Nagpur: A farmer from Savner taluka has demonstrated that fig cultivation can be successfully undertaken in the Vidarbha region with proper farm management, technology and guidance from the Agriculture Department.
Sunil Thakre, a farmer from Kawdas village in Savner taluka, planted figs on two acres of land around a year ago. He opted for the Diana variety, maintaining a planting distance of 10 by 8 feet. The crop was established using drip irrigation, raised beds and plastic mulching.
With guidance from the Agriculture Department, Thakre adopted development pruning, vermicompost application, fungicide sprays and integrated nutrient management practices. The crop has reportedly developed well, and he expects production worth around ₹7–8 lakh from the two-acre plantation.
Gold Rate
Aug 27 ,2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
Plans to Start Fruit Processing Unit
Thakre is also planning to move beyond cultivation and add value to his produce. He has initiated the process of setting up a fruit processing unit on his farm under the Prime Minister’s Micro Food Processing Enterprises scheme for 2026–27.
Under the proposed initiative, figs produced on his own farm will be processed and packaged at the farm itself. He plans to market the processed products directly to malls, hotels and wholesalers in Nagpur, potentially giving him better returns through value addition and direct marketing.
A Model for Farmers in Vidarbha
The experiment has created interest among farmers in the surrounding area and offers an example of how alternative horticultural crops can be explored in Vidarbha.
Thakre, a member of the Nishigandha Farmer Producer Company, has been cultivating the crop with technical guidance from the Agriculture Department. His fig plantation is also being presented as an example that fig cultivation can be commercially viable in Vidarbha when supported by appropriate cultivation practices and farm-level management.
Agriculture Department Provides Technical Guidance
A team from the Agriculture Department has been regularly visiting Thakre’s farm to inspect the plantation and provide technical guidance. The team includes Taluka Agriculture Officer Somnath Sati, Circle Agriculture Officer Vilas Bhise of Khapa, Deputy Agriculture Officer Roshan Dambare of Khapa-1, Assistant Agriculture Officer Minal Vaidya of Pipla and Agriculture Officer Anil Kharpure of Patansawangi.
With the plantation completing only its first year, the expected ₹7–8 lakh production from two acres has made Thakre’s initiative an encouraging example for farmers looking to diversify into horticulture and explore higher-value crops.
