Meera Singh lives in a small village in Bihar. Her family had a few acres of land where they earlier farmed traditionally. Meera studied till school and then studied agricultural science in college in the city. She had a passion to transform the agriculture of her village.
Revolution in Agriculture with Modern Technology
In 2025, Meera started applying smart farming techniques on her land. She learned to use drones, which used to monitor the fields from above. Drones helped Meera know the condition of the crop – where there was a shortage of water, where there was a problem of weeds and leaves, and where there was a need for more fertilizer.
Apart from this, Meera also used an AI-based soil analysis app. This app took satellite data and soil samples and told what was lacking in the soil and how to use organic fertilizers accordingly.
Avoid Chemical Fertilizers
Meera reduced the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in her farm. She adopted vermicompost and bio-pesticides, which improved the quality of the soil and made the crop healthy.
Direct Market and E-commerce
To sell her organic vegetables and fruits, Meera contacted big organic stores in the city as well as e-commerce platforms like Amazon and local farm-to-table apps. This started earning her more profit and reduced the need for middle brokers.
Community Impact
Meera also started training many farmers of her village about smart farming. Together they formed a farming cooperative where everyone shares their experiences and adopts new technologies together.
Today Meera’s village has become a model of smart farming where people use modern technology along with traditional methods.
What should be learnt from this story?
The right use of technology can make farming more profitable and sustainable.
Production can be increased even by reducing chemical fertilizers, if both organic and technology are present together.
With community cooperation, farming can be increased on a scale.
Farmers earn more profit by getting direct market from digital platforms.
Farmer Name: Seán O’Malley Location: County Mayo, Ireland Farm Type: Small-scale Dairy & Artisanal Cheese Production Annual Income: Approx. €95,000–€130,000 (from milk, cheese, and farm shop) Tagline: “When the cows came home, a new legacy was born.”
From Family Struggles to Farming Dreams
Seán O’Malley grew up on a struggling dairy farm that had been in his family for three generations. By 2015, due to low milk prices and rising debt, the family considered selling the land. But Seán, recently returned from a food tech course in Dublin, convinced them to try something new—turn their raw milk into premium farmhouse cheese.
The Cheese That Changed Everything
Seán launched “Mayo Gold”, a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese made from the milk of his own grass-fed cows. He aged the cheese on wooden shelves in a handmade cellar built into a hillside shed.
In 2018, Mayo Gold won a Bronze medal at the World Cheese Awards, and that recognition changed his life.
Smart Business Moves
Built a micro-creamery on the farm with a local grant (€25,000 from the LEADER rural development program).
Created a farm shop and tasting room.
Added weekend cheese-making classes and farm tours, drawing in tourists from Galway and beyond.
Partnered with gourmet stores and pubs across Ireland.
Income Breakdown
Raw milk sales: €30,000
Cheese sales (direct + wholesale): €70,000
Farm tours & classes: €20,000+
Online orders (started in 2021): growing 10% yearly
Key Techniques Used
Grass-based rotational grazing for high-quality milk
Use of heritage Irish cow breeds (like Kerry and Dexter)
Natural rennet and slow aging (6–9 months) for deeper flavor Impact
Today, Seán trains young Irish farmers through weekend workshops and mentors others wanting to move from commodity farming to value-added products. His story has been covered in Irish Farmers Journal and RTÉ One’s Ear to the Ground.
Key Takeaways for Farmers
✅ Adding value to raw products can multiply income ✅ Local traditions + modern marketing = global appeal ✅ One great product can revive an entire farm
Specialization: Nishikigoi (Japanese koi) breeding – especially Kohaku, Showa, and Sanke
Farm Size: 35 large mud ponds
Customers: Japan, Europe, USA, China, Southeast Asia
Annual Revenue (Estimated): Over ¥80 million (~$550,000 USD)
Early Life and Passion for Koi
Masaru Saito was born into a family that appreciated beauty in nature, but not directly into the koi industry. His fascination with koi fish began in childhood, growing up near Ojiya, the birthplace of Nishikigoi.
