“I am proud to have proved my critics wrong”: The Inspiring Journey of Lady Farmer, Sangita Pingle

In a quiet village in Nashik, Maharashtra, Sangita Pingle’s life began like many others, filled with dreams and aspirations. Born into a farming family in Shilapur, Sangita had an innate love for learning. After completing her graduation in Chemistry in 2000, she dreamed of becoming a government officer, a goal her father encouraged. However, life had other plans for her.

Sangita married Anil Pingle, a progressive farmer from Matori, the same year. She embraced her role as a homemaker, supporting her husband’s farming ventures and focusing on building a family. In 2001, the couple welcomed a daughter, but soon after, Sangita’s life took its first tragic turn when her father passed away. Then in 2004, her second child, a son, was born with disabilities and succumbed to his condition after five years of care. The grief was unbearable, yet Sangita remained steadfast, finding strength in her family.

But the greatest tragedy struck in 2007 when her husband Anil passed away in a road accident, leaving Sangita nine months pregnant with their third child. Just 15 days later, she gave birth to a son. The joy of welcoming a new life was overshadowed by the crushing weight of her loss. “It felt like my world had ended,” Sangita recalls. For the next decade, she lived in her joint family, relying on her in-laws for support as she tried to piece her life together.

The Turning Point

In 2016, the joint family split, and Sangita was left with a 13-acre farm, a lifeline but also a daunting challenge. She had no experience in farming, and societal norms weighed heavily against her. Relatives doubted her abilities, dismissing farming as a man’s job. “Farming isn’t child’s play,” they told her. But Sangita had no choice. With her father-in-law’s initial guidance and a fierce determination to provide for her children, she began learning the basics of agriculture.

Just three months later, another blow struck—her father-in-law passed away. Left with no mentor, Sangita resolved to take on the fields herself. With no vehicle, she mortgaged her jewelry to buy a scooter, allowing her to travel to the fields and markets. “Every day was a new challenge,” she says, recalling the long hours and steep learning curve.

Learning the Land

With no capital to begin farming, Sangita borrowed money from her cousins and planted tomatoes. The venture was successful, giving her the confidence and funds to venture into grape cultivation. Overcoming obstacles like power supply issues, pest infestations, and unseasonal rains, Sangita steadily built her expertise. Her background in science proved invaluable, helping her understand farming techniques and chemical usage. She even learned to drive a tractor and repair farm equipment, often spending entire days at workshops to ensure her machines were operational.

“There were days when I didn’t know how I’d manage,” Sangita shares. “I had to be both a mother and father to my children, taking care of their education and running the household while learning to farm.”

Harvesting Success

In her first year of grape cultivation, Sangita achieved a yield of 12 tonnes per acre, repaying her debts and reinvesting in her farm. Each year, her farm grew stronger, producing 800-1,000 tonnes of grapes annually and earning her Rs 25-30 lakh. Alongside grapes, she continued small-scale tomato farming to diversify her income. Today, her vineyard is a model of success, and Sangita plans to expand into exports, taking her produce to international markets.

A Legacy of Perseverance

Sangita’s triumphs extend beyond her farm. Her daughter is now pursuing higher education, and her son studies in a private school. “I am proud to have proved my critics wrong,” she says, reflecting on her journey. Farming taught her patience, perseverance, and the ability to rise above challenges.

Her story is a beacon of hope for women everywhere, especially those battling societal norms and personal tragedies. Sangita Pingle’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, proving that with determination and hard work, it’s possible to rebuild from the ground up and turn the seeds of sorrow into a harvest of success.