Pune: In Pargaon, located in Daund Taluka, two enterprising brothers, Sudhir and Sambhaji Takwane, have turned the tide on their 12-acre saline land by constructing a massive 2.5 million-liter capacity farm pond.
This initiative, coupled with the adoption of modern drip irrigation techniques, has allowed them to transform barren soil into a fertile agricultural expanse. They now grow a variety of profitable crops, including sugarcane, onions, tomatoes, cauliflower, and ridge gourd.
The farming community along the Bhima River in Daund faces significant challenges, as excessive water use has led to the salinization of vast tracts of farmland. In 2019, when the Bhima River dried up during a severe drought, the Takwane brothers decided to invest in a farm pond.
With financial assistance from the Panchayat Samiti, amounting to ₹125,000, they built a pond measuring 100x100 feet and 40 feet deep. Using this pond and modern farming techniques, they have achieved what many in the region believed impossible.
Located 300 meters from the Bhima River, the Takwanes installed a 5 HP electric pump to channel water into their pond. From there, they used a 7.5 HP pump to irrigate their fields, switching from traditional flood irrigation to a water-efficient drip irrigation system.
This change has allowed them to conserve water and ensure consistent moisture for their crops, even during periods of water scarcity.
The results speak for themselves. On 5 acres, they have planted sugarcane, while 4 acres are dedicated to onions. They also grow tomatoes, cauliflower, and ridge gourd on smaller plots. With the help of agricultural experts Sandeep Ganjave and Siddheshwar Shelke, the Takwane brothers have not only reclaimed their land but also increased their productivity and earnings.
Tomato Farming Proves Lucrative
The Takwanes have had particular success with tomatoes, planting 5,300 seedlings after preparing the soil with mulching paper.
They supported the growing vines with poles, wires, and nylon strings, ensuring maximum yield. Currently, tomatoes sell for ₹35 per kg in the market, and the brothers have already harvested eight times, earning approximately ₹275,000. If the prices hold, they are expected to earn a total of ₹800,000 from their tomato crop alone.
Sudhir Takwane explained that they are continuing the legacy of modern farming initiated by their late mother, Leelabai Takwane. "Drip irrigation helps us reduce weeds and saves money on weeding, while also conserving water. Despite the salinization affecting many nearby farms, our land remains fertile.
Even in the dry summer months, we can sustain our crops with water from the pond. This farm pond and the drip irrigation system have given us confidence to face challenges."