As Chairman & Managing Director of Venkateshwara Cooperative Power & Agro Processing Ltd, Dr Shivajirao Dole has built a thriving agro-cooperative movement that empowers farmers and ex-servicemen while championing sustainable rural growth. Amber Dias explores the vision driving his enduring impact.
On a sprawling farm in Malegaon, rows of pomegranates, turmeric and grapes grow on land once considered difficult to cultivate. Behind the transformation is a cooperative model that brings together ex-servicemen, farmers and local communities, one championed by Dr Shivajirao Dole.
An ex-serviceman and Chairman & Managing Director of Venkateshwara Cooperative Power & Agro Processing Ltd, Dr Dole has spent his post-military years building a cooperative movement that reflects the enduring spirit of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.”
Roots In Agriculture
Born into an Adivasi farming family in Nandgaon, Nashik district, he grew up witnessing the challenges faced by small and marginal farmers. He later earned a Diploma in Agriculture from the Agriculture School, Yeola, under Yashwantrao Chavan Krushi Vidyapeeth, Nashik. His contributions to agriculture and social service eventually earned him an Honorary Doctorate from the Gandhi Peace Foundation, Nepal.
After taking early retirement from the Indian Army, Dr Dole recognised a challenge familiar to many veterans — the limited opportunities available after military service. Rather than viewing it as a setback, he saw an opportunity to channel the discipline, teamwork and leadership of ex-servicemen into agriculture and rural development.
Building A Cooperative Movement
With a small group of 15 to 20 fellow veterans, Dr Dole began travelling from village to village, encouraging ex-servicemen and farmers to work together through a cooperative model. Their efforts led to the revival of a dormant multi-state cooperative society, which evolved into Venkateshwara Cooperative Power & Agro Processing Ltd.
What started in Maharashtra and Karnataka has grown into a cooperative network operating across 12 states, bringing together more than 2,00,000 members. Guided by the philosophy of Sahakar Se Samridhi (Prosperity Through Cooperation), the organisation works across the agricultural value chain — from production and processing to marketing and exports.
The goal is simple: To make farming more sustainable, profitable and resilient while creating opportunities for both farmers and veterans.
Turning Adversity Into Opportunity
A defining moment came in January 2020, when the cooperative acquired 528 acres of leased land from Maharashtra State Farming Corporation Ltd at Ajang-Vadel, Malegaon. Soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic brought much of the country to a halt.
Instead of slowing down, the project gathered momentum. Under Dr Dole’s leadership, barren and drought-prone land was transformed into a model of integrated organic farming. At a time when livelihoods were under pressure, the initiative provided employment to more than 300 local Adivasi farm workers while maintaining strict safety measures.
The project demonstrated how cooperative action could create both economic opportunities and community resilience during uncertain times.
A Model Of Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainability remains central to the cooperative’s approach. Five water reservoirs with a combined storage capacity of 74 crore litres were developed, while nearly 80% of the cultivated area adopted drip irrigation, significantly improving water efficiency.
Crop diversification has been another focus area, with cultivation spanning pomegranate, grapes, banana, turmeric, ginger, onion, garlic, maize and wheat. Organic farming practices are supported by 1,500 Gir cows, whose manure and gomutra are used in bio-fertiliser production.
The cooperative has also expanded into value-added processing through units dedicated to turmeric, ghee, geranium oil and cashew products. Renewable energy initiatives, including biogas, Bio-CNG, solar power and vermicompost production, further strengthen its sustainability framework. Innovation extends beyond farming. Fish farming and pearl cultivation have been introduced in water reservoirs, creating additional income streams and maximising resource utilisation.
Taking Indian Agriculture Global
The cooperative’s ambitions extend beyond domestic markets. Grapes grown under the Venkateshwara brand are exported to Europe, including the Netherlands and Germany, demonstrating the export potential of Indian agricultural produce. Another notable initiative is a 100-acre geranium cultivation project, designed to position India as a significant producer and exporter of geranium oil while encouraging farmers to explore high-value crops.
Recognition And The Road Ahead
Dr Dole’s work has earned recognition from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi featured the cooperative in an episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ as an example of grassroots innovation and community-led development.
Over the years, Dr Dole has received several honours, including the Krishi Ratna Award, Veterans Achievers Award, Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year 2025 Award and Game Changers 2024 Award, among others.
Yet the focus remains firmly on the future. His long-term vision is to bring millions of trained veterans into the cooperative movement, creating a stronger network for agricultural development, rural employment and economic self-reliance.
At its heart, the story of Venkateshwara Cooperative Power & Agro Processing Ltd is about the power of collective effort. By bringing together farmers, ex-servicemen and local communities, Dr Shivajirao Dole has helped create a model that demonstrates how cooperation can drive both agricultural progress and rural prosperity.
