At Paarakhi Organic Farms, the morning sun cast a warm glow across rows of mango, sugarcane, and jowar. 

The air carries the earthy scent of freshly turned soil, sharpened by the fragrance of lemongrass and sweetened by mango blossoms. Women in vibrant saris move through the fields with baskets in hand, harvesting vegetables as their tools clink rhythmically against metal pails.

“To farm organically is to honour the earth and our bodies,” says Monika Mohite, capturing the quiet conviction that shapes her work.

At the centre of this bustling farm stands 51-year-old Monika Mohite — farmer, entrepreneur, and mother — guiding the work with steady purpose.

What began as a deeply personal decision for her family has today grown into a 40-acre organic enterprise in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, demonstrating how sustainable farming can nourish both people and the land.

A mother’s spark ignites change

In a farming landscape dominated by chemical inputs, Monika’s journey into organic agriculture began with something simple and deeply personal: a mother’s concern for her son’s health.

Her son Dhruv was pursuing professional motor racing, a demanding sport that required high physical endurance. During a routine consultation, a dietician pointed out nutritional gaps in the commercial energy foods available to him. When Monika searched for clean, nutrient-rich alternatives, she found very few options in the market.

Instead of settling for what was available, she decided to create those foods herself.

“It took a couple of years of workshops, field visits, and beginner mishaps to understand organic farming properly,” she recalls.

What began as a small experiment soon grew into something much larger. Over time, Monika transformed the idea into a full-fledged organic farming venture spanning 40 acres, now generating up to Rs 40 lakh annually.

Dhruv’s journey mirrored her determination. In 2019, he became the youngest winner of the Indian Touring Car........

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