As a teenager, he trained under Toshio Sakai, one of the most legendary koi breeders in Japan. Under Sakai’s mentorship, Masaru learned the intricacies of bloodline management, pond ecosystem balance, and koi health — skills that would later define his success.
The Birth of Shintaro Koi Farm
In 1991, Saito-san established his own koi farm: Shintaro Koi Farm. The name was chosen in honor of his father’s childhood nickname and symbolizes “deep roots and steady growth.”
His early years were tough:
Competing with dozens of established breeders in Niigata
Managing water quality and fish health without the resources of bigger farms
Developing his own koi line using Matsunosuke bloodline (renowned for large, strong, and vibrant koi)
Slowly, his reputation grew as customers noticed the bright coloration, large size, and stable patterns in his koi.
Disaster Strikes: 2004 Niigata Earthquake
In October 2004, a massive earthquake struck the Niigata region. Saito’s farm was devastated:
85% of his mud ponds cracked or collapsed
Water systems were damaged
Hundreds of valuable koi were lost
It was the lowest point in his career.
But Saito didn’t give up. With community support, government assistance, and his own savings, he:
Purchased new land in Nagaoka
Rebuilt 35 modern mud ponds
Upgraded his filtration and monitoring systems
In just 3 years, his koi quality surpassed pre-earthquake levels — a testament to his skill and resilience.
Becoming a Global Koi Brand
By the late 2010s, Shintaro Koi Farm had become a household name in koi auctions and koi expos worldwide. Saito began:
Selling top koi through international online auctions
Partnering with koi resellers in Germany, Netherlands, UK, China, and the US
Hosting farm visits and educational workshops for hobbyists and breeders
He became famous for a few specific koi:
A Giant Showa sold for over ¥2.5 million (~$18,000 USD)
A female Sanke won top honors at the Japan All Koi Show
Today, collectors and hobbyists worldwide recognize “Shintaro” as a premium, high-value brand.
Farming Philosophy
Saito believes koi are not just fish — they are living art, and a reflection of patience, harmony, and water wisdom.
“Every koi is like a brushstroke in a water painting. You don’t force the shape—you guide it.”
He practices:
Minimal chemical use, relying on algae balance
Slow growth strategy for better body structure
Selective breeding, rejecting over 90% of fry to raise only the top 10%
Educational Contribution
Masaru Saito also:
Mentors young breeders in Niigata and abroad
Offers koi training for students of aquaculture
Collaborates with universities on koi genetics research
His farm is a koi learning center where visitors from Europe and Asia regularly attend koi evaluation sessions and hands-on spawning demonstrations.
Income and Profitability
Sells high-end koi for ¥200,000–¥2,500,000 each (~$1,500–$18,000 USD)
Lower-tier koi sold in bulk for pond hobbyists
Holds seasonal auctions and special koi events
Runs a koi viewing tour that attracts 1,000+ tourists a year
Estimated Net Profit: ¥30–35 million per year (~$200,000–$250,000 USD)
Legacy and Impact
Masaru Saito has:
Preserved and enhanced Japanese koi breeding heritage
Inspired a new generation of digital-savvy koi breeders
Helped globalize the koi culture from rural Japan to elite gardens in Dubai, Paris, and Los Angeles
In the heart of Nigeria’s north-central Nasarawa State lies the suburban settlement of Keffi, a community where farming remains the backbone of many livelihoods. Among its farmers, Emmanuel’s story stands out—not just for his success, but for the remarkable journey from a university graduate struggling to find a job to a thriving Bt Cowpea farmer whose innovation and perseverance transformed his economic future.
From University Graduate to Unexpected Farmer
Emmanuel had always envisioned a different future after university. Like many young Nigerians, he dreamed of a career that would fully utilize his education and offer financial stability. However, after graduation, the harsh reality of unemployment forced him to reconsider his options. Despite his initial reluctance, he turned to agriculture—a field he knew but had never seriously considered as a profession.
This decision was not an easy one. Farming is often perceived as laborious and financially unstable. However, Emmanuel’s academic background in agriculture gave him a foundation, and soon, his commitment and hard work began to pay off.
