In the late 1990s, a visit to a remote village in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district altered the course of Sangita Sawalakhe’s life. What began as a routine college assignment to meet farmers evolved into a mission that would transform the agricultural landscape of India, especially in the Vidarbha region. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope for thousands of farmers caught in the clutches of debt and despair, providing a sustainable alternative through her pioneering work in biopesticides.
Early encounters with agricultural distress
Sangita, then a young student pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, was introduced to the harsh realities faced by Indian farmers during a college field visit. She visited Sindhevahi, a village in Maharashtra, where she met a farmer who, despite owning land and machinery, was financially crippled. The farmer’s deteriorating financial condition due to escalating debts caused by failed crops and reliance on chemical pesticides left a lasting impression on her. The situation was so dire that his family could not afford milk for tea, despite the appearance of prosperity.
This stark disparity between appearance and reality deeply disturbed Sangita, sparking her resolve to find an alternative to chemical-dependent farming. She turned to her father, Prof. NP Kahare, an agricultural entomologist at the Agriculture College in Nagpur, for guidance. His insights into organic farming opened a new chapter in her life and set her on the path of becoming a crusader for sustainable agriculture.
After completing her B.Sc. and later a post-graduate degree in Agricultural Entomology—a field focusing on both harmful and beneficial insects in farming—Sangita sought to offer farmers an alternative to the harmful chemical pesticides that had left them impoverished. Her father’s knowledge of organic farming further solidified her commitment, and she began her journey into the development of biopesticides.
Biopesticides, derived from natural sources such as plants, bacteria, and fungi, provided a safer, more sustainable alternative to traditional chemical pesticides. Sangita’s vision was clear: to reduce the reliance of Indian farmers on toxic chemical inputs that harmed both their livelihoods and the environment. Her initiative would prove to be a game-changer for over 15,000 farmers who, thanks to her efforts, switched to organic farming practices over the course of three decades.
Struggles and triumphs: Building Vidarbha Biotech
Sangita’s journey was not without its challenges. The agricultural entomology course she pursued was male-dominated, with few women taking it up at the time. However, Sangita’s determination to help farmers drove her forward. In 1994, after getting married and moving to Yavatmal, where her husband practised as an ENT surgeon, Sangita took a bold step. She set up a small lab in her home to manufacture biopesticides and bio-fungicides, educating farmers at local agricultural meetings about the dangers of chemical pesticides and the benefits of organic alternatives.
In 2008, Sangita expanded her operations, establishing the Vidarbha Biotech Lab in Yavatmal’s industrial area. Securing a loan of ₹40 lakh and benefiting from a 40 per cent government subsidy, she set up a production unit with the capacity to produce 500 tonnes of biopesticides annually. Her products, certified by the ISO, the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), and the Central Insecticide Board, slowly began to gain traction. Initially, Sangita faced significant marketing challenges, but word-of-mouth endorsements from farmers who experienced the efficacy of her products soon built her a loyal client base.
Today, Vidarbha Biotech Lab caters to farmers not only in Maharashtra but also in Gujarat, Punjab, and Odisha. She has partnered with NGOs, farmer organisations, and some corporations to distribute biopesticides to farmers. Her enterprise produces 60-80 tonnes of biopesticides during the Kharif and Rabi seasons, generating an annual income of around ₹80 lakh.
Revolutionising agriculture with VBL micro bio mix
One of Sangita’s most significant contributions to sustainable farming is her development of the VBL Micro Bio Mix. This innovative product combines 10 organisms, including biopesticides, bio-fungicides, plant growth regulators, and decomposing agents. It serves multiple purposes, from controlling pests to accelerating the decomposition of farm waste, including stubble, which farmers traditionally burn, contributing to air pollution.
Sangita’s research has shown that biopesticides offer numerous advantages over chemical pesticides. They target only harmful pests without affecting beneficial organisms in the soil, decompose quickly without polluting the environment, and are far cheaper than their chemical counterparts. Biopesticides are also highly efficient, requiring only half a litre to cover one acre of land, whereas chemical pesticides are both costly and need frequent reapplication. Additionally, biopesticides prevent the build-up of resistance in pests, a problem common with chemical pesticides.
Beyond her work in organic farming, Sangita has been a tireless advocate for women’s empowerment. She employs 30 women at her production facility and has partnered with self-help groups (SHGs) across Maharashtra to market and distribute biopesticides. Approximately 10,000 women members of SHGs are now associated with her, earning commissions of 20-25 percent while promoting organic farming in their communities.
Sangita also provides free training and consultancy services to farmer organisations, offering them guidance on organic farming techniques. Her passion for research continues unabated, and she spends 8-10 hours a day in her lab, developing new biopesticide formulations and products.
Awards and recognition
Over the past 30 years, Sangita’s dedication has earned her numerous accolades. In 2002, she received the prestigious Women’s Creativity in Rural Life award, presented by an organisation linked to UNESCO. She was awarded the Udyog Puraskar in 2005, the Maharashtra Udyogini Purskar in 2008, and the Honour of Excellence by the Union Ministry of Agriculture on Mahila Kisan Diwas in 2018.
A lasting legacy
Sangita Sawalakhe’s story is one of relentless determination, compassion, and innovation. Her work has not only lifted thousands of farmers out of the debt trap but also contributed to the preservation of the environment through sustainable farming practices. Her efforts have been instrumental in reducing the suicide rates among farmers in the Vidarbha region, offering them hope through organic alternatives and financial independence.
Her belief in cutting out middlemen and ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their produce underscores her vision for a more equitable agricultural system. As she continues to work closely with farmers, researchers, and women’s groups, Sangita remains committed to making organic farming a viable and profitable option for Indian farmers. Through her pioneering work, she has become a symbol of resilience and change, inspiring future generations to embrace sustainability and innovation in agriculture.
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