Soil fertility is fundamental in agriculture and sustainable crop production. It refers to the ability of the soil to provide essential nutrients to plants in adequate amounts and proper proportions. These nutrients are broadly categorized into macronutrients and micronutrients, each playing a crucial role in plant growth and development.

What are the differences between macronutrients and micronutrients?

Understanding and managing the balance of macronutrients and micronutrients in the soil is essential for achieving optimal soil fertility and soil productivity. But one thing at a time! Let’s focus on understanding micronutrients in this blog.

What are the different types of micronutrients?

Micronutrients, comprising vitamins and minerals, are categorized as follows:

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Most vitamins dissolve in water and are not easily stored in the body, being excreted in urine when consumed in excess. They are essential for energy production. Regular intake from various food sources is necessary due to their transient presence in the body.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

These vitamins do not dissolve in water and are stored in the liver and fatty tissues for future use. Essential fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K, which support immune function, bone development, vision, and cell protection.

Macrominerals

Required in larger amounts than trace minerals, key macrominerals and their functions include:

Trace Minerals

Needed in minute amounts, trace minerals such as iron, manganese, copper, zinc, iodine, fluoride, and selenium perform critical functions within the body.

What are the 8 necessary micronutrients for plant growth?

Micronutrients are essential elements that plants need in very small amounts, typically measured in parts per million (ppm). Despite their minimal presence, they are critical for various physiological and biochemical processes within plants.

Take a look at the 8 necessary micronutrients for plant growth:

Each of these micronutrients has specific roles and functions within plant systems, contributing to overall plant health and productivity.

5 reasons why micronutrients are crucial for soil fertility

Soil fertility refers to the soil’s ability to provide essential nutrients to plants in adequate amounts and proportions for optimal growth and development. The importance of micronutrients in soil fertility can be highlighted through several key aspects:

Micronutrients, although required in small amounts, are indispensable for maintaining soil fertility and ensuring robust plant growth. What happens when the soil is deficient in these micronutrients?

What are the 5 factors that influence micronutrient availability in soil?

The availability of micronutrients in the soil is influenced by several factors, including soil pH, organic matter content, soil texture, moisture levels, and interactions with other nutrients. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective soil management and ensuring adequate micronutrient supply to plants.

How to ensure micronutrient management in soil?

Effective management of micronutrient deficiencies involves a combination of soil testing, appropriate fertilization practices, and the use of soil amendments. Here are some strategies to ensure adequate micronutrient supply:

Manjamma was well-versed in agricultural practices and was doing a great job. However, joining hands with the experts proved to be profitable. The involvement of top sustainable rural development NGOs in India is crucial for fostering resilience and self-reliance among farmers. By empowering them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources, these organizations contribute to the overall goal of sustainable agricultural development and rural prosperity.

How is the S M Sehgal Foundation helping farmers boost their soil fertility?

S M Sehgal Foundation’s Agriculture Development Program enhances sustainable livelihoods in India by empowering farmers, including women, with knowledge of advanced agricultural practices and modern technologies that boost crop productivity, conserve water, and enhance soil fertility. The program targets smallholder and marginal farmers in both rain-fed and irrigated regions, promoting the adoption of sustainable techniques such as soil health management, climate-smart interventions, and efficient crop production strategies.

The program focuses on optimizing input use, introducing small farm mechanization, implementing water-efficient irrigation methods, developing horticulture, managing livestock, and leveraging information and communication technology (ICT) in agriculture.

Fortification by micronutrients for effective mustard production

Lajja Ram, a dedicated small-scale farmer from Punhana block in Nuh, Haryana, spends all his time managing his 3-acre agricultural land and tending to his livestock. He primarily grows staple crops such as wheat, mustard, and pearl millet. For over a decade, Lajja Ram has depended on traditional farming techniques due to a lack of scientific knowledge about modern and sustainable farming methods, which resulted in decreased yields and productivity from excessive use of DAP and urea.

