Pune: From Sugarcane Fields To The Boardroom: Farmer’s Son Becomes Executive Director of Sugar Factory

Indapur, 18th April 2025:In a story that embodies perseverance, hard work, and the power of dreams, the son of a sugarcane laborer has risen to become the Executive Director of a prominent sugar factory.

Girish Zhagade, hailing from the village of Kazad in Indapur taluka, is the son of Kundalik Zhagade—a farmer who spent his life toiling in sugarcane fields, often working in other people’s farms with only a pair of bulls as his asset. Battling sharp, blade-like sugarcane leaves and the rigors of manual labor, Kundalik dreamed of a better future for his son. Today, that dream has become reality.

Raised in a humble farming household, Girish grew up witnessing his father’s relentless labor. Even during his own engineering studies, Girish would assist his father during vacations with fieldwork. Despite the hardships, he stayed committed to education and completed his engineering degree.

After gaining experience across several reputed sugar mills—including Baramati Agro, Nira-Bhima Cooperative, Jubilant Science, Ambalika Sugar, and Subhash Sugar—Girish joined Shree Sharayu Agro Industries as a co-generation manager. Now, he has been elevated to the position of Executive Director at the same company.

The rise of Girish Zhagade is not only a personal milestone but also a moment of pride for his family and village. Despite achieving such a high position, his father Kundalik still continues his work in sugarcane farming, grounded in the same fields that shaped their journey. The support and encouragement from Sharayu Agro chairman Shrinivas Pawar and director Yugendra Pawar played a significant role in Girish’s professional growth.