Shrikrishna Sadashivrao Shinde was born and raised in Sugaon village, Chakur (Latur), Maharashtra. After earning a diploma in mechanical engineering, he began his professional journey with Kirloskar Consultants in Pune, where he was involved in conducting nationwide surveys on drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. During this time, he came face-to-face with the harsh realities of Indian agriculture which are unreliable water sources, outdated farming techniques, and the deep financial struggles of farmers.
Moved by the plight of those who toil the land, Shrikrishna made a bold decision: he left his secure job and returned to his ancestral village with a mission to bring meaningful change through farming. However, the path was far from easy. In his initial years, Shrikrishna followed traditional agricultural practices, only to find them ineffective and unprofitable. These early setbacks led him to a vital realization that without innovation and a scientific approach, farming would continue to yield disappointment and hardship.
Learning and Innovation: SSI Sugarcane Revolution
Shrikrishna's breakthrough was 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 (buds) rather than bulky canes.
This method enabled him to reduce seed demand from 3.5 tons per acre to a mere 52 kg. Water usage and manpower expenses also decreased tremendously. Farmers were able to grow more at reduced risk with these savings. He didn't stop there and he toured all of Maharashtra performing training and demonstrations, equipping farmers with eco-friendly sugarcane farming techniques.
Building a Model Farm and Earning Recognition
Shrikrishna created a Vertical Multi-Layer Cropping (VMLC) Model with sugarcane combined with garlic, onion, and wheat. His farm was a living example of land optimization. Sugarcane was cultivated in furrows, garlic and onion on the edges of the furrows, and wheat on the raised beds. All three crops were given common irrigation and fertigation through drip lines, reducing expenses and improving soil health.
He produced a record 50 tonnes of sugarcane per acre, a record that still stands. His model not only enhanced profitability, but also enhanced weed control and naturally decreased pests because crops were diverse.
His achievement caught the eye of some national research institutions. Shrikrishna started providing superior quality seed to national and international research centres such as- ICRISAT and Jica (Japan International cooperation agriculture), and established seed multiplication collaborations with the Macs- Agharkar research institute, Pune. Last year alone, he delivered 24 tons of nucleus-to-breeder seeds, quickening seed availability for farmers.
Mechanization and Self-Reliance
Consistent with his engineering training, Shrikrishna also developed tools for sowing and intercultivation that were designed to be labor-saving. His specially made manual tools minimized the use of hired labor and lowered cultivation expenses substantially. He now cultivates on 4 hectares (approximately 10 acres), has a sugarcane nursery, and provides consultancy services to farmers in different regions of India.
His integrated approach generates a turnover of Rs. 20 lakhs each year with an income guarantee of Rs. 2 lakhs per acre. His integrated farming incorporates every principle of science, innovation, and sustainability.
Awards and Recognition
Shrikrishna's exceptional feats have led him to receive over 20 awards. Recently, in February, he was awarded the honor "Innovative Farmer Award" under the Union Government's initiative. He has also been awarded by other state-level organizations, such as the Uttarakhand Government's Agriculture Excellence Award, awarded by the Speaker of the Assembly. He also received innovative award at Vivekananda global university (Jaipur ) for his contribution in agriculture.
His efforts have been recognized by a number of global agencies as well. He has donated seeds to global institutes in official agreements, demonstrating the quality and integrity of his agriculture.
Role in GFBN and Future Vision
Shrikrishna Shinde has recently become a member of the Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN), an initiative by Krishi Jagran that aims to identify and empower India's most influential agripreneurs.
He firmly feels that an independent India has to start with farmer profitability and soil health. His plans for the future are to increase his capabilities of seed production, improve his mechanized tools, and create a farmer-based ecosystem for intercrops and organic sugarcane. He also hopes to train 1,000+ VMLC and SSI model farmers through field schools.
Shrikrishna Sadashivrao's story is not merely the tale of a prosperous farmer; it is the transformation of a visionary who converted obstacles into opportunities. With a mix of traditional wisdom and scientific development, he has created his farm as a model of sustainability and resilience.
His message to farmers is straightforward: "Innovation is the fertilizer of prosperity. Don't wait for change—be the change."
Note: Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN) is a dynamic platform where agricultural professionals—farmer entrepreneurs, innovators, buyers, investors, and policymakers - converge to share knowledge, experiences, and scale their businesses. Powered by Krishi Jagran, GFBN facilitates meaningful connections and collaborative learning opportunities that drive agricultural innovation and sustainable development through shared expertise. Join GFBN today: https://millionairefarmer.in/gfbn