Through a CSR-supported initiative by S M Sehgal Foundation, farmers like Lajja Ram received training on contemporary agricultural techniques, with practical demonstrations on the Package of Practices (PoP) aimed at enhancing crop productivity and income generation. During this training, Lajja Ram was introduced to numerous scientific methods to improve crop yields. He participated in a demonstration where he implemented improved practices for mustard cultivation. For this, he received a PoP kit covering half an acre of land, while he continued using his traditional methods on another half-acre as a control plot. Both plots used the same mustard seeds, but the demo plot was supplemented with micronutrients such as sulphur, zinc, and sulphate of potash provided in the PoP kit.

Throughout the crop cycle, Lajja Ram observed notable differences in both the quantity and quality of the crops between the two plots. The crops in the control plot, treated with the usual excessive urea and DAP, produced mustard seeds that were dull in color and smaller in size. In contrast, the demo plot yielded mustard seeds that were larger, more numerous, and exhibited a good texture and shine, demonstrating the effectiveness of the scientific methods and micronutrients introduced during the training.

The post What Are Micronutrients and Why Are They Important for Soil Fertility? appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

The use of water in food production is becoming an increasingly critical issue due to the impacts of climate change and a rising global population. As water scarcity intensifies, the agricultural sector, which consumes the majority of our planet’s finite water resources, must adopt more efficient irrigation methods. Agriculture accounts for 70% of the global freshwater usage and up to 95% of water withdrawals in some developing nations.

Let’s identify the most water-efficient irrigation system that is essential to address this challenge effectively.

What is drip irrigation?

Drip irrigation is the most efficient method for water and nutrient delivery in agriculture, precisely targeting the plant’s root zone and ensuring the correct amounts of water and nutrients are delivered at the optimal times. The precise function allows each plant to receive the needed water for optimal growth, which boosts productivity and promotes sustainable farming practices.

Design and components of the drip irrigation system

Drip irrigation is an advanced micro-irrigation technique that delivers water and nutrients to crops and plants with remarkable efficiency. By administering water and nutrients directly to the plant’s roots at controlled intervals, this method ensures optimal growth conditions for crops. Many farmers prefer drip irrigation due to its numerous benefits, including increased yield and the conservation of water, energy, fertilizers, and crop protection products.

Key components of a typical drip irrigation system include:

These components work together to create a precise and efficient drip irrigation system, delivering water directly to plant roots while conserving water and minimizing waste. Proper installation, maintenance, and monitoring are crucial for maximizing the system’s effectiveness and longevity.

How Does Drip Irrigation System Work?

Unlike surface and sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation wets only a portion of the soil root zone, potentially as little as 30% of the volume wetted by other methods. The wetting patterns that result from dripping water onto the soil vary based on discharge rates and soil types, such as sand and clay.

Despite only wetting part of the root zone, this is essential to meet the crop’s full water needs. Drip irrigation does not reduce the water consumed by crops; rather, it ensures precise water application to support optimal growth. The primary water savings come from minimizing deep percolation, surface runoff, and soil evaporation, which depend heavily on proper equipment use.

The benefits/ advantages of drip irrigation systems

Water efficiency

Drip irrigation is renowned for its efficiency in water usage. Delivering water directly to the root zone of crops minimizes water loss due to evaporation and runoff. This method ensures that water is used more effectively and that plants receive the precise amount they need. According to studies in agriculture, drip irrigation systems use 30 to 50% less water compared to conventional irrigation methods.

Overwatering prevention

The risk of overwatering is significantly reduced because the system provides a controlled amount of water that is vital for the health of plants. Overwatering leads to root rot and other plant diseases. Drip systems help maintain optimal soil moisture levels, ensuring plants receive adequate hydration without the adverse effects of excessive water.

Reduced weeding

Drip irrigation targets the root zones of plants, meaning only the intended crops are watered. This precise watering method deprives weeds of the moisture they need to thrive, resulting in fewer weeds in the garden. Consequently, farmers and gardeners spend less time weeding and more time tending to their crops.

Cost savings

The initial investment in a drip irrigation system can be recouped within one to two growing seasons due to the savings on water bills. The precise application of water reduces the need for additional fertilizers and pesticides, further lowering costs. Over time, the reduced labor and resource costs contribute to significant financial savings for users.

Time savings

Drip irrigation systems automate the watering process, eliminating the need for manual watering. These automatic drip irrigation systems save considerable time for farmers and gardeners, allowing them to focus on other important tasks. With a timer, the system can be set to water plants at optimal times, ensuring consistent moisture levels.

