Many individuals view retirement as a period of leisure and relaxation when life begins to slow down. However, for Vasai, Maharashtra resident Vijay Dongare, 57, retirement marked the start of a new chapter in his life. His successful electrical engineering firm had given him a solid income and a sense of identity, but he had a deeper longing to live nearer to nature, rebuild his ancestral farms, and live a life that was rooted in the soil and connected to his spirit.
Not retirement, a new beginning
For the majority of his life, Vijay Dongare operated a reputable engineering firm in Vasai. Even though his company still makes between ₹30 and ₹35 lakh a year, he made the decision to move back to his ancestral town of Dapoli in the Konkan region, where he is currently attempting to blend farming, traditional goods, and ecotourism.
Farming in harmony with nature
Vijay decided to pursue organic farming, but not in order to compete commercially or increase output. He began cultivating crops on natural ground, such as a forest, in a rhythmical manner without any chopping or uprooting. In addition to Alphonso and Ratna mango varieties, he has planted over 750 cashew plants. He has also recently begun to grow betel leaf plantations. He doesn’t use any chemical growth promoters, herbicides, or fertilizers. He thinks that true taste and nourishment come from treating the soil with respect and time.
Biodiversity is the real wealth
According to Vijay Dongare, trees are a member of the family and not merely a tool for productivity. He has permitted the ancient trees that his forefathers planted to stay in their current state. He asserts that man is not the owner of this planet, but merely its temporary guardian. Now that his 100 mango plants are bearing fruit, locals are complimenting the fruits’ flavor and quality.
Returning to traditional products
Although farming hasn’t brought in much money thus far, Vijay intends to introduce a variety of conventional goods. He first intends to bring his farms’ cashews to market by roasting, packaging, and labeling them the old-fashioned way. He plans to expand his company in the future by including paan products, mango pickles, and other natural goods.
Eco-tourism: A bridge from city to nature
Vijay aspires to offer a comprehensive natural experience in addition to farming. On his property, he hopes to construct mud homes where people may come to enjoy the simple life, fresh food, and the pure air. His goal is to establish a Eco-Tourism wellness retreat where individuals may disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.
An inspiration to farmers around him
In addition to his own field, Vijay also teaches other farmers in the village the value of natural farming and soil layers. He maintains that the true science of farming is to do so without compromising the farm’s biodiversity and soil structure. He advocates for “slow farming,” which grows crops in accordance with the land’s dynamics rather than the demands of the market.
Indian thinking on the global stage
Vijay Dongare has joined the Global Farmer Business Network (GFBN), a network that links forward-thinking and conscious farmer entrepreneurs nationwide. In order for people to learn from the field rather than merely books, Vijay hopes to set up farmer training camps in Dapoli.
His story teaches us that if one has desire, life can take a different path at any time, regardless of age. The narrative of Vijay Dongre is not only about a farmer; it’s about a man who rose from “profit” to “goal” and doing it in a straightforward, private, and natural setting.
Disclaimer: This article is for inspirational information purposes only. The information given in it is based on public sources and should not be taken as any investment, legal or medical advice. Consult an expert before taking any decision.
Also Read:
