Around two decades ago, Nituben Patel also known as Nitaben Karnani started out on her path. She started not as an entrepreneur but as a simple farmer with a passion for nature. She is originally from Rajkot district, and her origins are in Harthkot village. Right from the beginning, she was interested in learning about the equilibrium of soil, water, vegetation, animals, and nature in general.
She found her inspiration in her guru, the late Shri Deepakbhai Sachade, under whom she embraced a nature-based lifestyle. Rather than traditional means, she learned to hear from the soil. She was convinced that agriculture should work in concert with nature, not against it. This belief would become the cornerstone of an agricultural revolution over the years.
Natural Farming: A Way of Life
Nituben didn’t just grow crops, she cultivated soil health. Her methods involved Amrut Krushi and "Magical Mitti" strategies that concentrated on transforming organic waste into plant fertilizer. It gave new life to the land and ensured long-term fertility. With her method, she produced not only a successful farm but a sustaining ecosystem.
She is as familiar with medicinal plants as the back of her hand, and she has used this in naturopathy to create various wellness products. Having practiced plantation and soil enrichment work, she now assists projects for lake reclamation, carbon credits, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and even the production of biochar from invasive biomass.
Her farm, created over a period of 20 years, is so constructed and autonomous that it can run by itself for two decades without human interference.
Sajeevan Life Pvt Ltd : Empowering Thousands
Nituben is the founder of Sajeevan Life Pvt Ltd, a registered non-profit organization dedicated to the propagation of natural farming and rural development. Her initiative has brought about massive transformation in the entire state of Gujarat.
Perhaps the most significant achievement under Sajeevan was the registration of 84 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in a period of only 45 days. Not only do these FPOs help link farmers to government schemes, but they also educate farmers on sustainable, economical methods of practicing.
The venture also initiated an Internal Cluster System (ICS) with the Gujarat Government. It has streamlined the process of certifying organic farmers, particularly in tribal and hill states. 13,500 farmers of the Dang district of Gujarat have been certified under her leadership as organic farmers, and the district is now fully organic, the first of its kind in the state.
Farm to Plate Model and Online Presence
Nituben has established a functional "Farm to Plate" system in Rajkot where farmers sell their fresh produce directly to the consumers, bypassing middlemen. This means improved prices for the growers and better health for the consumers.
At the end of this month, she is set to launch a quick commerce model to supply fresh organic vegetables, fruits, and dairy directly to homes. Her non-perishable items like mustard oil, ghee, and khapli wheat are already being marketed online through various portals. This move is assisting her in reaching urban consumers and establishing a loyal customer base for genuine, chemical-free products.
An Agripreneur With a Farmer's Heart
Nituben is among India's top agricultural success stories. But she doesn't pursue awards or publicity. Her initial recognition actually came from Krishi Jagran and the "Khoj" program. Until two years ago, she did not even find publicity significant. It was only when her mentor told her that she should market her efforts for the purpose of increasing reach that she started sharing her life story. She continues working today through her firm SanJeevan Life Pvt. Ltd.- maintaining the spirit of natural farming intact.
Role in GFBN and Future Vision
Nituben recently also joined the Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN), a nationwide initiative by Krishi Jagran to empower progressive, sustainable farmers all over India. As a mentor for GFBN, she imparts her expertise in natural farming, soil health, and inclusive rural development to an increasing number of aspiring agripreneurs. Her dreams are training more women farmers, taking natural farming to more states, and establishing a countrywide supply chain for clean, organic food.
A Model to Learn for Next-Gen Farmers
Nituben's tale is not about making money- it's about meaning. Her approach demonstrates that farming can both be profitable and sustainable, that women can lead from the front, and that nature can be the best business associate a farmer can ever have.
Her path, which started in Rajkot soil, has now become a source of inspiration for thousands of people. She demonstrates that with the right intention, agriculture is not merely a means of survival, it's a service to nature, society, and posterity.
As Nituben puts it, "If we care for the soil, the soil will take care of everything else."
Note: Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN) is a dynamic platform where agricultural professionals—farmer entrepreneurs, innovators, buyers, investors, and policymakers - converge to share knowledge, experiences, and scale their businesses. Powered by Krishi Jagran, GFBN facilitates meaningful connections and collaborative learning opportunities that drive agricultural innovation and sustainable development through shared expertise. Join GFBN today: https://millionairefarmer.in/gfbn
