After retiring from the post of Gazetted Officer from Government of India and and as the Chairman of Kendriya Bhandar (Multi state Co-Operative), I made what many considered an unusual decision in 2019. I established Neem Valley Farms & Seeds in Khandauli, Agra. My years of involvement with the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) and Indian Potato Association (IPA) had given me unique insights into potato cultivation, and I felt compelled to put this knowledge into practice.
During my time in service, I had witnessed the development of nearly 100 potato varieties across India. It fascinated me how institutions like CPRI, ITC, and Mahindra, along with private laboratories, had created such diversity – potatoes in cream, white, black, blue, and even red colors. This diversity inspired me to start my own farming journey.
Starting My Farming Adventure
I began with what I knew best – carefully selected potato varieties from CPRI Modipuram. I chose Kufri Mohan, Kufri Bahar, and Chipsona-1 for their proven qualities. The UP Horticulture Department supported my initiative with 30 bags of Surya variety. However, the years 2022 to 2024 taught me harsh lessons about farming realities. Climate change hit us hard – I watched helplessly as crops rotted in the fields. The traditional mandi system I had known was no longer the same, and I found myself navigating a complex web of traders and commission agents.
The Financial Struggles
What surprised me most was the financial structure of potato farming. Despite my administrative background, I wasn’t prepared for the payment cycles – waiting a month after sales to receive payment, or losing 2% of the value for immediate payment. Every season brings new challenges: escalating costs of pesticides, irregular and expensive power supply, and the constant threat from stray animals to our crops. These are realities that no administrative experience could have prepared me for.
Looking Back and Forward
Today, as I continue my involvement with CPRI and IPA while managing my farm, I see both the immense potential and the critical challenges in potato farming. The transition from bureaucrat to farmer has given me a unique perspective on what needs to change in Indian agriculture. We need better infrastructure, more reliable seed quality, and a more farmer-friendly market system.
Currently, Neem Farm produces high-quality Potato Seeds through a systematic multiplication process, starting from Generation-1 and Breeder Seeds obtained directly from CPRI – Modipuram, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. This ensures the genetic purity and quality standards of our seed potatoes are maintained at the highest level. Farmers interested in procuring these quality-assured potato seeds can contact us at: +919810560226
My journey from the corridors of power to the potato fields of Agra has been both humbling and enlightening. While I face the same challenges as any other farmer, I remain committed to contributing to the advancement of potato farming in India, using both my administrative experience and my newfound practical knowledge.
