In traditional settings, the husband-wife duo is often seen through the lens of their relationship and responsibilities towards each other. However, modern Indian couples are going beyond the conventional roles and actively engaging in India’s vibrant startup culture. One such example is Husband Wife Farm, a startup founded by Jitendar and Sarala.
While working for TCS in Delhi, Jitendra became increasingly aware of the harmful effects of pollution and the consumption of chemical-laden, processed foods. Concerned about their health and lifestyle, he had a conversation with his wife, Sarala, about the possibility of returning to their village. Sarala, understanding the importance of a healthier life, wholeheartedly agreed to the idea.
So in 2017, Jitendra left his corporate job to pursue organic farming with Sarala on their ancestral land.
Why Moringa?
“My husband had got some moringa plants from his friend’s house in Bengaluru. He planted them in our terrace garden in Delhi, and they grew well. We found their leaves very effective in health-boosting properties.”, says Sarla.
Moringa, often called the “miracle tree,” is a nutrient-dense superfood packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential amino acids. It offers a wide range of health benefits, including boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and supporting heart health by lowering cholesterol and stabilizing blood pressure. Moringa is known to regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for diabetes management, while its high calcium and phosphorus content strengthens bones.
Additionally, its fiber aids digestion, and its antimicrobial properties help combat infections. Moringa also enhances cognitive function, protects against oxidative stress, and may even have cancer-fighting properties. With its impressive nutritional profile and therapeutic effects, moringa is a powerful addition to a healthy lifestyle.
The global moringa market is experiencing significant growth, projected to reach between $12 billion and $19.81 billion by 2025 or 2033. Husband Wife farms Farm generates a turnover of ₹10 lakh per acre, with plans for further growth as the global market for moringa continues to expand.
Farming practices used by Jitendra and Sarla Mann at their “Husband Wife Farm” :
- Organic Farming Preparation: The land was prepared for organic farming to ensure no traces of chemicals.
- Soil Enrichment: Cow dung was added to the soil to improve fertility. Moringa was initially grown and used solely for mulching to avoid chemical contamination.
- Mulching: They mulched the plants for 1.5 years, putting moringa plants back into the soil to enhance fertility, carbon content, and organic matter.
- Solarized Water: A 3.5 lakh-liter water tank was built to store solarized water, which is believed to be more beneficial than using underground water directly. The water is kept churning with three pumps to strengthen the soil ecosystem.
- Waste Decomposer: They installed a waste decomposer for fast composting of organic farm waste, improving soil health and plant immunity.
- Organic Inputs: They regularly prepare and use jeevamrit (a mixture of cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, water, and soil) and panchagavya, along with other organic inputs.
- No-Till Farming: They practice no-till farming, which helps create a natural ecosystem with humus-rich soil.
- Shade Drying: After harvesting, moringa leaves are washed and dried in the shade to retain maximum nutrients.
- Intercropping: In winter, they intercrop beetroot with moringa trees.
Also Read: Why Mushroom Cultivation in India can Become the Next Big Agricultural Revolution?