Versatility

Drip irrigation systems are highly adaptable and can be used in a variety of agricultural settings, including gardens, vineyards, greenhouses, and row crops. They are suitable for new and existing landscapes and function effectively on flat or hilly terrains. The system can also be used to apply fertilizers directly to the root zone, enhancing nutrient uptake and promoting healthier plant growth.

Enhanced plant health

By delivering water directly to the roots, drip irrigation helps prevent water from sitting on leaves, which can cause mildew and other diseases. This method reduces the likelihood of fungal infections and other plant diseases, leading to healthier and more vigorous plant growth. Additionally, consistent moisture levels are crucial for optimal growth, high yields, and ensuring that plants do not experience water stress.

Water conservation

In regions where water is scarce, drip irrigation is particularly beneficial. By reducing water usage and minimizing waste, this system helps conserve a valuable natural resource. The conservation of water not only benefits the environment but also reduces water costs for farmers and gardeners.

Why should farmers consider the drip irrigation system?

The short answer is water conservation. However, if you are looking to understand the ‘why’ behind the farmer’s preference for drip irrigation, take a look at these 7 ways in which drip irrigation conserves water:

The involvement of top, sustainable, rural development NGOs in India specializing in agricultural development, like the aforementioned S M Sehgal Foundation, is crucial in addressing these challenges.

How is S M Sehgal Foundation helping farmers improve their drip irrigation practice?

S M Sehgal Foundation’s Agriculture Development Program enhances mechanization adoption among small and marginal farmers by offering farm machinery at subsidized rates. Farmers invest in the machinery, fostering ownership and entrepreneurial spirit. Training is provided for operation and maintenance, enabling farmers to generate additional income by leasing equipment to fellow farmers.

Jameel adopts drip irrigation and tomato staking methods

The post What is a drip irrigation system and how does it help to save water? appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

Crop residue refers to plant biomass generated pre- and post-harvest or grazing, once deemed waste but now recognized as valuable soil input. The residue is now considered a co-product alongside grains, with competing uses emerging due to its significant value.

What are the uses of crop residue?

Crop residue uses vary among states. Traditionally, plant residues serve multiple purposes: animal feed, fuel, thatching, packaging, and compost. Cereal residues are used primarily as cattle feed; rice straw and husks are used for fuel. In Punjab and Haryana, rice residues are often burned due to limited usage. India has an estimated 141 Mt surplus, with cereals and fiber crops contributing the most.

Advantages of recycling crop residues in agriculture?

Recycling residues benefits by converting waste into useful nutrients for crops, vital for soil protection, organic matter preservation, and optimal nutrient cycling, essential for sustainable agriculture.

Crop residue management

Efforts have led to the development of conservation, agriculture-based crop management technologies that are more resource-efficient than conventional practices. The future of agriculture and farming technology lies in the efficient use of crop residues.

Is crop residue management the future of farm productivity?

Crop residue management holds promise for enhancing farm productivity through soil health improvements, nutrient retention, and sustainable practices, suggesting a pivotal role in future agricultural productivity.

Crop residue management is poised to be a game-changer for farm productivity.

A Soil Superstar! Crop residue, those leftover stalks, leaves, and stems after harvest, are like black gold for farmland. When managed effectively, they act as a natural soil conditioner, offering a multitude of beneficial results:

Beyond the Basics, effective residue management does more than simply leaving leftovers on the field. Here are some key strategies:

By adopting these practices, farmers can expect:

Crop residue management is not just a trend, but a sustainable approach that holds a key to unlocking the true potential of our farmlands—a win-win for farmers, the environment, and for ensuring a food-secure future for all. All this can be achieved with one of the top rural development NGOs leading the project/ movement.

The top sustainable rural development NGO in India

S M Sehgal Foundation empowers rural communities in India through grassroots development initiatives, fostering economic, social, and environmental progress, and with a vision is to empower every individual in rural India to lead a secure, prosperous, and dignified life.

A success story

The benefits didn’t stop there. Integrating the crop stubble into the soil and sowing wheat with the super seeder, along with appropriate fertilization, led to an increase in yield from 22 quintals to 26 quintals per acre. This boost in productivity translated into a higher income, underscoring the dual advantages of environmentally friendly farming techniques and enhanced agricultural output.

