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How He Built ₹7–8 Crore Agriculture Empire

Leave a Comment / Agri Story /

In this era, where most people’s chase urban dreams, Atul Pratap Singh chose a different path, he returned to his roots in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. to build one of the most successful and modern farms in that region. His inspiring journey into poultry and fish farming has not only brought him accolades but also a flourishing agribusiness with an annual turnover of ₹7–8 crore.

Meet the Farm Owner

When Atul Pratap Singh was living in Delhi and preparing for the civil services Exam, Atul Pratap Singh had a conversation that changed everything. Motivated by a friend’s words, he chose to leave city life behind and return to his village in 2001 to pursue farming.

Balancing his job as a Hindi lecturer at Shri Vishwanath Inter College, Kalan, he took his first step into agriculture with 6,000 broiler birds, guided by expert training from CARI, Bareilly, and the financial support from his father, a doctor.

Fast forward to today, and Atul Pratap is running a large-scale operation with:

  • 55,000 layer birds
  • 35,000 broiler birds
  • A 1-hectare fish pond
  • Multiple crop plantations

Modern Agriculture Farm

Farm situated in a serene village in Azamgarh, the farm exemplifies a well-balanced integration of advanced agricultural infrastructure with the natural charm of rural India. The land, once unproductive and barren, has been meticulously developed to include a six-story, fully automated layer poultry facility, which reflects a strong commitment to technological advancement in livestock management.

In addition, the farm comprises separate units for broiler poultry production, a spacious pond designed for intensive fish farming, and a well-maintained farmhouse set amidst thoughtfully landscaped greenery. This strategic layout not only enhances operational efficiency and productivity but also fosters a clean, organized, and conducive environment for sustainable farm management.

Greening the Land, Naturally

Atul Pratap Singh’s deep-rooted love for nature is reflected in every corner of his farm. What once stood as dry, unused land has now blossomed into a vibrant green sanctuary. Rows of mango trees—Alphonso, Sinduri, Neelam, and Tota Pairi varieties. sway gently in the breeze, filling the air with a subtle, sweet fragrance. Scattered across the landscape are fruit-bearing plants like papaya, chakotra (pomelo), and sharifa (custard apple), offering both nourishment and beauty.

Hidden among them, like a secret treasure, grows a rare clove tree, alongside lush curry leaf plants, adding a touch of spice and tradition. More than just a place of production, the farm feels alive, a thriving ecosystem where agriculture and nature exist in perfect harmony.

Fish Farming Done Right

Among Atul Pratap Singh’s earliest and most innovative ventures was fish farming, a project born out of thoughtful land utilization and a keen eye for opportunity. Spotting a low-lying, underutilized patch on his land, Atul decided to turn it into something valuable. He excavated the area to create a one-hectare pond, simultaneously using the soil to raise the surrounding land for better usability. This smart move laid the foundation for a thriving aquaculture system.

With the help of aerators, Atul adopted intensive fish farming techniques, achieving impressive yields of 80 to 100 quintals of fish annually. Nothing on the farm goes to waste. Poultry litter from his nearby units is recycled as organic manure for the pond, enriching the water and reducing input costs. His model has become a learning ground for many local farmers, who regularly visit the farm, adopt his practices, and benefit from his guidance.

In recognition of his innovative and sustainable approach, Atul received the First District Award for Fish Farming in Azamgarh back in 2001—a proud milestone that marked the beginning of his journey as a visionary farmer.

Recognized and Respected

Atul Pratap Singh’s dedication and innovation in farming have earned him well-deserved recognition over the years.

In 2001, he was honored with the First Award for Fish Farming in Azamgarh, A testament to his early success in aquaculture. More recently, he received the First District Award for Poultry Production, further cementing his reputation as a leader in modern, efficient farming practices.

Today, Atul stands as a source of inspiration for both aspiring and experienced farmers throughout the region, proving that with vision and persistence, rural success stories are not just possible-they’re powerful.

His Philosophy: Farming with Joy, Not Just Duty

What truly sets Atul Pratap Singh apart isn’t just his success, It’s his mindset. For him, farming is not a burden but a joy, something to be embraced with heart and soul. He believes that true results come when you care deeply, especially when it comes to tending to livestock, watching them closely, understanding their needs, and nurturing them with attention and respect. Atul often speaks about the value of reconnecting with one’s roots, of returning to the land that raised you and making it thrive again.

