Why I Grow My Own Veggies? It Isn’t a Hobby; It’s A Way of Life

Feature image courtesy: Sooraj Purushothaman

Have you ever nurtured a plant from scratch? Have you planted a tiny seed and watched it grow into a beautiful flower, fruit or vegetable? Have you savoured the fruits grown through your own efforts?

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Sooraj Purushothaman realised this joy really young. He planted some tomatoes and cowpeas at the age of 13. They gave him a great yield which started his foray into organic farming.⁠ He calls growing vegetables a “way of life”.

“There’s nothing quite like the feeling of planting a tiny seed, nurturing it through the seasons, and finally reaping the fruits of your labour. And when those vegetables are ready to be harvested, there’s no better way to enjoy them than straight from the garden to the table,” he shared.

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Today, he grows over 50 vegetables and fruits, and helps other farmers reap a good harvest without the use of pesticides. He says that one must think of gardening as a journey, without worrying about the result. “It’s a way of appreciating the simple things in life.”

Let Sooraj inspire you to appreciate the efforts that go into growing vegetables, next time you sit down for a meal.

Edited by Pranita Bhat