The post Is crop residue management the future of agriculture sustainability? appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

Before diving into the solar power irrigation system, let’s first understand the basics. In India, the integration of solar energy in agriculture has emerged as a transformative solution, offering sustainability and resilience to the sector. Solar power presents an opportunity to address energy needs in agricultural operations from irrigation to processing. Small-scale solar installations like solar pumps have gained popularity, liberating farmers from unreliable grid power and diesel generators, thus reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

What is a promising solution for sustainable water management in agriculture?

Solar power presents a promising solution for water management in agriculture, particularly for farmers.

Currently, agriculture consumes about 70% of the world’s freshwater resources, and with the global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, food production needs are set to increase by 60%. This places a significant burden on commercial farmers.

Considering these challenges, let’s examine the advantages of solar water systems for agriculture development.

Solar-powered irrigation systems for agricultural development

Solar water pumps utilize solar energy as their primary power source, offering a sustainable and economical solution for watering crops, wells, and livestock. They function by converting solar energy in to electric energy through solar panels, which in turn powers pumps to extract water. This water is then transported from wells or streams to tanks or fields using solar water pumps.

Benefits of irrigation using a solar pump

Unleashing the benefits of solar-pump irrigation and its impact on agricultural development:

Cost-effective

Solar irrigation systems offer an economical solution, particularly during periods of escalating diesel prices, which surged by 55% in 2022 alone. These systems are cost-effective to operate, require minimal maintenance, and harness plentiful solar energy as a free and abundant power source.

Reliable

Providing reliable solar-powered irrigation ensures a steady supply of water for agriculture. With the flexibility to decide when and how to irrigate their crops, farmers can optimize their decisions. This independence eliminates reliance on unreliable electricity and volatile fuel expenses.

Environmentally friendly

These systems are notable for their low environmental footprint. Harnessing clean, renewable solar energy leas to lesser use of fossil fuel and coal-based electric energy, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Solar water pumps eliminate the need for fossil fuels, playing a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture.

Increased productivity

This reliable water source leads to improved crop productivity without interrupting electric supply. With consistent and managed resources, farmers can optimize growing conditions, leading to higher crop yields and better produce quality. This also translates to increased profitability for farmers and enhanced food security for communities.

The Use Of Solar Energy In Agriculture

Farmers in India would greatly benefit from the support of top rural development NGOs and their professionals in harnessing the potential of solar-powered irrigation systems for sustainable agriculture. These NGOs can provide vital assistance by offering technical guidance, conducting training programs, facilitating access to financial resources, promoting community engagement, and providing monitoring and evaluation support. Through these efforts, farmers can gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively adopt and maximize the use of solar-powered irrigation, improve their water management, increase their crop productivity, and enhance sustainability in agriculture.

So, which is the top sustainable rural development NGO in India?

S M Sehgal Foundation

The goal of S M Sehgal Foundation is to empower rural communities in India through grassroots projects to foster positive changes in social, economic, and environmental development. The team’s vision is to see every individual in rural India living a secure, prosperous, and dignified life.

4.94 Million People Impacted

Solar Power Lift Irrigation Demonstrates Remarkable Success In The Champawat District Of Uttarakhand

In Champawat district, Uttarakhand, S M Sehgal Foundation is promoting solar-powered lift irrigation systems, revolutionizing agriculture in the region. These systems harness solar energy to pump water, replacing traditional diesel-powered pumps and reducing costs for farmers.

This initiative has led to significant improvements in crop yield, particularly for cash crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and capsicum. By providing reliable irrigation, farmers can cultivate their land more efficiently and sustainably, resulting in increased incomes and food security. Moreover, the project has also empowered women, enabling them to take on leadership roles in managing the irrigation systems.

Mr. Govind Ballabh Tewari, age fifty-one, residing in Bajrikot village, is among the farmers reaping the benefits of the solar-powered lift irrigation system. Since installing this irrigation system, he has diversified his crops, venturing into cultivating other vegetables in addition to conventional potato cultivation. “Almost every household with land under an irrigation area has started to grow vegetables throughout the year, leading to revenue generation. I sold vegetables of Rs.53,000/ in the last season,” says Mr. Govind Ballabh Tewari.