His journey is a reminder that prosperity doesn’t always lie in the cities, It can be cultivated right at home, in the soil beneath your feet.

Above all, Atul credits his success to patience, dedication, and a relentlessly positive outlook, Qualities that have carried him through challenges and helped him turn a simple village farm into a model of modern rural entrepreneurship.

Atul Pratap Singh’s journey stands as a powerful testament to what farming can truly become-modern, profitable, and deeply fulfilling. He didn’t just raise poultry or harvest fish; he nurtured a dream, built a life rooted in purpose, and shaped a thriving agricultural enterprise from the ground up. With every step, he redefined what rural success looks like.

More than anything, Atul’s story lights a path for the next generation, Showing them that farming isn’t just an age-old tradition, but a dynamic force for change, innovation, and prosperity. His fields may be in a quiet village, but his vision reaches far beyond; Inspiring others to return to the land, reimagine its potential, and grow something far greater than crops.

Built a ₹1 Crore Avocado Business at the Age of 26

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In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, a young and passionate farmer is redefining the future of Indian agriculture. Harshit Godha, a 26-year-old progressive farmer whose innovative approach to farming has led him to achieve an extraordinary turnover of ₹1 crore in just one year from a just 1000 square meter polyhouse.

A Journey Rooted in Passion and Global Inspiration

Harshit’s journey began far from the fields—he studied in the United Kingdom, where he developed a deep interest in health and fitness. This passion led him to discover the immense nutritional benefits of avocados, often referred to as butter fruit. Inspired by Israel’s advanced avocado farming techniques, Harshit decided to bring this global superfruit to Indian soil. He established a specialized avocado nursery in Bhopal in which he imported high-quality avocado plants directly from Israel.

The Business of Avocados: Riding the Health Wave

With the rising awareness around fitness and nutrition in the whole world, the demand for avocados in India is growing rapidly. Harshit believes this trend mirrors what has already happened in many Western countries, and he sees immense potential for avocado cultivation in India. “It’s just the beginning,” he shares, confident that Indian consumers will soon embrace avocados as a staple in their diets.

Science-Backed Cultivation: Quality is Key

Harshit emphasizes the importance of commercial rootstocks and high-quality plants to ensure better yields and long tree life. He shares that different varieties of avocado thrive under different climatic conditions:

  • Hass and Lamps: Suitable for temperatures between 5°C to 35°C
  • Pinkerton, Ettinger, and Reed: Ideal for regions where temperatures exceed 35°C

This scientific approach to cultivation sets Harshit apart, allowing him to grow avocados successfully in controlled polyhouse conditions.

Investment, Planting & Maintenance

On average, 160 to 170 plants can be grown in one acre of land. The cost of a single plant ranges between ₹3,000 to ₹50,000, depending on its quality. Drip irrigation is critical for avocado plants, especially in hotter regions where water needs are higher. Harshit advises maintaining a water pH of around 6.5 and TDS below 500 for optimal growth.

From Sapling to Fruit: Patience Pays

Avocado plants begin fruiting around three years after planting, with a spacing requirement of 3.5 meters by 7 meters between plants. The main recurring expenses include irrigation, fertilizers, labor, and electricity.

Profits and Projections

While the initial investment can be substantial—with fixed and running costs estimated at ₹1 lakh per acre—the returns can be rewarding. It may take five to six years to break even, but once the plants mature, a single acre can yield up to six tons of avocados. Green skin varieties can fetch at least ₹100 per kg, while black skin varieties like Hass can go up to ₹200 per kg, making avocado cultivation a highly profitable Business.

Challenges in Avocado Farming

Despite the promising returns, Harshit doesn’t shy away from discussing the risks. Issues like waterlogging and Phytophthora root rot can severely impact plant health. He stresses the importance of proper pest and disease management to ensure healthy growth and long-term success.

Harshit Godha’s story is a shining example of how young Indian farmers are leveraging global knowledge, scientific farming practices, and market trends to build sustainable and profitable agribusinesses. His ₹1 crore success from a 1000 sq. meter polyhouse proves that with the right mindset, innovation, and dedication, Indian agriculture has the potential to reach new heights.

Punjabi Siblings Successfully Run Indoor Saffron Farming

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Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice and is traditionally grown in Iran which is responsible for the majority of global production. In India, the pristine valleys of Kashmir have long been synonymous with saffron cultivation. However, breaking geographical and agricultural barriers, a brother-sister duo from Punjab has successfully pioneered indoor saffron farming, using an innovative soil-less method known as the aero technique.

