↞Beyond The Farm↠
Our journey in ethical and transparent farming has occasionally found it's way beyond the orchard — through interviews, publications, and recognitions from agricultural platforms and institutions
This page brings together some of those moments, along with certifications and learning initiatives that reflect our continued commitment to responsible and informed farming
In The Media
Krishi Jagran
In Conversation with Colonel Divya Thakur, Retired Indian Army Officer on a Mission to Make Organic Mean Something in India
– 1 July 2025
In this interview with Krishi Jagran, Colonel Divya Thakur reflects on the “second innings” of his career — transitioning from military service to nurturing an organic apple orchard in the Himalayas. He shares how the values of discipline, integrity, and transparency continue to shape our approach to farming
From Serving the Nation to Serving the Soil: Retired Army Officer Leads Organic Farming with High-Density Apple Orchard in Himachal
– 13 Nov 2025
– 13 Nov 2025
This Krishi Jagran feature explores the high-density orchard model and organic practices followed on our farm. It highlights the role of technology, ecological methods, and farmer collaboration in building a transparent and sustainable apple-growing system
The Better India
After 30 Years in the Army, Retired Colonel Returned to Manali to Grow 11 Tonnes of Organic Apples
– 31 Oct 2025
Featured in The Better India, this story follows Colonel Divya Thakur’s return to the mountains of Himachal, where a retired soldier set out to revive tired soil and transform a family orchard into a living example of honest, ethical farming
After 30 Years in the Army, He Turned a Manali Orchard Into a Chemical-Free Apple Farm
– 24 Jan 2026
Presented as a visual story by The Better India, this image-led feature captures key moments from the orchard — from planting and soil care to harvesting the apples. Through short narratives and photographs, it offers a glimpse into the daily work and philosophy behind the farm
Certifications & Learning
MSME Technology Development Centre (CFTI), Government of India
Food Processing: Entrepreneurship Development Program
This programme develops practical knowledge in value-added agricultural practices, food processing techniques, and the foundations of building sustainable agri-based enterprises
Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI)
Concepts of AI in Agriculture – Training Program
This training programme explores the growing role of artificial intelligence in agriculture, including precision farming tools, data-driven decision making, and technology that improves efficiency and sustainability in modern farming systems
National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India
Natural Farming – Principles and Practices
This programme introduces the principles of natural and regenerative farming, focusing on soil health, ecological pest management, and combining traditional agricultural wisdom with contemporary scientific approaches
School of Modern Apple Farming
Comprehensive Apple Cultivation Programme
This year-long programme provides a comprehensive understanding of modern apple cultivation, covering every stage from orchard establishment and crop management to harvesting, grading, storage, and post-harvest handling, with emphasis on high-density apple farming systems
Fruit Logistica, Berlin (Germany)
International Fresh Produce Trade Fair – Industry Participation
In 2025, we attended Fruit Logistica, one of the world’s leading global trade fairs for the fresh produce industry. The event provided exposure to emerging trends in apple cultivation, post-harvest technologies, supply chains, and modern orchard management practices used across international markets
National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
Natural Farming – Principles and Practices
This programme introduces the principles of natural and regenerative farming, focusing on soil health, ecological pest management, and combining traditional agricultural wisdom with contemporary scientific approaches.
What Our Customers Say (^_^)
Col. V. C. Katoch
— Greater Noida, UPI received the apples today and honestly they
were surprisingly good. I’m really not
someone who eats fruits regularly and
apples are usually the very last thing I pick.
But these were genuinely delicious and
very fresh. I didn’t expect them to
taste this good. Thank you for sending
such lovely apples. I’m already thinking
of ordering another box for my
parents as well.
Dr. Pallavi Mishra
— Lucknow, UPI shared some of the apples with my mother
and she absolutely loved them. When she
heard they were seasonal and would only
be available next year again she was
quite disappointed! She even said she had never
tasted apples like these before and coming
from her that means a lot because
she’s very particular about food and rarely
praises fruit!!
Krishna C.
— Bangalore, KarnatakaMy kids are extremely picky when it comes to
food. But when I gave them these apples,
they kept eating them one after another.
They actually said the apples were
sweeter and tastier than the snacks they
usually ask for! We really enjoyed them and
I’ll definitely be ordering another box soon.
Dr. Yella Shekhar
— Mumbai, MaharashtraSir I actually ordered these apples mainly
because I saw that the orchard is run by an
army family. There is a certain level of
trust that comes with that, so I felt
confident giving them a try. My children are
quite sensitive to pesticides and chemicals, so we’re
usually very careful about where we buy
fruits and vegetables from. Thank you for
sending such wonderful apples. We truly enjoyed them.
Col. Shanjit Singh Bhullar
— Chandigarh, PunjabDivya, honestly the main reason I ordered these
apples was because of you. Your reputation
from your army days itself was enough
for me to feel that whatever work you
start will be done properly and with
honesty not just for show. And I must say,
the apples really proved that right. The
moment we opened the box and had the first bite, we could
immediately feel that these were very
different from the usual market apples we
buy. Much sweeter, crisp and fresh. Really hats off to you for
taking up farming and doing it with the same
sincerity you carried during your service.
Thank you for sending such lovely apples.
Akshara Attri
— Gurgaon, HaryanaMy father is 82 and this was actually the first
time he tried a gala apple. When he
took the first bite, could literally see the
glee in his eyes… He smiled like a little
kid. Since that day he keeps praising
them and now asks for one almost every
day as his evening snack. I honestly
didn’t expect him to like them this much.
Thank you for sending such wonderful apples.
It really made his day ❤️
Sameer Pathania
— Ahmedabad, GujaratThe apples reached today and they were in
perfect condition. Packaging was also very
neat. We already used a couple of them
in our fruit salad and the crunch was
amazing. Really enjoyed them. Please keep
another box booked for us!! I think these
apples are now going to become a regular part
of our daily menu.
Gauri Sachar
— Patiala, Punjab★★★★★
Divya, my husband almost never eats apples with
the skin. The last time he did was when we
were posted in the Srinagar valley more
than 30 years ago. Since then he always
peels them before eating. But with these
apples he actually ate them with the skin,
which really says a lot about how much he
liked them and also the trust he has
in you. Truly wonderful apples. Thank
you for sending us this box, we thoroughly
enjoyed them.
Rohini Bhattacharya
— Gurgaon, Haryana★★★★★
Thank you dear for the beautiful box of apples.
They were really delicious and came out
wonderfully in the pies I made!!!
Usha Parmar
— Noida, UP★★★★★
Just tasted the apples you sent us they were
truly wonderful. Sending you lots of
love and blessings. They were so delicious
that the entire box finished in just a
few days at home. Now we are already
looking forward to next year’s harvest.
Anuradha Kher
— Indore, MP★★★★★
It was completely a different experience to
anything that I have bought in the
market. The apples had an incredible natural
shine without any wax coating and tasted
incredibly sweet with a slight tang. The
delivery was also within the stipulated
time. Sir you have a lifelong customer in
me. Thank you so much!!
Prachi Guleria
— Udhampur, J&K★★★★★
We had served your apples yesterday to
some guests who came at home, and they
instantly started asking where we got it
from. That in itself speaks about how
distinctly different they taste
from the supermarket ones. I cannot thank
you enough for these delicious snacks.
Eagerly looking forward to next year's bunch too 🙏🏻😄
