Many of us dream of living our lives in the greenery, leaving our daily hustle of earning in the polluted cities.
A successful script supervisor from Mumbai’s vibrant film industry, Neha Rajguru, who worked on major productions like "Bulbul" and "Luka Chhupi," took a bold step of returning to rural life.
Senha was having a late-night conversation with Him, Anil Rajguru, when she realised her profound connection to nature was tugging at her heart.
"When my father asked me what I wanted to do in life, I realised I wanted to pursue something that connected me to nature. So, one day, I simply decided to pack my bags and move back to Pune from Mumbai, leaving behind my career in films," she recalls.
This life-altering decision came during a work trip to West Bengal when she encountered an isolated farm practicing permaculture - a sustainable and self-reliant agricultural method.
She lived in a tent for 52 days with the simplicity of village life, tasted freshly harvested, pesticide-free organic food, and witnessed a way of life that resonated with her dreams.
Neha was concerned about the quality of food we’re consuming in cities and wanted to live the village life, to eat nutritious, organic food.
There was a stark contrast between the Mumbai’s relentless lives, and she couldn’t forget the quality of village life. Her father offered her full support in her dream.
BaapBeti Farms: A Shared Vision for Sustainability
Neha embraced sustainability and nature by starting a new chapter of her life, sharing the same vision with her father.
Together, they started BaapBeti Farms, a visionary space where they could live in harmony with nature. This startup was a tribute to their bond and commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Neha started her education in agriculture, particularly permaculture, taking courses to learn the art of establishing and maintaining a sustainable farm.
After establishing BaapBeti Farms, they discovered a plot of barren land on the outskirts of Pune. It was surrounded by hills and a natural flowing water body.
They spent countless hours on their farm, breathing new life into seeds of various fruits and vegetables, without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
They divided the farm into zones, each dedicated to a different plant species, and created a harmonious system with nature.
Zone 1 was the heart of the farm, which housed a workplace, a vegetable garden, and a chicken coop, all buzzing with daily activity.
Neha believed that they were not just growing vegetables - they were creating a diverse ecosystem with birds, insects, and various plant species.
As they worked, they experienced the flow of the various seasons, each one teaching them invaluable lessons about farm life.
A Family Mission: More Than Just a Farm
BaapBeti Farms has been a life-changing experience for Anil Rajguru; witnessing his daughter’s passion and commitment has filled him with immense pride.
Anil recalls that Neha was always closer to nature. Even after her work commitments at shoots ended, she would spend time in nature, engaging with farmers.
When he had four more years of service left, he embraced his daughter’s interest in sustainable farming and rural life.
Anil experienced significant health benefits from participating in farming activities, benefiting his long-term health.
He also lost 18 kilograms due to regular physical activity and eating chemical-free food.
Every morning, he takes a stroll in nature and feels immense satisfaction in helping his daughter in her venture. It also helps regulate his blood sugar levels.
Beyond building a Sustainable Farm
Determined to cultivate a community, BaapBeti Farms gradually transformed into a haven for nature and people alike.
Travelers and agriculture enthusiasts around the world began visiting their farm, drawn by the serene atmosphere and the opportunity to learn about sustainable living.
They also host Airbnb to offer people a natural lifestyle experience and learn about sustainable living. You can book a tour to their farm here.
These immersive visits are led by Anil, who introduces his guests to permaculture and hands-on activities like harvesting and soil composting.
The farm has become a vibrant forum for exchanging ideas where city dwellers enjoy the joys of farm life, and local farmers are also finding inspiration.
Farmers who had long depended on conventional methods of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are now embracing organic farming.
BaapBetiFarms has managed to grow strawberries, capsicum, lettuce, and are experimenting with other vegetables, all organically.
A Legacy Written in Nature
Today, BaapBeti Farms generates up to ₹ 80,000 per month through sustainable development that ensures growth and prosperity.
The organic transformation that Neha and Anil have brought to the small patch of their farm embodies a spirit of regeneration and perseverance.
Through the rhythmic cycle of planting and harvest, this father-daughter duo has discovered peace and purpose, inspiring all who visit with a chance to change.
Neha describes her farm as a rich sensory experience, a tale savored not just by our family but shared with every soul who treads this lush path they’ve created.
With each new dawn, Neha's life, once defined by film reels and scripts, unfolds on the vast canvas of the earth, where BaapBetiFarms is writing a new, sustainable story every day.
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