Biography of Siddhesh Sakore: Founder and CEO of Agro Rangers- Entrepreneur
Biography of Siddhesh Sakore:
From Engineering Dreams to Agricultural Reality
Growing up in the small village of Kendur in Maharashtra,
Siddhesh Sakore was deeply influenced by his family's farming background. His
father, concerned about the unpredictable nature of farming income, decided
Siddhesh should pursue a career in engineering for a more stable future. This
decision, though practical, took Siddhesh on a path far from the fields of his
home.
Academic Pursuits and Early Struggles
Siddhesh enrolled at JSPM's Rajarshi Shahu College of
Engineering in Pune, where he studied Mechanical Engineering from 2013 to 2017.
Despite his academic success, the job market was tough, and Siddhesh faced
difficulties in securing a position in his field. He took up various sales
roles to make ends meet, but his true passion for creating a positive impact on
his community remained strong.
A Turning Point: Internship at Vigyan Ashram
While working in Pune, Siddhesh found an opportunity to
intern with Vigyan Ashram, an NGO focused on sustainable development. During
this internship, he managed a project on waste management, which sparked his
interest in environmental solutions. He then worked on a soil testing project
that revealed a major issue: 90% of the soil in the villages was deficient in
Nitrogen. This discovery was pivotal, shifting his focus towards agriculture
and soil health.
Entrepreneurial Venture: Composting Solutions
With a newfound passion for agriculture, Siddhesh started a
venture aimed at converting organic waste into compost. Although the startup
faced challenges and did not take off as expected, it laid the groundwork for
his future endeavors. This experience taught him valuable lessons in
entrepreneurship and deepened his commitment to solving agricultural problems.
Biography of Siddhesh Sakore: Founder and CEO of Agro Rangers- Entrepreneur/ Investor/Age/Net worth/Life story/Wife/Agro Rangers story/farmer story
The Kanthari Fellowship
To refine his skills and broaden his perspective, Siddhesh
joined the Kanthari Fellowship in 2019. This intensive program equipped him
with the tools to address social and environmental issues effectively. The
training at Kanthari was instrumental in shaping his approach to social
entrepreneurship and prepared him for the challenges ahead.
Founding Agro Rangers
Inspired by his experiences and the skills gained from
Kanthari, Siddhesh founded Agro Rangers in December 2019. Agro Rangers is a
non-profit organization dedicated to rejuvenating degraded farmlands through
regenerative agroforestry. The organization focuses on helping small and
marginal farmers adopt sustainable farming practices and improve soil health.
Expanding Impact Through Agro Rangers
At Agro Rangers, Siddhesh and his team work directly with 52
farmers to restore their land and enhance agricultural productivity. Their
efforts include promoting organic farming and educating farmers about
sustainable practices. The organization also helps farmers connect with
consumers in nearby cities, creating a more direct market for their produce.
Technological Innovations: Vapra Composting Solutions
In addition to his work with Agro Rangers, Siddhesh
co-founded Future Step, a company providing eco-friendly composting solutions.
As the Chief Technology Officer, he oversees research and development to create
sustainable compost from organic waste. This role complements his agricultural
work by addressing waste management issues and promoting soil health.
Incubation Programs and Recognition
Siddhesh's work with Agro Rangers garnered attention from
various incubation programs. He participated in NSRCEL’s Impact Orbit program,
which helped refine Agro Rangers' value proposition for farmers. He also
engaged with The/Nudge Institute and UnLtd India, which provided further
support and recognition for his efforts.
Fellowships and Fellowships
Siddhesh’s commitment to social change was recognized
through multiple fellowships. He served as a Vriksh Fellow with the Sahaj
Foundation, focusing on environmental sustainability. Additionally, his role as
a Global Changemaker Fellow with the Connecting Dreams Foundation allowed him
to further his mission of supporting farmers and promoting sustainable
agriculture.
UNCCD Land Hero Recognition
In 2024, Siddhesh was honored as a Land Hero by the United
Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). This recognition,
announced on World Desertification and Drought Day, highlighted his significant
contributions to combating land degradation and promoting sustainable farming
practices.
Personal and Professional Impact
Siddhesh's journey from a mechanical engineering student to
a leading figure in regenerative agriculture reflects his dedication to
improving the lives of farmers. His efforts in both composting solutions and
agroforestry illustrate his commitment to environmental sustainability and
community development.
Challenges and Solutions
Siddhesh's work addresses the challenges faced by
smallholder farmers, including soil degradation, climate change, and economic
instability. By introducing regenerative practices and innovative technologies,
he aims to provide farmers with the tools they need to succeed and thrive in a
challenging environment.
Looking Forward
Siddhesh’s vision for the future involves expanding Agro
Rangers' reach and impact, continuing to promote sustainable agriculture, and
fostering collaboration with other organizations and communities. His goal is
to create a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector that benefits both
farmers and the environment.
A Legacy of Change
Siddhesh Sakore's journey from an aspiring engineer to a
leader in regenerative agriculture demonstrates the power of passion and
perseverance. His work with Agro Rangers and Future Step embodies a broader
commitment to solving critical issues facing agriculture and the environment, leaving
a lasting legacy of positive change.
Timeline for Siddhesh Sakore's journey
Growing Up: Raised in Kendur; steered towards engineering.
2013-2017: Studies Mechanical Engineering at JSPM’s Rajarshi
Shahu College, Pune.
2017: Interns at Vigyan Ashram, discovers soil deficiencies.
2018: Starts composting venture, gains entrepreneurial
insights.
2019: Joins Kanthari Fellowship, enhances social
entrepreneurship skills.
December 2019: Founds Agro Rangers for regenerative
agriculture.
2020-Present: Works with 52 farmers, promotes organic
farming.
2021: Co-founds Future Step, develops eco-friendly
composting solutions.
2021-2022: Engages with NSRCEL, The/Nudge Institute, and
UnLtd India.
2023: Becomes Vriksh Fellow and Global Changemaker Fellow.
2024: Recognized as a Land Hero by UNCCD.