In the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, when the first light touches the land, Mahesh walks his fields. The smell of damp soil fills the air, a scent his family has known for generations. They grow Ambemohar rice, a short, fragrant grain that smells like mango blossoms, a rice that's been part of life here for centuries.

The knowledge passed down to Mahesh is profound - when to sow the seeds so the monsoon nourishes the soil, how to rotate crops to maintain fertility, and which natural compost enriches the grains best. His fields aren't just where he grows rice; they show how his family has kept going, with each grain telling a story. Farming is like a part of him, a bond with the land that's been there for generations.

Yet, growing Ambemohar rice today is far from easy. Climate fluctuations, depleting water sources, and the dominance of high-yield hybrid varieties threaten its survival. The fragile grains require careful irrigation, precise timing for transplantation, and organic pest control methods. The challenges are immense, but Mahesh refuses to let this heirloom variety fade. He fights back with his knowledge, patience and commitment to traditional techniques.

He uses farmyard manure to enrich the soil naturally, ensuring that each crop is as healthy as the last. To protect his fields from pests, he cultivates marigolds along the borders, creating a natural barrier while letting beneficial insects thrive. His water conservation techniques are drawn from his ancestors - deep trenches to capture rainfall, bunds to prevent soil erosion, and intercropping methods that keep the land fertile year after year. Every step is deliberate, every decision rooted in experience.

These are the stories that inspire us at Swah. We listen, we admire, and we bring these voices to the world. Mahesh’s fields hold not just rice, but history, perseverance, and the wisdom of generations. His commitment ensures that Ambemohar rice continues to reach those who cherish its heritage, its authenticity, and its irreplaceable taste.

“Farming is not just about growing food - it’s about respect for the land and the people who nurture it,” he says. Each harvest shows his dedication, a reminder that this way of life, rooted in tradition, should be respected and kept alive for years to come.

We at Swah are working to bridge the gap, bringing these vital stories to a wider audience, so that the legacy of farmers like Mahesh and the unique flavours of Ambemohar can be appreciated by all.