Struggling with Conventional Cowpea Farming
For years, Emmanuel farmed the traditional cowpea, a staple known locally as iron beans. Cowpea farming in Nigeria faces numerous challenges—chief among them pest infestations that drastically reduce yield. Emmanuel shared, “Before discovering Bt Cowpea, I cultivated the common variety. From a hectare, I would only harvest two or three bags of beans. Even with frequent pesticide spraying, the best I could get was four bags per hectare.”
The limited yield meant barely breaking even, making it difficult to sustain his family or reinvest in the farm.
The Turning Point: Discovering Bt Cowpea
Emmanuel’s fortunes took a dramatic turn in December 2023, thanks to a friend who introduced him to Bt Cowpea—a genetically modified variety engineered to resist pest attacks. Eager to learn more, Emmanuel visited the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) in Zaria. There, he met Prof. Hassan, Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, who provided him with a 100kg bag of Bt Cowpea seed.
“Seeds were scarce at the time,” Emmanuel recalled, “but I was determined to make it work.”
He planted five hectares with 20kg of seed per plot, hopeful but cautious. Unlike the conventional cowpea, Bt Cowpea requires significantly less pesticide, making it less labor-intensive and more cost-effective.
Reaping the Rewards: From Struggle to Success
The harvest far exceeded Emmanuel’s expectations. From that single 100kg bag of Bt Cowpea seed, he reaped 136 bags of 100kg each—a yield increase that dramatically changed his financial situation.
“The difference was night and day,” Emmanuel explained. “Where before I struggled, now I was successful enough to support myself and my family. I’m able to pay the school fees for my five younger siblings, something I couldn’t have dreamed of before.”
Expanding the Farm and Family Involvement
Emmanuel didn’t stop at one successful season. With the profits from his initial harvest, he expanded his Bt Cowpea farm to 7.3 hectares. In a recent harvest from six hectares, he collected 89 bags, selling them for a staggering N21 million.
Bt Cowpea farming is no longer just Emmanuel’s livelihood—it has become a family affair. His wife manages a separate farm plot, and Emmanuel has even ventured into dry-season farming to meet the rising demand for this high-yield crop.
Why Bt Cowpea is a Game-Changer
When asked about the differences between conventional cowpea and Bt Cowpea, Emmanuel was clear: “There’s no comparison. Bt Cowpea competes with every hybrid variety on the market. It’s less stressful to farm, reduces the need for pesticides, and produces a higher yield.”
The genetically modified Bt Cowpea resists major pests, reducing losses and minimizing the environmental impact from pesticide use. For farmers like Emmanuel, it’s not just a crop — it’s a technological breakthrough that ensures food security and economic stability.
Future Plans: Seed Production and Giving Back
Emmanuel’s vision goes beyond personal success. For the next planting season, he plans to dedicate five hectares solely to Bt Cowpea seed production. “I want to give back to the farming community,” he said. “The technology that changed my life should be available to others who want to improve their livelihoods.”
Conclusion
Emmanuel’s story is a powerful example of how innovation, resilience, and education can transform rural farming in Nigeria. From a jobless graduate to a prosperous farmer, his journey underscores the potential of genetically modified crops like Bt Cowpea to revolutionize agriculture and empower communities.
As Emmanuel continues to grow his farm and expand his business, he inspires many in Keffi and beyond to embrace modern farming techniques and reap the rewards of hard work and smart choices.
In the lush hills of Idukki, Kerala, farming is not just a livelihood — it is a way of life. Among the many farmers here, K. Ramesan stands out as a visionary leader who has taken bold steps to transform not only his own farming but the fortunes of hundreds of fellow farmers. Cultivating crops such as cardamom, ginger, turmeric, pepper, and rubber, Ramesan faced the familiar struggles of farmers in the region: unpredictable market prices, natural calamities, and threats from wild animals. But rather than succumbing to these challenges, he sought a collective solution.
The Birth of a Farmers’ Collective
Understanding the power of unity, K. Ramesan formed the Prakash Gram Spices Farmers Society — a cooperative society consisting of 100 local farmers based in Karunapuram Gram Panchayat, Idukki. The goal was clear: to help farmers reclaim control over their produce, ensure fair profits, and promote sustainable, organic farming methods.