What is Aero Technique Saffron Farming?

This innovative method of growing saffron skips the soil and avoids wasting water. Instead, it relies on moisture from the air to nourish the plants. Using premium-quality Kashmiri saffron bulbs, a pair of siblings have mastered the art of growing saffron indoors in a carefully controlled environment. By mimicking the natural climate of Kashmir, they create the perfect setting for saffron to thrive—managing four essential factors with precision:

  • Light intensity (measured in lux)
  • Humidity
  • Carbon dioxide levels
  • Temperature

This smart approach not only conserves resources but also makes it possible to grow one of the world’s most precious spices all year round, far from the fields of Kashmir.

Setting Up the Indoor Saffron Farm

For anyone looking to explore this modern method of farming, the siblings suggest starting with a well-insulated room or even a container setup. If you’re using a metal structure, make sure the insulation is around 8 to 10 cm thick to help maintain the right temperature inside.

Here are the basic essentials you’ll need:

  • Training: Before jumping in, it’s important to get proper training. Understanding the saffron lifecycle and the technology behind it is key to success.
  • Room Setup: You’ll need good insulation, chillers to control temperature, and proper lighting to mimic natural conditions.
  • Seeds: Saffron bulbs (seeds) should be planted within 10 days of getting them. Keep them away from direct sunlight and excess heat.
  • Racks & Trays: These can be customized based on the space you have and your personal setup preferences.

Growth and Maintenance Cycle

Growing saffron indoors is a step-by-step process, with each stage needing just the right balance of temperature, humidity, and light. To create the perfect environment, moisture is carefully controlled using humidifiers or dehumidifiers, while CO₂ levels are managed through exhaust systems.

Light is especially important—it’s measured in lux, and getting it right can make all the difference. A combination of grow lights and colorful LED lights is used to support healthy plant development. Even the spacing between racks is planned to ensure every plant gets the right amount of light at every stage.

Germination to Harvest

  • Shoot Appearance: 15–20 days after planting.
  • Seed Size: Larger seeds result in better-quality flowers.
  • Harvesting: Involves careful separation of the saffron parts:
    • Red stigmas (saffron)
    • Yellow stem
    • Purple petals

Only the red stigmas are used for saffron, and lengths above 16mm are considered export quality. Approximately 100–110 flowers yield one gram of saffron.

Post-Harvest and Bulb Reuse

After flowering, bulbs are re-planted in specially prepared soil for seven months that allows them to absorb nutrients and multiply. The depth of planting varies based on bulb size.

Saffron typically begins fruiting around October 20th, after which it enters an exponential growth phase.

Costs and Economics

  • Initial Setup: ₹50–55 lakhs (includes seeds, insulation, chillers).
  • Monthly Electricity: Around ₹50,000.
  • Small-Scale Setup: Possible with ₹7–10 lakhs.
  • Selling Price: ₹800 per gram for high-quality Kashmiri saffron.
  • Subsidies: Currently, no government subsidies are available for indoor saffron farming.

Despite the capital investment, high demand and limited supply make saffron a lucrative venture. The siblings even receive international orders, proving the global appeal.

Ease of Operation

Automation systems and remote cameras allow for remote monitoring. The only significant threat is fungal infection, usually due to overwatering. However, this can be avoided with proper care and ventilation.

This inspiring story from Punjab proves that with innovation and dedication, traditional crops can be grown beyond their natural habitats. The siblings encourage others to seek guidance or partnerships to explore the growing opportunity in indoor saffron farming. For aspiring entrepreneurs, this model presents a scalable, high-value venture—one that bridges agriculture with modern technology.

₹75-₹80 lakhs from Red Gold

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Saffron is “Red Gold.” It is one of the most valuable spices in the world. When you think of growing saffron, Kashmir comes to your mind, but if I say that it is being grown in Madhya Pradesh, then perhaps you will be a little surprised. Let’s find out how.

How is this possible in Madhya Pradesh?

In Madhya Pradesh, saffron is grown in a controlled environment where external climate challenges do not play a major role. In that place, an individual who is not from a farming background grows saffron worth ₹5 lakh per kilogram in a room without soil, water, sunlight, or vast fields.

