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Connecting the Dots: Story of Forest Side Farm
- joshihemanshu
- Mar 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 15
"You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards." Steve Jobs' words resonate deeply with me as I reflect on the journey of Forest Side Farm. It's a story of unexpected turns, unwavering faith, and the serendipitous connections that shaped my life and this beautiful place. Thus comes the Story of Forest Side Farm.
In 2011, I was living a comfortable life in Dubai, immersed in the world of IT. The thought of owning a sprawling piece of land, let alone becoming a farmer, was as distant as the stars. But life, as it often does, had other plans. One afternoon, my sister Meeta called from India, her voice filled with excitement. She was passing through a picturesque area called Kotabagh, and a beautiful parcel of land was for sale.
I'd never seriously considered land ownership, beyond an investment apartment in Delhi-NCR. Yet, something in her voice resonated with me. "If you think it's good," I told her, "let's buy it." And so, in my mother's name, we acquired the land. It was a simple decision, made without any grand plan, a mere dot in the vast canvas of my life.
Fast forward to December 2015. I arrived in Haldwani after a long journey from Muscat, eager to see my
parents. But within hours, my father collapsed in the bathroom, unconscious. The shock was immense. We rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with appendicitis and a minor blood clot in his brain. As I watched him recover, a profound realization dawned on me: I needed to be closer to my family.
I returned to Oman, resigned from my well-established IT career, and moved back to India in February 2016. With over 18 years of experience in the IT industry, I initially pursued consultancy, focusing on business process and project management. But the response was lukewarm, and the pace of establishing myself was slow.
In the meantime, I found myself drawn to our land in Kotabagh. It was a sanctuary, a place of peace amidst the uncertainty. I decided to dedicate six months to farming, to explore its possibilities. If it didn't work out, I'd return to the corporate world.
And so, I began my farming journey, a complete novice in a world I knew nothing about. I fenced the land, and in July 2017, I planted mustard in 14 bighas (approximately 95,000 sq ft). I had no idea about sowing, watering, or harvesting. I relied on laborers I brought from Haldwani every day, struggling to find local support.
The harvest arrived in November, and I sold the mustard for a mere Rs 12,000. It was a humbling experience. I couldn't fathom how farming families survived on such meager returns. The next two to three crop seasons yielded similar results, leaving me bewildered and questioning my path.
Driven by a need to understand, I immersed myself in research, exploring organic farming, permaculture, and regenerative agriculture. I stumbled upon the wisdom of Gopal Upreti ji, an apple orchard owner near Ranikhet. He told me, "Hemanshu, have you ever seen money growing on trees? Go to Himachal Pradesh, where apple farmers thrive."
His words sparked a new direction. If apples couldn't grow in Kotabagh's climate, what could? We decided to establish the first commercial avocado orchard in Uttarakhand. But where to begin? How to find the right avocado variety?
My father's former student, Dr. B.P. Srinivas, at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bangalore,
connected me with Dr. Karunakaran at the Indian Horticulture Research Institute, who in turn introduced me to Mr. Sekar Nagarajan in Tamil Nadu.
In October 2017, I traveled to Kodaikanal and purchased 180 avocado plants, a local variety called TKD 1. My lack of farming knowledge hindered their growth, but the guava trees I planted thrived, offering a glimmer of hope.
My learning journey continued, and I discovered the Facebook groups "Seed to Soil" and "Permaculture India." These communities became invaluable resources, where I could share ideas, learn from others, and find support. We were all sailing in the same boat, united by a shared passion for clean food and a sustainable lifestyle.
From these experiences, a new philosophy emerged: diversification. Rather than relying on a single crop, I decided to build a portfolio of complementary plants and practices.
Today, Forest Side Farm boasts over 600 trees of 30 different fruit varieties, providing a year-round harvest.
We grow pulses, spices like turmeric, ginger, and coriander, and herbs like chamomile and lemongrass. Our pure honey, a testament to the natural bounty of our land, is sought after from across India.
Turmeric, chamomile, and honey are our cash crops, contributing significantly to our farm's income. We also grow vegetables for our own consumption.
To create a sustainable ecosystem, we introduced our farmstay, a haven for guests seeking tranquility
amidst nature. The farmstay's success is a testament to the unique experience we offer, a blend of rustic charm and genuine hospitality. It has been recommended by prominent travel magazine Conde' Nast Traveler and online magazine The Better India as a must visit place in Uttarakhand near Jim Corbett.
We've built a self-sustaining ecosystem where every element complements the other. It's a journey of continuous learning, adaptation, and unwavering faith. The dots, once scattered and disconnected, have formed a beautiful picture, a testament to the power of trusting your gut and following your heart.
Forest Side Farm is more than just a business; it's a labor of love, a reflection of my personal journey. It's a place where guests can reconnect with nature, experience the simplicity of rural life, and savor the flavors of fresh, homegrown produce. It's a place where the dots have beautifully connected, creating a story that continues to unfold.
I hope our story inspires you, whether you're seeking a peaceful escape or contemplating a change in your own life. Come and experience the magic of Forest Side Farm, where the journey is as rewarding as the destination.
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