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Founding Visionaries of MRDBS

Shri. Sharad Pawar

Sharad Pawar Saheb's transformative impact on Maharashtra’s horticulture, particularly grape cultivation, has earned him the title Father of the Fruit Revolution in the state. Through visionary leadership, he helped make Maharashtra a national leader in fruit production. His unwavering support to grape growers came through key interventions—facilitating the import of Gibberellic Acid (G.A.), reducing import duties on raisins and Grape Guard paper, and consistently backing grape grower associations both through policy and personal involvement. During times of crisis, Pawar Saheb stood firmly with farmers.

In drought-stricken regions, he personally visited devastated orchards, listened to growers, and ensured central government support for relief efforts. His initiatives included interest subsidies on crop loans and the implementation of a historic loan waiver, offering farmers critical economic reprieve. As Chief Minister, he championed agricultural reforms such as subsidies for drip irrigation—making Maharashtra the first state to do so—and promoted mechanisation, fruit processing, and wine production, transforming grapes into a profitable cash crop. Understanding global market demands early, he spearheaded the development of cold storage and pre-cooling facilities vital for grape exports. He made credit more accessible through cooperative and government banks, empowering small farmers and encouraging youth to view agriculture as a viable career. His continued engagement—whether through attending growers’ seminars or ensuring direct compensation after disasters like Cyclone Phyan—underscores his lasting commitment. Sharad Pawar Saheb’s legacy is one of inclusive growth, rural empowerment, and making fruit cultivation a source of pride and prosperity for Maharashtra’s farmers.

Vasantrao Naik

Vasantrao Naik, Maharashtra's longest-serving Chief Minister and the pioneer of the Green Revolution in the state, played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Maharashtra Rajya Draksha Baganidar Sangh (MRDBS), also known as the Maharashtra State Grape Growers' Association. Despite this, grape farming remained underdeveloped due to lack of awareness, research, and organised support. Vasantrao Naik had a deep understanding of the state's agro-climatic diversity. He recognised that certain regions—particularly parts of Nashik, Sangli, and Pune—offered ideal conditions for grape cultivation.

Naik strongly believed that collective action was necessary for the success of grape cultivation. He envisioned an organisation that would bring together grape growers, promote scientific farming, and lobby for their interests. His vision was that such a body could become a catalyst for transforming viticulture in Maharashtra. Naik discussed his idea with agricultural experts like Dr. Gopalkrishnan, a noted horticulturist. With his advice, Naik initiated outreach to leading grape growers across the state. As a result, in 1960, a meeting was convened in Nagpur, bringing together progressive farmers such as: Annasaheb Shembekar, Annasaheb Chichnikar, K.P. Deshmukh (Bapu), S.S. Nilakhe, Paradkar and others. This meeting laid the foundation for what would soon become the MRDBS. Naik also encouraged agricultural colleges and research institutions to pay attention to grape research. His administration supported exhibitions, farmer outreach programs, and the propagation of successful grape varieties. Vasantrao Naik’s contribution to MRDBS was foundational. He provided the vision, political backing, and initial momentum needed to unite grape growers under one organisation. His efforts marked the beginning of an organised, scientific, and profitable grape industry in Maharashtra—a legacy that MRDBS continues to uphold to this day.

Dr. G.S. Cheema

Dr. Cheema was born in August 1894 in Sanhowal, Sialkot District (then in West Punjab). He played a pioneering role in introducing superior fruit and vegetable varieties to Maharashtra's farmers, including Custard Apple, Annona-Hybrid-2, Grape Selection 7, and the Ganesh and Sardar pomegranate varieties. He also developed vegetable strains such as brinjal and fenugreek, and initiated early research on flower crops like tuberose and Magnolia champaca. Around 1924, Dr. Cheema launched a grape improvement programme, selecting superior varieties such as Selection 7 and Selection 94 from existing local grapes like Bhoopali, Fakdi, and Pandhari Sahebi, with assistance from Dr. Paranjpe and Dr. Deshmukh.

