Nirmal: Rapelli Satyam, an innovative farmer from Laxmipur, a remote village in Kaddam mandal, has succeeded in growing wheatgrass, a medicinal and superfood, for the first time in the district. He has been of great help to patients suffering from chronic diseases by distributing wheatgrass besides training people to raise the plant.
“I have been selling wheatgrass, juice and powder to patients suffering from chronic diseases including cancer, liver related ailments, joint pains, anemia etc., in several parts of the State since 2006. Moved by the weak financial background of certain patients, I have given the grass to about 500 patients across Telangana in the past few years for free,” Satyam told ‘Telangana Today.’
The creative farmer said he was also helping people in growing what grass by sharing his expertise. “Many do not know how to raise the saplings. I show them videos and guide them over phone in selecting variety and soil. Patients who are interested in growing the plant have been able to produce quality wheatgrass in their own backyards and roofs,” he explained.
Providing livelihood
Besides, Satyam has provided livelihood for about 50 youngsters who are engaged in distribution of the products in Hyderabad and different parts of Telangana State. The youngsters, who lost their jobs due to Covid-19 pandemic, are engaged in door-to-door delivery of wheatgrass, juice and powder. They also stay healthy since they too consume the natural supplementary diet, he said.
The wheatgrass grower’s clientele include Tollywood celebrities such as Chiranjeevi and Najagarjuna, besides several professionals and politicians. He was appreciated by many actors and actresses for producing the superfood. He was invited to speak at “Meelo Evaru Kotishwarudu”, a popular game show aired on Maa TV.
The 42-year-old promising farmer ventured into growing wheatgrass following a suggestion by his friend Dr Anil who lives in the US. “I was exploring various ways for a better livelihood when I migrated to Hyderabad in search of livelihood following losses in agriculture due to crop failures. Anil told me numerous health benefits of the grass and its byproducts. So, I decided to follow his advice,” he recounted.
According to Satyam, some of health benefits consumption of wheatgrass, powder and juice are eases digestion, facilities formation of RBCs and WBCs, promotes weight loss, treats anemia, cures diabetes, reduces food cravings, improves immunity, increases libido, prevents cancer, restores pH balance and stimulates circulation in the body. Wheatgrass juice is regarded as a green blood and rich source of antioxidants, he stated.
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