Photo courtesy of Siddhesh Sakore
Siddhesh Sakore is a farmer and mechanical engineer from India who founded Agro Rangers, an organization driving positive change in rural areas through organic regenerative farming to address soil degradation. In a GEF Youth Voices interview, he shared how agroforestry practices bring hope to the farmers in his community and offer a positive message for the world.
What do you do for a living, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am a farmer and the founder of Agro Rangers. I grow food on my farmland and work with small farmers in India to rejuvenate their lands. We transform degraded farmland by planting a variety of trees and multiple crops together, a practice known as agroforestry. This method increases both tree and crop biodiversity at the farm level, and also helps with soil rejuvenation and conservation, water retention, and carbon sequestration. I enjoy finding ways to grow food organically and helping farmers convert degraded soils into sustainable food production systems by planting trees and crops together.
A biodiverse farm is essential for producing sustainable food year-round, which helps to secure the food supply and reduce both climate and market risks for farmers. Our methods are designed based on soil testing and an understanding of the local climate, which helps build resilience against the impacts of climate change. Our one-acre agroforestry model also prevents the release of carbon.
How did you get into this line of work?
I grew up in a marginalized farmer's family, where I witnessed firsthand the economic hardships that farmers and their families endure. To gain a deeper understanding of the issue, I conducted soil testing for 5,000 small farmers. The results revealed that 90 percent of our farmland soil has been degraded. With a background in mechanical engineering, I have dedicated the past five years to working in the field of regenerative organic agriculture, conducting extensive research to develop intercropping-based agroforestry models that enhance soil health.
I founded Agro Rangers to help transform degraded agricultural farmland and improve livelihoods for small and vulnerable farmers. I am teaching the farmers to shift their practices from using chemicals in farming to sustainable agroforestry practices that will improve soil quality. I am on a journey to empower the youth and farmers in my drought-prone region.
Could you describe a project or issue that you are currently focused on?
One big area of focus is agricultural soil that has suffered from harmful chemical and pesticide usage and the impacts of climate change. Farmers are trapped in a vicious cycle because of the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These chemicals degrade the soil and lower its organic carbon content, leading to lower yields and producing lower-quality food that sells for lower prices. However, degraded soil requires more chemicals and other inputs, increasing costs. So, farmers take out loans and buy chemicals for the next farming cycle, often leading to a debt trap.
Is there someone you have met through your work who has had a lasting impact on you?
One of the most impactful people I’ve met through my work is a farmer named Dadabha Jachak who has dedicated his life to living sustainably by growing 100 percent of his food organically. His commitment to nurturing the environment and his deep philosophy behind growing healthy, chemical-free food deeply resonated with me. His wisdom and approach to farming, where every action contributes to a healthier planet, inspired me to support more farmers on their journey towards sustainability. He reinforced my belief in the power of regenerative practices and the potential for agriculture to be a force for good, both for people and the planet.
What life lessons has your work taught you?
My work with Agro Rangers has taught me the importance of resilience, much like a tree standing firm in any harsh climate, continuing to grow and impact the people and environment around it. I’ve learned that patience and persistence are essential for meaningful change, especially when working with farmers and communities facing adversity. Listening and learning from those we serve has shown me the power of community, while the challenges of climate change and soil degradation have underscored the need to adapt. Above all, I have realized that steadfast commitment and small, consistent efforts can transform lives and restore our environment.
Environmental issues are very often complicated and concerning. What gives you hope?
What gives me hope is the resilience of farmers and the land, especially the soil itself. Witnessing degraded soil coming back to life through regenerative practices is a powerful reminder of nature's ability to heal. Farmers' determination to learn and adopt sustainable practices despite numerous challenges shows that change is possible. The soil's response — restoring fertility, supporting diverse crops, and sequestering carbon — proves that with the right care, we can rejuvenate our environment. Seeing the soil thrive alongside empowered farmers keeps me driven and optimistic about the future.