Among these, Selection 7 proved exceptionally high-yielding and was later renamed Cheema Sahebi under the leadership of Chief Minister Vasantrao Naik. This variety set production records, with farmer Manikrao Jachak of Baramati achieving 95 tonnes per hectare. In addition to varietal development, Dr. Cheema’s research extended to grape pruning, training systems, rootstocks, storage, and fertiliser use. His visionary contributions laid the foundation for many modern grape cultivation practices in India. A scientist, I.A.S. officer, and deeply compassionate individual, Dr. Cheema remains a revered figure in the history of Indian horticulture.

Dr. K.L. Chaddha

Dr. K.L. Chaddha earned his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Horticulture from Punjab Agricultural University, Chandigarh, in 1955 and 1960, followed by a Ph.D. in Viticulture from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. He began his career as a Fruit Expert at Punjab Agricultural University, contributing significantly to teaching, research, and extension in viticulture. He later served as Director of the Fruit Research Centre in Bangalore, where he specialised in grapevine training, pruning, nutrition, and the use of growth regulators, offering valuable guidance to grape growers.

He also held the position of Secretary of the international organisation “Tropical Agriculture” in the Netherlands for several years. Dr. Chaddha’s work earned recognition from the MRDBS and the Andhra Grape Growers’ Association. He was honoured with the Vasantrao Naik Award and several prestigious national and international accolades, including the Borlaug Award, Om Prakash Bhasin Award, and Marigowda Memorial Award. His contributions to viticulture are well documented through his numerous research papers and books.

Dr. S.D. Shikhamany

Dr. S.D. Shikhamany, born in June 1947 in Alampur, Andhra Pradesh, pursued his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in agriculture in Hyderabad, later earning a Ph.D. in Viticulture from Bangalore University in 1983. To deepen his expertise, he trained for two years at the University of California, Davis, and also visited countries like Brazil, Thailand, and China to study advanced grape cultivation techniques. With over 30 years of experience in viticulture, Dr. Shikhamany has made notable contributions to sustainable grape production, even in challenging conditions.

He has presented 85 research papers at international conferences and served on several national and global committees, earning recognition from various organisations for his impactful work. As the founding director of the National Research Centre for Grapes in Pune, his leadership and research have significantly benefited grape growers in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, advancing the adoption of scientific practices across the region.

Late Shri. A. Dabholkar

“What you have is yours” was the guiding mantra of Dabholkar Sir, who revolutionised grape farming by simplifying complex scientific methods for ordinary farmers. Through his pioneering initiative, ‘Prayog Parivar’ (Experiment Family), he empowered curious and studious farmers to adopt experimental and scientific approaches. His vision extended beyond national and linguistic boundaries, opening the doors of viticulture science to smallholders both in India and abroad. Dabholkar Sir strongly believed that even small and marginal farmers could become self-reliant.

He confidently demonstrated that an annual income of ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 was achievable from just ten gunthas (about a quarter acre) of land. His innovative ideas gained global recognition — in 1974, they were acknowledged at the World Agricultural Experts Conference in Mexico, and in 1979, validated by Kiel University in Germany. A tireless advocate for drought-prone regions of Maharashtra, he remained humble and never sought accolades. Despite this, his work earned high praise: the Marathi Vigyan Parishad honoured him in 1979, followed by the Vasantrao Naik Award in 1988, and the prestigious Bajaj Award — all in recognition of a life devoted selflessly to the cause of Indian farmers.

Late Shri. Ganpatrao alias Abasaheb Mhetre

Despite limited formal education up to the 7th grade due to family hardships, Abasaheb pursued his passion for farming with remarkable dedication. Starting with leased land, he purchased rainfed farmland in 1952 and soon achieved record yields in traditional crops like sugarcane, bananas, and turmeric. In 1960, he ventured into grape farming, beginning with the Bhoopali variety and later excelling with Thompson Seedless grapes, setting new production benchmarks. Guided by Late Vasantraoji Are, Prof. Dabholkar, and Shri Namdev Bapu, Abasaheb conducted successful experiments in grape cultivation techniques, including pruning, vine training, optimal spacing, use of Gibberellic Acid, thinning, and girdling.

