2024-07-15 20:49:53
New Delhi: Today we introduce you to an educated farmer who has set an example. His name is Rishikesh Dhane. He is a resident of Padali village in Satara district of Maharashtra. He has surprised the farmers around him by earning Rs 1 crore annually from aloe vera farming. His journey was never easy. There were many challenges in it. Let us know about the success of Rishikesh Dhane here.
Traditional farming was not making any profit
Rishikesh Dhane and his family used to cultivate traditional crops like jowar, bajra and soybean earlier. It is another matter that they were not getting much profit from this. Rishikesh was looking for better opportunities. After doing B.Sc in Horticulture, he started small scale farming and marketing of agricultural products.
decided to quit the job
Rishikesh Dhane completed his graduation in 2001. To earn money along with his studies and help his family, he used to sell fertilizers and agricultural inputs to small companies. He also started growing cucumbers and tomatoes in small quantities in his farm so that they could be sold in nearby markets. Soon the company he worked for asked him to move to another city on a salary of Rs 3,500 per month. He felt that it was impossible for him to live independently with that much money. Apart from this, he also had an inclination towards farming. So he decided to quit his job.
Then suddenly there came a turning point
The year 2007 marked a turning point in Rishikesh’s life. He then took 4,000 unused aloe vera plants from a neighbouring farmer. Recognising the potential of the plant, he planted it in his family’s farm. Later, it grew to 3 acres. Rishikesh practices organic farming. He uses cow dung, poultry manure and mushroom waste as manure. Apart from this, sprinkler and drip irrigation systems are also used to keep the crop healthy.
Selling at Rs 25 per kg
Aloe vera grows easily in different soils. It can be harvested throughout the year. This is why it is proving to be a profitable crop for Rishikesh. He sells aloe vera to cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies in Pune and Mumbai at the rate of Rs 25 per kg. Apart from this, he also prepares and sells organic pesticides and insecticides. This further increases his income. He earns Rs 1 crore annually from aloe vera cultivation.