TBOF creating paradigm shift in agri landscape

The Two Brothers Organic Farm (TBOF) and the Paani Foundation is working towards creating a paradigm shift in the agricultural landscape, where women's empowerment and sustainable farming go hand in hand for the betterment of the community and the environment. The tie-up reflects the shared vision of fostering an environment where women farmers are not only participants in agriculture but also leaders and beneficiaries of its growth.

The journey of Satyajit and Ajinkya Hange, the founders of Two Brothers Organic Farm, is a narrative of passion blended with innovation. "Hailing from a lineage of farmers, we have always been connected to the land. Our transition from corporate corridors to our ancestral fields was not a change of profession but a homecoming to revive the legacy of organic farming," recalled Satyajit in an interview with Rural Voice. The key objectives of the partnership are designed to uplift the women of Koregaon taluka through several strategic initiatives.

"Firstly, we are focusing on the economic empowerment of these diligent women farmers by ensuring they receive fair and direct compensation for their produce. This is not just about purchasing their crops; it's about investing in their future and the future of their families. We are also committed to the education and implementation of sustainable farming practices.

"By introducing organic farming techniques and effective rainwater harvesting methods, we are equipping women farmers with the knowledge to improve their produce and the quality of their soil, ensuring their farming is sustainable for generations to come. Lastly, our partnership aims to create a robust support system for the farmers. By providing ongoing guidance and resources, we are nurturing a community where women can thrive as agricultural entrepreneurs, thereby fostering a model of self-reliance and resilience.

"Our alliance with the Paani Foundation is a movement towards creating a paradigm shift in the agricultural landscape, where women's empowerment and sustainable farming go hand in hand for the betterment of the community and the environment," says Satyajit.

Our mission was clear from the outset - to bridge the chasm between the purity of rural organic produce and the urban table. We recognised early on that the richness of the soil and the authenticity of the farmer's hard work needed a direct channel to the conscious consumer. To achieve this, we leveraged technology and social media to tell our story and the stories of our fellow farmers, bringing the narrative of organic farming to the fingertips of urban dwellers. 

Over the years, we have cultivated not just crops but also relationships, which helped us foster a community around clean, honest food. By implementing a farm-to-fork model, we have eliminated layers of middlemen to ensure that the produce that leaves our farms reaches the consumer with all its freshness and nutritional value intact. This direct model also ensures that the farmers are justly rewarded for their invaluable work.

Our journey has been about restoring the broken link in the food chain, creating a transparent and sustainable ecosystem where every stakeholder, from farmer to consumer, is an integral part of a healthier, more ethical food dialogue, he said.

The key objectives of our partnership are designed to uplift the women of Koregaon taluka through several strategic initiatives. Firstly, we are focusing on the economic empowerment of these diligent women farmers by ensuring they receive fair and direct compensation for their produce. This is not just about purchasing their crops; it's about investing in their future and the future of their families. We are also committed to the education and implementation of sustainable farming practices.

By introducing organic farming techniques and effective rainwater harvesting methods, we are equipping women farmers with the knowledge to improve their produce and the quality of their soil, ensuring their farming is sustainable for generations to come.

Lastly, our partnership aims to create a robust support system for the farmers. By providing ongoing guidance and resources, we are nurturing a community where women can thrive as agricultural entrepreneurs, thereby fostering a model of self-reliance and resilience. Our alliance with the Paani Foundation is a movement towards creating a paradigm shift in the agricultural landscape, where women's empowerment and sustainable farming go hand in hand for the betterment of the community and the environment.

The purchase of 2.2 tons of produce from 3 farmer groups in Bichukle village for a total of Rs. 2,55,445 is impressive as it left an impact on the local farming community. Farmers are now witnessing the benefits of sustainable and organic farming practices, which is encouraging more farmers to adopt these methods, knowing well that their commitment to quality and sustainability has a direct marketplace. This transition is also fostering a community of farmers who are empowered, motivated, and financially independent. We are already witnessing a remarkable surge in community spirit, with farmers collaborating and sharing knowledge, which is instrumental for innovation and efficiency in farming practices. 

On how TBOF managed to support and empower over 16,000 farmers through their guidance and initiatives, he said, "We have adopted a multifaceted approach that is deeply rooted in the ethos of empowerment and sustainable growth. We initiated our journey with the belief that every farmer holds the potential to be an artisan of the earth. To unlock this potential, we have established a robust framework of guidance that encompasses educational workshops, hands-on training in organic farming practices, and the introduction of innovative agricultural technologies.

"Our initiatives are tailored to address the specific needs of the farming community. We have launched mentorship programs where seasoned experts in agriculture share their insights, thus fostering a knowledge-rich environment for the farmers. In addition, we have facilitated the formation of farmer groups, which serve as a platform for peer-to-peer learning and support. We also understand the role of financial support in farming.

"Therefore, we have worked tirelessly to create direct market access for farmers, ensuring their produce is fairly valued. This has not only increased their income but also instilled a sense of pride and independence in their work. We are actively promoting and supporting the transition to organic methods, which has proven to be beneficial for both the environment and the health of the consumers. Our support and empowerment of the farming community are beyond numbers and aim to nurture a sustainable and self-reliant agricultural ecosystem."

Explaining the significance of sustainable practices like effective rainwater harvesting and how they contribute to the overall well-being of the farming community, Satyajit said such practices are the cornerstone of a resilient agricultural sector. We place a significant emphasis on effective rainwater harvesting, recognising its advantages for the well-being of the farming community. Rainwater harvesting is a movement towards water conservation and security. In regions where water scarcity poses a formidable challenge, this practice is a lifeline for farmers.

By capturing and storing rainwater, we can ensure a reliable water supply for crops during dry spells. This water conservation method also plays a crucial role in maintaining the natural water table levels. It reduces the dependence on uncertain and often depleting groundwater sources, ensuring that our farming practices are sustainable and in harmony with the environment. This empowers farmers economically by reducing the need for expensive irrigation systems and the cost associated with drawing water from external sources. The impact of rainwater harvesting extends beyond the fields. It fosters a culture of resourcefulness and environmental stewardship within the community. When farmers adopt such sustainable practices, it sets a precedent, encouraging others to follow suit, leading to a collective effort towards a more sustainable and secure agricultural future.

The genesis of Two Brothers Organic Farm was born from a confluence of corporate sagacity and the call of their agrarian lineage. Our motivation was two-fold. Firstly, we aimed to preserve the legacy of our forefathers, ensuring that the ancestral wisdom of natural farming was not just retained but also flourished. Secondly, we were determined to address the disconnect between the purity of rural farming and the market dynamics that often undervalued such authenticity.

However, the journey was not without challenges. One of the initial hurdles was the resistance to change. Convincing the rural farming community to adopt organic practices and forsake conventional, chemical-reliant methods required persistent education and demonstration of the long-term benefits.

Another significant challenge was establishing a direct-to-consumer model in a market dominated by middlemen. We had to build trust with farmers and consumers, ensuring that the former received fair compensation and the latter received the freshest produce. Additionally, navigating the logistical complexities of supply chain management to deliver perishable goods in their prime was a test of our resolve and resourcefulness. Despite these challenges, our commitment never wavered. 

Today, as we witness the empowerment of rural organic farmers and the joy of consumers who partake in this goodness, every obstacle surmounted is a milestone in our ongoing journey towards an organic and sustainable future, Satyajit added.