He played a vital role in founding the ‘Vaigyanik Drakshakul’ and popularising the Tasgaon Chaman grape. He also contributed to market-oriented grape sales by analyzing demand trends and was instrumental in promoting raisin production, even managing high yields under water-scarce conditions using saline water. Beyond grapes, Abasaheb explored horticulture by collecting elite mango varieties from across India and enhancing production of fruits like mango and ber through natural farming methods. His work earned him recognition from the Fie Foundation in 1996 and the prestigious ‘Krishi Bhushan’ award from the Maharashtra Government.

Shri. Vibhakar Dattatray Patil

Shri Vibhakar Dattatray Patil is a dedicated and knowledgeable expert in grape cultivation. Driven by a passion for farming from an early age, he earned a B.Sc. degree and chose to focus entirely on agriculture instead of seeking traditional employment. He has continually studied advanced grape farming technologies from various countries and adapted them to suit Indian conditions, applying these innovations in his own vineyards to produce high-quality grapes. Highly regarded for his expertise, Patil regularly provides guidance to grape growers in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

He has served on the Executive Committee of the MRDBS, Pune, for many years and is also a director on the Central Science Committee. From 1978 to 1982, he was a member of the Central Advisory Committee in the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Government of India. In 1986, he attended the International Horticultural Congress at Davis University, California. At the invitation of Dr. Possingham, Director of C.S.I.R.O. Australia, he visited the country to study advanced raisin-making techniques, which were later introduced to benefit raisin producers in Maharashtra. Shri Patil continues to play an active role in several key agricultural organisations. He is a member of the Advisory and Legal Committees of the Indian Grape Research Centre, Pune, Treasurer of the Karnataka State Grape Growers’ Association, and a director of the National Grape Federation. He has also contributed significantly to organising international grape conferences in Hyderabad and Baramati.

Krishibhushan, Late Manohar alias Vasantrao Mahadev Arve

With a deep-rooted interest in agriculture, Vasantrao Arve turned to grape cultivation after completing his basic education. His inquisitive and diligent nature led him to experiment extensively with grape farming techniques. He researched key practices such as pruning, vine training, girdling, and the use of growth regulators, eventually developing his own methods. The grape varieties he created—Tasgaon Chaman and the widely popular Tas-e-Ganesh—earned national recognition and were adopted by growers across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and North India.

In 1981, to boost grape exports, he introduced a modern packaging method using Grape Guard, which spurred the growth of supporting industries. He revolutionised raisin production by promoting drying sheds, enhancing quality and enabling India to shift from importing to exporting raisins. To address labour shortages in vineyard management, he promoted advanced techniques like improved vine training systems, drip irrigation, and mechanised spraying. He strongly advocated for the removal of import duties on key inputs like Grape Guard, Gibberellic Acid, and dipping oil, and pushed for the establishment of a cold storage network. Vasantrao Arve travelled widely—including to the UAE, California, Switzerland, France, Egypt, and Israel—to study and implement global agricultural practices in Maharashtra. He served as President of the Grape Growers’ Federation in Pune, was on the Executive Committee of MRDBS, and held key positions with NHB, APEDA, and Bharat Krishak Samaj. For his pioneering contributions, he received numerous accolades, including the ‘Krishibhushan’ award from the Maharashtra Government in 1985.

Krishibhushan Shri. P.S. Thakur

Shri Thakur Saheb was born on May 24, 1921, in Jabalpur. After earning a degree in agriculture from Nagpur University, he began his career in the Agriculture Department of Madhya Pradesh and was later appointed to the Agriculture Department of Maharashtra. He remains a shining example of what a dedicated government officer can achieve within public service. Through tireless efforts, he transformed the agricultural landscape of Sangli district by introducing grape cultivation to a drought-prone region and turning it into a thriving cash crop zone.

