Know the people who makeTwo brothers Organic Farmswhat it is!
Know the people who grow pack, and look after your food! From the cowherd, Govind whose love for cows knows no bounds, to Shankar Ji, the organic farmer who got his family out of debt through sustainable farming, here are the stories from the team itself!
KRUSHI BANDHU
Maya Tai (Solapur, Maharashtra)
Maya Tai’s journey is one of courage and reinvention. After losing her husband in a tragic accident, she made the bold decision to leave Solapur city and return to her ancestral farmland. The land had suffered years of chemical farming, leading to degraded soil and poor yields. Initially, her organic farming attempts yielded low returns as the soil struggled to recover from years of chemical abuse. But Maya persisted. Over time, microbial life returned, and today, her yields match what they were during the chemical farming days—without the use of harmful pesticides. She now cultivates sugarcane as a perennial crop, wheat and Bengal gram in the Rabi season, maize in Kharif, and bajra in summer. Farming has given her financial stability and empowered her to educate her children, get her daughters married, and build a house on the land she once feared she would lose.
Kulkarni Kaka (Satara, Maharashtra)
The Kulkarni brothers, a trio of retired professionals, found their true calling in organic farming. Farming on 35 acres, they cultivate native crops like jowar, rajma, chana, sugarcane, and the rare Salem variety turmeric, known for its exceptional quality. Their journey began when Kulkarni Kaka, inspired by an interview with TBOF’s founder, reached out to learn more about sustainable farming. Leaving behind their city lives in Satara, they embraced farming full-time post-retirement. Today, they use intercropping, water conservation with sprinklers and drip irrigation, and sustainable farming techniques to produce nutrient-rich crops while preserving soil health. Their story proves that it’s never too late to reconnect with nature and lead a fulfilling life.
Kong Trinity Saioo (Meghalaya)
A schoolteacher by profession, Kong Trinity Saioo never imagined she would one day lead a farming revolution in Meghalaya. Recognizing the potential of Lakadong turmeric, a native variety with exceptionally high curcumin content, she mobilized women farmers under "Mission Meghalaya" and "Mission Lakadong." She helped shift farming practices from scattered individual efforts to a well-organized, community-driven movement. Today, she is affectionately called "Turmeric Trinity," an accolade she wears lightly, never resting on her laurels. As part of the Two Brothers community of soil heroes, she continues to inspire and uplift women farmers, proving that leadership and farming go hand in hand.
KRUSHI BANDHU
Thombre Kaka (Baramati, Maharashtra)
Thombre Kaka’s journey into organic farming is deeply personal he refuses to grow food contaminated with chemicals.Practicing organic farming for over 17 years, he has remained unwavering in his commitment despite constant challenges like water scarcity, financial struggles, and skepticism from fellow farmers.
When TBOF first visited his farm, they had to navigate small mountains, rivulets, muddy roads, and canals to reach him symbolic of his resilience in overcoming obstacles. Surrounded by pessimistic farmers who doubted his methods, he continued using traditional organic practices. Today, he stands as a living testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of growing pure, chemical-free food.
Vidya & Dharamji (Kolhapur, Maharashtra)
Vidya and her brother, Dharmaji, are passionate beekeepers working in the forest belts of Maharashtra. Unlike large-scale commercial honey production, they focus on ethical beekeeping using the native Indian bee species Apis Cerana Indica (locally known as Sateri Maashi), rather than the imported Apis Mellifera commonly used for mass honey production. This ensures that the honey retains its natural purity and medicinal properties. Their bee boxes are placed deep within forest regions, allowing the bees to pollinate a wide variety of wildflowers, resulting in rich, multifloral honey. Their work is not just about producing honey—it’s about preserving biodiversity, supporting sustainable agriculture, and maintaining the delicate balance of the forest ecosystem. They continue to advocate for traditional beekeeping, proving that nature and farming can coexist harmoniously.
Vidya & Dharamji (Kolhapur, Maharashtra)
Hanmant and Shivaji are part of a dedicated group of 47 farmers from Koregaon who work tirelessly to cultivate high-quality, native crops despite ongoing water challenges. Their main focus is on Waghya Rajma and Black Beans: both of which have received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for their superior quality and unique taste. They also grow a desi variety of soybean. Their collaboration with Two Brothers Organic Farms has helped them not only sustain their livelihoods but also introduce their produce to a wider audience. Their ability to produce nutrient-dense, chemical-free crops despite environmental hardships highlights their resilience and innovative approach to farming.
Maya Tai’s journey is one of courage and reinvention. After losing her husband in a tragic accident, she made the bold decision to leave Solapur city and return to her ancestral farmland. The land had suffered years of chemical farming, leading to degraded soil and poor yields.
Thombre Kaka’s journey into organic farming is deeply personal he refuses to grow food contaminated with chemicals.Practicing organic farming for over 17 years, he has remained unwavering in his commitment despite constant challenges like water scarcity, financial struggles, and skepticism from fellow farmers.