> “Only a real farmer can understand the struggles of his fellow farmers,” says Ramesan, whose deep empathy and leadership have been central to the society’s success.
Tackling Soil Degradation Through Organic Farming
For decades, the once fertile lands of the High Range in Idukki had suffered due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, leading to soil degradation and reduced productivity. Recognizing this threat, the Prakash Gram Society embarked on a mission to restore the soil’s natural fertility through organic farming.
The farmers collectively grow a wide variety of spices — including pepper, cardamom, ginger, and clove — without relying on synthetic chemicals. Instead, they focus on organic inputs and sustainable agricultural practices that nurture the land rather than exhaust it.
Infrastructure and Innovations Supporting Sustainability
The society has invested in crucial infrastructure that supports organic farming and water conservation, including:
A dedicated organic manure production unit, providing a chemical-free nutrient source for the crops.
A nursery for coconut saplings to support diversified agriculture.
Self-constructed rain gutters and large rainwater storage ponds lined with silpoline sheets, enabling effective rainwater harvesting during the monsoon.
These initiatives not only promote sustainable farming but also reduce dependency on external inputs and help conserve natural resources.
Diversification: Expanding Beyond Spices
While spices remain the core of the society’s produce, Prakash Gram has diversified into vegetable cultivation by leasing fallow lands, transforming barren patches into fertile fields.
Among the vegetables, beans have proven particularly successful as they are naturally resistant to pests, reducing the need for pesticides. Other crops like pulses, brinjals (eggplants), tomatoes, and cabbage are also cultivated, providing farmers with multiple income streams.
K. Ramesan highlights that this diversification is key to economic resilience: “Growing a variety of crops helps farmers stabilize income and reduces the risks associated with market fluctuations.”
Value Addition and Market Linkages
One of the biggest challenges for small farmers is accessing markets that pay fair prices. Prakash Gram has overcome this by focusing on value addition and building strong market linkages.
The society processes and sells a range of high-quality, organic products including:
Chemical-free coconut oil
Pure honey
Dried turmeric powder
Pepper powder
Coffee powder
All products are made carefully in small batches to maintain quality and avoid adulteration. Their organic certification and purity have earned them demand across India, including through eco shops in Thiruvananthapuram.
Government Support and Mechanization
Prakash Gram’s work has attracted support from the Department of Agriculture, which has provided:
A subsidy of Rs. 2 lakh to set up an organic vegetable stall in Idukki.
Machinery worth Rs. 13 lakhs, including a coffee bean processing machine, cardamom grading machine, and dryers, with a subsidy of Rs. 10 lakhs.
This mechanization has improved efficiency, quality, and self-sufficiency, helping the society compete better in the market.
Reviving Fallow Lands and Scaling Up Organic Farming
The society’s vision goes beyond current achievements. They are actively working on reclaiming fallow lands — those left unused or barren for years. For instance, a five-acre plot in Tukkupalam, lying fallow for two decades, has been leased and brought under cultivation.
Plans are underway to:
Identify 20 farmers to form a cultivation cluster on five hectares of leased land.
Collaborate with agencies such as NABARD for financial assistance.
Experiment with kernel cultivation on one acre of land.
These initiatives will not only increase organic vegetable production but also contribute to restoring the ecological balance of the region.
Beyond Agriculture: Promoting Farm Tourism and Knowledge Sharing
Prakash Gram’s activities extend beyond farming. They offer facilities for farm tourism and recreational activities such as trekking, attracting visitors who want to experience organic farming and learn about soil health.
The society also conducts:
Farmer empowerment seminars
Agricultural study tours
These programs aim to spread awareness about sustainable farming practices and motivate more farmers to adopt organic methods.
A Model for Sustainable and Inclusive Farming
The story of K. Ramesan and the Prakash Gram Spices Farmers Society illustrates how farmers can unite to overcome challenges and create sustainable livelihoods. By embracing organic farming, value addition, mechanization, and community support, this society has revitalized the farming ecosystem in Idukki.
Their journey is a beacon for other farming communities struggling with soil degradation, market uncertainties, and climate risks. It highlights the importance of collective action, innovation, and respect for nature in building resilient agricultural systems.
