Greenbacks are a big draw for Indians in America, but through the lush fields of Virginia, a woman from Telangana is paving a new path in farming, inspiring NRIs.
For many, an agricultural field may be just filth, but for Vaishali Konatham, it is an obsession that she unknowingly traces back to her father in India. “The roots will always haunt you,” she said Hindu.
For a software professional based in Ashburn, Virginia, farming soothes the soul and eases the stress of urban life. She started with growing vegetables in the backyard and it ignited the idea of serious farming, which she experienced as a child in Mothkur village in the united Nalgonda district. Women play a huge role in farming at home but educated Indian women going abroad to start farming is a bit blasphemous. How did he manage to break out of that mindset? “The scent of fresh soil can never leave a farmer’s child. And it is a tribute in a way to my father who lived on farming and raised his children on it,” said the MSc graduate from Osmania University.
sprouted roots
Vaishali now manages one and a half acres which she leased from an American farmer where she grows Indian vegetables. Vaishali has named his farm ‘Sprouting Roots’. She recently started cultivating local vegetables and local farmers’ markets gave her a place to sell the produce.
The growing season ends in September/October when it gets cooler but the warmth of the Indian community that comes to her farm to buy fresh vegetables makes sure she juggles between computers and farming. Her husband Sridhar Mogulla extended a helping hand.
This inspirational work has also attracted the attention of the Loudon County Department of Economic Development, which works to promote agriculture among children. She is the only Indian among the 10 farmers nominated by the county this year. His recognition also led to praise for his daughter at his school, something that fills Vaishali’s heart with pride, as does his farm known as Sprouts Roots.