Knowledge Centre

Farming for the Future: Rambhau’s Shift to Sustainable Practices in Merwane

In the village of Merwane in Velhe Taluka, Maharashtra, Rambhau Baban Renuse had always followed the rhythms of traditional farming. For years, he worked with the same soil, planting and harvesting rice in ways passed down through generations. But as the seasons changed, so did the challenges he faced—unpredictable weather, rising costs, and diminishing soil quality.

While attending a local village development meeting, Rambhau learned about the farming method called the System of Rice Intensification (SRI). It wasn’t a typical farming technique with rigid instructions; instead, a different way of thinking about how to use land, water, and seeds.

Rambhau, along with his wife Alka, decided to give it a try. They enrolled in a hands-on training workshop where they learned to space their seedlings wider, use organic fertilizers like Jeevamrut, and manage water efficiently. It wasn’t easy at first. The old ways were familiar and deeply ingrained, but the couple trusted the process and slowly made changes. Instead of flooding the fields, they carefully managed the water, and instead of relying on expensive chemical fertilizers, they used simple, organic solutions.

The first season was a leap of faith. But when the harvest came, Rambhau was very happy because the produce was exceptional which yielded better crackers and sticks. The plants were healthy, the soil seemed richer, and the yields were better than he expected. But it wasn’t just the abundance of the harvest that brought him joy—it was the relief in his wallet. By cutting back on costly chemical inputs, he found he could grow more without stretching his finances.

“It’s not just about saving money,” Rambhau says with a smile. “It’s about giving back to the land, to our future. The land is like a part of our family. It will take care of us if we take care of it.”

For Rambhau, this shift isn’t just about improved harvests—it’s a story about reconnecting with nature and taking small steps that create a lasting impact. It’s a reminder that even the smallest changes can lead to extraordinary transformations.

In Merwane, this isn’t just one farmer’s journey—it’s a village, a community, coming together to embrace sustainability and build resilience.