Farming is the backbone of Canada’s economy and culture, but starting or expanding a farm can be costly. Whether you want to buy land, purchase equipment, raise livestock, or improve your farm infrastructure, having access to the right financing is critical.
Fortunately, Canada offers several loan programs and financial supports tailored specifically to farmers and agricultural businesses. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the main farming loan options in Canada, how to qualify, what to expect, and tips to help you succeed.
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Why Farming Loans Are Important in Canada
Farming requires significant capital investment—land acquisition, machinery, livestock, and operational costs all add up quickly. Unlike many other businesses, farm income can be seasonal and unpredictable, which makes securing financing a challenge.
To support the agricultural sector, the Canadian government partners with financial institutions to offer loans that reduce risk for both lenders and borrowers. These loans help:
New farmers get started,
Existing farmers expand or improve their operations,
Agribusinesses innovate and compete globally.
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Major Farming Loan Programs in Canada
1. Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (CALA) Program
The CALA Program is a federal government initiative designed to help farmers get credit by guaranteeing loans made by banks, credit unions, and other lenders. This guarantee reduces the lender’s risk and increases the chances you get approved.
Who Is Eligible?
Farmers with less than six years of experience (beginning farmers).
Established farmers looking to grow or improve.
Farm-related businesses, including cooperatives with a majority farmer ownership.
Part-time farmers.
What Can You Use the Loan For?
Buying farmland.
Building or repairing farm structures.
Purchasing equipment and machinery.
Buying livestock.
Refinancing existing debt.
Loan Amounts and Terms
Up to $500,000 for land and building purchases.
Up to $350,000 for equipment, livestock, or other farming needs.
Maximum combined loan of $500,000 per operation.
Repayment terms up to 15 years for land and 10 years for other purchases.
Interest rates typically at prime + 1% or fixed mortgage rate + 1%.
How to Apply?
Approach banks or credit unions participating in the CALA program.
Provide your farm business plan and financial details.
The lender will apply for the government guarantee.
Upon approval, you’ll receive funds with favorable loan terms.
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2. Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
Farm Credit Canada is a federal Crown corporation dedicated exclusively to agriculture lending and services. FCC offers a broad range of financial products tailored to Canadian farmers.
What Loans Does FCC Offer?
Land purchase loans.
Equipment financing.
Operating credit for inputs like seeds and fertilizers.
Livestock financing.
Environmental and sustainable farming improvements.
Support for farm transitions and succession planning.
Who Can Borrow from FCC?
Farmers at any stage of their career.
Agribusinesses and food processors.
Indigenous and First Nations farmers.
Women and young farmer entrepreneurs.
Terms and Interest Rates
Loans can be for large or small amounts depending on your needs.
Flexible repayment schedules often aligned with farm income seasonality.
Interest rates competitive and tied to prime or fixed rates.
Terms can be up to 25 years for land and buildings.
How to Apply?
Contact FCC directly or visit a local office.
Prepare your business plan and financial documents.
FCC works with you to tailor a loan package suited to your operation.
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Other Loan Sources and Supports
Banks & Credit Unions: Many offer specialized farm loans, some backed by CALA.
Provincial Programs: Some provinces have grants or loans for farming.
Federal Programs: AgriInvest, AgriStability, and AgriInsurance help manage risk.
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How to Prepare for a Farm Loan Application
Lenders want to be sure you can repay the loan, so preparation is key:
Create a strong business plan: Include detailed information about your farm, your experience, expected income, and how the loan will help.
Organize your finances: Gather tax returns, credit history, and financial statements.
Prepare collateral: Farms, equipment, or other assets can secure the loan.
Know your market: Show understanding of farming risks and opportunities.
Get advice: Consult agricultural extension offices or financial advisors.
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Tips to Maximize Your Chances of Approval
Start early — loan processing can take weeks.
Be honest and realistic in your financial forecasts.
Show a plan for loan repayment, considering seasonal income.
Demonstrate your farming knowledge and commitment.
Keep your personal and farm finances separate and well documented.
