Seoni Malwa farmer turns 22 acres land into green enterprise:Left studies to start multi-crop farming, grows turmeric, amla eucalyptus; earns ₹32 lakh annually

Giriraj Agrawal, a farmer from Seoni Malwa in Madhya Pradesh, has developed an innovative farming model using modern techniques. On 22 acres of land, he grows a mix of eucalyptus (Nilgiri), turmeric, amla, cardamom, sapodilla, mango, jackfruit, teak, papaya, and lemon. From this, he earns about Rs 32 lakh a year. He also extracts eucalyptus oil from the leaves, which is used for cold, cough, and pain relief. In addition, he earns money from eucalyptus poles and firewood. His farming model is now being recognised as a successful example of sustainable agriculture. Inspired by his father’s legacy Giriraj says his father, Manmohan Agrawal, received the Best Farmer National Award in 2000 from then Agriculture Minister Nitish Kumar. Motivated by him, Giriraj took up farming after leaving his studies. He had joined BSc Agriculture in Indore but had to drop out after the 12th grade. In 2002, he began farming full-time, determined to continue his father’s legacy. From traditional crops to medicinal farming In the beginning, he cultivated wheat and soybean. Later, he joined Nepa Mill’s eucalyptus plantation project. When the mill shut down, he built his own market network to sell eucalyptus wood directly. Today, his 22-acre farm includes 3 acres of mixed fruit trees like jackfruit, teak, amla, banana, sapodilla, and mango. He has also created a pond on one acre for water storage. The remaining 18 acres have 40,000 clonal eucalyptus plants (varieties 316 and 413). Between these trees, he grows organic yellow and black turmeric, increasing both income and soil fertility. Natural and chemical-free farming Giriraj follows organic and eco-friendly practices. He does not use chemical fertilisers or pesticides. Instead, fallen leaves act as natural compost, enriching the soil. During winters, migratory birds visit his farm, and their droppings work as organic manure. Every year, around 20–30 quintals of natural fertiliser are produced this way. To protect crops, Subabul plants are grown along the boundaries, reducing the impact of stubble burning. A proper drainage system prevents waterlogging during monsoon. Every part of eucalyptus is useful Eucalyptus trees are harvested one or two times a year. The bark and poles are separated, and the leaves are used to make essential oil. The wood is sold as fuel and timber. All products — oil, poles, and firewood — are sold directly from the farm to customers, cutting out middlemen. Two permanent workers are employed year-round, and 15–20 labourers work during harvesting. The average income is Rs 1.5–2 lakh per acre, giving him a total income of over Rs 32 lakh per year. Recognition from scientists and the government In 2015, a team of scientists from Delhi visited Giriraj’s farm. They praised his organic and integrated farming model combining eucalyptus with other crops. Later, he was selected for the “Forest Plus” programme, a joint project of the Government of India and the United States. Under this, he attended an 11-day training at Kasetsart University, Bangkok. A documentary film on his farm and methods was also made there, earning international appreciation. Represented India in Thailand Giriraj was later chosen for a 12-day “Forest Plus Programme” by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Only eight farmers from India were selected, along with eight Forest Department officials. The team visited Bangkok to study how farmers can contribute to environmental conservation while ensuring economic growth. Variety of crops and family support Apart from major crops, Giriraj also grows medicinal and aromatic plants like lemongrass, mentha, shatavari, kemch, bach, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, and seedless lemon. His family — including his father, wife, son, and daughter — supports him. His daughter is studying IT in Indore. Giriraj says, “My father is my biggest inspiration. Watching him taught me that farming can also be turned into an industry.” Profitable and sustainable farming The farm produces fibre-less amla, large sapodilla (chikoo), and seedless lemons, which attract buyers. From hundreds of jackfruit trees, he earns several lakhs each season. Giriraj Agrawal’s journey shows how innovation and environmental awareness can transform farming into a profitable and sustainable enterprise.