In every region of Maharashtra, there are many progressive farmers who are curious, intelligent, determined, and deeply committed to the development of agriculture. These farmers play an important role in spreading agricultural technology. One such progressive farmer is Vishwas Patil from the village area of Lohara in Jalgaon District. Along with his brothers, through long experience, careful study of technology, and precise economic planning, he has developed a sustainable model of dryland farming.
This model includes various aspects such as land management, intercropping methods, agroforestry, soil conservation, groundwater conservation, enhancement of organic carbon, green manure crops and crop residues, farmyard manure, Jeevamrut, Dashparni Ark, conservation of beneficial insects, bio-fertilizers, and animal husbandry. During his visits to agricultural research centers in India and Israel, he carefully observed modern technologies and successfully incorporated them into his farming practices.
Recognizing his dryland farming model at the national level, he was also appointed to the management committee of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. His work has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Krishiratna and Krishibhushan awards from the Government of Maharashtra, the national-level “Harvest of Hope” Award, and the “Shreshtha Kisan” Award from the Government of Gujarat.
The experiences he gained over the past five decades in agriculture are presented in this book and will serve as a valuable guide for farmers.