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Example: Buying a Farm with a CALA Loan
Imagine you want to buy a 150-acre farm for $350,000 and purchase $80,000 worth of equipment. Under CALA, you can get:
$350,000 loan for the land (within $500,000 max),
$80,000 for equipment (within $350,000 max),
Total $430,000 loan (within the $500,000 combined limit).
You negotiate an interest rate of prime + 1%, with repayment terms of 15 years for land and 10 years for equipment. Your lender applies for the government guarantee and upon approval, funds are disbursed.
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Final Thoughts
Farming loans in Canada provide crucial support to grow the agricultural sector and help farmers realize their dreams. Whether you are a new farmer just starting out or an established operator looking to expand, the CALA Program and Farm Credit Canada offer reliable and accessible financing solutions.
Start by understanding your financing needs, preparing a solid business plan, and reaching out to lenders experienced in agriculture. With the right loan and careful planning, your farming operation can thrive and contribute to Canada’s rich farming heritage.
Are you a UK farmer looking to buy farmland or expand your farm with new buildings? Securing finance can be tough, but the UK government’s Agricultural Mortgage Guarantee Scheme (AMGS) is here to help.
What is the Agricultural Mortgage Guarantee Scheme (AMGS)?
The AMGS is a government-backed program designed to help farmers get loans from banks to purchase agricultural land or buildings. It works by guaranteeing up to 75% of the loan value, reducing the risk for lenders and making it easier for farmers to get finance with better terms.
Why Farmers Need AMGS
Buying farmland or farm buildings often requires large loans with long repayment terms. Traditional banks may hesitate to lend because farming income can be seasonal or affected by weather and market fluctuations. The AMGS helps remove this barrier by assuring banks that most of their loan will be repaid even if the borrower defaults.
Who Can Apply for an AMGS Loan?
Established farmers or farm businesses operating in England, Scotland, or Wales.
New entrants to farming with a viable farm business plan.
Farmers planning to buy land or agricultural buildings for farming purposes.
What Can You Use the Loan For?
Purchasing agricultural land for farming.
Buying or improving farm buildings and structures such as barns, storage units, or livestock housing.
Some lenders may allow refinancing existing agricultural mortgages (check with your lender).
Loan Details: Amount, Term & Interest
Maximum loan size typically up to £500,000, though this can vary.
Loan terms usually range from 10 to 25 years to reflect the long-term nature of farming investments.
Interest rates are competitive because the government guarantee reduces lender risk.
Loans are secured against the land or buildings being purchased, and sometimes additional security is required.
Benefits of the AMGS for UK Farmers
Easier loan approval because the government guarantees most of the loan.
Better interest rates and terms than unsecured loans.
Long repayment periods tailored to farming business cycles.
Enables farmers to expand, improve, or stabilize their operations with affordable finance.
How to Apply for an AMGS Loan
1. Prepare your farm business plan and financial documents.
2. Contact a participating bank or lender — many major UK banks offer AMGS loans.
3. Submit your loan application including details of your farm and loan purpose.
4. The lender evaluates your application and applies for the government guarantee.
5. Once approved, you receive the loan to purchase land or buildings.
Participating Banks in the UK
NatWest / Royal Bank of Scotland
Barclays
Lloyds Bank
Santander UK
HSBC UK
Local agricultural lenders or credit unions may also offer AMGS loans.
Additional Tips for a Successful Application
Clearly demonstrate the viability of your farm business with detailed plans and financial projections.
Highlight your farming experience and long-term vision.
Check if you can combine AMGS loans with government grants or subsidies to reduce your costs.
Consider consulting agricultural financial advisors for expert help.
Final Thoughts
The Agricultural Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is a valuable resource that can open doors for UK farmers who need financing to purchase land or farm buildings. By reducing lender risk, AMGS makes it easier and cheaper for farmers to access long-term finance essential for growth and sustainability.
If you’re planning to grow your farm or buy new land, explore AMGS loan options with your bank today — and feel free to reach out if you want help preparing your loan application or farm business plan!
