Vijay Kumar Dongare spent the majority of his life building and running a successful electrical engineering business in Vasai, Maharashtra. With a steady income and established name in the industrial circuit, few would expect him to take a leap into farming especially without prior agricultural background. But his heart longed for a deeper connection with nature, and he decided to return to his ancestral land in Dapoli, in the pristine Konkan region.
Now 57 years old, Vijay chose to reimagine his retirement not in rest, but in revival of land, tradition, and self. Over the past three years, he has slowly shaped himself into a nature-loving farmer, cultivating the land with respect and mindfulness.
Farming with Nature, Not Against It
His approach is deeply personal and thoughtful. Vijay refuses to disturb the natural jungle terrain on his land. Instead of cutting trees or altering the landscape, he works with nature’s rhythm, planting only where space is naturally available. His land is surrounded by hills, forests, and native vegetation, making it ideal for natural farming practices.
He has planted over 750 cashew nut trees, along with Alphonso and Ratna mango varieties, and has recently introduced betel leaf plantations. He emphasizes that no pesticides, fertilizers, or growth boosters are used. “I’m not farming for high yields or market pressure. I farm to feed my family, share with others, and protect this land for the future,” he shares.
A Philosophy of Preservation and Purity
Vijay believes that the true wealth lies in biodiversity. He doesn’t just plant trees, he nurtures them like family. He takes special care not to harm native flora and fauna. Even the trees planted decades ago by his forefathers remain untouched. He sees his land as part of a larger ecosystem where humans are only temporary custodians.
“My fruits taste better, grow better, and are healthier because they are in sync with the natural cycle. I don’t force the land to perform, I give it time and respect,” he explains.
His 100 mango trees, which have just started yielding, have already received positive response for taste and quality from neighbors and early buyers. He retains a portion of each crop for testing and feedback before scaling further.
Building a Brand: From Harvest to Homemade Products
While income from farming is yet to become substantial, Vijay has already begun the groundwork for launching his own line of natural products. His first offering will be traditionally roasted cashew nuts, made using methods passed down from previous generations. He believes that by keeping the product pure and rooted in tradition, it will attract those who value authentic, chemical-free food.
He is currently testing packaging, small-batch roasting, and brand identity. In time, he plans to include mango preserves, betel leaf offerings, and other forest-friendly, farm-sourced items in the product line.
Eco-Tourism: A Sanctuary in the Making
Beyond farming, Vijay is passionate about creating a rural wellness retreat, where visitors can reconnect with nature. He envisions mud houses nestled among cashew orchards, where guests can experience peace, fresh air, natural food, and a simpler way of life. His long-term plan includes developing this eco-tourism model, especially for urban families seeking a digital detox and farm-based living experiences.
His wife and daughter, both doctors, have shown keen interest in joining the initiative. Together, they hope to create a holistic space that promotes natural health, local food systems, and environmental awareness.
Income and Current Progress
While his farming is still in the development phase, Vijay continues to run his engineering business, generating a turnover of Rs. 30–35 lakh. Farming income is currently modest, as many plantations are in early growth stages. However, he expects returns from cashew and mango in the next 1–2 years, especially as his product launches take off and tourism infrastructure begins.
His model is not built on fast profits, but on long-term ecological sustainability and rural empowerment.
Sharing Knowledge and Mentorship
Vijay is not just focused on his own farm. He actively mentors nearby farmers and community members, advocating for minimal land disturbance, natural input use, and regenerative practices. He believes most land degradation happens due to over-clearing and forcing unnatural cropping cycles.
He guides fellow villagers to preserve native tree cover, adopt slow farming, and understand the importance of micro-nutrients and soil layers built over generations. “Farming is not only a science, it's an art of patience and understanding your land,” he says.
Role in GFBN and Future Vision
Vijay Kumar Dongare is now a proud member of the Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN), an initiative of Krishi Jagran that connects like-minded, sustainable agripreneurs across India.
He aims to build a replicable model where eco-farming, traditional product development, and nature tourism can coexist. He also hopes to organize farmer learning retreats in Dapoli, where people can learn directly from on-ground practices.
Vijay Kumar Dongare’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to plant a new dream. From being an engineer and business owner to becoming a farmer, mentor, and soon-to-be agro-tourism host, his life reflects a conscious shift from profit to purpose.
His story is not just about farming, it’s about redefining success, preserving nature, and inspiring a new generation to think beyond concrete walls. As he continues to walk this green path, he not only nurtures crops but also hope, harmony, and heritage.
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
