A Tale of Two Worlds
In the bustling tech corridors of Bengaluru, deadlines, data, and digital screens define everyday life.
But when evening falls, one man trades his laptop for a plough and his conference calls for cow calls.
Meet Raghavendra, a software engineer at IBM who leads a double life - balancing his corporate career with his passion for organic farming and dairy cultivation right in the city.
“The land that gave us food once - it’s time we give something back to it.” - Raghavendra
The Beginning: A Seed of Curiosity
Like many young professionals, Raghavendra moved to the city in search of opportunity.
Yet, behind the glow of his monitor, he felt a growing disconnect from nature. Weekends became his escape - not to malls or movies, but to small patches of soil where he could feel life under his hands again.
What began as a weekend hobby soon grew into a full-fledged organic farming project, where he nurtured Desi cows and grew vegetables the natural way - without chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides.
His story stands as a symbol of the urban organic farming movement - a return to simplicity, even amid complexity.

Building a Bridge Between IT and Agriculture
Working at IBM gave Raghavendra problem-solving discipline and analytical thinking - skills he soon applied to farming.
He began using technology to make agriculture smarter and more efficient:
-
IoT-based irrigation systems to monitor soil moisture.
-
Mobile apps to track cattle health and feeding schedules.
-
Data analytics to plan crop rotation and fertilizer cycles.
He transformed his small farm into a model of precision organic farming, showing that technology and tradition aren’t opposites - they are partners.
|
Challenge |
Tech-Driven Solution |
Result |
|
Water scarcity |
Automated drip irrigation |
40 % water savings |
|
Weed control |
Mulching farming techniques |
Healthier soil |
|
Cow health |
Mobile health tracking |
Early detection of illness |
|
Labor shortage |
Efficient scheduling |
Higher productivity |
The Role of Desi Cattle: His True Teammates
Raghavendra’s heart lies with his native cows - gentle companions that make his farm thrive.
He uses cow dung and urine to create natural bio-fertilizers like Panchagavya and Jeevamrutha, which enrich the soil and boost crop growth.
He believes that cows are not just dairy animals; they’re living engines of soil fertility and sustainability.
“A Desi cow is not an expense - she’s an investment in soil, health, and heritage.”
By combining cattle-based inputs with mulching and composting, he turned even dry patches of land into green, living soil.
Balancing Code and Crops
Managing two demanding roles isn’t easy.
Raghavendra’s day starts early - tending to his cows, checking the fields, and planning feed cycles - before logging into meetings with global clients.
He uses evenings and weekends for fieldwork, supported by a small team and local helpers.
What keeps him going is passion - the satisfaction of seeing something real grow under his care.
|
Routine |
Activity |
|
Morning |
Feeding cows, checking irrigation |
|
Daytime |
IBM engineering work |
|
Evening |
Field visits, maintenance |
|
Weekend |
Composting, planting, and community sessions |
His ability to manage both worlds has inspired dozens of tech professionals to follow in his footsteps.
The Rewards of Organic Farming
Through sustainable and chemical-free methods, Raghavendra not only grows vegetables but also produces pure, organic milk from his Desi cows.
His produce supplies local families who seek healthier, traceable food.
Beyond the profit, his biggest reward is peace of mind - reconnecting with nature and restoring balance to his life.
“When I farm, I feel human again.”
Organic farming has given him:
-
Better health and mental clarity
-
Additional income alongside his IT salary
-
A deeper sense of purpose and contribution
Changing Perceptions About Farming
Raghavendra’s journey challenges a long-held stereotype - that farming is only for rural or uneducated people.
He proves that educated professionals can transform agriculture by combining science, software, and soil.
His farm stands as a learning model under the Organic Mandya movement, which empowers farmers to practice natural and profitable agriculture.
“Farming is not backward - it’s the future when done right.”
Lessons from His Journey
-
Start small, stay consistent. You don’t need acres to begin - a small terrace or backyard is enough.
-
Blend technology with tradition. Use modern tools but stay rooted in organic principles.
-
Value native breeds. Desi cows sustain not only farms but ecosystems.
-
Think of soil as a living partner. Feed it well, and it will feed you forever.
-
Balance life. True success is when work and passion coexist peacefully.
The Organic Mandya Connection
At Organic Mandya, stories like Raghavendra’s reaffirm our vision - that farming can be modern, meaningful, and inclusive.
We continue to support professionals, farmers, and communities in embracing organic farming, building a bridge between sustainability and livelihood.
Our goal is to show that the soil can be India’s next startup - rich, regenerative, and full of innovation.
“The next revolution won’t come from code - it will come from the ground.”
Conclusion: The New Generation Farmer
Raghavendra represents a new kind of Indian - one who codes by day and cultivates by dusk.
His life is proof that technology and farming can coexist beautifully, creating balance between modern ambition and rural tradition.
Through organic farming, he has discovered what many professionals search for - a sense of meaning, independence, and connection.
He reminds us all that the future of farming is not just in villages - it’s in our hearts, our homes, and even our cities.
“When you plant a seed, you don’t just grow food - you grow a future.”
FAQs
1. Who is Raghavendra, the software engineer-turned-farmer?
He is an IBM professional from Bengaluru who manages a full-time tech career while running a successful organic and dairy farm.
2. How does he balance work and farming?
By using technology, smart time management, and a dedicated support team to maintain both his IT projects and his farm operations.
3. What kind of farming does he do?
He practices organic and cattle-based farming, using cow dung, mulch, and compost instead of chemicals.
4. What inspired him to start farming?
A desire to reconnect with nature, improve health, and create a sustainable lifestyle that blends technology with tradition.