The hard road to sustainable farming: An entrepreneur’s story of resilience

Listening an enlightening speech on millets and the ever-growing prevalence of hormonal issues in young girls, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, thyroid in women, hypertension, declining sperm count in males and the vastness of the diabetes epidemic due to poor quality food items motivated this youngman to quit a promising career in the corporate world and opt for becoming a farmer. "This realisation became a mission, my ikigai, that moved me to learn how to grow my own food starting from my balcony to pursue farming, cultivating chemical-free, nourishing food while learning the importance of local and seasonal produce," Aniish Shah, founder, Earth Harvests, told Bizz Buzz in an exclusive interview.

Earth Harvests is a direct-to-consumer food brand that is committed to delivering the best and highest-quality produce right to your doorstep. Its philosophy is centered around creating a symbiotic environment for everyone who is part of the food ecosystem, ensuring that the farmer not only gets an equitable share but also receives credit and love from the consumer.

"Our goal is to enable our customers to Eat Responsibly, knowing the source and people and practices behind the produce they consume. We bring fresh, local, and seasonal produce to our customers that are in line with our principles of eating healthy. Earth Harvests is an omnichannel retail consumer business that offers sustainably grown, premium-grade, and chemical-free fruits & vegetables, spices, superfoods, and other home food staples, for quality-conscious customers," Aniish Shah explains

What inspired you, being a corporate professional, to foray into farming and start your own business where you guide people on eating responsibly?

Fuelled by an enthusiasm for delivering a healthier, more sustainable alternative to the often overlooked after-effects of processed and unhealthy food choices, my journey from corporate life to farming began after reading about health problems in humans and a very thought-provoking lecture from Prof Kadar Vali - the Millet Man of India. This lecture made me curious about our food systems and the linkages to solutions to health issues through correct nutrition.

My motto became ‘food as medicine’. Consequently, I started my own business, Earth Harvests, which promoted responsible eating, and the journey has been interesting. It all started when I dug deeper into health issues and discovered my passion for sustainable food and food systems.

I believe that by understanding and connecting with nature and the ecosystem, we can take charge of our wellbeing and benefit our society at the same time, which we can call NetEco. I strive to educate individuals to make enlightened food choices by providing knowledge about the advantages of consuming locally sourced, seasonal produce and chemical-free options.

How competitive is the market now? Can you give an idea of the size of the farming market in India and its projections for the future?

The farming market in India is a vast and dynamic landscape, with the country’s huge population and strong agricultural legacy playing a significant role. The government has been actively supporting the sector, investing in irrigation infrastructure, encouraging technological advancements, and advocating sustainable farming practices. It is not only a means to improve productivity and reduce risks but also to ensure food security for the growing population. Moreover, as consumers become more conscious of their choices, there is an increasing demand for natural and chemical-free food products, opening up prospects for farmers who adopt responsible and sustainable practices. The government's initiatives to promote self-sufficiency and the vocal for local campaigns have further ignited the growth potential of the farming industry. There is resurgence in interest in supporting local farmers and consuming indigenous crops, leading to a surge in demand for regional and seasonal produce. Harnessing the power of technology can revolutionize India's food systems and pave the way for sustainability.

Utilising vertical farming, for example, can increase production capacity without compromising land availability. Startups like Aindra Systems are even leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to optimise crop growth and manage pests effectively, reducing the reliance on dangerous chemicals.

The market for farming is also hindered by the issue of food waste due to inefficient supply chains and inadequate storage facilities. Hence, utilising sustainable food distribution practices, such as the utilisation of solar-powered cold storage and advanced tracking systems, can help mitigate this problem. Although the competition is stiff, there is room for innovative and accountable players to make their mark in the farming market. By prioritising quality, sustainability and meeting the evolving consumer demands, entrepreneurs can prosper. Therefore, the farming market in India is a unique opportunity with immense potential.

How is your experience since you formed Earth Harvests, the startup, and become a progressive farmer by cultivating agriculture fields in Maharashtra? What is the extent to which you are now growing and sourcing vegetables, fruits, and spices?

It wasn't an easy start. I was a farmer first and then became an entrepreneur, which is natural evolution, I would say. I was fortunate to have the guidance of my guru, the late Narayan Reddy, who was based in Bangalore. Under his tutelage, I gained a deep understanding of the importance of healthy soil and began immersing myself in hands-on learning practices.

My journey began by farming on the outskirts of Bangalore and Belgaum, where I gained practical experience by actively participating in various farming activities. This hands-on approach allowed me to grasp the intricacies of growing food and the challenges that come with it. Eager to implement my learnings, I leased a plot of land near Shahapur. This endeavour presented numerous opportunities for me to learn how to design, build, and manage a farm effectively. However, I encountered challenges in terms of finding skilled labour and increasing wage demands, which ultimately led to the closure of operations on that particular land.

Throughout this journey, I specialized in growing vegetables and spices, specifically focusing on the cultivation of turmeric. These choices were based on their market demand, nutritional value, and the suitability of the climate in Maharashtra for their growth. I am now actively looking at regenerative agriculture and building Earth Harvests.

Owning large parcels of land, getting labor for engagement in farming, and availability of water for irrigation is very difficult. How did you manage to pool up resources, both funding and manpower, to kick-start your dream project?

Indeed, owning large parcels of land, finding reliable labor, and ensuring access to water for irrigation can be incredibly challenging. I faced difficulties at first, but I managed to pool together the necessary resources through various means. To address this obstacle, I engaged with local village farmers and offered them employment opportunities. By collaborating with them, I not only gained access to their land but also fostered a sense of community with checks and balances.

Securing a dependable labor force was another crucial aspect of the success of my project. While I was able to hire some local laborers, I also had to bring in workers from outside the area. However, one of the most significant investments of both energy and finances was dedicated to land development and establishing sustainable irrigation practices. In the Shahapur region, which does receive decent rainfall, my objective was to enable year-round food production. This involved undertaking initiatives such as digging a bore well and creating a water resolver, such as a pond.

These steps were essential for implementing regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices, but they required considerable upfront investment.Throughout the journey, I encountered numerous ups and downs, and unfortunately the economics of the project did not work in my favor and I ultimately had to abandon the project at a loss.

While my experience highlights the challenges and setbacks I faced, it is important to view them as valuable lessons that have contributed to my growth as an entrepreneur. The difficulties encountered have taught me the importance of resourceful thinking, creative problem-solving, and tenacity. While this particular project did not materialize as planned, I remain committed to pursuing my dream and contributing to the realm of responsible farming through alternative approaches and potential collaborations in the future.