How did an engineer from Surat turn natural farming into a six-figure success?

Vikas Gamit had a stable IT career in Bengaluru. He gave it up anyway. In 2019, the Surat-born engineer returned to his village of Uteva in Gujarat, troubled by what he saw as the long-term cost of chemical-dependent agriculture. What followed was not a retreat from ambition, it was a redirection of it.

Gamit set up a "jungle model" natural farm on his land, growing fruits, vegetables and multiple crops without chemicals. The approach, which draws on principles of sustainable mixed cultivation, has helped cut input costs, improve soil health and ensure year-round produce. He also built a dairy unit with Gir cows, using the milk to make and sell branded desi ghee.

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His annual earnings have now crossed Rs 10 lakh more than he made in his corporate career.

"I decided that I myself would not eat poison, and I would not feed poison to others either," Gamit told ANI. "I started natural farming in 2019 and I am continuing it till today. I have achieved very good success from it."

The Gujarat government provided financial support along the way, including subsidies for a godown, a poly-house and seed procurement. Nitin Gamit, Joint Director of the Gujarat Prakrutik Krushi Vikas Board, said Vikas has become a model for the region. "An engineer by qualification, he has embraced natural farming and emerged as an inspiration for youth and farmers across the district," he said.

Vikas has since been recognised by the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry as a Young Progressive Farmer.

With inputs from ANI