Pune: Pandurang Tukaram Lakade, a farmer from Yavat (Taluka Daund), has achieved remarkable success by cultivating the 'Talwar' variety of chili on just half an acre of land.
The bountiful yield is bringing significant profits to the Lakade family, earning them approximately ₹30,000 per week from each chili harvest. Due to the favorable market conditions, the family is optimistic that this year’s Diwali will be especially prosperous.
Lakade's family has a long history of vegetable farming, cultivating crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, marigolds, and cauliflower.
According to Pandurang Lakade, the family's dedication to farming has resulted in both financial success and personal satisfaction. "Every family member enjoys working on the farm, and this unity brings good income and happiness," said Lakade.
Factors Behind the Success:
The success of this year’s chili crop is attributed to the meticulous care given to the plants.
The family used organic fertilizers, applied scientific irrigation methods, and benefited from favorable weather conditions. "Last month’s heavy rains damaged many crops, but our chili plants had just started to bloom.
By the time the rains subsided, our crop was ready for harvest, and the weather since has been perfect," said Janardhan and Deepak Lakade, sons of Pandurang Lakade.
Generational Commitment to Farming:
Pandurang Lakade is proud to see his sons, daughters-in-law, and the entire family deeply committed to farming, despite the trend among many younger people to move towards jobs or businesses.
"It is a satisfying sight to watch the new generation work with dedication on the farm," he added.
Farming: A Reliable Source of Livelihood
Swati Lakade, one of the daughters-in-law, emphasized the importance of agriculture, stating, "Farming is a sustainable occupation passed down through generations. If we work with love and care, farming will never let us down. It has always provided us with everything we need."
