Mechanical Engineer Transitions to Farming in Rewa, Balancing City and Country Life to Boost Crop Yield by 200-300% in Mumbai-Rewa Shuttle
In the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Niraj Kumar Singh's farm stands as a beacon of sustainability and profitability in modern Indian agriculture. With a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a corporate background, Niraj's journey into natural farming began in 2013, inspired by a training program conducted by the Art of Living[2].
Niraj's approach to farming is deeply rooted in tradition but driven by innovation, helping redefine what modern Indian farming can look like. By adopting natural farming methods, he has eliminated the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, reducing input costs to zero[1]. This shift has also resulted in **2 to 3 times higher yields per acre** compared to conventional chemical farming[1].
Niraj's farm is a testament to the power of sustainability. He cultivates ancient grain varieties like Sona Moti wheat and Buddha Rice, which are richer in protein and minerals, healthier for consumers, and fetch **nearly double the market price** of chemically farmed wheat due to rising health consciousness[1]. Additionally, his dairy products from the farm’s cow generate an additional monthly income of around Rs 75,000[1].
Niraj's farm has become a living example of how sustainable practices can also be profitable. His focus on natural farming has not only improved soil fertility and productivity but also addressed labor shortages by employing local workers[4]. However, one of the biggest challenges in his natural farming is stray animal problems, as fencing is expensive and not always practical[5].
Niraj believes that the solution to stray animal management requires district-level intervention[6]. He sees potential in rural employment initiatives to address labor shortages in natural farming[7]. For Niraj, natural farming is about healing the soil, restoring health, and bringing dignity back to the life of a farmer[8].
Niraj's farm aligns with broader national trends highlighting natural farming’s benefits such as improved soil health, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased resilience[3]. However, his example is distinctive in combining sustainability with enhanced profitability through strategic crop and livestock integration.
As Niraj boards a flight from Mumbai to Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, his passion for natural farming remains undeterred. His journey serves as an inspiration for many, demonstrating that sustainable farming practices can indeed be profitable and contribute significantly to both sustainability and profitability.
References: [1] The Better India, 2021. "This Farmer in Madhya Pradesh is Cultivating Ancient Grains and Making a Fortune". [Online] Available at: https://www.thebetterindia.com/292460/sona-moti-wheat-ancient-grains-natural-farming-niraj-kumar-singh-rewa-madhya-pradesh/ [2] The Better India, 2018. "This Mechanical Engineer Quit His Job to Revive Ancient Grains in Madhya Pradesh". [Online] Available at: https://www.thebetterindia.com/240013/mechanical-engineer-quit-job-ancient-grains-madhya-pradesh-niraj-kumar-singh/ [3] The Hindu, 2020. "Natural Farming: A Sustainable Agricultural Practice". [Online] Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/agriculture/natural-farming-a-sustainable-agricultural-practice/article32269840.ece [4] The Better India, 2021. "This Farmer in Madhya Pradesh is Cultivating Ancient Grains and Making a Fortune". [Online] Available at: https://www.thebetterindia.com/292460/sona-moti-wheat-ancient-grains-natural-farming-niraj-kumar-singh-rewa-madhya-pradesh/ [5] The Better India, 2018. "This Mechanical Engineer Quit His Job to Revive Ancient Grains in Madhya Pradesh". [Online] Available at: https://www.thebetterindia.com/240013/mechanical-engineer-quit-job-ancient-grains-madhya-pradesh-niraj-kumar-singh/ [6] The Better India, 2018. "This Mechanical Engineer Quit His Job to Revive Ancient Grains in Madhya Pradesh". [Online] Available at: https://www.thebetterindia.com/240013/mechanical-engineer-quit-job-ancient-grains-madhya-pradesh-niraj-kumar-singh/ [7] The Better India, 2018. "This Mechanical Engineer Quit His Job to Revive Ancient Grains in Madhya Pradesh". [Online] Available at: https://www.thebetterindia.com/240013/mechanical-engineer-quit-job-ancient-grains-madhya-pradesh-niraj-kumar-singh/ [8] The Better India, 2018. "This Mechanical Engineer Quit His Job to Revive Ancient Grains in Madhya Pradesh". [Online] Available at: https://www.thebetterindia.com/240013/mechanical-engineer-quit-job-ancient-grains-madhya-pradesh-niraj-kumar-singh/
Niraj's focus on natural farming has not only improved the health of consumers with the cultivation of nutrient-rich ancient grain varieties, but it has also boosted his farm's profitability, with these grains fetching nearly double the market price of chemically farmed wheat due to rising health consciousness. Niraj's emphasis on sustainable living extends beyond food-and-drink, as he also practices healthy-cooking with his dairy products, generating an additional monthly income of around Rs 75,000.
With a background in mechanical engineering, Niraj’s innovative approach to farming and adherence to sustainable practices has the potential to redefine the lifestyle of modern Indian farmers, making agriculture a more profitable and environmentally friendly endeavor, while also promoting home-and-garden practices that contribute to a sustainable living environment.
As Niraj continues to inspire others through his successful efforts in sustainable farming, his work may help create a ripple effect of positive changes in the food-and-drink industry, encouraging businesses to adopt more sustainable practices and contributing to the broader trend of sustainable living.
