From Banker to Farmer: Rs 21 Cr Success with Natural Farming

The Farm Revolution: Amith Kishan's Journey Towards Sustainable Agriculture

Imagine a serene farm where traditional methods reign supreme - indigenous seeds sown by farmers, bulls ploughing vast fields, cows grazing on lush grasslands, and rural women expertly crafting ghee over a crackling wooden fire. This idyllic setting is the brainchild of Amith Kishan, a former banker turned eco-conscious farmer on a mission to transform the way we grow, harvest, and consume food.

Concerned about the prevalence of chemically-treated produce, Amith transitioned from a corporate banking job in Bengaluru to establish Hebbevu Farms. His vision is simple yet profound - to offer customers fresh organic vegetables, pulses, and dairy products while prioritizing sustainability. Embracing eco-friendly practices, he ditched plastics, chemicals, and tractors in favor of age-old farming techniques.

From cultivating indigenous brinjals and groundnuts to nurturing rare coconut varieties and a variety of pulses, Amith's farm boasts over 40 diverse food crops alongside dairy items and vegetable oils. With a daily output of up to six tonnes of vegetables and 1,500 liters of milk, he has served over 3 lakh customers, operating through both a Bengaluru store and an online platform.

From Finance to Farming

Having worked in the banking sector with renowned institutions for eight years, Amith felt a pull towards his agricultural roots, inspired by his grandfather's farming legacy. The pivotal moment came when he witnessed a client's battle with cancer, prompting him to reevaluate the quality of our food and lifestyle choices. In 2016, he made the bold leap from finance to farming, driven by a desire to create a positive impact.

Despite early challenges and uncertainties, including a steep learning curve on crop cultivation cycles, Amith persevered. After years of meticulous research, in 2019, he co-founded Hebbevu Farms alongside his brother Ashrith. Their journey from novice farmers to organic pioneers involved overcoming skepticism from conventional chemical-reliant farmers while advocating for natural and sustainable farming methods.

His dedication to natural farming practices bore fruit, quite literally. By eschewing chemical fertilizers in favor of organic alternatives like cow dung and urine, alongside innovative farming techniques like deep soil ploughing and the introduction of native animals, Amith revitalized the soil ecosystem. The presence of earthworms, once a rarity due to chemical use, became a testament to his regenerative farming approach.

Empowering Rural Women: The Heart of Hebbevu

Central to Amith's farming ethos is the empowerment of rural women. Collaborating with over 3,000 women from neighboring villages, he provides not just employment but a sense of pride and financial stability. By allocating milk production quotas that translate into direct employment opportunities for these women, he fosters a sustainable ecosystem where everyone benefits.

One such beneficiary, Govindamma, highlights the transformative impact of this employment model. From sporadic daily wage work to a stable income producing ghee and paneer, she symbolizes the positive ripple effect of Amith's agricultural initiative. Overjoyed with her newfound financial independence, she narrates how she could build a home for her family, breaking free from financial uncertainty.

Reflecting on his journey, Amith underlines the stark contrast between his past urban hustle and his present agrarian serenity. The shift from a fast-paced city life to a slower, more connected existence has not just enriched his own life but also the lives of those around him. By prioritizing community well-being and sustainable practices, he has not only revolutionized his farm but also set a promising example for modern agriculture.