Innovative Agriculture: A Tech Expert Transforms rural India through Farming Innovation
In a surprising turn of events, Mayank Singh, a former senior software engineer at Accenture in Bangalore, has left his lucrative IT career behind to embrace a new life as a natural farmer in his ancestral village, Mahgaon, Varanasi. This transition, far from being a sudden decision, was a gradual process inspired by a deep-seated desire for a more meaningful connection with nature.
The seeds of change were sown during Mayank's IT career, which, despite its financial rewards, left him feeling unfulfilled. His weekend treks and involvement in water sports stirred a yearning for a more profound relationship with nature.
During the 2020 lockdown, Mayank returned to his ancestral village. Initially, he had plans to start a water-sports business on the Ganga, but instead, he found himself drawn to farming. This shift was influenced by his experiences in the rural landscape, and he began cultivating crops like mustard and peas and managing a small farm with desi cows, marking a significant step towards sustainable living.
Mayank's farming approach emphasizes harmony and natural synergy, with peas climbing mustard stems for support and mustard protecting peas from insects. Seasonal crops like chana and moong pulse are grown in between the permanent plants. Over time, his farm has expanded, now covering double the initial 1-acre, implementing a combination of agroforestry, permaculture, and natural farming.
The journey of Mayank Singh reflects a broader trend of individuals seeking fulfillment and connection with nature. His story underscores how personal experiences and a desire for a more meaningful lifestyle can lead to significant career changes.
Mayank is now offering farming know-how and authentic, chemical-free food through his digital platform. Insects, worms, and wild grasses have returned to his farm, with no use of herbicides or pesticides. He is also registering a private limited company to sell his produce and help other farmers.
Mayank's parents were initially worried about his decision to leave his stable job and start farming. However, over time, they have come to support his endeavours. His father, who was initially skeptical, has even begun attending natural farming webinars and found his own health improving by helping on the land.
Mayank's Art of Living-inspired vision includes building a farmstay and creating a community based on trust. He is also volunteering for Art of Living by sharing his experiences in Permaculture online courses. The Permaculture course changed Mayank's perception of land, food, and responsibility.
Mayank's five-year IT career at Accenture left him restless. His journey is inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's vision of empowering youth to create meaningful, sustainable change. As he looks to the future, Mayank is fully committed to his new life in farming, having straddled two lives (tech work and farming) earlier.
This article was first published on 14 Jul 2025, 09:03 IST.
- Science and technology played a role in Mayank Singh's former IT career, but he yearned for a deeper connection with nature.
- The health-and-wellness aspect of his new lifestyle improved his father's health as he started helping on the farm.
- Mental health considerations led Mayank to leave his lucrative career, seeking a more fulfilled life.
- Mayank's digital platform focuses on educating others about sustainable farming and providing chemical-free food, promoting healthier lifestyle choices.
- His agricultural approach emphasizes mindfulness by incorporating agroforestry, permaculture, and natural farming, promoting harmony and synergy with nature.
- In the realm of entrepreneurship, Mayank is now registered as a private limited company to sell his produce and support other farmers.
- Cooking organic food using natural farming methods has become a part of his lifestyle, contributing to the food-and-drink sector with a focus on healthiness.
- The shift to small-business ownership allowed Mayank to make a significant impact on the housing-market through the development of his farmstay.
- Investing in his new farming venture has led to a meaningful financial return while also positively impacting the environment.
- As a result of his life-changing decision, Mayank has found a connection with his ancestors' land, enriching his personal growth and development.
- Home-and-garden improvements, such as creating a farmstay, illustrate Mayank's commitment to building a sustainable community based on trust.
- The real-estate industry can learn from Mayank's approach to creating harmonious living spaces, promoting sustainable development.
- Gardening has taken center stage in Mayank's new life, with a focus on growing seasonal crops and implementing agro-ecological practices.
- Technology has facilitated the distribution of Mayank's produce, reaching a broader audience interested in healthier food choices.
- The migration from a corporate career to a farming lifestyle has inspired others to pursue similar meanings in their lives.
- Education-and-self-development opportunities, like the Permaculture course, have empowered Mayank to make a positive impact on the environment.
- Policy-and-legislation regarding sustainable farming and organic food production can be developed with insights gained from Mayank's successful transition.
- Car-accidents, fires, and other accidents are avoided on Mayank's farm due to the emphasis on living peacefully with nature, demonstrating the potential benefits of a mindfulness-focused lifestyle.
