Ayurvedic doctor Jasmit Singh Arora collects discarded mango seeds, turns them into saplings, and gives them to farmers. Seeing mangoes as a cash crop, he promotes them as a steady alternative to unstable farm incomes.
Since 2019, Arora has collected mango seeds from citizens, schools, and vendors, converting discarded ‘gutlis’ into grafted saplings distributed free to farmers.
A viral 2024 video spotlighted his work, prompting vendors, schools, and supporters across India to send seeds. By 2026, he had received 21 lakh seeds, including from New Zealand, Canada, and Italy.
Seeds are sorted, dried, and planted before the monsoon. When saplings reach four to five feet, they are grafted with local varieties for strong growth and reliable fruiting.
Saplings are nurtured in Diamond Harbour and Burdwan, West Bengal, where germination and grafting take place. His partner Ashok Modi provides land and support to ensure farmers are reached.
So far, he has distributed over eight lakh fruit saplings to farmers in Sundarbans, Kulpi, Purulia, Jhargram, and Bankura.
Beyond saplings, farmers learn organic composting, chemical-free pest care, and climate-appropriate cultivation. This lowers costs, improves soil health, and boosts yields.
Arora guides farmers on monetising tree assets through carbon credit mechanisms, linking future income to verified carbon sequestration.
He introduced ‘Tree ka Langar’ — a people-led movement to plant and nurture trees collectively, honouring trees that serve society with food, oxygen, shade, and permanent carbon locking.
Students of Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute made a documentary, Gutli Man, which won awards at the Kolkata International Micro Film Festival and the Abhijaat International Short Film Festival.
Once mocked, Arora now says, “The name ‘Gutli Man’ represents something powerful. They no longer mock me; instead, they support in whatever capacity they can.”