Success in Herbal Farming: Story of Helicopter Farmer Rajaram Tripathi

New DelhiThere was a time when Rajaram Tripathi was a manager in State Bank of India. There was a stable job, pension, status, everything. But suddenly in the year 1996 he left everything. People said, “An educated man has gone mad and has gone into farming!” Today the same person is famous across the country as the ‘helicopter farmer’.

Today Rajaram owns 1000 acres of land, runs 9 luxurious farmhouses and has connected 400 tribal families with farming. His herbal farming business has become an empire worth Rs 25 crore. And yes he has bought a helicopter worth Rs 7 crore, that too just for farming!

From Tomato to White Gold

The beginning was very small with tomato cultivation on just 5 acres of land. But soon it was realized that there is not that much profit in common crops. Then he turned towards medicinal farming. He started the cultivation of Safed Musli, which people call ‘white gold’. Gradually started cultivation of Ashwagandha, black pepper and many other herbal plants. Rajaram’s company ‘Maa Danteshwari Herbal Group’ today exports to more than 10 countries including America, Germany, England and France.

Miracle of helicopter in farming

Rajaram says, “Earlier, crop monitoring and medicine spraying were done manually. When I saw that farmers in foreign countries do this work with helicopters, I thought why not us?” After this he bought Robinson R-44, a 4 seater helicopter, which costs about Rs 7 crore. Today he, his son and brother are taking training to become pilots at the Aviation Academy of Ujjain. Rajaram says, “I spray medicines not only in my own fields but also in the fields of nearby farmers through helicopter. Everyone should benefit, only then there is real development.”

Honors and Achievements

Rajaram Tripathi has received the ‘Best Farmer Award’ at the national level thrice. He has provided employment and training in modern farming to more than 400 tribal families. Their annual turnover is around Rs 25 crore.

The message every farmer needs to hear

Rajaram says, “Leaving the job was not madness, it was a dream. Bring innovation in farming, create a community and even the sky will become smaller.” The story of Rajaram Tripathi tells that if there is passion and vision, then it is possible to fly from the fields to the sky. This journey starting from tomato to helicopter was completed in just 30 years and that too with the fragrance of soil.