In Photos: Meet the Farmers Behind Organic Dates, Golden Sitaphal & India’s Boldest Crop Innovations

This World Photography Day, we look beyond the frames — to the farmers whose grit, innovation, and ideas make every portrait a story of India’s agricultural heart.

1. Divakar Channappa – Karnataka Once an ISRO scientist, Divakar returned to his Karnataka hometown in 2009, inspired by One Straw Revolution . His journey swapped satellites for soil — and sparked lasting change.

On just 2.5 acres, he mastered organic date farming, champions sustainable agriculture, and inspires local students to farm with the planet in mind. Read Divakar’s story .

2. Narendra Singh Mehra – Uttarakhand At 66, Narendra left a tourism career for the fields of Devla Malla, Nainital — a decision rooted in passion and a deep respect for the land he grew up on.

He created ‘Narendra 09’, a wheat variety that yields 50–80 grains per stalk and grows in diverse climates. He also promotes organic sugarcane farming across Uttarakhand. Read Narendra’s story.

3. Navnath Kaspate – Maharashtra From Maharashtra’s orchards came Navnath’s proudest creation — NMK-01 Golden Sitaphal, a high-yield custard apple with better pulp, sweeter taste, and longer shelf life.

He holds rights to the variety, sells saplings across India, and helps fellow farmers grow Golden Sitaphal for higher income and stronger market value. Read Navnath’s story.

4. Darlapudi Ravi – Andhra Pradesh Once a bank manager, Ravi of Ungarada chose seeds over spreadsheets — and ended up saving 3,600+ indigenous varieties from disappearing forever.

He stores them using ash, mud, shade, and bamboo pots, trains locals in seed-saving, and even runs ‘Bhaskara’, a brand selling traditional snacks from these crops. Read Darlapudi’s story.

Every photograph of an Indian farmer holds a world of perseverance, tradition, and change. Today, we honour not just their portraits — but the progress they make possible.

In Photos: Meet the Farmers Behind Organic Dates, Golden Sitaphal & India’s Boldest Crop Innovations

By Raajwrita Dutta 19 August 2025

This World Photography Day, we look beyond the frames — to the farmers whose grit, innovation, and ideas make every portrait a story of India’s agricultural heart.

Every photograph of an Indian farmer holds a world of perseverance, tradition, and change. Today, we honour not just their portraits — but the progress they make possible.