Agroecology
Better health, conservation and livelihood through the cultivation of multiple hardy and nutrient-rich crops.
Women Farmers
Native Rice Plantations
Although this region has heavy rainfall in monsoons, summers and winters are dry with water shortages and lack of sufficient irrigation. Hence, the only crop that grows in the monsoon is paddy. Over several years, the cultivation of the local rice varieties, millets, vegetables and tubers has decreased.
Sustainable Agricultural Practices
We encourage sustainable natural farming methods to restore farming activities and to establish food security, awareness and training activities were conducted on:
- Native varieties of Rice
- Millet cultivation
- Organic fertilizers
- Organic pesticides
- Seed Sustainability
Cultivation of native rice and millet varieties
We restore and encourage the cultivation of hardy local varieties of rice and millet along with local wild vegetables. Education and training were provided to bring back the cultivation of native rice and millet varieties. The aim was to ensure food security through year-long sustenance and income opportunities for the villagers.
Organic Fertilizers and Pesticides
Education and training is provided on the importance and preparation of organic fertilizers and pesticides. Once the farmers saw the merits and ease of preparation most farmers have switched to organic fertilizers and pesticides. Jivamrut and Deshaparni ark are now being regularly made and used by villagers.
Seed Sustainability (Seed Harvesting and Seed Bank)
Sukh Bhumi identified a need to shift from hybrid to indigenous seeds and educated the villagers on the importance of indigenous seeds, which are easier to cultivate, are hardy, pest-resistant, need less water, can withstand harsh local weather and fit into the sustainable model of agriculture. Also, some of these indigenous crops may even have special characteristics such as fragrance, colour and higher nutritional value.
Training was provided on how to harvest/collect and store seeds to create a seed bank which can be used for the next crop cycle and also for kitchen gardens and making seed balls. The traditional methods of seed harvesting were promoted.
We have achieved a 100% shift from hybrid to indigenous seeds in Kitchen Gardens. The aim is to gradually achieve a a 100% shift to indigenous seed for all farming activities.
Special Project
Millets: Cultivation to Recipes
To propagate native crops and crop diversity, a special project ‘Millets: Cultivation to Recipes’ was started in 2022. Ms. Neelima Jorwar guided our women from villages on various locally grown millets, millet cultivation methods, its nutritional importance and healthy recipes. Millet seeds were distributed to women farmers.
Sukh Bhumi Team conducted health sessions throughout the year on the nutritional values of millets with different women groups.
Outcome:
• 289 women farmers cultivated Nachani (Ragi)
• 123 women farmers cultivated Varai (a cereal variety) for the first time
• 87 women farmers cultivated Jwari (Jowar)
After keeping aside sufficient millet yield for their families, the surplus was sold and processed to make products like Nachani laddoos, papad, etc. Other local grains and seeds that are grown include bajri and til. In 2023, the ‘Millets: Cultivation to Recipes’ program was taken to 4 more villages.
Cultivation of Native Rice – (Mahadik, Wada Kolam (also called Zini or Jhini), Kala Jeera)
To propagate sustainable farming and local crops a one-day workshop on native Rice Cultivation and an exhibition of native rice varieties was conducted. Men and women farmers participated in great numbers. Interested farmers were taken to Jawhar to visit fields to understand the cultivation of rice varieties as per their land type.
Outcome:
• 69 women from 11 villages cultivated 3 types of native rice.
• 289 women cultivated Nachani (Ragi/Finger Millet)
• 87 women cultivated Jowari (Sorghum)
• 139 women cultivated Varai for the first time