Vikramsingh Byali, a 40-year-old visionary farmer from Gadag, Karnataka, transitioned from a successful 14-year career in the IT industry, including a decade-long stint in the US, to embracing agriculture. In 2021, driven by a deep connection to his roots and a passion for sustainable and regenerative farming, Vikram left his IT job to embark on a transformative journey in the agricultural sector.
Transition to Farming
He purchased 9 acres and 6 guntas of farmland in 2022 using his savings from his time in the US. He adopted regenerative agriculture and permaculture principles, determined to make a positive impact on the environment. These regenerative organic farming practices will help mitigate climate change and contribute to reversing its impacts. He is currently working to restore soil health, conserve water, and promote environmentally friendly farming practices to ensure healthy soil for future generations.
Adopting Organic and Sustainable Farming Practices
Vikram practices organic and sustainable methods on his farm. He adopted multi-cropping and organic farming methods to grow crops like guava, seasonal vegetables, pulses (Bengal gram, green gram, urad, moong, horse gram), onions, and chilies. He is not following the conventional farmers who rely heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, Vikram uses organic pest control methods in his farm only.
His farm is currently under organic transition and it takes 3-5 years for a farm to transition into organic purely. He uses the Dhaincha (green manure) crop to speed up the process. He also has 5 desi cows, including breeds like Gir and Mallargidha not for milk purposes but only for their urine and cow dung, which he later used for vermicomposts and organic pest control methods.
Eco-Friendly Solutions for Pest Population Control
Vikram uses a combination of natural substances to control pests on his farm. He utilizes cow urine, neem oil, and sour buttermilk to create effective organic pest control solutions. These methods help manage pest populations without harming the environment or the soil. His multi-cropping system consists of diverse crops which also helps naturally to reduce the spread of pests, as opposed to the vulnerabilities seen in monocropping.
Challenges and Triumphs
As the initial phase of anything leads you to face challenges Vikram's journey is no more different than ours. Currently, his farm is under organic transition so transitioning to organic farming has led to lower yields during the initial years, as the soil undergoes organic conversion. Heavy rains also during certain seasons have caused crop losses. He remains committed to sustainable farming despite facing these setbacks, understanding that long-term benefits outweigh short-term challenges.
Financials and Future Plans
Vikram's annual income from farming ranges between Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 lakh, with expectations of growth as his organic methods fully take root. He also focuses on value addition by processing pulses into dals, which are sold directly to consumers across Karnataka. This approach helps him bypass traditional markets where organic produce is not differentiated from conventional products. He is also planning to create a bio-gas unit on his farm from the cow dung he got from his cows which is a sustainable way to have electricity in the field.
Vikram aims to educate and inspire other farmers in his region to embrace organic and regenerative farming. He is actively working with local agricultural departments to explore government schemes and subsidies that could support farmers transitioning to sustainable practices. He is also helping organic farmers sell their organic produce by establishing a network of organic consumers in his region and across Karnataka.
He is also actively working with wholesalers and retailers in the organic sector across India to sell organic produce and get a reasonable price for organic farmers. His goal also includes creating a community of environmentally conscious farmers who prioritize soil and water conservation.
Vikramsingh Byali's journey is a shred of evidence of the power of sustainable agriculture. His dedication to regenerative farming practices not only benefits the environment but also sets a precedent for future generations.
