Indian farmers

Inspired by the potential of natural alternatives, Ashok Tapaswi left city life to grow Annatto trees in Fatehpur, turning forgotten red seeds into a successful natural pigment business. He is driving a movement for healthy, chemical-free sindoor and supporting farmers across India.

Students from Shiv Nadar School, Gurugram, developed ‘Mati Rakshak’, a handheld IoT soil testing device paired with the bilingual ‘Agroww’ app. This solution offers real-time soil nutrient analysis, helping Indian farmers optimise fertiliser use, improve crop health, and reduce environmental impact.

Meet five extraordinary changemakers transforming Indian agriculture with bold ideas, indigenous wisdom, and innovations that are quietly reshaping the way India farms, eats, and thrives. This September, Optum Presents The Better India Showcase, supported by the M3M Foundation, is honouring their impact.

Armed with nothing but curiosity, 70-year-old Krishna Chandra Halder from Hooghly cross-pollinated two papaya varieties to create a new hybrid. Today, he harvests 75,000 kg annually, trains other farmers, and proves that innovation can thrive in even the most humble farms.

Starting with a bicycle and a few rupees, Arun Salai has built one of India’s most important collections of traditional seeds — reviving native farming one variety at a time.

Barabanki farmer Dheeraj Verma used hydroponics to grow 9,000 strawberries in 60 days, earning Rs 3 lakh — using just 3,500 sq ft and a DIY curd-copper spray.

Explore the incredible story of Kalimullah Khan, whose innovative grafting technique resulted in a mango tree with 350 varieties. Learn how his lifelong dedication to horticulture made his orchard a global marvel.

At 75, Joseph Karackadu grows 20+ dragon fruit varieties on 65 cents of land in Kerala. Earning Rs 1 lakh/month, he supplies farmers across India with exotic plants.

Dr Naveen Kumar from Chennai helps 5,000+ people grow fruits and veggies at home using organic methods passed down from his grandfather to fight food adulteration.

Developed over 15 years by a farmer near Kota, this Alphonso-like mango fruits three times a year, grows in pots, and is drawing global attention.