Journey of an IIT Couple into Agriculture After forsaking lucrative US Careers
In the heart of Madhya Pradesh, a regional model for sustainable farming is taking root. Jeevantika, a farm run by IIT graduates Sakshi Bhatia and Arpit Maheshwari, is leading the charge towards environmentally friendly agriculture.
Having left lucrative careers in the US, the duo embarked on a journey to live a life that aligns with their values and makes a positive impact on the world. Their commitment to sustainable farming and permaculture is not only transforming their own farm but also inspiring others to embrace environmental responsibility.
A Focus on Permaculture
Permaculture, a sustainable farming method that emulates natural ecosystems, is at the core of Jeevantika. By focusing on biodiversity, soil health, organic farming, and water conservation, Sakshi and Arpit have created a farm that is not only sustainable but also productive and efficient.
Starting with a small plot, they implemented permaculture principles, including creating sustainable infrastructure and cultivating a variety of crops. Their work has resulted in a transition from hazardous chemicals and outdated farming techniques to more sustainable methods that yield higher profits over time.
Educating the Community
Sakshi and Arpit have worked tirelessly to educate local groups and schools about the importance of environmentally friendly farming practices. They have conducted workshops and given hands-on demonstrations to teach eco-friendly farming methods, aiming to inspire the next generation of farmers.
A Model for the Future
Jeevantika serves as a model for a future where agriculture prioritizes environmental protection for future generations. Their efforts align with other successful sustainable agriculture projects in Madhya Pradesh, such as Earth5R’s zero-waste farming villages, the promotion of the Kadaknath poultry breed, and agroforestry practices by tribal communities.
These projects demonstrate integrated approaches combining ecological restoration, circular economy, indigenous breeds, and women empowerment to advance sustainable agriculture in the region.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite their lack of prior agricultural experience, Sakshi and Arpit's engineering background helped them approach farming with a problem-solving mindset. They overcame traditional farming issues by applying their technological expertise, resulting in a farm that is not only sustainable but also productive and efficient.
Initially motivated by the stress of the business world, the rapid pace of city life, and the desire to get back to nature, Sakshi and Arpit's journey is a testament to the strength of taking risks, accepting new challenges, and striving for a more sustainable and better future for everyone.
[1] Earth5R (2025). Zero-Waste Farming Villages Empower Women in Madhya Pradesh. [Online]. Available: https://earth5r.org/zero-waste-farming-villages-empower-women-in-madhya-pradesh/
[2] ICAR (2025). Kadaknath Poultry Farming Boosts Income in Jhabua District. [Online]. Available: https://icar.org.in/kadaknath-poultry-farming-boosts-income-in-jhabua-district/
[3] Earth5R (2025). Agroforestry with Tribal Communities Enhances Biodiversity in Madhya Pradesh. [Online]. Available: https://earth5r.org/agroforestry-with-tribal-communities-enhances-biodiversity-in-madhya-pradesh/
[4] Sgp India (2025). Greening Initiatives in Rural Madhya Pradesh. [Online]. Available: https://sgpindia.org/greening-initiatives-in-rural-madhya-pradesh/
- Jeevantika, the farm in Madhya Pradesh, utilizes permaculture, a sustainable farming method that mimics natural ecosystems, as its core practice.
- The farm's focus on biodiversity, soil health, organic farming, and water conservation aims to create a productive, efficient, and sustainable agricultural environment.
- Sakshi and Arpit, the farm's IIT-graduate owners, initially left lucrative careers in the US to adopt a lifestyle that aligns with their values and benefits the environment.
- Their departure was prompted by the stress of corporate life, the fast pace of city living, and a desire to return to nature.
- Apart from conducting workshops and hands-on training sessions, they have also implemented their teachings on their plot, transitioning from harmful chemicals and old farming techniques to eco-friendly methods.
- This transformation has led to higher yields over time while also being environmentally friendly.
- Sakshi and Arpit's dedication to sustainable farming does not only impact Jeevantika but also influences other farmers to act responsibly towards the environment.
- They are part of a larger movement in Madhya Pradesh that advocates for sustainable agriculture.
- Programs like Earth5R's zero-waste farming villages, the promotion of Kadaknath poultry breed, and agroforestry practices by tribal communities are aligned with the goals of Jeevantika.
- By implementing integrated approaches involving ecological restoration, circular economy, indigenous breeds, and women empowerment, these programs aim to promote sustainable agriculture in the region.
- Sakshi and Arpit's lack of prior agricultural experience did not hinder their progress, as their engineering background provided a problem-solving perspective that overcame traditional farming issues.
- Technology played a crucial role in their success, as they used it to enhance the efficiency and productivity of their farm.
- Their journey serves as an example for individuals who wish to pursue a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle and career.
- Future developments in personal-growth, career-development, education-and-self-development, and technology could further support initiatives like Jeevantika, contributing to a greener and more sustainable world for everyone.
