- Rising cultivation costs, labour shortages and fluctuating demand made marigold farming increasingly unsustainable for Harish, a farmer from Tapasmakanahalli village.
- Through an Adani Foundation-supported initiative, Harish transitioned to drumstick leaf cultivation, backed by training and market linkage support.
- With assured buyback and significantly lower cultivation costs, the new crop is projected to generate a net annual income of nearly Rs. 1.98 lakh while providing long-term income security.
Karnataka/Bengaluru, 6 July 2026: ACC, along with the Adani Foundation, is helping farmers adopt sustainable agricultural practices and improve their livelihood security through community-focused development initiatives in and around Thondebhavi.
Agriculture had become increasingly difficult to sustain for Harish, a farmer from Tapasmakanahalli village. Cultivating marigold on his one-acre farm required annual investments of nearly Rs. 1.5 lakh. However, labour shortages, rising input costs and fluctuating market demand made returns on such a heavy investment uncertain. With his income heavily dependent on seasonal and festival demand, financial stability often remained out of reach.
Seeking a more sustainable alternative, Harish participated in an Adani Foundation-supported initiative promoting drumstick leaf cultivation. As part of the programme, farmers received exposure and training on cultivation practices, income potential and market opportunities. This initiative was designed not only to support individual farmers but also to encourage the wider adoption of drumstick cultivation, with plans to scale the model across more than 300 acres in the region.
Today, Harish has transitioned to drumstick leaf cultivation with approximately 7,000 plants on his farm. The crop requires relatively low maintenance and is supported by an assured buyback arrangement with Nora Agro Tech, reducing market uncertainty. His annual production is projected at 2,240 kg, generating revenue of approximately Rs. 2.24 lakh. With cultivation costs estimated at just Rs. 26,000, this model is expected to deliver a net annual income of nearly Rs. 1.98 lakh while providing a productive lifespan of up to 15 years.
For Harish, this shift represents a pathway to greater income stability and long-term financial security. For Adani Foundation, this initiative reflects the importance of supporting farmers with sustainable solutions that strengthen rural livelihoods, improve resilience and create opportunities for lasting economic progress.
