I was delighted to meet Shri Vasudev Kathe ji in Nashik a few days ago. Nashik is truly fortunate to have many Krishi Rishis of his stature, who continue to guide farmers in the region and across India. Shri Kathe ji has made remarkable contributions, especially in the field of grape cultivation:
- Authored four books on grape farming, focusing on practical, field-tested solutions to real challenges.
- Leads the Dabholkar-inspired Prayog Pariwar farmer-learning network (~50 local cells, ~3,000 farmers in biannual meets), driving major grape yield improvements through on-farm experiments.
- Coordinated a 5,000-farmer collective during Covid, representing grape growers’ supply chain and processing concerns.
- Conducts regular training sessions on pruning, disease management, and season planning; also engages farmers via the Nashik Grapes video channel.
- Advocated market linkages and quality—organized the 2009 Grapes Festival in Pune to promote APEDA-certified, pesticide-free export-grade grapes.
- Holds institutional positions as Director, Sahyadri Prayog Parivar FPC (since 2021) and Additional Director, Nashik District Agricultural & Allied Producer Co. Ltd.
- Felicitated by ICAR–NRC Grapes for his contributions.
- Promotes Natueco/Prayog-Pariwar agronomy methods, with grape yields reported at ~16 t/acre, while extending these practices to other crops.