He extensively toured selected orchards across Maharashtra and, alongside horticulturist Late Gopal Krishnan, organized regular tours, seminars, demonstrations, and exhibitions to promote grape farming. He played a pivotal role in simplifying grape cultivation techniques and making them accessible to farmers. He facilitated the doorstep delivery of high-quality grape cuttings and introduced modifications in trellis systems to reduce costs. Working with Late Vasantrao Arve, Shri Ganpatrao Mhetre, and Shri Bhagwan Pawar, he also conducted research on the use of Gibberellic Acid on the Thompson Seedless variety. His deep self-confidence, analytical ability, hardworking spirit, patience, and scholarly approach significantly influenced his work. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, the Maharashtra Government honoured him with the ‘Krishibhushan’ award in 1987.

Krishibhushan Late Vijayraj Brahmecha

Vijayrajji lived a life that reflected the ideals of Aryan culture, serving as an inspiring example for society. Exceptionally intelligent and deeply committed, he entered the field of agriculture around 1942 under very difficult circumstances. With unwavering effort and a scientific mindset, he introduced innovative practices in grape farming and rose to remarkable success. His achievements were built on three core principles: integrity, experimentation, and perseverance. Known for his dignified yet humble personality, he remained free from addictions and lived with self-respect and moral discipline.

His contributions during association seminars and executive meetings were consistently insightful and highly valued. He also held positions in several state and national-level institutions.One of his most impactful contributions was the Sub-cane technique developed at Brahmecha Farm, which continues to benefit grape growers across the state. In the 1994 and 1995 seasons, he set a state record for grape exports at an individual level. In recognition of his contributions, the Maharashtra Government awarded him the ‘Krishibhushan’ in 1993, and he received a special award from the Late Vasantrao Naik Pratishthan in 1994. Vijayrajji played a key role in the establishment and growth of the Maharashtra Rajya Draksha Bagaitdar Sangh (MRDBS), always placing collective welfare above personal gain.

Foreseeing the future challenges grape growers might face without a processing industry, Shri More Saheb took a pioneering step by establishing India’s first cooperative winery near Pimpalgaon Baswant in 1985. To prepare for this venture, he visited several countries to study winery operations and imported select wine grape varieties from France. In 1989–90, he successfully produced high-quality wine, proving that Indian grapes could compete globally in wine production. Understanding the potential of grape exports to Europe, and with support from the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Pawar Saheb, he helped develop a statewide network of cold storage facilities. Committed to strengthening the wine industry, he was instrumental in pushing for the Maharashtra Wine Policy of 2009. This policy enabled district-level licensing, recognized wineries as small-scale industries, and waived excise duties, resulting in a significant increase in winery establishments. Despite the industry’s current challenges, Shri More Saheb remains dedicated to its growth and continues to pursue practical solutions with unwavering determination.

Krishibhushan K. Sadubhau Vishnu Patil

Sadubhau was born in Rethare Khurd, Karad Taluka. Though he studied only up to the 11th grade, under his father’s guidance, he developed a keen interest in agricultural advancements. For three to four years, he diligently studied international farming magazines in English, through which he gained valuable insights and knowledge about modern agricultural practices and technologies. At a time when there were no cold storage facilities available for grapes, transporting this perishable fruit to Mumbai and other distant markets posed a significant challenge.

Sadubhau played a crucial role in addressing this issue by offering effective guidance on packing and transportation methods. To preserve the freshness of grapes, he recommended using thermocol insulation to regulate temperature. In 1983, he visited California and other parts of the USA, where he studied precooling units and cold storage systems. Upon his return, he pioneered the introduction of precooling units and cold storage technology in Maharashtra. Recognizing India’s potential in raisin production, he promoted the use of solar energy for drying grapes and collaborated with Shri Bhagwanrao Pawar (Advocate), Shri Baburao Kotecha, Shri Vasantrao Arve, and Shri Ganpatrao Mhetre to provide technical guidance for raisin making. Vasantrao Arve often consulted Sadubhau on complex technical issues. He was also actively involved with the ‘Vaigyanik Drakshakul’ initiative. Beyond agriculture, Sadubhau participated in the Goa, Daman, and Diu liberation movement. His contributions were recognized with the ‘Shetinistha’ (Dedicated Farmer) award in 1969 and the ‘Krishibhushan’ award by the government in 1983.

