Family farmer meets food and nutrition needs of all

Nagpur: Just like a family doctor, can we think of having a family farmer?

The concept may sound utopian but Ramesh Sakharkar, a 65-year-old traditional farmer from Dhamangaon Railway (Amravati), has been meeting food requirement of some 20 people (five families) for the last two years.

“Sakharkar guruji has adopted us all. He feeds us food grown without chemicals, and gives us good health and joy,” said Dr Rashmi Bakshi, a retired professor, who gave a presentation on the topic ‘Family farmer’ at the ongoing ‘Beejotsav’ at Vanamati, VIP Road.

Pravin Deshmukh, 54, a natural farmer from Surgaon in Selu (Wardha), has aligned with more than 150 consumers in Wardha. “In three acres I grow grains and vegetables,” he said.

Deshmukh is old school, so his customers made a WhatsApp group. “I share every detail like what I sowed, how the plants are growing and the harvest. My customers love it and trust me. That’s why I say I am their family farmer,” he said.

Deshmukh hosts a yearly lunch for his customers at his farm. “Even otherwise they can come and see what I grow and how I grow,” he adds.

On high price of naturally grown vegetables, Bakshi said it is a myth. “Each of our family pays Sakharkar guruji approx. ₹7,000 a month. This is slightly higher than what we would pay at malls,” said Bakshi. When asked if ₹35,000 is enough for his family of four, Sakharkar said, “I don’t know a single farmer who gets paid on the first of every month. So, I am lucky.”

Hemant Mohrir, who procures food from natural farmers and distributes among families, says the concept of family farmer is feasible and will soon spread with consumers realizing the importance of toxin-free food.

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