Neha Luke, a former corporate professional, made a remarkable shift from the corporate world to organic farming. Her journey began when she faced unexpected job loss during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Instead of despair, Neha saw this as an opportunity to pursue her long-held dream of connecting with nature. With her husband, she invested their savings into establishing Mala Farms, an organic farming venture in Gurgaon.
Starting on just two acres, Neha has grown Mala Farms into a thriving 50-acre farm that embodies sustainability, community, and clean food. The farm is a tribute to her late mother, whose name, Mala, represents purity and the beauty of rural life. Neha’s childhood memories of gardening with her mother inspired her to create a self-sustaining ecosystem.
Mala Farms is not just about food production; it is about raising life. The farm is home to over 25 Gir cows, which are known for their high-quality A2 milk. Neha and her husband also care for about 60 local goats, providing milk and meat while their manure enriches the soil. Additionally, the farm has more than 700 free-range hens and various birds that help control pests.
The farm produces a variety of organic products, including A2 milk, ghee, paneer, raw honey, and free-range chicken. Neha prioritises natural farming practices, ensuring that no chemicals or artificial additives are used. She also maintains a beehive colony that contributes to both honey production and pollination.
In addition to farming, Neha is committed to empowering women in her community. She has initiated a beekeeping program that trains rural women to manage beehives. This initiative helps women earn a steady income while balancing their household responsibilities. So far, over 500 beehives have been developed through this program.
Neha believes that farming is not just a career but also a way to rebuild lives and communities. She conducts workshops and training sessions to inspire and educate new agri-entrepreneurs, particularly women. Her philosophy is that farming requires dedication, hard work, and resilience. Despite the challenges she has faced, Neha remains committed to her mission.
Mala Farms is not only a successful business but also a model for sustainable agriculture. Neha plans to expand her farm by increasing heirloom grain yields and establishing a small processing facility. She also aims to create a Farm School where young people can learn essential farming skills.
As she moves forward, Neha continues to advocate for a farming approach that nourishes the body and soul. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of connecting with nature. Through Mala Farms, Neha Luke is not just producing food; she is cultivating hope and community.