“Grow What Fills the Stomach—and the Wallet”: A Legacy of Progressive Farming by Three Generations of Vermas

Amit Verma of Lakhimpur Kheri Carries Forward His Grandfather’s Vision; Avid Follower of Yogi Government’s Agri Policies

Lucknow — “Farm, but only if you must. And if you do, grow crops that feed not just the stomach, but also fill your pocket.” This powerful advice, given by Shyam Lal Verma to his son Suresh Chandra Verma nearly seven decades ago, has shaped the legacy of three generations. Today, that legacy is being carried forward by Amit Verma, the third-generation farmer from Lakhimpur Kheri, who is also an education entrepreneur and admirer of the Yogi Adityanath government’s agricultural policies.

Honoured by India’s First President

Shyam Lal Verma was no ordinary farmer. In the 1950s, his exceptional work in traditional farming earned him recognition from none other than Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India. He was among a select group of progressive farmers sent on a study tour across India in 1956 to learn about advanced farming practices. That experience was transformative—Shyam Lal began to see farming in a new light and eventually shifted from traditional crops to horticulture.

A Top Wheat Producer in 1958

His dedication bore fruit. By 1958–59, Shyam Lal Verma had earned second place in Uttar Pradesh for wheat yield per hectare. Over time, he gradually moved away from conventional farming to focus on orchard-based cultivation.

From Law to Land: Suresh Verma Took the Green Path

Suresh Chandra Verma, Shyam Lal’s son, had earned a law degree but chose farming over a legal career. Inspired by his father’s passion for horticulture, he too embraced it as a lifelong hobby. His innovations in the field led to national recognition. In 2005, he was awarded “Best Horticulturist of Lakhimpur Kheri” and was honoured by then Agriculture Minister Ashok Bajpai for excellence in agricultural diversification. He was also conferred the “Best Farmer” award at the 9th Indian Agricultural Scientists and Farmers Congress held in Allahabad (now Prayagraj).

A Documentary on Farming Innovation

Suresh Chandra Verma’s innovations caught the attention of Doordarshan Delhi, which produced a documentary titled Kiran featuring his work. After his passing in September 2024, his son Amit Verma assumed the responsibility of continuing the family’s agricultural legacy.

Amit Verma: From Aspiring Doctor to Farmer-Entrepreneur

Amit Verma, a postgraduate, once aspired to become a doctor or a civil servant. However, destiny had other plans. Alongside managing his family’s 18-acre orchard, he also runs Decex Education Private Limited, which operates Decode Exam, an online platform to help aspirants prepare for Uttar Pradesh PCS and Review Officer/Assistant Review Officer exams. His company also publishes exam preparation books.

A Walk Through the Orchard

Sprawled across 18 acres, the Verma family’s orchard is a vibrant spectacle—especially during harvest season. Currently, there are over 1,000 mango trees of various varieties. Inspired by the Yogi government’s dense horticulture scheme, Amit planted 500 Amrapali mango saplings three years ago. The orchard also includes 50 jackfruit trees, 25 lychee trees, 150 Indian gooseberry trees, over an acre of bamboo, 1.25 acres of multi-purpose bamboo, and 200 teak trees.

A Supporter of Yogi Government’s Farming Initiatives

Amit Verma is a strong proponent of the Yogi Adityanath-led government’s agricultural policies. He is particularly impressed by the solarization of on-grid agricultural pumps under the subsidy scheme and has already applied for it. He also plans to install a drip irrigation system under another state-supported initiative.

Preserving Legacy While Embracing Innovation

From being honoured by India’s first President to being featured in a national documentary, the Verma family has left an indelible mark on progressive farming in Uttar Pradesh. Amit Verma continues to blend tradition with innovation, sustaining his family’s agricultural legacy while promoting educational development in parallel.

Their story stands as a shining example of how wise words, rooted in experience—“farm in a way that fills both stomach and wallet”—can shape not just a livelihood, but a legacy.