to innovate and contribute meaningfully.”

    They believe engineering can solve agricultural problems and are dedicated to improving the livelihoods of farmers through smart technology.

    Conclusion

    The Electric Bull invented by Tukaram Sonvane and Sonali Veljali represents a significant breakthrough for Indian agriculture. By providing an affordable, eco-friendly, and efficient alternative to traditional bulls and expensive machines, this device empowers small farmers to boost productivity and reduce costs.

    Innovations like these can transform farming and help India achieve sustainable agricultural growth.