The Techie Who Harvested Success in the Fields
In an era where many leave rural roots for urban corporate jobs, one story stands out for doing the exact opposite with spectacular results. Murali Krishna, a former software engineer, traded his computer screen for green fields in Sambalpur, Odisha. By integrating modern agricultural techniques with organic practices, he has not only revitalized his own career but also created a lucrative business model. Today, his integrated farming venture—spanning dragon fruit and pisciculture—generates an impressive annual turnover of ₹30 lakhs, proving that agriculture can be as profitable as the tech sector when approached with innovation.
From Software to Soil
The journey began in 2016 when Murali visited Hyderabad and witnessed the potential of dragon fruit cultivation. Inspired by what he saw, he decided to pivot from his career in software engineering. He did not jump in blindly; instead, he prepared meticulously, undergoing six months of specialized training under the "Skill India" initiative in 2019. This foundational knowledge was crucial, as his initial attempts faced setbacks due to poor-quality saplings sourced from other regions. Undeterred, he sourced better plants from Hyderabad, which eventually bore fruit after two years of patience and care.
A Model of Integrated Organic Farming
Murali’s farm in the Kalamati Panchayat is a testament to sustainable diversification. He currently cultivates dragon fruit across five acres, utilizing approximately 2,000 plants and 500 support pillars per acre. Alongside this, he utilizes 1.4 acres for fish farming, creating an integrated ecosystem.
What sets his farm apart is the strict adherence to organic methods. He avoids chemical fertilizers entirely. Instead, he formulates "Jeevamrut"—a nutrient-rich mixture of cow urine, cow dung, jaggery, gram flour, and soil. For pest control, he utilizes natural solutions made from neem, chili, and garlic. Even the fish feed is organic, supplemented with turmeric and aloe vera to prevent disease. This commitment ensures that his produce is not only abundant but also chemical-free and healthy.
Economic Growth and Community Impact
The financial trajectory of the farm has been upward and steep. Production started at four to five tons in the first year and surged to 25 tons by the fourth year. The harvest season, lasting from June to November, keeps the farm busy and profitable.
Initially, 80% of the produce was exported to other states. However, as local awareness regarding the health benefits of dragon fruit—such as improved immunity and blood sugar control—grew, the local market now consumes half the yield. This venture has also had a profound social impact. The farm employs around 15 local workers who previously migrated to states like Tamil Nadu for labor. They now have stable, well-paying jobs near their homes, reversing the trend of distress migration in the area.
Redefining Agricultural Profitability
Murali’s success challenges the traditional view of farming in the region. He notes that while traditional paddy farming might yield a profit of around ₹15,000 per acre, high-value crops like dragon fruit offer significantly higher returns. His achievement has even changed the perspective of financial institutions; banks that once refused him loans now readily offer support, seeing the tangible success of his model.
Murali Krishna’s transformation from a software professional to a prosperous farmer serves as a powerful blueprint for modern agriculture. By combining technical precision with organic wisdom, he has demonstrated that farming is a viable, high-growth industry. His story encourages youth and traditional farmers alike to look beyond conventional crops and embrace innovation, showing that with the right skills and dedication, the soil can yield gold.
With inputs from: Itishree Nayak, PrameyaNews7