In a world where most young professionals pursue secure corporate jobs, Mukesh Kushwaha from Bardoura village near Bina in Madhya Pradesh made a bold move—he left behind a promising career in mechanical engineering to embrace farming. Today, he earns over ₹20 lakh annually through modern vegetable farming and provides employment to 20–25 people in his village. Here’s his inspiring transformation from an engineer to a successful agro-entrepreneur.
Early Life and Career Shift
Mukesh always dreamed of becoming an engineer. After completing his diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Khurai Polytechnic College in 2003, he landed a job offer in a highway construction company in 2004. However, the offered salary of just ₹6,000 per month didn’t sit well with him. Disillusioned, he returned to his village and joined his father in traditional vegetable farming on 12 acres of land.
At that time, the return on investment was modest—only ₹5–7 lakh per year, despite the hard work. That’s when Mukesh decided to modernize their farming methods.
Training and Modern Farming Transformation
With a thirst for knowledge and improvement, Mukesh approached the Horticulture Department. He was introduced to advanced farming techniques like drip irrigation, mulching, and raised-bed farming. He was also part of an exposure tour to Maharashtra and Karnataka, where he saw farmers reaping big profits using modern techniques.
This experience was a turning point. Inspired by what he saw, Mukesh returned home and began implementing these techniques. His productivity skyrocketed. Over time, he acquired 13 more acres, taking his total farmland to 25 acres.
High-Yield, Low-Cost Farming Model
Today, Mukesh grows a variety of vegetables including:
His produce is supplied to Bina, Sagar, Khurai, and Bhopal markets.
Tomato Farming for Year-Round Income
Mukesh also promotes tomato farming as a profitable crop that can be grown year-round with the right infrastructure. With drip irrigation, mulching, and proper fencing, a farmer can earn 4 to 10 times more than traditional methods.
Scientific Storage Techniques
To prevent losses from fluctuating market rates, Mukesh has mastered modern onion storage. He uses exhaust fans, bamboo fencing, and net layering over bricks to store onions for up to a year without spoilage.
Giving Back to the Community
Mukesh isn’t just a farmer—he’s a mentor. He guides fellow farmers in modern techniques and helps them improve their income. Recognizing his leadership and dedication, his village elected his wife, Mamta Kushwaha, as the village Sarpanch. Mukesh himself now serves as the Rural Wing President of BJP in the region.
What is Mulching and Why It Matters?
Mulching is the practice of covering soil with organic or synthetic materials to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enhance fertility. Mukesh uses high-quality mulching sheets that last 2–3 crop cycles. While the initial cost is ₹12,000–15,000 per acre, the returns outweigh the expense.
Conclusion
Mukesh Kushwaha’s story is a shining example of how knowledge, innovation, and courage to break societal norms can transform lives. By adopting scientific farming, he turned a modest family farm into a thriving agribusiness. His journey is not only an inspiration for Indian farmers but also a blueprint for future agri-entrepreneurs who wish to make farming a profitable and respected career.
In a time when food production has become a central topic for everyone, we want to share the story of a man who has never left agriculture and who, even today, tends to his olive and almond trees with care. This is Michele Lobascio, father of the Terradiva family, who long before the brand was born, consolidated the family farm. Behind the brand and the choice of organic agriculture, there are years of experiences, efforts, battles, human relationships, and social changes in Southern Italy and in the way of being farmers. This interview is divided into two parts, covering Michele’s life from childhood to the 1990s.
Part 1: Childhood Memories and Sharecropping (1960s)
Michele has been going to the fields since the age of seven, helping his father. In those days, the family also had animals — a horse, mule, and mare — which were the tractors of the time. Children assisted adults in animal surveillance during the “controra,” the early afternoon rest period after lunch when farmers took a break. The workday was long, from dawn around 5 AM until sunset, making the afternoon rest essential.
Animals played a crucial role: they helped plow the land, transported goods, and enabled travel between the town of Minervino Murge and the countryside. On the cart pulled by the mule and mare, it took about two hours to reach the fields on the Murgia plateau. Plowing was important for preparing the soil for sowing, breaking up clods and making it fertile for seeds. What took animals and men three full working days to do for one hectare of land back then now takes only two hours with modern machinery.
Michele helped with olive and grape harvests, and the transportation of pruning waste, which was piled outside the fields.
