Pune: While many rural youth are abandoning agriculture and migrating to cities for employment, 29-year-old Poonam Borhade from Dhalevadi, Haveli in Junnar Taluka has demonstrated that farming can be a profitable venture when combined with modern technology, scientific crop research, and market strategies.
Poonam, who holds a postgraduate degree (M.Sc) in Botany along with diplomas in Paramedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, initially pursued a career in academics and project management.
She worked as a Project Officer at the All India Institute of Local Self-Government in Nashik and as a Lecturer at K.K. Wagh Senior College. In addition, she spent eight years as the Chief Coordinator at the Parents Association Thalassemic Unit Trust, where she played a crucial role in conducting thalassemia and anemia screening for thousands of students.
However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Poonam decided to return to her village and focus on farming. Determined to practice organic and sustainable agriculture, she established Shivai Agro, a Farmer Producer Company.
15 Acres of Farming Success
Starting with her family’s 2.5-acre land, Poonam expanded her agricultural activities by leasing 15 acres in Kusur, Khamgaon, and Shiroli. She primarily cultivates high-demand flower varieties such as aster, chrysanthemum, and bijli, which have a strong market value.
Her agricultural business now generates an annual turnover of over ₹45 lakh, with a net profit of ₹15-20 lakh after deducting investment costs. Moreover, her initiative provides stable employment to 15 workers daily, creating job opportunities in the rural economy.
In addition to her farming endeavors, Poonam remains active in the medical field. Committed to social responsibility, she offers health checkups on a ‘no profit, no loss’ basis, ensuring affordable medical assistance to those in need.
Poonam credits her success to her family’s unwavering support and guidance from retired revenue officer Gotiram Thorve, Professor Vinayak Lokhande, Dr. Prakash Pangam, and Dr. Mahadev Dhomse. Their mentorship has helped her refine her agricultural practices and expand her business.