The success of solar-powered lift irrigation in Champawat demonstrates its potential to transform agriculture, improve livelihoods, and foster sustainable development in rural areas.

The post Is the solar power irrigation system sustainable for agriculture? appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

Indian agriculture, a vital source of livelihood for a large segment of the population, encounters numerous challenges that hinder its sustainability and development. Explore the primary issues confronting Indian agriculture, identify their root causes, and suggest potential remedies.

Challenges

Indian agriculture faces a range of pressing challenges that hinder its growth and sustainability. These challenges encompass:

Conditions of Agricultural Laborers

The plight of agricultural laborers includes substandard working conditions, meager wages, and the absence of social safety nets. These challenges undermine the livelihoods of laborers and compromise the efficiency of agricultural activities.

Manures, Fertilizers, and Biocides

Insufficient availability of high-quality manures, fertilizers, and pesticides adversely affects soil fertility and crop well-being, which leads to reduced yields and diminished agricultural output.

Irrigation

Unequal access to irrigation facilities, compounded by their limited availability, hampers crop development, particularly during periods of drought. Overreliance on monsoons for irrigation exposes Indian agriculture to significant risks.

Lack of Mechanization

The underuse of modern agricultural machinery and technology hinders productivity. Traditional, labor-intensive methods persist, leading to increased costs and reduced efficiency.

Instability

Erratic monsoons and climate change-triggered weather fluctuations contribute to yield variability, impacting the quantity and quality of agricultural output. This unpredictability poses challenges for farmers in efficient planning and management.

Cropping Pattern

India’s current cropping pattern heavily favors a limited number of staple crops. This imbalance in crop diversity exposes the agricultural sector to risks such as pests, diseases, and market volatility.

Land Ownership

Uneven distribution and ownership of land contribute to social and economic inequalities. A small group of privileged individuals typically owns large landholdings, while many farmers contend with small, fragmented plots.

Subdivision and Fragmentation of Holding

Over time, land divisions among family members have resulted in fragmented land holdings. This fragmentation hampers economies of scale and mechanization, ultimately lowering overall productivity levels.

Land Tenure

Uncertain land tenure poses a barrier to long-term agricultural investment. Farmers without secure land rights hesitate to adopt sustainable practices or invest significantly in their land.

The government has implemented several initiatives to enhance the efficiency and productivity of agricultural operations. These include schemes like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana for irrigation, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana for agricultural development, and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture for promoting sustainable farming practices. Additionally, initiatives such as the Soil Health Card, PM Kisan, and e-NAM (National Agricultural Market) provide support to farmers, improve soil health, ensure financial assistance, and facilitate online trading of agricultural produce.

But can efficiency and productivity in agricultural practices be achieved single-handedly?
No! The success of these initiatives depends solely on the collaboration between the government and rural development NGOs in India and their implementation.

So what is the

Top sustainable rural development NGO in India?

Established in 1999, S M Sehgal Foundation (Sehgal Foundation) is a rural development NGO in India committed to improving rural livelihoods. With a focus on sustainable development, the foundation identifies gaps in rural communities and implements initiatives to address them effectively.

Farm Mechanization Eases Farm Operations and Supplements Income

Ishwar Singh, a farmer from Khampura village, Mahendragarh, Haryana, relied on traditional farming but struggled with low yields and low income. Through the S M Sehgal Foundation and HDFC Parivartan Project, he acquired a subsidized power weeder, revolutionizing his farming. Ishwar earned INR 22,500 by weeding 22.5 acres for fellow farmers. This success spurred innovation in Khampura, inspiring others to improve their farming practices. The project’s support enabled this transformation, showcasing its impact on rural livelihoods.

The post Agricultural efficiency and productivity seems to have declined? appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

The agricultural sector, constituting 18–19% of India’s GDP while engaging nearly 65% of the workforce, faces challenges despite significant advancements in food grain production. As the government strives to augment agricultural production’s contribution to the GDP, a crucial imperative is the empowerment of farmers through education on modern technology and innovative techniques. Enhancing productivity and elevating profitability are pivotal in ensuring the sector’s sustainable growth and the well-being of those employed within it.

