Yogesh Raghuwanshi, 38, from Dungasara village in Ashok Nagar, Madhya Pradesh, is an inspiring figure in the farming community. Despite holding an MBA in finance and a successful banking career, he made a bold decision to return to his agricultural roots. Today, as a prosperous horticulturist, he cultivates 50 acres of land using innovative farming techniques, earning national recognition for his contributions to sustainable agriculture.
Leaving Corporate Life to Embrace the Soil
In 2012, Yogesh completed his MBA in Finance and secured a respectable position in a government bank. He had risen to the role of Manager by 2017. Yogesh found himself dissatisfied every time even though he had stability and security in his job. The work he was doing felt thankless and unfulfilling with each passing minute. He has been longing for a more meaningful life, so he decided to return to his ancestral roots in farming, a lifestyle his grandfather had once embraced. He desired to live closer to nature and enjoy the serenity of working amidst greenery and also generating jobs in rural communities.
Starting Small and Facing Challenges
In 2017, Yogesh started farming with just one crop: tomatoes. His venture faced several obstacles, and the first attempt did not produce the desired results. Nevertheless, he remained resolute and strong rather than giving in to frustration. After learning from his mistakes, he progressively added capsicum, chili, and other horticultural crops to his farm. Yogesh also started intercropping, which helped him reduce the risks brought on by market change and diversify his yields.
Plans for the Future
Looking ahead, Yogesh is ambitiously planning to expand his farming land. He aims to lease an additional 200 acres of land in collaboration with local farmers. On that land, he plans to cultivate guavas, specifically annual fruiting varieties, and moringa, which are known for their nutritional and economic value. His vision reflects his belief in sustainable growth and diversification in agriculture.
Profits and Economic Viability
Farming has been a very profitable business for Yogesh, with his profits averaging up to Rs 4 lakh per acre. His success is not just because of his hard work but also due to his will to adopt innovative methods and explore new market opportunities. His approach emphasizes the importance of balancing tradition with modern agricultural practices.
Recognitions and Contributions
Yogesh’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has received the prestigious MFOI Award at the national level, recognizing his contributions to farming and innovation. Agricultural institutions regularly ask him to share his experience and offer insightful advice to young farmers. His journey serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that even the most difficult times can be defeated with perseverance and flexibility.
A Message to Fellow Farmers
Yogesh believes that success in farming also depends on the adaptation of new technologies and innovations. He advises farmers to look at various markets, modernize their techniques, and not fall into the race of monoculture. According to him, diversification is a must as it protects farmers from fluctuations in market rates and guarantees income even if any one crop fails.
For Yogesh, agriculture is more than just a business—it's a way of life. He believes, "Innovation, sustainability, and continuous learning matter more than simply focusing on profit and loss." This philosophy has enabled him to grow his farm into a thriving, value-driven enterprise while staying deeply connected to his roots.
