Satish Babu Gadde, a visionary farmer from the Seethampeta village in the lush, green landscapes of West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, is redefining the meaning of agricultural success. Despite holding a postgraduate degree in commerce and having the option to pursue a lucrative corporate career, Satish chose a different path—one rooted in tradition and legacy. Inspired by the wisdom of his grandfather, who began cultivating their ancestral 52-acre farm back in 1900, Satish has embraced traditional, cattle-based regenerative agriculture.
Rejecting the lure of chemicals and heavy machinery, he demonstrates that true sustainability and productivity can stem from age-old farming methods passed down through generations. Satish recently became a part of Krishi Jagran’s initiative, the “Global Farmer Business Network,” aligning his work with a larger national movement that showcases sustainable agripreneurship models from across India.
What is Regenerative Cattle-Based Farming?
Satish’s farming model is deeply rooted in traditional Indian agricultural practices, where cattle play a vital role in the farming ecosystem. He embraces the idea that "land sustains cattle, and cattle sustain the land." The cattle feed on fodder grown right on the farm, and in return, their dung and urine serve as natural fertilizers for the soil. This beautiful cycle of give-and-take not only cuts down farming costs but also boosts soil fertility, crop yields, and overall sustainability.
He adheres to a strict chemical-free philosophy, steering clear of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides on his farm. Everything he uses, from compost to pest control, is crafted from desi cattle dung, urine, neem, and other local resources. Satish is passionate about his belief that “cattle is not just an animal—it is the soul of Indian farming.”
Crop Planning and Integration on His 52-Acre Model Farm
Out of the total 52 acres, Satish dedicates:
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36 acres to paddy and maize cultivation
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16 acres to coconut plantations
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The rest for cattle sheds, fodder crops, and bio-input preparation
Kharif (June to November): Paddy Cultivation
During the rainy season, Satish grows traditional varieties of paddy using desi cow-based inputs. His rice mill processes paddy to produce 62 kg of rice per 75 kg paddy, much higher than the usual output of 45–50 kg. His organically grown rice fetches premium prices in the market.
Rabi Season (Post-November): Maize
Once the paddy is harvested, Satish cultivates maize. The leftover maize stalks and husks become fodder for his cows. Thus, waste from one crop becomes a resource for another part of his farm.
Perennial Crop: Coconut Grove
His 16-acre coconut grove is a living example of integrated farming. Cows are allowed to graze freely under coconut trees, and their dung is directly absorbed into the soil. This natural enrichment boosts coconut yield to 240–270 coconuts per tree per year, compared to the national average of 170 coconuts. These high-quality coconuts are sold in local and urban markets at premium prices.
Cattle as the Backbone of His System
Satish Babu Gadde takes pride in caring for about 45-50 indigenous buffaloes and bullocks on his farm. He doesn’t raise them for commercial milk production; instead, they play a vital role in keeping the soil fertile and supporting his traditional farming practices. These animals are at the heart of his regenerative approach, as their dung and urine are transformed into potent organic inputs like Jeevamrut, Panchagavya, vermicompost, and neem-based bio-pesticides.
Everything is produced and utilized right on the farm, which helps maintain the soil's natural fertility and resistance to pests without relying on any chemical additives. Satish’s dedication to desi cow-based farming has made his bio-inputs so effective that farmers from nearby villages frequently come to him, eager to learn his techniques or to buy these natural solutions for their own crops.
An Impressive Annual Income of Rs. 60 Lakhs
By embracing a well-rounded and diverse approach to farming, Satish has built a remarkably profitable and sustainable model. This model brings in a net income of over Rs 60 lakhs each year. His revenue streams are varied—between Rs. 20 to Rs. 25 lakhs come from growing and processing rice and other paddy-based products.
His 16-acre coconut grove adds another Rs. 25 to Rs. 30 lakhs to his annual earnings. On top of that, he brings in around Rs. 4 lakhs from cattle-related activities, which include selling livestock and organic products made from cow dung.
He also makes some extra cash by selling natural inputs like Jeevamrut and Panchagavya to other farmers. Satish’s income is nearly five times that of the average farmer in his area, and the best part? He achieves this without relying on synthetic fertilizers or costly machinery, demonstrating that traditional farming methods can be both environmentally friendly and financially rewarding.
Awards, Recognition, and Farmer Outreach
Satish’s outstanding work has not gone unnoticed. He has been honored with several awards including:
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Global Agriculture Leadership Award
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Krishi Jagran Recognition on National Farmers Day Webinar
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State-level Organic Farmer Champion Title
He is a frequent guest speaker at agricultural seminars and training workshops, where he shares his low-cost, high-yield model with other farmers. His video demonstrations on YouTube and farmer training platforms have inspired thousands across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.
He also mentors youth and first-generation farmers, encouraging them to adopt traditional methods for profitable farming.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Farmers
Satish is on a heartfelt mission to bring traditional farming back to life all across India. He’s actively running workshops, giving demonstrations, and providing one-on-one mentoring for farmers eager to transition from chemical-heavy practices to natural, regenerative agriculture. His message is both simple and impactful:
“Return to your roots. Nature has blessed us with everything we need—our cows, our soil, our seeds. Treat them with care, and they’ll reward you far beyond what any chemical can offer.”
He dreams of a future where every farmer stands strong, free from debt, and is honored for being the true caretaker of our nation.
Satish Babu Gadde’s journey is a brilliant testament to the enduring power of India’s traditional knowledge systems in transforming agriculture. His approach to regenerative, cattle-based farming not only safeguards the environment but also fosters economic success.
With an impressive annual income of over Rs. 60 lakhs, a commitment to zero chemical use, and a passion for teaching others, Satish demonstrates that real success in farming is about quality, sustainability, and leaving a legacy. His life story serves as a powerful message to farmers across India: embrace natural methods, celebrate native practices, and take pride in your work.
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/
