At an age when most are settling into a quiet retirement, 78-year-old former engineer HR Iyer embarked on a new adventure, trading a successful career in the steel industry for the quiet fulfillment of organic farming. Five years ago, he left his business behind to cultivate an 18-acre plot of land in the scenic hills of Kodaikanal, finding a renewed sense of purpose in the process.
For decades, Iyer’s world revolved around the precision of mechanical engineering. His Chennai-based company was a key supplier of import-substitution equipment to India’s oil industries. Yet, despite the financial success and professional accolades, he felt a void that his bustling career could not fill. A burgeoning interest in the natural world had begun to take root.
This curiosity was first piqued by a simple act of goodwill at his factory. Iyer ran a canteen that offered free meals to his employees, and the satisfaction he derived from providing for them led him to question the quality of the food. "I began to wonder what it would be like to grow the vegetables myself, to ensure they were pure and tasted as nature intended," he reflects. This thought prompted him to start a small organic garden to supply the canteen, and the impressive results were a source of delight for both him and his staff.
The true turning point, however, came during a visit to a tranquil plantation nestled in the hills of Tamil Nadu. The peace and serenity of the lush landscape stood in stark contrast to the industrial environment he was so accustomed to. "Walking through those green pathways, I felt an undeniable connection to the earth," he recalls. This experience solidified his growing passion for organic farming.
At the age of 73, after 51 years in manufacturing, Iyer made the decisive choice to close his factory and embrace a new life as a farmer. In 2021, he purchased an 18-acre plantation near Kodaikanal, a property that was both promising and challenging, with some areas fertile and others barren. His first priority was to rejuvenate the soil. "We spent months nourishing it with organic matter, working to eliminate any residual chemicals and restore its natural vitality. The labor was intensive, but incredibly rewarding," he says.
Iyer delved into the science of organic agriculture, traveling across the state to learn from seasoned experts and applying innovative techniques on his own land. His farm became his laboratory. His commitment to natural methods was affirmed in a rather amusing incident. He received a frantic call from his head gardener who exclaimed, "’Sir, there’s an invasion!’" Imagining a swarm of locusts or a destructive fungus, Iyer was taken aback when the gardener clarified, "’There are thousands of worms!’" The "invaders" were earthworms, a clear indicator of healthy, thriving soil and a testament to the success of his organic practices.
In addition to meticulous soil care, Iyer produces his own fertilizers from cow dung, such as jeevamrut and panchagavya. He has also introduced music therapy on his farm, playing soothing classical instrumental music to the plants. The journey was not without its hurdles. "I invested a significant amount in improving the soil and installing electric fencing to protect the crops from elephants, boars, and wild buffaloes," he explains. Training his workers in organic methods required discipline and detailed instruction. Sourcing native cows for bio-inputs and managing the logistics of being far from the nearest town also presented considerable challenges.
Financially, the initial years were difficult. "The first couple of years were a complete loss, largely because I struggled to find buyers who genuinely appreciated quality and were willing to pay for it," he admits. "That challenging period taught me a crucial lesson: to sell exclusively to customers who value quality and are prepared to pay upfront." This shift in strategy proved to be a turning point, and by the third year, his farm began to turn a profit.
Today, Iyer’s plantation is a flourishing ecosystem. His coffee plants yield aromatic beans, the fragrance of cardamom fills the air, and black pepper vines thrive in the organically nurtured soil. The farm is managed by four permanent staff members and additional daily wage workers as needed. Vimal, a 35-year-old employee, shares, "Learning organic practices here has been incredibly fulfilling. What truly inspires me is Mr. Iyer’s dedication. Despite his age, he is actively involved in every aspect of the farm, and his commitment motivates all of us."
This career change was a profound life realignment for Iyer. His days are now governed by the rising sun rather than industrial deadlines. He starts his mornings with a cup of coffee grown on his own land, savoring a simpler, more meaningful existence. While his decision initially surprised his family, they quickly became his biggest supporters. "My wife and daughter’s unwavering encouragement gave me the strength to move forward with determination," he says.
Reflecting on his journey, Iyer has no regrets. "I left behind the predictable world of steel and machines, but I’ve gained something far more valuable," he shares. "I earn about Rs 5 lakhs in profits annually, and while I still supplement my income with my savings, I am content. It’s never too late to follow your passion and embrace a new chapter in life."
