In the heart of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, a remarkable transformation is taking place. Suhas Bali, once a corporate employee with a stable office job, took a leap of faith and ventured into exotic vegetable farming. His journey is not just a tale of personal reinvention; it is a beacon of hope for thousands of farmers who have quadrupled their incomes by following his innovative methods.
From Corporate Cubicles to Lush Green Fields
Suhas completed his MBA in 2014 and spent four years working in the corporate sector. Yet, his job left him yearning for something more fulfilling—something connected to nature and his roots. In a bold move, he returned to his family’s 30-acre farmland in Washim district, Vidarbha, an area predominantly known for cotton and soybean farming.
With no formal training in agriculture, Suhas saw an untapped opportunity in exotic vegetable farming. Recognizing the growing demand for exotic vegetables in urban markets, he began experimenting with crops like red and yellow capsicum under polyhouse farming.
“What you cannot achieve on a 20-acre farm with traditional crops, you can do with just two acres if you choose the right crops and techniques,” says Suhas.
Cultivating a Green Revolution
Suhas expanded his agricultural repertoire to include broccoli, red cabbage, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and iceberg lettuce through open-field farming. The economic results were astonishing. For instance, one acre of red cabbage yielded around 16,000 plants, producing approximately 8,000 kilograms of produce that sold for Rs 80-100 per kilogram. This translated to an impressive revenue of Rs 8 lakh per acre within just three months—a stark contrast to the Rs 25,000 earned over six months from traditional soybean farming.
However, the journey was not without hurdles. “Exotic farming requires efficient irrigation and water management,” Suhas explains. Leveraging high-tech farming equipment, he implemented drip irrigation to conserve water, a precious resource in agriculture. Flood irrigation was never an option due to its inefficiency and high water wastage.
Empowering 30,000 Farmers
Suhas’s journey did not end with his own success. In 2021, he established a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) named ‘Rudrayani Agro India’ to support small and marginal farmers. This initiative provided collective bargaining power and better market access. Collaborations with companies like Reliance Fresh enabled farmers to sell their produce in lucrative urban markets such as Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru.
Through regular training sessions and community engagement, Suhas motivated local farmers to diversify into exotic vegetable farming. His efforts have helped over 30,000 farmers boost their income fourfold.
One of these farmers is Swapnil Kokare, who owns a four-acre farm. Inspired by Suhas, he dedicated two acres to sugarcane and two acres to zucchini cultivation. “Sugarcane takes 1.5 years to mature and earns around Rs 3 lakh. With exotic vegetables like zucchini, I can earn the same amount in just two months,” Swapnil shares.
Swapnil added, “I used to grow ladyfingers and brinjals on a small scale, but exotic vegetables have a more lucrative market with little competition. Suhas ji not only taught me how to cultivate these crops but also helped me market the produce in Mumbai. He keeps us updated daily about market rates.”
Redefining Farming in Maharashtra
Beyond personal financial gains, Suhas finds his greatest satisfaction in witnessing the transformative impact on the lives of fellow farmers. “Venturing into exotic farming has increased their annual incomes by four times. My mission remains to dismantle the notion that small landholders cannot thrive,” he emphasizes.
Suhas continues to expand his network by collaborating with agricultural officers and farmer groups across Maharashtra. He routinely meets produce collectors and leverages social media to inspire others to join the movement.
A Vision Rooted in Hope
As he stands among his vibrant crops, Suhas reflects on his journey. “Whether it’s celery or red cabbage, every seed sown in these fields tells a story of growth and hope,” he says. His vision is not just about cultivating exotic vegetables; it’s about nurturing a sustainable and prosperous future for farmers across Maharashtra.
Suhas Bali’s remarkable journey is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and community empowerment. His story continues to inspire farmers and entrepreneurs alike to dream big and cultivate success from the ground up.