Who’s Behind this Innovation

Anil Jaiswal is the visionary behind this indoor saffron farming, and he has over 35 years of experience in various industries. While he is not a conventional farmer, his deep-rooted connection to agriculture and inspiration from Kashmiri saffron fields led him to explore this innovative farming technique.

His Objectives Include

  • Educating traditional farmers about advanced farming techniques.
  • Encouraging the new generation to engage with farming.
  • Promoting women’s participation in agriculture through modern methods.
  • Demonstrating that farming can be conducted in small, confined spaces.

Space and Yield Efficiency

His indoor saffron farm operates in just a 320-square-foot area, and he takes 700 kg of saffron bulbs from that. Now you are thinking about how this is possible. In this, vertical farming played a major role. This technology maximizes space efficiency.

Bulb Multiplication: A Key to Expansion

Bulb multiplication can also be done in a regular room without the need for strict temperature control. It just requires a special compost mix and an optimum light intensity of 2000-3000 lux. There should be 12 hours of light daily to ensure proper growth. After April, the bulbs are stored to prepare for the next cycle.

Harvesting and Quality Testing

When we harvest saffron, we make sure the flower produces three saffron stigmas. Then we harvest the saffron, and after that, it is carefully dried and stored in airtight containers. But quality testing plays a major role after harvest. For that, we use the water test because genuine saffron releases a golden color in water.

Market Potential and Investment

The main part of this article is here. When we go for this type of farming, we must ensure how we can invest in it. The initial investment of Anil Jaiswal was ₹6.5 lakh for the setup and ₹7 to ₹8 lakh for saffron bulbs. We expect an ROI in two years. India has a big market for this because India requires 60 metric tons of saffron annually but produces only 20 metric tons. Saffron has applications in medicine, cosmetics, and the food industry. Farmers can sell saffron through online platforms, Ayurvedic companies, and even personal branding.

Output and Revenue

The 320 sq. ft. setup produced 1.6 kg of saffron in 2024, and the market price for organic saffron starts at ₹5 lakh per kg. The estimated revenue from this setup is ₹75 to ₹80 lakh. When you enter the international market then you can get a premium price for it because international prices range from ₹8.5 lakh to ₹18-₹20 lakh per kg.

Anil Jaiswal emphasizes the importance of patience and continuous effort in making indoor saffron farming a success. Indoor saffron farming presents a lucrative, sustainable, and scalable opportunity for aspiring farmers, entrepreneurs, and agribusiness enthusiasts. Whether you’re an experienced farmer or a complete beginner, this innovation offers a gateway to high-income farming with minimal land requirements. With growing demand, high profitability, and the ability to cultivate saffron in small indoor spaces, this method is set to revolutionize Indian agriculture.

Would you consider venturing into indoor saffron farming? Let us know in the comments below!

Ex-Software Engineer Earns ₹4 Lakh from Saffron Farming in a Shipping Container!

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Saffron, one of the most expensive spices in the world, which is also called the “gold crop”, is now being grown in the streets of Pune city. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Pune city and the noise of traffic, saffron is being cultivated without soil in a simple-looking container. This is a living example of the advanced farming happening in India.

Shailesh: Journey from code to container!

Shailesh Modak, who was once a software engineer, made a unique beginning in the field of agriculture in the year 2018. First, he gained experience from businesses like beekeeping and import-export. After this, he got the idea of growing “saffron”, one of the most expensive spices in the world, in a controlled environment. With the help of one of his doctor friends, he started soil-less cultivation in a simple-looking container.

Container becomes mini Kashmir

Shailesh Modak converted an 8×40 feet iron container into his farm. This was no ordinary farm – in fact, it had no soil, no cocopit, no sunlight and no hydroponic technique. He brought 600 kg of corm/bulb from Pampore (Kashmir) and placed 500 kg of corm/bulb in a tray. The red-blue LED became the sun, generated the cold of Kashmir with the help of a chiller and controlled everything with automation. This small Pampore of Kashmir was ready.

Tiny purple flowers: More expensive than gold!

The bulbs were placed vertically, which saved more space in the container. In the season of September-October, 1 to 3 tiny purple flowers come out of each bulb, which costs ₹500-₹700 per gram.

Saffron blooms with technology

Red and blue LEDs supplement the sunlight, which helps in photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide control and humidity equipment help in balancing the air. With the help of the chiller system and air conditioning, the temperature is maintained between 15°C and 25°C, which is required for saffron. They have used motion cameras, which send messages on Shailendra’s phone about the status of the container.

