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Ashish Khamari, a 45-year-old IT professional from Sambalpur district, Odisha, is an inspiring example of how passion for agriculture can harmoniously coexist with a thriving career in software. Born and raised in a rural village, Ashish was deeply influenced by his late grandfather, Kulamani Sahu, who pioneered commercial banana farming in the 1990s and achieved notable success. However, Ashish’s journey took him far from his roots as he pursued higher education and eventually landed a prestigious job with Dassault in Bangalore, working on software projects that took him across the globe.

The Turning Point

In 2019, Ashish’s life took a transformative turn when he invested in 36 acres of barren land near the Asurgarh hill in Gayenpura village, Dhama, Sambalpur. This decision was inspired by his grandfather’s legacy and a desire to excel in farming. Although initially focused on his software career, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent work-from-home culture gave Ashish the time and opportunity to reconnect with his agricultural roots.

Journey to Fertility

Ashish started by cultivating rice on the newly acquired land, working tirelessly to rejuvenate its fertility. Realizing the potential for diversification, he joined Abhinavakrishi Research Organisation’s training programs in 2021, where he learned advanced techniques for cultivating exotic crops and sustainable farming practices.

Equipped with this knowledge, Ashish expanded his farm’s portfolio to include:

1. Thai 7 Guava
2. G-9 Banana
3. Mausambi, Orne
4. Sapota, Thai apple ber
5. Thai seedless lemon, Kagzi lime
6. Moringa (PKM 3)
7. Coconut (Malesian golden, green dwarf)
8. Thai Pink Jackfruit
9. Mango (Baiganpalli, Hafuss, Kesur, Mallika, Thai all time, Thai King)
10. Tissue-Cultured Bamboo (Bambusa Balcooa)
11. Grafted Brinjal and Tomato
12. Coffee

He has expanded his farm while maintaining the rich biodiversity of indigenous plant species, creating a harmonious balance between modern agriculture and ecological preservation. His commitment to conserving native flora has turned his farmland into a vibrant ecosystem, attracting botanists, agroecologists, horticulturists, forestry students, and researchers. Ashish’s “AI Bio Farm” farm has become a hub for exploring and studying the native plant diversity of Sambalpur, offering valuable insights into sustainable practices and the interplay between agriculture and biodiversity.

Indigenous wild/local fruit plants include:

1. Mahua (Madhuca Longifolia)
2. Kusum (Schleichera oleosa )
3. Harada (Terminalia chebula )
4. Bahada (Terminalia bellirica )
5. Aonla  (Phyllanthus emblica )
6. Chironji (Buchanania lanzan )
7. Tendu/Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon )

Balancing IT and farming:

Despite maintaining his IT job, Ashish has gradually shifted his focus towards agriculture. He spends his free time planning, managing, and developing his farm, aiming to make it a self-sustaining and profitable enterprise.

A Role Model for Sustainable Agriculture:

Ashish’s story is not just about personal success but also about inspiring others in his community. His journey underscores the importance of embracing modern agricultural techniques while honouring traditional wisdom. With his efforts, the once-barren hill is now a thriving, fertile farmland that exemplifies sustainability and innovation. His journey from software to soil is a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and the willingness to reconnect with one’s roots to create something meaningful for future generations.

Interested people who want to visit his farm can google “AI Bio Farm” or visit to the website (www.ai/biofarm.com) or can contact on (Mob: 9980494464).

Jai Bharat Jai Kisan (www.abhinavakrishi.com)