UN Land Hero and engineer-turned-agripreneur Siddhesh Sakore from Maharashtra says that sustainable agriculture, like agroforestry, is a necessity for the future of the farming sector.
Maharashtrian Siddhesh Sakore, founder of AGRO RANGERS is the sole Indian to be honoured among 10 Land Heroes by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). He speaks to Village Square on his journey from engineering to agripreneurship and setting up AGRO RANGERS to empower youth and farmers in his drought-prone region.
Siddhesh Sakore: It feels amazing to be recognised for our hard work by the United Nations. It changes the narrative in the agrarian community and brings more recognition for the work we do for society and the environment.
Also read: From subsistence farming to agroforestry and prosperity
Siddhesh Sakore: I was born into a farmer family in Kendur of Pune district, Maharashtra. Despite financial hardships, my parents helped me pursue engineering with the hope of providing a stable income for the family.
After graduation, I interned at an NGO called Vigyan Ashram, where I discovered that 90% of the soil was nitrogen-deficient and had an average organic carbon content of less than 0.5%. I realised that something had to be done immediately, prompting a turning point in my career. Despite my father’s opposition, I pursued my calling in agriculture and took up technology-led research.
I was selected to participate in Kanthari’s residential leadership programme in Trivandrum, Kerala, where I learned skills like fundraising and financial administration. This experience led me to start AGRO RANGERS, a non-profit working to encourage farmers to switch from hazardous chemical agricultural practices to more ecologically-friendly organic farming.
Siddhesh Sakore: The forest ecosystem sustains itself through a symbiotic relationship. In the same way, agroforestry integrates the principles of forests into agriculture by planting trees and crops together without the need for fertilisers or manures.
We have scaled up our agroforestry model to cover over 135 acres involving small and marginal farmers. More than 65,000 trees have been planted, creating sustainable income and addressing climate change by sequestering atmospheric carbon.
Siddhesh Sakore: AGRO RANGERS implements interventions to address issues such as soil degradation and the impact of climate change on small and marginal farmers. The aim is to break the cycle of chemical dependency, improve soil health, and enhance economic stability by transitioning to regenerative organic agroforestry.
The range of support includes cluster-based training programmes, pilot agroforestry farms, and support for farmers adopting agroforestry practices. Our model has helped increase the farmers’ income, improve soil health, sequester carbon and create employment for women, besides reducing farming input costs.
Also read: A new platform helps farmers in Jharkhand earn money from carbon projects
Siddhesh Sakore: Agriculture has immense potential as both a fulfilling occupation and a sustainable livelihood, especially for the youth. To make agriculture viable, strong policies, modern technologies, and sustainable practices are needed.
Integrating regenerative practices like agroforestry can help ensure that farming remains profitable while supporting soil health, biodiversity, and resilience. Young people bring fresh perspectives and are more open to adopting innovations in sustainable agriculture, digital tools, and alternative market channels. These innovations can break the cycle of low incomes and offer a respectable livelihood.
Siddhesh Sakore: To attract young people, barriers to agriculture, such as access to affordable land and credit, training in sustainable farming practices and technology, have to be addressed.
Training that blends traditional knowledge with modern approaches, subsidising tools like soil health monitors and drip irrigation, supporting entrepreneurial ventures in agriculture beyond traditional farming models, networks for collaboration and recognition can make agriculture more appealing. Supporting young women farmers with targeted incentives, like women-led FPOs or special training programmes, would also bring more diversity and strength into our rural communities.
Siddhesh Sakore: Prolonged chemical usage has led to soil degradation, impacting crop productivity and farmers’ reliance on costly chemical inputs. Climate change, particularly for small and marginal farmers, is a major challenge. Market volatility and low-price realisation also pose obstacles. Affordable, advanced agricultural technologies are often out of reach for small-scale farmers.
Siddhesh Sakore: Climate change poses severe challenges for small farmers in India, who face erratic weather, water scarcity, soil degradation, and increased pest pressures, leading to reduced crop yields and food security. As climate shifts intensify, small farmers incur higher costs and debt burdens, often forcing them into unsustainable practices and, in some cases, migration to urban areas.
Also read: Can India curb its agricultural greenhouse gas emissions?
Siddhesh Sakore: Traditional methods, like heavy chemical use, drain land’s natural fertility and harm biodiversity. Transitioning to sustainable methods can improve yields, reduce costs, and create healthier ecosystems.
It also opens up premium markets for organic goods, improving farmers’ incomes. Sustainable agriculture contributes to food security, healthier diets, and climate resilience, benefiting both people and the planet.
The lead image on top shows Siddhesh Sakore at an agroforestry model farm. (Photo courtesy Siddhesh Sakore)
Rema Sundar is a Development Sector Professional.
