AGRO SAMACHAR 2025

April, May, and June 2025

The last quarter, from April to June, has been fascinating for AGRO RANGERS, marked by several significant achievements and a few minor setbacks. Let us take a quick look at the work we have done over the past few months — the farmlands we have touched, the farmers we have befriended, and the transformations we have witnessed.

MAY 2025

Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (Social Impact) – Class of 2025

Our founder Siddhesh Sakore , was selected for the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia – Class of 2025 in the Social Impact category. This is a great recognition for young entrepreneurs and innovators in the Asia-Pacific region. Siddhesh’s selection highlights his unwavering commitment to empowering small and marginal farmers through regenerative agroforestry and sustainable agricultural practices. You can check out Siddhesh’s Forbes profile here:

JUNE 2025

Desertification and Drought Day 2025

June is globally significant for everyone—whether they are directly connected to farming or not—as June 17th is observed as Desertification and Drought Day. Under the theme “Restore the Land. Unlock the Opportunities,” the 2025 observance emphasised the critical role of healthy land in providing food, water, jobs, and security. Colombia’s decision to host the global event reflects its determination to restore land at scale and ensure that restoration efforts directly improve livelihoods and ecosystems.

Siddhesh Sakore, Founder of AGRO RANGERS and a UNCCD Land Hero awardee, was invited to Colombia for the Desertification and Drought Day summit.

As the world reaches the midpoint of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), action is more urgent than ever. To meet global goals, 1.5 billion hectares must be restored by 2030. So far, 1 billion hectares have been pledged through initiatives such as the G20 Global Land Restoration Initiative and the Great Green Wall Initiative. Now is the time for all nations to turn ambition into action.

Land Restoration and Climate Resilient Farming Training for Students

Closer to home, we organised a training session for over 66 students from the College of Agriculture Business Management, Narayangaon. We focused on building both awareness and practical understanding of land restoration and climate-resilient farming practices. Our Ranger, Vivekanand Labhane, shared first-hand experiences from the field on addressing land degradation through regenerative agroforestry models. The sessions also touched upon the goals and pressing challenges outlined by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

With droughts, driven by environmental destruction, expected to affect 75% of the global population by 2050, the need for sustainable land and water management is more urgent than ever.

Unsung Hero in CSR Award

We are delighted to share that Siddhesh Sakore received the “Unsung Hero in CSR” award at the HR Excellence Awards 2025, organised by PCET’s Pune Business School on Saturday, 14th June 2025. From walking away from corporate life to restoring dying farmlands and reviving rural livelihoods, his work in regenerative farming and agroforestry has touched thousands of small and marginal farmers across Maharashtra.

The award was presented by Padma Shri Dr. Lila Poonawalla, Chairperson of the Poonawalla Foundation, a trailblazer in Indian industry and philanthropy. Over 300 HR professionals from reputed organizations participated in this stellar event.

World Environment Day 2025

We observed World Environment Day on 5th June by working with farmers from rural areas around Pune city. Through our outreach and training, we aim to help them understand the importance of moving away from chemical-intensive farming toward regenerative agriculture, which is the need of the hour.

Schaeffler Plantation Drive 

On 27th June 2025, the Schaeffler Technology Solutions India Private Limited team reached our farm early in the morning, happy and ready to work with our farmers! The visit began with an introduction session led by, Yogesh Kapase and our founder, Siddhesh Sakore. The team then explored our farms and the RuTAGe Smart Village Centre (RSVC). They gained insights into the Agroforestry model from our senior farmer, Dadabhau Jachak, and learned about RSVC activities from Sagar Daphal. It was a great interaction for both teams. 

Our founder, Jayadip Sarode, has explained the techniques of plantation. The highlight of the day was the plantation drive, where 83 enthusiastic Schaeffler volunteers planted around 600 saplings for more than 2 hours, taking a meaningful step towards creating greener rural ecosystems and providing on-ground motivation for our farmers.

The afternoon continued with a delicious homemade lunch, followed by a presentation on AGRO RANGERS’ vision and impact. Some of the volunteers were tired of the hard work and the sun, but each volunteer was beaming with joy and motivation! They expressed interest in supporting us further through marketing and volunteering efforts.

The day wrapped up with a visit to our organic product stall, where the Schaeffler team supported our small and marginal farmer community by purchasing their fresh produce. We gave the team a small gift as a token of our love and appreciation.