What Kind Of Modern Agricultural Development Practices Improve The Productivity Of Farmers?

The expansive scope of digital techniques and technology in agriculture has ushered in a new era of innovation, minimizing losses and enhancing overall efficiency. This technological evolution is a boon for farmers as the adoption of digital and analytic tools continues to drive ongoing improvements in agriculture. The sustained trend holds the promise of optimizing crop yields and contributing to the upliftment of the farming community by boosting income levels.

Source – https://www.smsfoundation.org/role-of-modern-technology-in-agriculture/

Here are some examples of
Innovative Agricultural Techniques to enhance the productivity of farmers:

Precision Farming: Utilize technology like GPS-guided tractors and drones for precise planting, irrigation, and harvesting, optimizing resource use and minimizing waste.

Vertical Farming: Grow crops in vertically stacked layers or inclined surfaces, often indoors, allowing year-round production and efficient space utilization.

Hydroponics and Aquaponics: Use soilless cultivation methods where plants grow in nutrient-rich water solutions; hydroponics focus on water-based systems, and aquaponics integrate fish farming.

Biological Pest Control: Use natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to control pests instead of relying on chemical pesticides to promote sustainable and eco-friendly farming.

Vertical Integration: Integrate various stages of the the farmers’ supply chain, from production to distribution, allowing better control over quality and costs.

Agroforestry: Integrate trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes to provide additional income through timber or fruit production and improve soil fertility.

Drip Irrigation: Practice efficient water delivery directly to the plant’s root zone to reduce water wastage and promote water-use efficiency.

These innovations contribute to sustainable agriculture development, increased yields, and improved resource management, ultimately enhancing the overall productivity of farmers.

However, the farmers need training to implement these techniques effectively and maximize their benefits.

That’s When This Rural Development NGO Steps In!

The Agricultural Development Program at the top sustainable rural development NGO in India, S M Sehgal Foundation, is dedicated to fostering sustainable livelihoods among farmers, particularly women producers. Through the promotion of improved agricultural practices and the adoption of modern techniques and cutting-edge technologies, the program aims to enhance crop yields, promote water conservation, and improve soil fertility.

Video Link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmFAT3YnJDs

Working closely with small-holder farmers in both rain-fed and irrigated areas, the team focuses on various aspects, including soil health management, crop production, input-use efficiency, small-farm mechanization, water-efficient irrigation techniques, horticultural development, livestock management, and the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in agriculture.

Farmer Field Schools: Nurturing Learning and Experimentation

In Northern India, farmers, particularly in Punjab, have a historical focus on cereal crops and pulses, stemming from the Green Revolution. S M Sehgal Foundation introduced “Farmer Field Schools” in 2020 to address mono-cropping and traditional farming methods. Akhlak and his father, Iqbal, were initially skeptical, but they embraced the initiative and saw remarkable results. The Field Schools, tailored for the Trans-Gangetic plains, incorporate advanced practices like polyhouses, solar spray pumps, and drip irrigation. In January 2023, Akhlak’s farm showcased 1.5 times higher yields in tomatoes, breaking notions of vegetable farming losses. The success attracted more than 314 farmers from nearby villages, fostering knowledge exchange. Akhlak used his increased income for education and land repayment, reinvesting in future cycles for sustained prosperity.

Jaurasi Farmer Adopts Sustainable High-Value Broccoli Cultivation

“
I will continue sustainable broccoli farming in more areas of my land and encourage other farmers to grow high-value crops sustainably.

~ Pradeep Singh, farmer from Jaurasi village, Nuh district, Haryana

Pradeep Singh, a dedicated farmer from Jaurasi village in Haryana’s Nuh district, relies on farming as his family’s primary income source. Cultivating wheat, mustard, millet, and vegetables on their five-acre land, he needed more than traditional methods to generate significant profits.

In April 2022, a transformative opportunity arose under an ongoing CSR-supported initiative by S M Sehgal Foundation. Pradeep embraced sustainable broccoli farming, a novel intervention discussed during a Village Development Committee session in September 2022. Selected for the project, he received broccoli seeds, essential micronutrients, and comprehensive training.

