Narendra Singh Mehra was born in 1959 in Devla Malla, a small agricultural village nestled among the beautiful hills of Nainital, Uttarakhand. Though his family made their living through agriculture, they expected him to pursue a different path. Mehra completed his graduation in Geography, followed by a postgraduate degree in Arts (MA) and a diploma in Tourism Studies. However, despite his academic achievements, his heart remained drawn to the soil of his homeland.
In 1984, to everyone's surprise, Narendra returned to his village and became a full-time farmer. Initially, like most farmers, he used chemical fertilizers and pesticides, adopting conventional methods to increase yields. But over time, he witnessed a dramatic decline in soil quality, crop yields, and, most importantly, his profits. It was then that he decided to take a different approach—one rooted in tradition and sustainability.
Narendra recently became a part of Krishi Jagran’s initiative, the “Global Farmer Business Network,” aligning his work with a larger national movement that showcases sustainable agripreneurship models from across India.
Transition to Organic Farming
Narendra came to the conclusion that chemical farming was not sustainable in the long term due to declining profits and rising input costs. He started looking into natural ways and making homemade insect repellents with cow urine, dung, and neem leaves. He soon observed a discernible improvement in soil fertility and crop health. Most significantly, his production costs dropped by nearly 90%.
He used native seed varieties rather than genetically modified crops and high-yielding hybrids. He became extremely passionate about preserving and enhancing traditional crops over time. His three-hectare farm was transformed into a living laboratory where intercropping, soil enrichment, and seed selection experiments flourished.
Birth of 'Narendra 09' – A Game-Changing Wheat Variety
The turning point in Naredra’s journey unfolded in 2008 when he was cultivating the RR21 wheat variety. While harvesting, he spotted a few wheat plants boasting fuller, longer, and healthier spikes. Curious, he tied red threads around them to mark their uniqueness. His children playfully teased him, calling him a “child playing with grains,” but Narendra sensed he had discovered something extraordinary.
He carefully saved the seeds from these remarkable plants and replanted them each season.
With time and careful selection, he managed to build a robust stock of 8–9 kg. Although his early attempts to expand cultivation didn’t go as planned, Mehra didn’t give up. With the support of scientists like Dr. SN Tiwari, Dr. JP Jaiswal, and Dr. Vijay Kumar Dohare, he successfully registered his variety with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), officially naming it ‘Narendra 09’.
The Narendra 09 variety thrived not only in Uttarakhand but also in areas like Mount Abu, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Its ability to adapt to various climatic conditions and impressive grain yield—70–80 grains per spike compared to the usual 20–25—quickly made it a favorite among farmers.
Empowering Farmers Through Innovation
Narendra Singh Mehra's contributions are not just about wheat. He has actively pushed for the organic cultivation of sugarcane by farmers in the hilly areas. Local communities are now able to produce and market premium jaggery at competitive prices thanks to this change. Additionally, he brought black rice from the northeastern states to Uttarakhand, giving the state's farmers yet another source of revenue.
He set a world record by harvesting 25 kg of turmeric from a single plant, which is one of his most remarkable accomplishments and further evidence of his creative farming techniques
Participatory Rural Appraisal
By lowering farmers' reliance on expensive inputs and hybrid seeds, Narendra Singh Mehra's work has greatly increased local agricultural resilience. Food security and livelihood opportunities in neighboring villages have improved as a result of his farmer-to-farmer training model and active participation in the sharing of organic practices. He has established an unofficial but significant rural extension system that enables smallholders to embrace sustainable farming practices by dispersing Narendra 09 seeds and marketing value-added goods like jaggery.
Income & Impact
These days, Narendra Singh Mehra sells wheat, rice, sugarcane, black rice, and value-added goods like jaggery for between Rs. 12 and Rs.14 lakhs a year. His Narendra 09 seeds, which are in high demand throughout India, contribute to this revenue. His all-organic farming model has improved yields and profits while drastically lowering input costs.
Mehra makes almost five times as much as the average small-scale farmer in the area, who often struggle to make even Rs. 2–3 lakhs a year. And he did this without the use of heavy equipment, chemical pesticides, or fertilizers.
Recognition & Awards
Narendra was recognized as the "State Millionaire Organic Farmer of India" by Krishi Jagran for his unwavering dedication to sustainable agriculture. Many researchers, scientists, and policymakers have praised his work. He has partnered with agricultural establishments, such as GB Pant University, to test and promote Narendra 09.
Thousands of farmers have been inspired to follow his example by his story, which has also appeared in national media outlets.
A Vision Beyond His Fields
Narendra is still grounded and devoted to the farming community in spite of his own accomplishments. He encourages young farmers to adopt conventional wisdom, native seeds, and chemical-free methods while visiting villages and agricultural fairs.
When children are asked to draw a farmer, they typically draw a sad man wearing ragged clothing. I wish to change that picture. He declares, "I want our farmers to be regarded as proud, successful, and respectable people.
Narendra Singh Mehra's journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion, innovation, and sustainable practices in agriculture. By blending traditional farming methods with modern, climate-resilient solutions, he has not only achieved personal success but also paved the way for a more sustainable, profitable future for Indian farmers. His work serves as an inspiration for those seeking to harmonize agricultural practices with environmental responsibility, showing that with perseverance and the right knowledge, farmers can overcome adversity and lead the charge toward a greener, more prosperous tomorrow.
Note: Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN) is a dynamic platform where agricultural professionals—farmer entrepreneurs, innovators, buyers, investors, and policymakers - converge to share knowledge, experiences, and scale their businesses. Powered by Krishi Jagran, GFBN facilitates meaningful connections and collaborative learning opportunities that drive agricultural innovation and sustainable development through shared expertise. Join GFBN today: https://millionairefarmer.in/gfbn
