For Maha agripreneur and UN Land Hero, agroforestry is the future
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.
Village Square: Congratulations! How does it feel to be the lone Indian among the 10 UN Land Hero awardees?
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.
Siddhesh Sakore being conferred the title of ‘Land Hero’ by UNCCD. (Photo courtesy Siddhesh Sakore)
Village Square: We are curious to know about your journey from an engineer-turned-farmer to an agri-entrepreneur. Can you take us through it?
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.
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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.
Village Square: What is agroforestry all about and how does it help small and marginal farmers?
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.