A field visit was organised at Rajewadi Tq. Selu Dist. Parbhani on the
field of Shri Dhanraj Wamanrao Kendre on 22nd October 2023. The
programme was presided by Dr Indra Mani, Hon. Vice Chancellor, VNMKV, Parbhani,
MLA Shri Babajani Durani, Krishi Bhusan Shri. Kantrao Deshmuk, Dr. K.P. Gore,
Former Vice Chancellor, Dr. U M Khodke, DI & Dean, Shri Kale, Additional
Superintendent of Police, Parbhani, Shri. Vishwambhar Gawande, retired RDC, Dr
BV Asewar, ADP, College of Agriculture, Golegaon and Dr V S Khandare, ADP,
Horticulture College, SD Raswae and progressive farmers Shri Sampati Wamanrao Kendre,
Ramrao Wamanrao Kendre, Jaywant Kendre, Gaikwad, and graced the occasion. Shri Dhanraj Kendre is a retired
additional collector has become inspiration for farmers and agriculture enthusiastic
by transforming there 40 acres of ancestral land into a thriving sweet orange
estate. Having serving administrative services for several decades at State
Government returned his native village in 2014. Adjoining area is known for
cultivating cotton soybean and sugarcane crops traditionally. However, poor
yields and unpredictability associated with climate change have made many
farmers to leave with minimal returns. At this juncture it is a perfect example
Shri Kendre has shown the farmers how to adapt to the climate change for
sustainable livelihood by switching over to the cultivation of fruit crops. Shri.Kendre in 2018
planted sweet orange variety Nucellar in the month of June on a area of
40 acres. The hard work has paid off now and the orchard is now in bearing
condition, there is fruit bearing in cluster, per cluster 7-8 fruits, uniform
fruit size and expected to yield 150 tons with returns of Rs 35 lakhs
approximately. The joy of successful story doesn't end here. He is leading the
joint family with total 36 family members all working together in the field. He
emphasis on capacity building of women's
and youngsters in the family. He further added his retired life is in quality
because of joy of creating an orchard, absence of traffic hassles, unadulteral
milk and fresh vegetable here is unmatched. On the occasion, Dr Indra Mani advised
and guided Kendre family on water conservation, micro irrigation and mechanization
aspects of orchard management and Agrotourism.