IT Worker Quits Tech, Shares 11 Spinach Growing Secrets

When the pandemic shut down offices across India, R Nanda Kishore Reddy made a choice that surprised everyone. He left his comfortable IT job in Hyderabad to join his father on their family farm in Telangana, growing spinach and cucumbers.

The lockdown revealed something crucial to Reddy. Watching people lose jobs while food production continued, he realized agriculture wasn't just his father's work but essential to human survival.

He didn't start as an expert. His father taught him the basics of planting and harvesting, while a friend with an agriculture degree showed him modern farming techniques that could boost yields and quality.

Reddy discovered that success starts with choosing spinach varieties suited to local climate and resistant to disease. He learned to prepare soil properly with organic compost and good drainage, creating the perfect foundation for strong plants.

Raised beds became his secret weapon. They prevent soil compaction, improve drainage, and give roots room to spread, resulting in healthier, more productive plants.

Water management transformed his farm. Installing drip irrigation lines delivered water and nutrients directly to roots, cutting waste while supporting steady growth through a technique called drip fertigation.

He plants in staggered batches now, ensuring regular harvests that meet market demand without spoilage. Simple seed treatment with safe fungicides protects against early diseases that can wipe out entire crops.

Pest control doesn't require harsh chemicals in Reddy's fields. Pheromone traps and crop rotation keep insects in check naturally, protecting both the environment and crop quality.

Weather watching became part of his daily routine. Spinach thrives in cooler conditions, so he shields crops from extreme heat and heavy rain to maintain the best leaf quality for customers.

Regular harvesting of outer leaves keeps plants productive throughout the growing season. This simple practice maximizes yield while ensuring continuous supply.

Why This Inspires

Reddy's transformation shows that career changes rooted in purpose can lead to meaningful work and real impact. His willingness to combine his father's traditional knowledge with modern agricultural science creates a blueprint others can follow.

He works closely with agronomists and farmer groups each season, constantly refining techniques for sowing, nutrition, and pest management. This commitment to learning keeps his farm improving year after year.

His story proves that good food production doesn't require abandoning technology but rather applying it thoughtfully alongside time-tested farming wisdom.

When uncertainty pushed one tech worker back to the land, he found not just survival but a better way forward for himself and his community.