Transformation from Technologist to Eco-Industrialist: Fascinating Tale of Shrikrishna Shinde's Green Innovations in Sugarcane and Intercropping Farming
A Fresh Spin on Shrikrishna's Sugarcane Revolution
Hailing from Sugaon village, Chakur (Latur), Maharashtra, Shrikrishna Sadashivrao Shinde embarked on an unexpected journey that transformed his life and countless others in the realm of sugarcane farming.
Armed with a diploma in mechanical engineering, Shrikrishna initially made a name for himself working with Kirloskar Consultants, conducting nationwide surveys on irrigation systems. But it was the stark reality of Indian agriculture that truly captured his heart – the struggle of millions toiling the land with scarce water, outdated techniques, and financial difficulties.
Determined to make a difference, Shrikrishna bid farewell to his secure job and returned to his roots, hell-bent on bringing change to farming in his ancestral village. However, his initial forays into traditional agriculture yielded disappointing results.
Necessity, as they say, is the mother of innovation, and Shrikrishna's quest became a journey of realization – without innovative and scientific approaches, farming would remain riddled with disappointment and hardship.
Learning the Ropes: Partnerships and Progress
Shrikrishna's breakthrough came when he underwent training under the Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI), a joint venture between WWF and other research institutions, at ICRISAT Hyderabad. Motivated by this low-input, high-output system, he collaborated with KVK Latur to adopt it on his farm and created a bud chip machine for growing saplings from sugarcane eyes, revolutionizing the seed-growing process.
This innovative technique reduced seed demand from 3.5 tons per acre to just 52 kg, slashing water usage and manpower costs significantly. Farmers were empowered to grow more at a lower risk with these savings. Shrikrishna didn't stop there and toured Maharashtra, conducting training and demonstrations, arming farmers with sustainable sugarcane farming techniques.
Building a Model Farm and Taking the Spotlight
Shrikrishna's farm became a living testament to his dedication, as he developed a Vertical Multi-Layer Cropping (VMLC) Model that combined sugarcane with garlic, onion, and wheat. This integrated approach improved land optimization, increased profitability, and naturally decreased pests due to the diversity of crops.
His record-breaking production of 50 tonnes of sugarcane per acre was a testament to his innovative and sustainable farming methods, which still stand today. He didn't stop at garnering attention for his achievements; he also supplied superior quality seed to national and international research centers such as ICRISAT and Jica (Japan International cooperation agriculture), fostering seed multiplication collaborations with Macs- Agharkar research institute, Pune.
Last year alone, he delivered 24 tons of nucleus-to-breeder seeds, expediting seed availability for farmers.
From Engineer to change-Maker: Recognition and Awards
Shrikrishna's accomplishments caught the eyes of various national research institutions. His farm thrived, serving as a beacon of inspiration for other farmers. He generated an annual turnover of Rs. 20 lakhs, with an income guarantee of Rs. 2 lakhs per acre. Consistent with his engineering training, he also developed labor-saving tools for sowing and intercultivation, reducing the reliance on hired labor and cutting cultivation costs substantially.
His hard work and achievements were duly recognized with over 20 awards, including the recent "Innovative Farmer Award" under the Union Government's initiative. He has also gained recognition from state-level organizations like the Uttarakhand Government's Agriculture Excellence Award, awarded by the Speaker of the Assembly, and the innovative award at Vivekananda global university (Jaipur ) for his contribution to agriculture.
He has even donated seeds to global institutes in official agreements, demonstrating the quality and integrity of his agricultural practices.
The Road Ahead with GFBN
Recently, Shrikrishna became a member of the Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN), an initiative that aims to identify and empower India's most influential agripreneurs.
His vision for the future includes expanding his seed production capabilities, improving his mechanized tools, creating a farmer-based ecosystem for intercrops and organic sugarcane, and training 1,000+ VMLC and SSI model farmers through field schools.
Shrikrishna Sadashivrao's story is not just the tale of a successful farmer; it's the story of a visionary who transformed obstacles into opportunities, embracing traditional wisdom and scientific advancements to create sustainable and resilient agricultural models.
His message to farmers is clear: "Innovation is the fertilizer of prosperity. Don't wait for change – be the change."
Note: Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN) is a vibrant platform where agricultural professionals – farmer entrepreneurs, innovators, buyers, investors, and policymakers – come together to share knowledge, experiences, and scale their businesses. Powered by our website, GFBN facilitates meaningful connections and collaborative learning opportunities that drive agricultural innovation and sustainable development through shared expertise. Join GFBN today: GFBN Membership Link
First published on: 21 Jun 2025, 10:19 IST
[1] Major Contributions and Impacts: Shrikrishna Sadashivrao Shinde is recognized for revolutionizing sustainable sugarcane farming practices in the region through the introduction and implementation of innovative agricultural models known as the SSI (Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative) and VMLC (Vermicompost Mulching and Liquid Compost) models. His contributions focus on organic and sustainable farming techniques that improve soil health, reduce chemical dependence, and enhance water efficiency in sugarcane cultivation. This approach has helped transform conventional sugarcane farming methods into eco-friendly, sustainable agricultural practices, benefiting farmers and the environment in Maharashtra.
Reference(s):[1]
- As a member of the Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN), the entrepreneurial Shrikrishna aims to expand his seed production capabilities and train more farmers in sustainable sugarcane farming techniques using the SSI and VMLC models.
- Recipient of numerous accolades, including the Innovative Farmer Award under the Union Government's initiative, Shrikrishna's contributions to agriculture, particularly in promoting sustainable and resilient farming methods, have earned him widespread recognition.
