In a small village nestled in the heart of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, Suhas Bali embarked on a journey that many dream of but few dare to pursue — leaving behind a stable corporate career to follow his true calling in agriculture.

After completing an MBA in 2014, Suhas stepped into the corporate world and spent four years in an office setting. However, it didn’t bring him the satisfaction he had hoped for. He yearned for something more substantial, more connected to nature, and closer to home.

This desire eventually led him back to his roots in Vidarbha — a region traditionally known for kapaas (cotton) and soybean farming.

Despite having no formal background in agriculture, Suhas was undeterred. He saw potential in his family’s 30-acre land in the Washim district.

Recognising the growing demand for exotic vegetables in urban markets, he made the bold decision to venture into exotic farming. It was not a choice made lightly. It was a bold step into unfamiliar territory — one that required resilience and a willingness to learn through trial and error.

“I realised that what you cannot achieve on a 20-acre farm with traditional crops, you can do with just two acres if you choose the right crops and farming techniques,” Suhas points out.

Starting with coloured red and yellow capsicum, Suhas soon discovered the financial rewards of polyhouse farming. The 32-year-old went on to cultivate a paradise decked with exotic vegetables. Green broccoli, Chinese cabbages, capsicums in vibrant colours, cherry tomatoes,........

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