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From Sitcom to
Soil – Why an Actor Took Up Natural Farming

In this story, popular television actor-comedian Rajesh Kumar recounts how the Rally for Rivers and Cauvery Calling movements inspired him to take to natural farming, and the huge difference it makes for the soil, water, farmers, and consumers.

Actor-comedian Rajesh Kumar is a popular face on Indian television, especially in India’s Hindi speaking states. His iconic comic roles as Subodh Thakkar in the StarPlus hit comedy-drama series Baa Bahoo Aur Baby and as Rosesh Sarabhai in the Star One hit sitcom Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai and the sequel Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai: Take 2 are well-known. But what describes him best is perhaps his Instagram profile – “actor by profession, farmer by choice.”

In 2017, he readily volunteered to play the role of the compere for large public events held to mobilize people in India’s major cities as part of the gigantic Rally for Rivers movement. This involvement kindled a deep interest and passion in him towards revitalizing the country’s soil, water, and agriculture, and inspired him to launch the natural farming initiative Mera Family Farmer (My Family Farmer).

The Shocking Eye-Opener: When a Majestic River Ran Dry

Rajesh Kumar: As an actor and comedian, stage appearances don’t frighten me; they, in fact, excite me. When I was offered the role of the compere at large Rally for Rivers public events in September 2017, I was thrilled. After compering three public meetings, I traveled to my native place, Barma in Bihar.

I stood next to a parched land near my residence, where the mighty Dardha river used to flow in full glory just a decade ago. I vividly recalled spending time on her banks and in the thick, lush vegetation around her. But in less than a decade, this glorious perennial river was brought to her knees, leaving the land dry and thirsty.

This painful experience shook something within me, and Sadhguru words echoed in my mind, “You must make up your mind, whether you want to be part of the solution, or part of the problem.” It left me wondering, “What is the point of accusing the government or society, or having endless discussions about possible solutions?” I immediately made up my mind to become part of the solution, and jumped on the Rally for Rivers bandwagon.

I was aware that bringing a river back to life was not an overnight job; it required commitment and striving by an entire generation. But I was equally aware that unless someone takes the first step, we will never dare to walk towards a solution that would take years, or probably decades, to yield results.

As I delved into a possible range of solutions, I yet again stumbled upon Sadhguru’s insights. I recalled him reiterating on numerous occasions that a viable solution was possible only if we “marry ecology and economy,” otherwise economy would win hands down. This led to the birth of the Mera Family Farmer initiative.

Back to the Roots: How We Created a Model Farm

We kickstarted with an initiative on 17 acres of land owned by our family in Bihar, with the objective of developing a model farm. In the first two years, we have grown 500 lemon trees, 2000 guava trees, 800 papaya trees, mango trees, and green chilies. Moreover, we use drip irrigation methods to ensure minimal usage of water.

This is an effort to set an example for farmers that shifting to natural farming is not only ecologically sensible but also economically viable. We have also consciously streamlined electricity usage on the farm. In less than two years, the farm is generating substantial income to sustain itself, which is an inspiring beginning for us and the neighboring farmers.

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Natural Farming – A Viable Solution on All Levels

Today, many people have a family lawyer, a family accountant, and of course, a family doctor. I thought it’s time we also have a family farmer. After several hits and trials, genuinely passionate attempts, and a roller-coaster ride of successes and failures in agriculture, we hit upon the concept of Mera Family Farmer, which is relatively new in India.

This is a subscription-based model for farmers wherein they undertake natural farming methods, and directly deliver fruits and vegetables to their clientele every week. We work with farmers who grow a wide range of fruits and vegetables in a village near Mumbai. We use only natural farming methods, and follow Subhash Palekar’s and C. V. Reddy’s natural farming methods. Both Shri Palekar and Shri Reddy have been awarded the Padma Shri for their path-breaking work for the development of agriculture in India.

In organic farming, biofertilizers and biopesticides are used, but we don’t use any of these. Instead, we use leaves and other parts of plants known for their antifungal or anti-pest properties as natural pesticides. For example, spraying buttermilk over plants helps them get rid of fungus. Additionally, fruits, flowers, and leaves grow to their fullest. Neem leaves and barks are also used for pest control.

Near Mumbai, Palghar-based farmer Gnaneshwar shares, “My grandfather was using natural farming methods, but my father shifted to chemical farming, which led to a decrease in overall output and profit margins. Since I adapted the Subhash Palekar’s natural farming method, our farming has become sustainable and profitable too. Even if one or two crops fail, it doesn’t worry us because we make decent profit by selling the other crops we have.”

Our biggest validation comes from our subscriber base, which is steadily growing. Mera Family Farmer customers share that they have shifted to consuming more vegetables. They can feel a distinct difference in their energy levels through the day. “It takes less time to cook vegetables now, and it feels very nutritious. The vegetables and fruits have a burst of flavor, which was not the experience with store-bought vegetables earlier,” shares a homemaker based in Mumbai.

Recently, a group of farmers from Nashik who are ready to supply their fruits and vegetables to families in Mumbai also joined us.

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Mera Family Farmer – A Win-Win Situation

Every week, we share the list of fruits and vegetables that are being harvested with our customers. After they make their choice, we hand-deliver 10–12 kilograms of fruits and vegetables to them for the week.

“Earlier, we had no access to high-end buyers for our produce, and as fruits and vegetables are perishable commodities, we had to sell them at a lower price. But thanks to Mera Family Farmer, we now have direct access to customers in Mumbai, and the profit margins are significantly higher,” shares Nashik farmer Hitesh Patel.

It is the quality and nutritional assurance of our produce that has made consumers stay with us, and find value for money. We want to make everyone aware of the difference made by chemical-free farming.

There are thousands of conscious consumers who truly want to help farmers. There are many Indians who are highly committed to the public good and ready to contribute to the welfare of Indian farmers and even adopt villages. Initiatives like Mera Family Farmer offer this opportunity.

The only reason why farmers are reluctant to break away from the conventional wheat–paddy cycle is because there is a guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) for these crops. If only farmers can be guaranteed of a fair price for their produce and efforts, they shall have the needed confidence to shift to tree-based agriculture, where higher income is assured. Our effort is to motivate families to adopt farms and farmers on subscription basis to create a sustainable model which will benefit soil, water, farmers, and consumers alike.

For more information, visit: www.merafamilyfarmer.com

Phone: 9820120591, 9821035180