Chhaya Sopan Karande is a 48-year-old farmer from Diksal village in Sangola block of Solapur district. She comes from a simple family and is known for her hard work and openness to new ideas. She owns 3.5 acres of land, where she has been growing traditional crops like sorghum, maize, and pearl millet for many years. However, these crops brought very little profit. At times, the income was not even enough to cover the cost of cultivation. Although Chhaya wanted to try new farming methods but she lacked proper guidance and support. This made it difficult for her to move beyond traditional practices.
Everything changed when the Comprehensive Village Development Project (CVDP) was launched in Diksal. The project was implemented by CYDA with financial support from SBI Mutual Fund. Through this initiative, farmers were introduced to new and innovative agriculture models.
During the project activities, Chhaya learned about the 5-Guntha Trellis Vegetable Cultivation Model. The model caught her attention, and she showed immediate interest in adopting it. After the selection process, she was chosen to implement the model on her land.
The team provided Chhaya with the essential materials and support required for the Trellis model:
- Cement poles and wires
- Drip irrigation set
- Water tank
- Seeds of creeper vegetables
- Complete technical guidance through regular “Farm Schools”
She contributed Rs.4,500/- as a community share. She also used vermicompost, which helped reduce input costs and increase soil fertility.
Crops cultivated under the Trellis Model
Chhaya planted creeper vegetables such as ridge gourd, bitter gourd, and cluster beans, and intercrops like fenugreek, spinach, safflower leaves, coriander, and Amaranthus in the last week of July 2025. Within just one month, Chhaya began to see results. Her vegetable harvest started in the month of August. The production and income she earned are as follows:
| Crop | Production | Income (Rs.) |
| Leafy vegetables | 703 bundles | 7,030 |
| Bitter gourd | 95 kg | 3,800 |
| Ridge gourd | 159 kg | 7,160 |
| Cluster beans | 225 kg | 13,500 |
| Marigold flowers | 35 kg | 2,500 |
| Total Income | — | ₹33,990 |
| Net Profit | — | ₹20,490 |
Apart from this income, her family also saved money since fresh vegetables were available daily for home consumption. Chhaya happily shares:
“The profit we earned from just 5 gunthas of trellis vegetable farming is much more than what we get from one acre of traditional crops like maize or sorghum. Looking at this success, we have decided to implement the Trellis model on another 5 gunthas.”
Chhaya adopted a new and profitable farming practice and also gained the confidence that small landholdings can generate significant income. Her success is now motivating many farmers, especially women, in her village to try scientific and sustainable farming models.
(The article is written by Ganesh Waghmode, Agriculture Expert)
