In Nagapuri village, Cheriyal Mandal of Siddipet District, Telangana, a farmer named Jakkula R. Thirupathi has turned personal tragedy into a mission of health, sustainability, and hope. Once a businessman in Hyderabad, Thirupathi returned to his roots in 2015 to care for his ailing father and, in the process, discovered a deeper purpose in organic farming. Today, as the chairman of the Nagapuri Farmer Producer Company (FPC), he cultivates Kalanamak rice, a nutrient-rich heritage variety, and advocates for healthier, chemical-free agriculture to inspire positive change in both farming and nutrition.
From Urban Life to Organic Farming:
In 2015, Thirupati left his urban life in Hyderabad behind to care for his ill father. Realizing the importance of quality food, he began cultivating Kalanamak rice on his family’s small land, just to feed him. Despite losing his father to cancer, Thirupati found purpose in farming, inspired by the hope that organic practices could prevent others from suffering similar losses. His resolve strengthened when he learned from doctors that excess use of these harmful pesticides and herbicides in food contributes to the rise of deadly diseases, even among children.
Kalanamak Rice: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Kalanamak rice, or the gift of Gautam Buddha, is a fragrant white-grained rice with black husk. Its special feature is that it elongates after cooking and is packed with micronutrients like iron and zinc along with 11% protein. Having a low glycemic index of 49%, which is even less than the millet, it is an excellent choice for diabetics. It also helps mental health, immunity, and overall wellness. Thirupati recently advocated its consumption as a natural and affordable alternative to enhance health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Promoting Organic Agriculture
Thirupati's hospital visits, where he witnessed children battling cancer, left a deep impact on him. He questioned why these young patients suffered from such diseases despite leading innocent lives. A specialist explained that the overuse of pesticides and insecticides in food significantly contributes to the rise of these disorders. This realization became a turning point, inspiring Thirupati to champion organic farming.
Driven by this awareness, Thirupati is committed to providing healthier, chemical-free food options, believing firmly that 'food is our medicine.' Concerned by the rising cases of diseases and the strained medical infrastructure, he advocates for the consumption of indigenous crop varieties rich in micronutrients. These crops, he emphasizes, not only enhance physical health but also support mental well-being.
Thirupati is growing Kalanamak rice and nine varieties of black rice on 1.5 acres, making a yearly profit of Rs 1 lakh. Finding the health benefit and market potential, he is planning for 3 acres for the cultivation of Kalanamak rice to contribute to the global requirement for improving the health conditions of the people as well as garnering decent income for the farmers.
Message to Fellow Farmers
He encourages farmers to embrace organic farming and growing the indigenous varieties of crops for their families’ health and the community’s welfare. "Start with your family, then your village, and eventually the world. Together, we can produce healthy food and boost farmer incomes by exporting globally."
This inspiring journey of Jakkula R. Thirupathi from loss to purpose highlights the transformative power of organic farming. By cultivating Kalanamak rice and promoting sustainable practices, he is leading the way for healthier, more sustainable agriculture, ensuring that others don’t endure the loss he experienced.
