• Village: Jopul, Taluka Chandwad, District- Nashik, Maharashtra
• Age: 53 years
• Education: B.A. (1996)
• Land holding: 8 acres
• Experience in Natural Farming: Since 1997-98 (over 25 years)
• Mobile: 7588039535
• Email: sandeepsjadhav67@gmail.com

Uniqueness of Work Related to Natural Farming (NF)

Pioneered Farmer to Consumer Model through the brand “ Sampoorna Veggies and Fruits”.
Organized 150 farmers into a collective for direct marketing in Mumbai, Pune, Nashik.
Established an on-farm bio-input production center for preparing and multiplying organic formulations.
Integrated traditional knowledge with modern techniques (drip irrigation, mulching, relay cropping).
Promoted health-centric farming -family has not required hospital treatment for the last 25 years due to safe food consumption.

Major Practices of NF Adopted

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  Crops: Vegetables, Exotic vegetables, Fruits, Pulses, Medicinal plants. Total: Nearly 90 crops and products.
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  Horticulture: Fruit orchards on field bunds; herbal and medicinal plants interspersed in the fields.
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  Intercropping: Turmeric, colocasia (arvi), yam (suran), brahmi, lemongrass, coriander, spinach. Fruits + vegetables + medicinal crops for year-round income.
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  Mulching: Coconut leaves, maize stalks, crop residues, mulching paper, and farm waste used for soil cover.
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  VAPASA (Soil moisture conservation): Maintained through mulching, drip irrigation and reduced tillage practices. Ensures minimum water usage with maximum retention.
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  Integration of Animals: Cows and bullocks reared on the farm. Use of cow dung and cow urine as base inputs for bio-formulations.

Details of Area Renovation Center Developed at Farm

A Bio-input Production and Multiplication Center established at the farm. Facilities include fermentation drums, storage units, and input preparation space. Inputs prepared: Jeevamrut, Ghan Jeevamrut, Beejamrut, Agniastra, Dashparni Ark, cow urine extract. The center also produces multiplications of microbial cultures sourced from KVK and YCMOU.

Methodology of Preparation of Concoctions/Bio-inputs/Bio-pesticides

Raw materials: Cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, green leaves, buttermilk. Microbial inoculants: Azotobacter, Rhizobium, Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, PSB, KSB. Fermentation: Inputs are kept in drums for 7–10 days for microbial multiplication. Products: Jeevamrut, Beejamrut, Dashparni Ark, Agniastra, cow urine extract, neem-based extracts. Application: Soil drenching, foliar sprays, and seed treatment.

Marketing Strategy of Production

Direct marketing through Farmers’ Markets in Mumbai, Pune and Nashik. Produce collected at collection centers , graded and packed for urban supply. Brand: “Sampoorna Veggies and Fruits” . Stable annual pricing for both farmers and consumers ensures trust. Collective strength: 150 farmers under the Sampoorna umbrella.

Economic Analyses

Cost of cultivation: ₹8,000–₹9,000 per acre (only 20% of chemical farming). Savings: ₹50,000 per acre due to elimination of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Net income: ₹1–1.5 lakh per acre annually. Healthcare savings: Zero medical expenses for the family in 25 years.

Influence on Other Farmers

Over 150 farmers joined the Sampoorna collective inspired by Mr. Jadhav. Farm visits and “Farm Schools” organized regularly to demonstrate natural farming. Spread of farmer-to-consumer marketing model in surrounding villages. Encouraged adoption of bio-input production units at other farms.

Impact

• Soil: Organic carbon increased to 2–2.5%.
• Biodiversity: Significant increase in earthworms, beneficial insects, and birds.
• Water: Improved pH balance, better quality water.
• Society: Awareness of safe food and health benefits increased.
• Health: Consumers and farmer’s family report better immunity and nutrition.
• Economy: High profitability and sustainable income security.

How KVK Can Help in Promotion of NF

Provide continuous training programs on natural farming practices and preparation of bio-inputs. Supply mother cultures and starter inoculants for microbial multiplications. Facilitate demonstration plots at KVK and farmer fields. Strengthen farmer collectives and FPOs for direct marketing support. Develop value-addition units for organic produce (pickles, powders, juices). Create linkages with APEDA and certification bodies for organic product branding. Promote success stories through exposure visits, media coverage, and publications.