Chikkaballapur, Karnataka – A quiet revolution in Indian agriculture is taking root in the small village of Appegowdanahalli in Sidlaghatta taluk, where farmer Thygaraj A.M. has captured national attention by cultivating vibrant, multicoloured maize—a variety typically seen only in the Americas.With hues ranging from golden and black to deep red, orange, and even rainbow combinations, the visually striking maize—also known as flint corn—has become a major attraction for farmers, agricultural scientists, and enthusiasts from across Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
A Passion for Innovation
Thygaraj, a seasoned farmer with over two decades of experience, is no stranger to experimentation. Along with his brothers, he traditionally cultivated tomatoes, beans, mulberry, and flowers on their 16-acre family farm. However, his real journey as an agripreneur began in 2020, when he took a bold step to grow potatoes on vines—a novel concept at the time. The impressive yield and quality of that crop drew the attention of fellow farmers across the region, many of whom began approaching him for seeds and guidance. Inspired by his success, Thygaraj deepened his research into exotic crops, often attending Krishi Melas and agri-expos organized by both government and private agricultural institutions. It was during one of these research ventures that he discovered the visually captivating coloured maize varieties grown in Peru and North America.
Seeds of Change
Motivated to try something new, Thygaraj sourced a handful of seeds with the help of Basavaraj, a friend based in the United States, and Lakshman, a fellow progressive farmer from Gangavathi. What began as a small-scale trial turned into a full-fledged cultivation success.“This maize is not just beautiful—it’s also rich in antioxidants and nutrients, making it valuable both visually and nutritionally,” says Thygaraj. The sight of his fields—dotted with golden, purple, red, and multi-hued corn—has become something of a pilgrimage site for farmers looking to diversify their crops and increase income potential.
Inspiring a New Generation of Farmers
The buzz around his farm has ignited a renewed interest in agricultural diversification and innovation. Agricultural officers, scientists, and young agripreneurs are now regularly visiting Appegowdanahalli to study Thygaraj’s farming techniques and learn more about cultivating exotic crops in Indian climatic conditions. Many local and regional farmers have already expressed interest in adopting the coloured maize variety for niche markets, value-added products, and even agritourism ventures. “This is the future of farming—where passion meets innovation,” said one visiting agricultural expert. “Thygaraj has shown that small farmers, with vision and experimentation, can drive real change in Indian agriculture.”
Looking Ahead
Thygaraj now plans to expand the cultivation area of coloured maize and is considering seed production and distribution to help fellow farmers take up the crop. He also hopes to collaborate with agricultural universities to study and document the agronomic potential of these varieties under different Indian soil and climate conditions. From potatoes on vines to rainbow maize, Thygaraj A.M. is not just growing crops—he’s cultivating a movement. And in doing so, he is inspiring a generation of farmers to dream bigger, farm smarter, and embrace innovation at the grassroots.
