Across the agricultural landscape of Vidarbha, there are accounts of small farmers who have achieved notable results through innovation and persistence.

These stories stand out not only because of the income gains but also because they show how modest land holdings can become productive with different choices of crops and farming methods. Each farmer represents a different path, ranging from experimenting with dates to promoting natural farming. Their experiences are tied to the challenges of the region, which has long been associated with limited rainfall and agrarian distress.

By looking at their journeys, it becomes clear how individual decisions and new approaches can lead to measurable outcomes in farming. These cases also provide insight into how shifts in practices have affected both livelihoods and agricultural practices in the region.

1. Savi Thangavel and Date Farming in Nagpur

Savi Thangavel, a retired government employee, took a route that very few had attempted in Vidarbha when he turned to date farming on his two-acre plot in Mohegaon near Nagpur. After retirement in 2009, he planted around 130 tissue culture date trees, an initiative that was considered unconventional for the area. Reports state that within four years, his trees began yielding around 25 to 30 kilograms of dates per tree, which is substantial when compared to the returns of crops like cotton and soybeans. The choice of dates worked well because the crop is relatively hardy and requires less water, which made it suitable for the region’s dry conditions. His story drew the attention of agricultural communities and local organisations that started experimenting with the same crop. By 2019, it was reported that at least ten other farmers had been encouraged to follow this example. His case is frequently highlighted as evidence that alternative crops can bring economic gains even in areas that are prone to crop failure.

While the narrative often mentions factors such as protection against wild animals and efficient soil use, the most verifiable detail remains his recorded yields and the adoption of date farming by others.

2. Suhas Bali and Exotic Vegetable Cultivation

In another instance, Suhas Bali left behind a corporate career to begin farming in Vidarbha, turning to the cultivation of exotic vegetables. His work in this area gained prominence around 2018, and within a short period, his efforts were associated with a significant improvement in farmer incomes. Reports mention that through his model, nearly 30,000 farmers were able to increase their income by nearly four times. Exotic vegetables such as broccoli, lettuce, and coloured capsicum entered the market through his network, and this diversification gave farmers access to higher-value crops. The initiative was not only about growing different crops but also about building systems for market access and distribution, which made the venture sustainable. The figures of income improvement are consistently cited across multiple platforms and highlight the scale of the project.

The story is often presented as one of transition, where a professional from the corporate world applied his knowledge to agriculture in a way that supported thousands of small land farmers. While the numbers give a broad idea of the impact, the actual transformation at the ground level is reflected in how many farmers shifted away from conventional practices towards vegetable cultivation with better margins.

3. Dokka Mattami and Cashew Cultivation in Gadchiroli

In Gadchiroli district, a farmer named Dokka Mattami from Kotta Konda village opted for cashew cultivation with support from government programmes. Traditionally dependent on paddy farming that earned him around one lakh rupees annually, he moved towards orchards that promised to double his earnings in the years to come. Cashew was seen as a better long-term crop because of its higher value and lower dependency on seasonal rainfall compared to paddy. The project also brought attention to environmental aspects, as agroforestry with cashew plantations can be tied to potential carbon credit schemes. Reports note that while the increased income projection is promising, the carbon credit benefit is still in the planning stage rather than a realised profit. For Mattami and others who took part in the scheme, the immediate change was the assurance of steadier earnings once the cashew trees matured and began producing at scale.

His example reflects how government-backed diversification can provide viable alternatives to traditional farming systems in remote parts of Vidarbha. It also illustrates how concepts like carbon credit are being linked to small farmers, opening a new dimension to agricultural income in addition to crop sales.

4. Leelabai and Ashanna Totawar’s Yields in Yavatmal

From the Yavatmal district comes the account of Ashanna Totawar and his wife Leelabai, who achieved notable results in cotton and soybean cultivation. Leelabai, who was actively managing the farm, was recognised for ensuring productivity during years that were otherwise marked by poor rainfall. Their farm became known for producing higher-than-average yields despite difficult conditions. Documentation and features on their work indicate that their output was consistently better than surrounding farms, and much of the credit was directed to Leelabai’s role in managing operations. This example is important because it highlights how active management practices, observation, and decision-making at the farmer’s level contributed to results. The recognition also challenged prevailing narratives that often overlooked the contribution of women in farming households.

By continuing with staple crops and still delivering better yields, the Totawar family showed that productivity could be achieved without changing crops, provided there was attention to detail and effort at every step. Their account has been referenced by journalists and agricultural observers as a reminder of how small land farmers can stand out even under adverse circumstances.

5. Subhash Palekar and Natural Farming

Subhash Palekar, born in Belora village in Vidarbha in 1949, is widely known for developing Zero Budget Natural Farming, a method that eliminates the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. His approach focuses on preparations such as Jeevamrutha and Bijamrutha, along with mulching and soil aeration techniques that rely on locally available resources. Starting from experiments on his own farm, Palekar promoted this system through workshops, lectures, and writings, and by the 1990s, his ideas had gained attention across India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2016 for his contribution to agriculture, which underlined the national significance of his work. ZBNF is now practised by millions of farmers in different states, and its origin is directly linked to Palekar’s work in Vidarbha. His advocacy also influenced government policies, with state governments encouraging the adoption of the method. The key idea was that small and marginal farmers could sustain farming without external inputs, thereby reducing costs while maintaining soil fertility.

Palekar’s case differs from others in that it is not limited to one farm or one village but has spread across the country, making it one of the most influential farmer-led innovations originating from Vidarbha.

The stories of these five farmers highlight distinct paths taken within the agricultural framework of Vidarbha. Each farmer approached the challenge of small landholding differently, yet the results brought attention not only to their farms but also to the wider farming community. Their achievements underline how changes at the individual level can influence entire regions. The fact that their names continue to be cited in reports and discussions shows that their contributions left a lasting mark on the agricultural discourse. These cases continue to be used as references when talking about crop diversification, sustainable practices, and innovative approaches.

The scale of impact differs, but the significance of each story lies in its ability to demonstrate a different aspect of farming success. They also serve as reference points for policymakers, researchers, and agricultural communities looking at practical outcomes from smallholder farmers.