Ankur and Rashmi Sachan, former corporate professionals in Bengaluru who worked with firms like Flipkart, SAP, IBM, and the oil and gas sector, traded corporate life for agriculture during the second wave of COVID-19. Returning to Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, they transformed 5.5 acres of ancestral land into Tuhi Farms, an agroforestry enterprise dedicated to regenerative, chemical-free agriculture.
Leaving Corporate Bengaluru for Ancestral Roots
For years, Ankur and Rashmi Sachan built solid careers in India’s corporate tech sector in Bengaluru. However, during the height of the COVID-19 second wave, the couple re-evaluated their long-term priorities. Ankur’s father had long envisioned creating an eco-friendly, sustainable farm on their ancestral land in Kanpur.
Driven by a desire to build something lasting and meaningful for their family and community, Ankur and Rashmi decided to leave their corporate roles, pack their bags, and move back to Uttar Pradesh to bring that vision to life.
Learning Agriculture from Scratch
Transitioning from software algorithms and corporate operations to soil management was a steep learning curve. Neither Ankur nor Rashmi had formal training or practical experience in farming. Rather than relying on synthetic fertilizers or quick chemical solutions, they approached agriculture with an analytical, learning-oriented mindset.
They spent months observing local weather patterns, studying native soil composition, consulting experienced village elders, and researching eco-friendly cultivation practices. Through trial, error, and continuous experimentation, they established Tuhi Farms across 5.5 acres, designing it around the principles of agroforestry—a land management system that integrates trees and shrubs with crops to create a self-sustaining ecosystem.
Cultivating 30+ Chemical-Free Varieties
Today, Tuhi Farms cultivates over 30 distinct varieties of fruits, seasonal vegetables, and staple grains. The farm strictly adheres to regenerative, chemical-free methods. Instead of monoculture farming, which depletes soil nutrients, the couple practices intercropping, growing complementary plants together to naturally repel pests, retain soil moisture, and improve organic biomass.
Their philosophy centers on long-term ecological balance rather than short-term yield maximization. By prioritizing soil vitality, they ensure that the food produced is free from toxic pesticide residues and rich in natural nutrients.
Championing Soil Rejuvenation and Knowledge Sharing
To ensure long-term sustainability, Ankur and Rashmi prioritize ecological rejuvenation over quick commercial yields. At Tuhi Farms, they actively utilize rainwater harvesting techniques, bio-composting, and natural mulching to conserve moisture and rebuild organic topsoil. Beyond their own fields, the couple actively engages with neighboring smallholder farmers, sharing practical insights on chemical-free cultivation and natural pest management.
By transforming their ancestral land into a living demonstration center, they inspire rural youth and local agricultural workers to adopt eco-friendly farming methods, proving that regenerative practices can restore soil vitality while securing long-term financial viability.
Hands-On Operations and Accessible Organic Pricing
Ankur and Rashmi manage the entire farm supply chain end-to-end. From preparing seedbeds and monitoring crop health to harvesting, processing, packaging, and door-to-door delivery, they handle operations directly without intermediaries.
While the primary objective of Tuhi Farms was to supply clean food for their own family, the surplus produce is offered to health-conscious households in nearby Kanpur neighborhoods. Notably, the couple keeps their prices only 20% to 30% above standard local market rates. This accessible pricing structure challenges the common perception that organic, chemical-free food is an unattainable luxury reserved only for affluent consumers.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The story of Ankur and Rashmi Sachan highlights a growing movement of educated professionals returning to India’s rural heartlands to revitalize traditional agriculture with modern sustainability practices. By demonstrating that 5.5 acres of land can support a multi-crop agroforestry model without harmful synthetic inputs, Tuhi Farms provides a practical blueprint for climate-resilient farming. Their journey proves that entrepreneurship is most impactful when it nourishes local ecosystems and improves community health.
How can local agriculture departments better support mid-career professionals looking to transition into regenerative farming across rural India?
Also Read: How Akriti Verma and Bhavya Jhunjhunwala Started a Zero-Waste Fashion Brand with Just ₹30,000
