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At 71, Shankar Pawar turned dry, rocky land in Satara, Maharashtra, into a thriving dragon fruit farm using knowledge from YouTube. Discover his inspiring journey from retirement to rich harvests.
Introduction
Who says farming success is limited to the young? Shankar Pawar, a 71-year-old farmer from Ahire village in Khandala Taluka, Satara (Maharashtra), proves that age is no barrier when determination meets innovation. After retiring from city life, he transformed barren, rocky land into a profitable dragon fruit farm, guided only by YouTube videos and his unshakeable will.
The Beginning: From Mumbai to the Farm
After working in Mumbai for over 46 years, Shankar Pawar returned to his village with land allotted through a government rehabilitation scheme. The land, however, was rocky, dry, and uncultivable — typical of the “khadakmalran” region. Most would have given up, but not Shankar.
Instead, he turned to YouTube, studying videos on dragon fruit cultivation, sustainable farming, and irrigation systems. The crop attracted him due to its low water requirements, high market value, and long-term returns.
Overcoming Challenges: Water and Soil
Initially, he dug a well, but water was scarce.
He then invested in a drip irrigation system and rainwater harvesting techniques.
The initial investment for infrastructure and planting was around ₹9–10 lakhs.
To support the dragon fruit vines, he installed cement poles. Around each pole, four vines were planted using organic fertilizers and bio-inputs. Slowly, the dry land started turning green.
The Harvest and Income
Each plant yields 5–6 fruits per season.
Fruit weight ranges from 400 to 500 grams.
Market rate is ₹100 to ₹150 per kg.
He sells his produce to markets in Mumbai, Pune, Sangli, and Kolhapur.
Today, Shankar earns lakhs of rupees annually, and the land that once lay useless now stands as a model farm for the region.
Community Impact: Empowering Women
The farm has also created employment opportunities for local women, who help with maintenance, harvest, and sorting. It’s not just a farm — it’s a hub of community development and empowerment.
A Farmer’s Message to India
> “If you have the will, age is not a limit. YouTube is my teacher, and my farm is my temple.” – Shankar Pawar
Lessons from Shankar Pawar’s Story
Innovation is ageless — learning never stops.
YouTube and social media can be powerful tools for rural education.
Dragon fruit is a smart crop: minimal water, high returns.
Barren land can bloom if treated with planning, patience, and purpose.
Conclusion
Shankar Pawar’s story is not just about dragon fruit. It’s a story of resilience, self-learning, and redefining life after retirement. His journey reminds us that with the right mindset, even the toughest land and toughest age can yield the sweetest fruits.
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