Food Security And Sustainable Farming
Ensuring Agricultural Sustainability for Small Farmers: A Commitment to Empowerment
In the vast canvas of India, agriculture serves as the lifeblood for over 70% of the population, constituting the backbone of the nation's economy. Despite its pivotal role, the sector's contribution to the GDP stands at a mere 13%, revealing the challenges faced by farmers, especially those who are small and marginal. These individuals grapple with climate uncertainties, market fluctuations, and product risks, amplifying the need for focused support.
Challenges in Agriculture:
Small-scale farmers confront a myriad of production risks, from adverse weather conditions and droughts to floods and limited access to quality inputs. The impact of climate change further exacerbates these challenges, placing stress on local agriculture and leading to food supply disruptions.
People in Need Foundation's Decade-Long Commitment:
For over a decade, People in Need Foundation has been at the forefront, providing resources and training in drought-affected dryland areas. The aim is to empower farmers to adapt to extreme weather conditions and climate shocks while ensuring the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and the establishment of resilient food systems.
Strategic Interventions:
Commodity Interest Groups: Empowering farmers to form Commodity Interest Groups fosters collective strength, allowing them to secure fair prices for their harvests.
Linkage with Agribusiness Consortium: Collaborating with the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium enhances the accessibility and affordability of agricultural inputs for small and marginal farmers, creating essential linkages in the agricultural supply chain.
Capacity Building and Exposure:
People in Need Foundation organizes capacity-building trainings and exposure visits for small and marginal farmers. These initiatives offer valuable insights into successful Farmer Field Schools, innovative agricultural practices, and connections with agribusiness entrepreneurs, equipping farmers with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills.
Empowering Women through Animal Rearing:
To address food security and malnutrition among women and children in small farming communities, the organization supports the rearing of milch animals. This initiative not only increases milk productivity but also economically empowers rural women, fostering gender equality.
Mitigating Drought Impact:
Frequent droughts and crop failures expose small and marginal farmers to debts, suicides, and severe food shortages. People in Need Foundation promotes kitchen gardens with recycled water and advocates for drip irrigation in fruit-bearing plants. This not only conserves water in dryland areas but also improves health and financial resilience, particularly during periods of crop failure and drought.
Focused Resilience in Dryland Areas:
Ultimately, People in Need Foundation directs its focus on building resilience and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in small farming communities, specifically in the dryland areas of our operational areas. Through these strategic interventions, we envision a future where small farmers thrive, resilient against challenges, and contributing significantly to India's agricultural landscape. Join us in cultivating sustainability, one field at a time.