Shashi Kumar’s decision to pursue farming over a traditional corporate career has significantly changed his life. An alumnus of Bengaluru University and the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, Kumar devoted 12 years to Wipro as a lead architect. Despite his successful career in technology, he was always drawn to farming. In 2010, he made the bold choice to leave his corporate position to establish a business centred around agriculture, facing near bankruptcy nine times before achieving success.

This life-changing decision was met with disapproval from his family, particularly his father. Having spent his own life in farming, his father was not supportive of Kumar’s aspiration to pursue agricultural work. This led to a silence that lasted for eight years between them.

Despite familial conflict, Kumar remained resolute, ultimately founding Akshayakalpa Organic. His vision revolved around a pivotal question: how to transform farming into a profession that attracts youth.

Education and Early Inspiration

Kumar’s educational journey commenced in Bengaluru, where he opted for higher education due to his familial roots in Tiptur. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering from Bengaluru University between 1991 and 1995, after completing his pre-university studies at Kalpataru Science College. This educational background laid the groundwork for his subsequent career in technology, further enhanced by his postgraduate qualification from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

His interest in agricultural practices originated soon after his engineering studies. In 1991, he proposed converting their ancestral land into a natural farm, only to be advised by his father to pursue a career in software instead. It was during this time that Kumar encountered Cherkady Ramachandra Rao, a natural farmer based near Udupi. This experience grounded him in the principles of sustainable farming and its economic viability, as he observed Rao’s success in bartering and selling produce.

As he continued to learn from Rao, Kumar’s understanding of farming increased, propelling him towards his entrepreneurial ambitions. The groundwork for his future venture became evident as he realised farming could offer economic benefits when done correctly.

Establishing Akshayakalpa and Its Mission

Akshayakalpa was established in 2010, initially focusing on understanding the reasons behind the decline of interest in agriculture among young people. The findings revealed that economic factors were a primary concern. Kumar emphasised the importance of perceiving farming as a viable vocation that could generate income.

The enterprise primarily chose dairy farming due to its potential for providing regular cash flow to farmers. Over time, it expanded to encompass soil management, beekeeping, poultry, and various agricultural activities. This diversification aimed to reduce reliance on single crops and promote sustainable farming practices.

Today, Akshayakalpa collaborates with approximately 2,800 farmers across 2,800 villages, with an average farmer age of around 32 years, including about 1,200 women. Kumar reports that the average monthly income for farming families reached Rs 1.28 lakh in the last financial year. A study indicated a notable income increase for farmers associated with the programme since the British government became an investor.

The Challenge of Attracting Youth to Farming

Kumar has identified the main issue in Indian agriculture as not a shortage of young individuals, but rather their reluctance to pursue farming as a career. Many young people in rural areas tend to seek education and subsequently migrate away from farming. He describes India as a youthful nation with an ageing farming demographic.

Kumar further differentiates between merely growing crops and understanding the broader aspects of farming. While agricultural universities may impart knowledge on crop science, he asserts that successful farming encompasses understanding soil, weather, animal management, and local ecology.

Ultimately, Kumar’s journey reflects his long-standing question: can farming become a profession that the younger generation willingly embraces? He believes the answer lies in ensuring that farming offers not only sustenance but also a dignified and rewarding livelihood that keeps individuals connected to their land and heritage.

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