In Jindori village of Nashik, Maharashtra, 48-year-old Pratap Nivrutti Bankar has transformed his 42 acres of land into a beacon of hope for modern Indian agriculture. With 40 indigenous cows, 40 varieties of crops, and a flourishing natural farming model, Pratap’s journey is a remarkable blend of perseverance, innovation, and spiritual grounding.
Farming was always in Pratap’s blood. After completing college, he began working on the family land, practicing conventional chemical-based farming for 6–7 years. It brought profits at times, but it was always unpredictable.
“Expenses were rising, the soil was weakening, and I was constantly restless,” he recalls.
In 2008, while searching for a more sustainable approach, he attended a Natural Farming (NF) training program at the Art of Living Ashram in Bengaluru. There, he learned to prepare Jeevamrut, Neemastra, Brahmastra, and work with desi beej (native seeds). The training completely changed his perspective.
By 2009, he began applying these techniques on his farm, starting small—with just one acre.
That one acre, nurtured naturally, soon delivered remarkable results. It proved that when soil is allowed to breathe and is nourished in harmony with nature, it can give more than we imagine.
The Inner Transformation: How Art of Living Guided His Journey
While natural farming transformed his land, the Art of Living’s meditation techniques, cognized by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and practiced by millions worldwide, transformed his life. His spiritual journey began in 2000 when he joined the Health and Happiness Program to seek relief from chronic back pain and persistent colds.
“In six days, my back pain of five years disappeared. I felt light and peaceful,” he remembers. That inner shift deepened his connection with nature.
Under Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s guidance, Pratap discovered not just farming methods, but a philosophy rooted in harmony with the five elements, reverence for the soil, and service to society through sustainable practices.
A Living Laboratory of Natural Farming
Today, on his one-acre natural farming plot, he grows more than 40 types of crops—from vegetables like palak, methi, dhania, bhindi, karela, carrot, and papaya to cereals and pulses like wheat, jowar, bajra, and various rice varieties—using multi-layer farming methods.
“In one acre, I produce 100 quintals of crops. Every day I sell around 50 kg of mixed produce and earn ₹2,000 after expenses, with Rs 1,200 as profit.”
His diversity-based model ensures steady income and resilience against climate and market fluctuations. Even if one crop fails, others sustain the basic income.
The Power of the Cow and the Soil
At the heart of Pratap’s success are his 40 desi cows, his constant companions. Their dung and urine form the base of all natural inputs he prepares—Jeevamrut, Ghan Jeevamrut, Brahmastra, Neemastra, and Amrit Mitti.
“When the soil is strong, nutritious, and healthy, the vegetables become nutritious too. When food is nutritious, society becomes strong and healthy,” he says, crediting this wisdom to his mentor, the late Deepak Sachdeva, an Art of Living agricultural scientist.
By rebuilding soil health, Pratap has significantly enhanced the nutritional value of his produce.
“For example, spinach that earlier contained 2 mg of iron per 100 g now has 20 mg,” he says proudly.
Farming That Heals People
Pratap’s farm is not just a source of income, it is a source of healing. Villagers visit him not only for vegetables but also for remedies. Drawing from ancient wisdom about food and its impact, he recommends specific vegetables for specific issues—like guava and okra for bleeding gums, carrot juice for eczema, and radish for kidney stones.
He joyfully recounts how many people have found relief through his naturally grown produce. “Nature has given us everything we need to heal,” he says. “We just need to grow it right.”
Beyond the Farm: Building a Market for Natural Farmers
Recognizing that marketing is the biggest hurdle, Pratap decided to create a solution. He recently opened a shop in Nashik city, where he sells his farm produce, Sri Sri Tattva products, and items from other natural farmers. The shop also hosts Nadi Pariksha sessions every fortnight, blending agriculture with holistic wellness.
“I tell farmers, grow whatever you want naturally. I’ll buy it at a fixed rate. No one should face the losses I faced,” he says firmly.
Through this initiative, he is building a network of natural farmers and conscious consumers, closing the loop between production and wellbeing.
Pratap continues to inspire farmers across Maharashtra through training, mentorship, and marketing support.
Guided by Gurudev’s vision for Indian farmers, Pratap dreams of making every village self-reliant through cow-based natural farming.
“Farming is not just a livelihood,” he says. “It is a sadhana, a spiritual practice. When we serve the soil, we serve life itself.”
