Chinmay Tanshikar in his Vanilla farm
Chinmay Tanshikar, a resident of Netravali village in Sanguem, Goa, has spent nearly three decades transforming his ancestral land into a thriving organic farm. Despite holding a B.Com degree, Chinmay’s true passion always lay in agriculture. His journey into farming began with coconut and arecanut plantations, a legacy started by his father, but Chinmay’s innovative spirit soon led him to expand the farm’s offerings to include high-value spices like vanilla, black pepper, and cinnamon.
Rise of Vanilla: A High-Stakes Crop
Vanilla, the world’s second-most expensive spice after saffron, found its way into Chinmay’s farm during a period when vanilla prices soared to an astonishing Rs 50,000 per kilogram. “There was a time when the craze for vanilla was at its peak,” Chinmay recalls. “That’s when I decided to start growing it.”
However, the vanilla market is notoriously volatile. After the initial boom, prices plummeted, forcing many farmers to abandon the crop. Despite this, Chinmay persevered. Today, he is one of the few farmers in Goa who continue to cultivate vanilla, and it has become the biggest revenue generator on his farm.
In the 2020-21 season, Chinmay sold vanilla at Rs 30,000 per kilogram, earning around Rs 15 lakh per acre. Even in years when prices were lower, he sold vanilla at Rs 12,000 per kilogram, the returns are still impressive.
Organic Farming Techniques: Sustainable and Profitable
Chinmay is committed to organic farming, using sustainable practices to maintain the health of his crops and soil. “I use organic techniques entirely,” he says. “Dried leaves and other farm waste serve as manure, and pests are managed through integrated farming.”
For disease control, Chinmay relies on biocontrol agents like Trichoderma and Pseudomonas. These natural solutions not only protect the crops but also promote healthy growth. In a region like Goa, which experiences heavy rainfall, these organic methods are particularly important for preventing fungal infections in crops like vanilla.
Vanilla, the world’s second-most expensive spice after saffron
Diversification: The Key to Resilience
Chinmay’s farm is a model of diversification, a strategy he believes is essential for long-term success in agriculture. On his 25 acres of land, he has planted vanilla in 1 acre. Alongside vanilla, he grows coconut, areca nut, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves on a commercial scale. This diverse crop portfolio not only spreads risk but also ensures a steady income stream throughout the year.
“Don’t rely on a single crop,” Chinmay advises other farmers. “If one crop fails, others can compensate for the loss. Integrated farming is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.”
Chinmay also sells by-products of crops like pineapple, nutmeg etc. He mentioned about the development of a technique to use nutmeg peel for making candy by ICAR, which Chinmay learned and now incorporates into his farming practice. He mentioned that he earns about 12 lakh per annum from these by-products.
Other than these Chinmay also do bee keeping and give training about the same to the fellow farmers. Combining all the ventures Chinmay earns up to 50 -60 lakh per annum.
Agro-Eco-Tourism: An Additional Revenue Stream
In addition to farming, Chinmay has ventured into agro-eco-tourism, offering visitors a chance to experience farm life firsthand. His farm stay attracts tourists from around the world, many of whom are interested in learning about organic farming and spice cultivation.
“About 90 percent of our vanilla crop and most of the byproducts (Nutmeg candies) is sold directly to visitors at our farm,” Chinmay says. “We also have bulk buyers like restaurants and superstores who purchase vanilla in larger quantities.”
This direct-to-consumer approach not only adds value to his products but also allows Chinmay to maintain higher profit margins by bypassing intermediaries.
Awards & Recognition: A Testament to Success
Chinmay’s dedication to organic farming and innovation has not gone unnoticed. In 2016, he was awarded the Best Organic Farm – Krishi Ratna award by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognizing his contributions to sustainable agriculture. He has also received the Best Horticulturist and Krishi Bhushan Awards from the Goa government.
In 2018, Chinmay was honored with the Innovative Farmers Award by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). His collaboration with ICAR extends beyond awards; he regularly participates in training programs, both as a student and a mentor, sharing his knowledge and experience with fellow farmers.
A Model for Sustainable Agriculture
Chinmay Tanshikar’s success story is a powerful example of how traditional farming practices can be transformed through innovation and sustainability. By embracing organic methods, diversifying crops, and tapping into the lucrative vanilla market, he has built a thriving agricultural business that benefits not only his family but also the wider community.
As the global demand for high-quality, organic produce continues to rise, farmers like Chinmay Tanshikar are leading the way in showing that sustainable agriculture is not just a possibility—it’s the future.
First published on: 30 Aug 2024, 11:40 IST
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