Why Agriculture?

I initially wanted this to be an elaborate post on all my logical reasoning and complex thought processes for this decision - but that's how it's been sitting as a draft for well over an year. Time to get it out!

Here are the reasons why I chose to be an agricultural entrepreneur.

I love Agriculture and Allied Activities

Every time I visited our native village, Edanganni, I felt at peace. I slept better there than anywhere else. 

My dad says we have agriculture in our veins - I guess that's true!

The Growing Demand for Food around the World 

I kept reading about increasing food prices, potential famines, food riots, food export restrictions and other similar stories. This recent NYT article kind of summarizes my fears. 

Increasing Usage of Pesticides in Food Crops 

We have all heard about the unintended side-effects of stronger and stronger pesticides applied on our food crops. We all worry about it. Those who can afford it, can switch over to premium-priced organic produce. What about the rest of us?

Educational background

I chose to become a veterinarian because of my love for animals. In my current work (which has the least possible relation to my field of study), I've thrived, but always felt a longing to return to what I studied for. 

Livestock rearing has always been a discussion in our circles - Agriculture, I felt, would be the ideal start towards an integrated farming system somewhere in the future. 

Miscellaneous

• I read about urban/community farming in places like Detroit, MI, experienced farmer's markets (the US version) and heard  many inspiring stories of entrepreneurial nature (Thanks NPR!). 
• I was intrigued by the idea of a small self-sustaining unit that required minimal inputs to operate normally and potentially require NO external inputs, in times of crisis/need. 
• I wanted my kids to experience the India I loved and continue to love. 

So, that's how Anandham - An Agri AdVenture was born.