Lekh Ram Yadav, a resident of Kotputli in Rajasthan, is redefining success in agriculture. With a background in Biotechnology (M.Sc.), Lekh Ram initially followed a conventional path, seeking employment like many young people in India. He moved to Gurgaon, near Delhi, where he worked in a NABL laboratory for six and a half years. However, he soon realized that this was not his true calling. The bustling life of the metropolis made him yearn for the peace and fulfillment that could only be found in his village.
Determined to make a difference, Lekh Ram turned to natural farming, starting with 110 acres of land. Despite his expertise in biotechnology, understanding the intricacies of farming proved to be a challenge. There are many natural farming models popular in India, and Lekh Ram explored these through seminars and online resources like YouTube. He began by cultivating aloe vera, but faced significant losses. Yet, his resolve remained unshaken. Lekh Ram continued to study various farming techniques, and his perseverance paid off when he discovered and tested the Tarachand Belji model of natural farming. This marked a turning point in his journey.
Today, Lekh Ram Yadav is an inspiration to farmers across the country. He cultivates over 500 acres of land in Rajasthan and Gujarat and has become a beacon of success in natural farming. Farmers from various regions visit him to learn about his methods, and students from agricultural universities study his innovative techniques. One of the key practices Lekh Ram advocates is performing Agnihotra in the fields, which he believes has a profoundly positive effect on crops and soil. According to him, Agnihotra balances the Pancha Mahabhuta (the five great elements) of the land, leading to improved production.
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Lekh Ram emphasizes the importance of farmers processing and marketing their own products to avoid middlemen and secure better profits. To this end, he has established several traditional processing units on his farm. The products from these units are in high demand both domestically and internationally. He also firmly believes that cow rearing is an integral part of natural farming. In alignment with this belief, he has built a cowshed that houses Sahiwal breed cows, known for their high-quality milk.
Lekh Ram’s vision has expanded beyond traditional farming. He has ventured into agro-tourism by creating the Chhappan Bhog Vatika, a 22-acre farm producing a wide range of spices, Ayurvedic medicines, and fruits. Among his crops, the special variety of lemons grown in his fields has attracted considerable attention. With an annual turnover of Rs 12 crore, Lekh Ram understands the importance of certification. All his fields are organic certified, and his cowshed proudly holds A2 certification.
Lekh Ram Yadav’s journey from a laboratory in Gurgaon to becoming a role model for farmers nationwide showcases the power of resilience, innovation, and a deep connection to the land.