Shri. Shriram Punjaji Dhokre

Shriram Dhokre, a grape grower from Khadgaon in Dindori Taluka, is a remarkable example of how determination and perseverance can overcome adversity. Due to his family's financial circumstances and limited access to education, he studied only up to the seventh grade. Yet, his knowledge of grape farming rivals that of any agricultural graduate. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and passion for farming, he travelled across Maharashtra to visit progressive grape growers, studied their orchards, and applied the insights he gained to establish his own half-acre vineyard. He began with cuttings of the Anab-e-Shahi variety alongside the traditional Bhoopali grapes.

In what was considered a bold move at the time, he defied conventional methods by planting grapes at a spacing of 10×20 feet instead of the standard 20×20 feet. In 1960, he was also among the first to use Blitox to combat downy and powdery mildew, setting a precedent for modern disease control in the region. Both innovations proved successful and were soon adopted by others. Always eager to try new methods, he replaced the traditional “pagara” system for training grapevines with iron angles and introduced the use of a Gator pump for spraying. Shriram Dhokre was the first to cultivate the Thompson Seedless variety in Dindori Taluka. Once its benefits became evident, it was widely adopted by other farmers. He was also quick to move away from traditional remedies like copper sulfate and lime, instead embracing modern fungicides and crop protection techniques. For over five decades, he has remained deeply engaged in grape cultivation. Despite numerous challenges, he continues to pursue his passion with unwavering commitment. Today, he is celebrated as a progressive and pioneering grape farmer in the region.

Dr. Bhimrao Gopal Bhujbal

Born into a farming family in Chincholi, Taluka and District Ahmednagar, Dr. Bhimrao Gopal Bhujbal pursued his education in agricultural science step by step, driven by a deep interest in farming and a naturally curious mindset. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in agriculture. He began his career as an Agricultural Officer in the Maharashtra State Agriculture Department and, from 1970 onwards, served at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth. There, he rose through the ranks from Assistant Professor to Principal.

Even after retirement, his passion for agriculture remained undiminished. He went on to serve as Principal at A.B.M. College in Narayangaon for five to six years and is currently working as a Coordinator at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Narayangaon. During his tenure at the Agricultural University, Dr. Bhujbal conducted extensive research, training, and outreach at institutions such as the Grape Research Centers in Pimpalgaon and Rahuri, the Fruit Research Center in Ganeshkhind, Pune, and the Maharashtra State Grape Growers’ Association in Pune. While associated with the MRDBS, he played a pivotal role in conceiving and managing the editorial responsibilities of the magazine *Drakshavritta*. To deepen his understanding of advanced global viticulture practices, Dr. Bhujbal visited countries like France, Italy, Spain, and England, where he engaged with leading grape researchers. He also produced educational programs on grape farming for Doordarshan and Akashvani and authored numerous articles and seven books on viticulture. His fieldwork included conducting rootstock trials across Maharashtra’s four agro-climatic zones and developing a simplified grafting method for Dogridge rootstock. He was instrumental in promoting an integrated approach to grape production involving Gibberellic Acid (G.A.) application, pruning, and girdling. For his contributions, he was honored with the Vasantrao Naik Award, along with recognition from the Maharashtra Government, the International Grape and Wine Council, MRDBS, and several other institutions.

Bhagwanrao Pawar shared a close association with Late Ganpatrao Mhetre and Late Vasantrao Arve, with whom he frequently discussed grape cultivation techniques and challenges. His success in grape farming—despite the odds—inspired many farmers in the Tasgaon and Khanapur talukas. Observing his progress, growers in surrounding villages also adopted grape cultivation. This shift led to a significant expansion in grape farming across the region and contributed to improving the economic conditions of the local farming community.