Ex-Soldier Turns Punjab Farm Into Herbal Medicine Hub
A retired Army officer transformed seven barren acres in Punjab into a thriving medicinal plant farm that now supports 110 farming families. His sugarcane jaggery infused with herbs has customers waiting in line.
When Naresh Kumar retired from the Indian Army at 34, he returned to his family's dusty, barren fields in Punjab with a plan to honor his ancestors' forgotten farming traditions.
The former Havildar planted ashwagandha, tulsi, aloe vera, and six other medicinal herbs across seven acres starting in 2017. Within a year, he formed Suhavi Producer Company, expanding medicinal farming to 40 acres and bringing 110 families into the venture.
His work earned him two trips to Delhi last year. The government honored him as a special guest at Independence Day celebrations, then again in December with a national agriculture award.
When COVID-19 hit in 2020, Naresh adapted by adding sugarcane to his farm. He developed an innovative product line of jaggery and sugar infused with medicinal herbs like ashwagandha, moringa, and turmeric.
His wife Mamta runs quality control at their processing facility. "Sugarcane has added more sweetness to our relationship," she says, monitoring daily operations alongside her husband.
The plain jaggery sells for 170 rupees per kilogram, and herbal sugar for 250 rupees per kilogram. Naresh produces up to 12 quintals per acre but still cannot meet demand.
The Ripple Effect
The farmer producer organization operates without government aid, proving sustainable agriculture can thrive independently. Dr. Arun Chandan from the National Medicinal Plants Board calls Naresh "doubly determined" and credits his persistence for inspiring partnerships with IIT Ropar and Punjab State Biodiversity Board.
Naresh recently launched a "family farmer" program encouraging city residents to adopt rural farmers. "People in cities should come on weekends and see how much hard work goes into what they produce," he explains.
His latest experiment involves infusing curry leaves into mustard oil. Each innovation builds on traditional knowledge while meeting modern health demands.
From soldier to soil steward, Naresh proves that returning to roots can cultivate an entire community's future.
Based on reporting by Indian Express
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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