We deeply appreciate Schaeffler India’s partnership and commitment to sustainability. 

NABARD Team Visit

On June 2nd, Mr. Yogesh Gokhale and Ms. Sai Mounika from NABARD, Pune, visited AGRO RANGERS to gain insights into our ongoing initiatives. Siddhesh Sakore and Jayadip Sarode welcomed them and shared an overview of our work, followed by a guided tour of our farm and the RSVC setup. The NABARD team expressed keen interest in our efforts and conveyed their willingness to support us in any area where assistance is needed.

On June 5th, a team from Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd. (RCF) visited AGRO RANGERS to explore our RuTAGe Smart Village Centre (RSVC). The visit was initiated after they learned about our work through the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. Jayadip Sarode , Co-founder of AGRO RANGERS, guided them through the RSVC setup and shared insights into our integrated rural development approach.

Visit from Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd.

In June, a team from Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd. (RCF) visited AGRO RANGERS to explore our RuTAGe Smart Village Centre (RSVC). The visit was initiated after they learned about our work through the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. Jayadip Sarode, Co-founder of AGRO RANGERS, guided them through the RSVC setup and shared insights into our integrated rural development approach.

Visit from the Sevavardhini Team

On 16th June, Vidyagauri Kulkarni and Amod Katikar from Sevavardhini visited AGRO RANGERS to explore our RuTAGe Smart Village Centre (RSVC). The visit was coordinated through Vigyan Ashram. Our team members, Sagar and Vivekanand, provided them with a guided tour and shared insights into our ongoing initiatives. The interaction fostered meaningful dialogue around sustainable rural development.

AGRO RANGERS Training Workshops 

AGRO RANGERS conducted three impactful training workshops across Shirur Taluka in June. The sessions were organized in the villages of Khairewadi (12th June), Sansavadi (25th June), and Talegaon Dhamdhere (26th June). The workshops witnessed enthusiastic participation from a diverse group of farmers, including 84 women and 65 men. Through these sessions, we promoted sustainable agriculture practices with a focus on natural farming and agroforestry models.

Participation in the National Workshop on Sustainable Branding

Our team member, Sagar, represented AGRO RANGERS at the national-level workshop titled "Developing a Sustainable Product and Brand Narrative", held from June 11–13, 2025, at the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal. The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India and led by Program Director Dr. Anand Hindolia, with participation from 30 delegates from across the country.

The training focused on crafting brand stories rooted in sustainability principles, ensuring each narrative genuinely reflects environmental and social responsibility. Through engaging and interactive sessions, Sagar explored strategies to embed sustainability into a brand’s core values, mission, and vision, creating communication that resonates with today’s conscious consumers.

At AGRO RANGERS, we continue to build platforms that empower farmers, ensuring their long-term sustainability, growth, and economic security. Sagar’s participation further strengthens our commitment to shaping a meaningful and impactful brand narrative.

Restorlife Award Finalist

AGRO RANGERS was selected as a FINALIST for the Restorlife Award, and it was truly a great honor for us to be chosen among so many global organisations. Unfortunately, we did not win, which was a big disappointment for all of us. However, we hope to do better next year! Our best wishes go out to all the Restorlife Award winners—we thank them for the important and positive change they are bringing to their parts of the world.

SVP Pune - NGO Mitra Series Workshop

Workshop on ‘Pathways to unblocking CSR Opportunities’ Held on 6th May, attended by Siddhesh Sakore and Kunal Dhondge. Click here to know more about the event.

Visit from Bajaj Foundation Team

On the 14th May, a team from the Bajaj Foundation visited AGRO RANGERS to learn more about our work, primarily facilitated through Vigyan Ashram. The visitors were welcomed and guided by Jayadip Sarode, Founder of AGRO RANGERS, who shared insights into our sustainable agriculture initiatives and impact on the ground. The visit served as a meaningful exchange of ideas, strengthening our collaborative ecosystem.

APRIL 2025

Vasundhara Grains Festival 2025

AGRO RANGERS participated in the Vasundhara Grains Festival 2025 held in Pune city, one of the largest organic produce events of its kind in the state. We were proud to represent so many of our small and marginal farmers who are with us on the journey of regenerative agriculture. Their farm produce sold very well at the festival, and we were happy to connect with so many Pune citizens interested in buying chemical-free farm produce from AGRO RANGER