Cost and Profit: Economics of Container Farming!

He said that the cost of setting up this setup was 9 lakhs, out of which 6 lakhs were spent on buying bulbs. But he was successful in getting more than 870 grams of saffron from 500 kg bulbs. In one harvest, he sold saffron worth more than 4 lakhs through B2B. He also said that from one corm, he can get continuous production for 7-8 years.

Saag with saffron: multipurpose farming!

Modak ji is not limited to saffron only. He is also growing leafy vegetables like Lollo Rosso. In which he saves up to 95% water as compared to traditional farming. 4000 plants consume only 40 litres of water per day. For nutrients, he installed a recycling tank, which is reused.

Shailesh says that if the temperature and humidity are not maintained properly, the flowers do not bloom properly or wither.

Darker than Kashmiri: Pune’s saffron!

His saffron is darker than Kashmiri saffron. When put in water, it does not release colour immediately but releases it slowly. Its taste is bitter, and the fragrance is very strong.

Keeping pace with the environment: container farming!

Shailesh’s container farming not only solves the problem of space, but it is also environmentally friendly. In this, more production can be taken in less space, with less water, and in a controlled environment. Keeping in mind the changing weather, this is the future of farming. High-value plants are planted in it, and more and more profits can be earned.

Mayur Ji Make 7.5 lakhs in a Season with Crab Farming

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Crab farming is an emerging business in India. Today we will tell the story of one such successful farmer, Mayur Jagdale, who lives in a small village in Sangli district of Maharashtra. He adopted crab farming instead of traditional farming and is earning lakhs.

Inspiration from the Internet

Mayur found out that there is a huge market demand for crabs which are naturally found in rivers and ponds. Then he searched on the Internet and found out that the black mud crab (Scylla serrata) farming technique was first started in Tamil Nadu in 1984, and its research station is also there. He came to know that black mud crab farming is possible; it can be started in less space and at low cost.

Big profit in small tank!

Mayur constructed a tank of 25×25 feet on the land near his house, the width of which was kept at 6.5 feet. He prepared it with several layers to give a natural look to the crab:

  • First layer: Use of small stones;
  • Second layer: Use of black soil;
  • Third layer: Use of Murup soil;
  • Fourth layer: Use of red soil;
  • Fifth layer: river sand;
  • Sixth layer: Use of black stones where the crab can hide.

Apart from this, to prevent the crabs from coming out of the tank, he fixed tiles on the walls and covered it with a net to protect it from birds.

From oxygen supply to coolness

He set up an oxygen supplier to generate oxygen in the tank, used a fogger system for a cool environment in summers and planned water drainage to maintain the quality of water.

Low cost, high profit

Mayur says that the cost of setting up this entire setup was around 2 to 2.5 lakhs, which is called “one-time investment”. The labour cost in this farming is negligible. He manages his farm himself and gives feeding only twice a week.

Better growth with the right diet!

Mayur ji feeds boiled waste chicken and fish to the crabs so that the problem of infection is reduced and the water does not smell. The amount of ammonia increases from the excreta of the crab, due to which the crab starts dying. To avoid this problem, Mayur drains the water twice a week and uses a fogger system to maintain oxygen.

Identification and life cycle of crab!

Mayur puts 80 kg of female crabs and 20 kg of male crabs in his tank, which grows to 3.5 to 4 tonnes of crabs in 5 to 6 months. He said that a crab lays 500-600 seeds per female crab.

The life cycle of every male crab is 3 years, and that of a female crab is 2 to 2.5 years. The stomach of a male is in an A-shape, and the stomach of a female is in a U-shape.

Huge demand in the market, high price!

Mayur says that he gets more profit by selling it in the months of January to February; at this time there is a shortage of crabs in the market. In the local market of Sangli, its price goes up to Rs 250 to 300 per kg, while in other big cities like Pune and Mumbai, it goes up to Rs 500 per kg. He produces about 3.5 tonnes to 4 tonnes of crab in a season and earns more than 7.5 lakhs in a season.

The journey started from the village and became an example for millions!

This journey of Mayur Jagdale is an inspiration for farmers and youth. Crab farming is a low-cost and high-profit business. New hopes can be discovered by combining innovation and modern techniques in our agricultural fields.

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