Maharashtra Farmer Earns Rs. 30-40 Lakh Annually through Sustainable Cultivation of Cotton, Soybean, and Onion

Uddhav Asaram Khedekar is a 64-year-old farmer from Shivni, Maharashtra. Despite having a degree in mathematics, Uddhav always felt a deep connection to agriculture. Instead of pursuing a career in his field of study, he chose to follow his heart and began farming right after graduation. Over the past 40 years, Uddhav has become an expert in growing cotton, soybean, and onion.

In 2023, his dedication was recognized when he won the Millionaire Farmer of India Award, presented by Krishi Jagran at the state level.

Choosing Cotton for a Dry Region

Water scarcity has always been a challenge in Uddhav’s village, which receives only 500-550 mm of rainfall each year. Understanding that cotton requires less water than other crops, Uddhav decided to focus on it. "Water is scarce here, and cotton needs less water to grow, which is why I chose it," he explains. He now grows cotton on 15-20 acres of his land, alongside soybean and onion.

Sustainable Farming Methods

Uddhav is committed to sustainable farming. He uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) to keep his fields healthy. This means he mostly uses organic methods to control pests and improve soil health. "I use organic techniques as much as possible. I only use chemicals when it’s absolutely necessary and in small amounts," he says.

For pest control, Uddhav relies on natural methods like biological pest control and sticky traps. He only turns to chemicals when the pest problem becomes too big to manage naturally. "I avoid chemicals unless there’s no other option," he adds.

Award-Winning Water Conservation Efforts

Water conservation is another area where Uddhav has made a significant impact. Despite limited rainfall and a hilly terrain that leads to water runoff, Uddhav has found ways to save water. His efforts in this area earned him two national awards: the ICAR-Babu Jagjivan Ram Innovative Farmer Award for Water Conservation and the N.G. Ranga Farmer Award for Diversified Agriculture.

"Our region has always struggled with water, but I’ve worked hard to conserve what we have. Now, our village is a model for others," he says proudly. He has built cement dams and uses water budgeting, which helps him calculate how much water is available and how to use it wisely.

Using Solar Power Since 2003

Uddhav’s innovations don’t stop with water. As early as 2003, he started using solar power on his farm, cutting down on electricity costs and making his farm more environmentally friendly. "Solar power has made a big difference. It’s sustainable, and it reduces our costs," Uddhav explains.

Cotton, Soybean, and Onion: A Profitable Combination

Uddhav’s farming success comes from more than just cotton. He also grows soybean and onion, bringing in a total income of Rs. 30-40 lakh per year. Cotton alone contributes about 150 quintals annually, earning him around Rs. 10 lakh. He sells his cotton locally, using the "one village, one variety" approach, and grows cotton varieties like NHH44.

He also exports onions to states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, which further boosts his income.

Always Ready to Help Fellow Farmers

Despite his success, Uddhav is humble and always ready to help others. He provides 24/7 advice to fellow farmers and is a member of the Keshavraj Agro Producer Company Ltd. "I believe we are all students of life. No matter how much we know, there is always more to learn," he shares.

Building a Strong Community

Uddhav is not only committed to his own success but also to the well-being of his village. His efforts in the Swachhata Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) helped his village win recognition for cleanliness. He contributed 32% funding towards local projects, with the remaining 62% coming from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.

A Message to Young Farmers

Uddhav encourages young people to pursue agriculture as a profession. "Farming has a lot of potential. If young people are willing to learn and work hard, they can find success in agriculture," he says.

He also emphasizes the need for processing plants to reduce the waste of grains and oilseeds. "If we had better infrastructure, we could avoid wastage and increase our profits," Uddhav points out.

"Farming is more than a job; it’s a lifelong learning experience. I am proud to be a student of this land for as long as I live," Uddhav says with pride.

His story shows that with determination and smart practices, even the most challenging conditions can lead to success.