As a child, Michele viewed farming as an exhausting job, since farmers had to work outdoors regardless of weather conditions — rain, wind, sun, or cold. However, he admired the independence farmers had in organizing their work despite being sharecroppers.
What did it mean to be a sharecropper? Sharecropping was a form of land management where the landowner provided the land and the laborers provided the work, organization, and manpower. Initially, the harvest was split 50/50 between owners and laborers. After laborers’ struggles, the split became 60% for laborers, who also demanded that owners supply fertilizer.
Michele’s father and other laborers eventually left sharecropping because it was not remunerative enough. Michele recalls the landowner’s visits in his Fiat 1100 car, overseeing the work and asking children to pick fallen almonds during harvest.
In summer, when school ended, Michele’s family stayed in the countryside for weeks at a time, sleeping on beds made from straw bales. Days started before sunrise and ended soon after sunset. In the evenings, friends of Michele’s father would tell stories and tales after feeding the animals. The animals were well cared for, cleaned, and groomed carefully, as they were the tractors of that era. Loyal dogs named Giglio and Bobby kept the family company through changing generations.
Part 2: The Land Occupation Movement and Cooperative Farming (1970s–1990s)
At the age of twenty, Michele actively participated in the land occupation movement in Minervino Murge during 1977-78. At that time, a national law aimed to help unemployed young people by allowing them to occupy poorly cultivated lands to make them productive.
In Minervino Murge, a large farm owned by a charity but managed by the Municipality was the target of the occupation. This farm was a legacy of the Counts Corsi, intended to fund schooling for laborers’ children through its proceeds.
The occupation was a struggle that lasted months. Each time the police cleared them from the land, Michele and the other young unemployed people would return and peacefully sit down, ready to be removed again. This repeated cycle eventually convinced the authorities to recognize their efforts and assign the lands to them.
The struggle even led to a trial in the municipal council chamber, and their story gained national media attention.
RAI, the Italian state TV, broadcasted a documentary on the agricultural laborers’ struggles in Minervino Murge. The documentary was viewed all over Italy and brought support from cooperatives in Emilia-Romagna, especially from Sant’Alberto, Ravenna.
Bruno Taroni, manager of a large cooperative in Sant’Alberto, wrote Michele a letter encouraging them not to give up. This led to a valuable collaboration between the cooperative in Puglia and those in Emilia-Romagna. Michele was invited to their annual cooperative celebration, where he met with agronomists and cooperative staff who helped structure their new cooperative.
Michele’s cooperative was named “Carmine Giorgio” after a local baker and early 20th-century laborer’s rights activist from Minervino. Through support from the League of Cooperatives of the Ravenna Federation, they received essential farming equipment like tractors, irrigation systems, and tools to help shift their land from mainly wheat cultivation to diverse fruit and vegetable farming.
Later, Michele was also involved with another cooperative, “La Primula” — named after the first flower to bloom after winter. These cooperative experiences were a vital training ground: sharing ideas, teamwork, and learning to navigate different opinions.
After some years, Michele worked in processing and marketing agricultural products. This period helped him understand the complexities of large-scale distribution, from sorting vegetables and table grapes to the inner workings of distribution centers.
Finally, in 1999, Michele decided to leave the processing industry behind and focus exclusively on transforming and running his family’s farm. This led to Terradiva becoming an organic-certified farm, dedicated to sustainable and chemical-free agriculture.
Michele’s Advice to Young Farmers
Agriculture is a job for those who love it. Trees and plants are alive and fragile, needing constant care and attention. You can’t work only when it suits you—they require daily dedication and understanding.
Today, Michele knows every tree on his land—their diseases, root problems, and unique needs. Caring for plants is like dealing with people; it requires empathy and attentiveness.
When asked about innovation, Michele says it means finding ways to live better, reducing fatigue, and enabling easier production. Agriculture is exhausting and far from the romantic images often portrayed in the media. Innovation helps produce more with less effort and without toxic chemicals.
This is the story of a farmer who never left the land—who fought for it, nurtured it, and transformed it. Michele Lobascio’s journey is one of resilience, community, and commitment to a better, organic future.
“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.”
