From Humble Beginnings to Oxford Stage: Maharashtra Farmer's Inspiring Journey
Ravindra Manikrao Metkar, a 57-year-old farmer from Mhasala Anjangaon Bari village in Amravati district, Maharashtra, has achieved a remarkable feat. Once struggling to afford basic clothing, he has now been invited to share his insights as an agri-entrepreneur at the prestigious University of Oxford in London.
An Invitation to Global Recognition
The invitation comes from the Global Research Conference, hosted by the University of Oxford from May 1 to 5, with the theme "AI for Every Mind." This event is organized by the Global Economic Forum in collaboration with the university. In the invitation letter, organizers highlighted Metkar's experience and contributions as an Indian Agri Entrepreneur, noting that his presence will be highly valuable for discussions and collaborative exchanges.
The Rise of a Poultry Empire
Metkar's journey began in 1984 when he launched a poultry farming venture from the terrace of his house while still a junior college student. With a modest investment of Rs 3,000 from his father, a Class IV employee in the forest department, he started with just 100 birds. After completing his master's degree in commerce, his family sold four acres of inherited land and purchased one acre in Badnera, Amravati.
In a bold move, Metkar took a bank loan of Rs 5 lakh and expanded his farm to 4,000 birds. By 2006, the business had grown exponentially, housing 20,000 birds across 10 acres. However, a major setback struck that year when bird flu hit India and other countries, bringing his operations to a standstill.
Resilience and Renewed Success
Undeterred by losses, Metkar restarted in 2008 with a renewed loan of Rs 25 lakh, initially maintaining 20,000 birds. There was no looking back after that, as he added 10,000 birds annually. Today, his poultry farm boasts 1.8 lakh birds spread over 50 acres, with an annual turnover of Rs 15 crore and no outstanding bank loans.
Beyond poultry, Metkar is involved in cultivating fruit crops such as banana, mango, orange, sweet lime, sapodilla, and coconut, alongside wheat and corn. He employs innovative and natural farming methods, using organic fertilisers to reduce input costs and maximise profits.
Family Support and Future Vision
His two brothers and older son, who studied agriculture business management and is pursuing an MBA, assist in the business. His youngest son holds a master's degree in Computer Engineering from a foreign university. Metkar has now halted expansion to focus on guiding other farmers in allied activities, aiming to uplift the farming community.
He has previously shared his success story at institutions like Singapore University, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in Jammu, Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University in Nagpur, Indian Institute of Technology Bhilai, Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
A Dream Come True
Reflecting on his journey, Metkar recalled a time when he wore torn clothes stitched at home and lacked a bicycle for college. "I had never imagined that I would get a chance to go to Oxford University and share my success story!" he said. His story stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship in rural India.
