When R. Narasimman quit his corporate job in 1998 to turn entrepreneur and pursue farming, he could never have imagined how enormous what he was creating would become. The strategy was straightforward: after retirement, he would establish a farm for quiet living. But destiny had other intentions. Starting with two acres of land and a deep passion for the soil, he began his journey. His dream took off at a very fast pace, growing to 80 acres of Alphonso mangoes in and around Trichy.
However, monoculture soon revealed its vulnerabilities- unpredictable weather, volatile markets, and limited income sources. That’s when he envisioned an alternative model: unified agroforestry, where nothing on the land remains unoccupied. Now, his model is a three-tiered one. The topmost level is reserved for long-term investments such as trees like teak, red sanders, rosewood, and silver oak that take 15 to 20 years to mature, promising a future revenue of crores.
The middle level consists of mangoes, bananas, and watermelons- horticultural crops that yield returns year after year. At the ground level, pulses like black gram and green gram provide seasonal returns. On his farm alone, he cultivates 25,000 silver oaks and 1,500 cashew trees, which generate an annual income of Rs. 10–15 lakh.
"Agroforestry isn’t just about planting trees,” Narasimman says. “It’s about building a financial safety net for generations." He has recently joined the Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN), an initiative of Krishi Jagran aimed at empowering sustainable and successful agripreneurs.
When a Watermelon Made National Headlines
Narasimman's farm, in 2010, reached a miraculous milestone which is, a single watermelon that weighed 35.75 kg, setting national records. The seed firm Namdhari, surprised by the size, invited him to Bengaluru, claiming even their international distributors in seven countries had not seen this kind of outcome. His secret: A totally organic ecosystem.
He had switched to organic cultivation in 2008, utilizing the compost made from his 16 desi cows. Drip irrigation powered by solar energy saved water effectively, and a 700 sq. ft. solar dryer facilitated processing of fruits into value-added products. That unique watermelon was subsequently sold for Rs. 5,000, demonstrating that organic quality commands a premium, even in the local market.
From Farmer to National Policy Advisor
Narasimman's innovative method of farming was quickly noticed by national politicians. He was invited in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make suggestions in the policy plan to double farmers' income. He made 22 suggestions, such as removing middlemen from subsidy disbursement. While attending the 2020 farmer protests, he was asked to consult the Supreme Court on Minimum Support Price (MSP) reforms.
He is also now serving as a senior mentor to young farmers who are adopting organic-agroforestry systems. In his mentoring and training courses, he has influenced many farmers, who have converted acres of agricultural land on his principles.
A Self-Sufficient, Livable Farm Ecosystem
What sets Narasimman's model apart even further is its design of self-sufficiency. Constructed over many decades through layers of leafy canopies of trees, multiple cropping with diversity, harvesting rainwater, and solar power. His farm is able to operate and provide food for as long as 20 years independently without human intervention. Ecological balance produced through this ensures nature-based pest management, soil health, and food variety.
Training the Next Generation of Agri-Leaders
In addition to establishing a successful agro-enterprise, Narasimman is also cultivating future generations of agriculture. He offers free, on-the-ground training to students from B.Sc. to Ph.D. levels. His farm is now a living laboratory for young minds willing to learn about soil science, agroforestry, and organic farming. "I don't want this to die with me," he declares. "This knowledge must live on."
Interestingly, even his son, a doctor settled in Germany, once laughed at the idea of farming. Today, he frequently visits the farm and is keen to learn. “Appa, teach me,” he says with newfound respect.
Road Ahead: Swadeshi Timber and Agri-Tourism
Narasimman has now teamed up with the Indian Forest Genetic Institute to market sandalwood and native timber trees. His aim is to cut India's reliance on imported timber by making native, fast-growing varieties commercially viable for farmers. He also plans to introduce agri-tourism, where city dwellers and students would get to see the agroforestry model at work.
He believes that if all farmers plant only 10 trees annually, India can do away with timber imports in just a decade. "Imagine beyond rice and wheat," he urges. "Soil is a bank account. Trees are your pension. If you honor the land, it will pay your grandchildren back."
A Living Legacy
With over 60 awards, including awards from NITI Aayog and the Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture, R. Narasimman has demonstrated that agriculture is not just feasible but also futuristic.
His farm along Trichy is an example of resilience, sustainability, and success. Each leaf in his field has a story to tell, not only of development, but of faith, toil, and intent.
"Farming isn't a job," he regularly asserts while passing through the canopy of 40-foot teak trees. "It's a 100-year investment."
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