Pradeep’s commitment yielded a bountiful harvest of 2,500 kg of broccoli, translating to approximately INR 70,000 in total sales. With a cultivation cost of INR 15,000, his net profit soared to INR 55,000, showcasing a remarkable income, doubling that of traditional crops like mustard or wheat.

About the Author

Mr. Shashank Devra
Program lead, Local Participation and Sustainability, S M Sehgal Foundation

Postgraduate diploma (Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal) with 8 years of experience in specializing in development management, project management, financial inclusion, community-based organizations development and management, stakeholder management, micro-enterprise development, women empowerment and development, and youth empowerment.

The post How Does Modern Agriculture Improve The Productivity Of Farmers? appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

“Capacity-building” has gained prominence recently, particularly within development organizations. It represents an effort to enhance the well-being of individuals in resource-poor rural areas who often rely on their labor for income. This concept has deep roots in rural development, and its meaning, models, methods, and tools have continually evolved.

Farmers’ capacity building is a continuous process that allows access to information, facilitation, and empowerment, and fosters technical advancement. Within the realm of sustainable agriculture development, capacity building is primarily conducted through extension services. These services prioritize the active involvement of individuals and rural communities. The objective is to empower farmers to effectively address their daily challenges and seize opportunities that come their way. This approach places community engagement at the core of interventions, promoting the self-reliance of farmers.

How Building The Capacity Of Farmers Leads To Agricultural Success

Capacity building brings several benefits to farmers, the agricultural development of the country, and society as a whole:

Improved Food Safety
Agricultural training teaches farmers about the safe handling, storage, and processing of farm products. This knowledge is crucial for preventing food contamination and ensuring that the food reaching consumers is safe to eat. This, in turn, leads to improved public health outcomes.

Diversified Income Sources
Farmers with diversified skills can explore alternative income sources, such as beekeeping, goat farming, etc. Diversification acts as a safety net during poor crop yields or market volatility, reducing financial vulnerability.

Community Development
Farmers who are well-informed and aware often become community leaders. They can mobilize resources, advocate for better infrastructure, and establish initiatives to improve rural living conditions, leading to more robust and self-sustaining communities.

Rural-Urban Migration Mitigation
By providing opportunities for sustainable income and a higher quality of life in rural areas, agricultural education slows the flow of people migrating to cities in search of work. This helps manage urbanization and reduces the pressure on urban resources and services.

Resilience to Climate Change
Farmers who are knowledgeable about climate-smart agricultural practices learn coping techniques for changing weather patterns, such as drought-resistant crop varieties or water-efficient irrigation methods.

Market Access and Trade Opportunities
Farmers who understand market dynamics and quality standards can better position their products, which leads to increased local and international sales, contributing to regional and national economic growth.

Poverty Alleviation
As farmers increase their productivity and income, poverty rates decrease. This, in turn, leads to improved living standards, reduced inequalities, and enhanced economic stability.

Women’s Empowerment
Agricultural training empowers rural women by providing them with knowledge and skills, which results in equitable gender roles in agriculture, better access to resources like credit and land, and opportunities for women to engage in income-generating activities.

Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge
Education programs encourage the exchange of traditional farming practices, which helps preserve local knowledge and biodiversity, ensuring that unique agricultural traditions are passed down through generations.

Incentive for Youth
Tailored education programs make farming more appealing to the younger generation. This is achieved through innovative and technology-driven agriculture, entrepreneurship opportunities, and exposure to modern and sustainable farming practices.

Incorporating these aspects into agricultural education and training programs leads to more holistic and sustainable agricultural development, benefiting farmers and the broader community.

What Activities Does Capacity Building Entail?

Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Farm Science Centre) is an ICAR innovation at the district level. Since establishing the first KVK in 1974, this network grew to 631 KVKs by 2012. These centers are funded by ICAR and managed by various organizations. KVKs are pivotal in conducting on-farm tests to identify location-specific agricultural technologies and demonstrate crop potential. They also provide need-based training programs for farmers, youths, and extension personnel. KVKs produce and distribute critical inputs such as seeds, organic products, and livestock strains. Agricultural Knowledge and Resource Centers are set up at KVKs to support district-level initiatives.

Distance Education
Distance education programs help educate distant farmers and learners interested in agro-based industries. These programs promote entrepreneurial skills, offer continuing professional education, and provide agricultural education to various rural groups. They employ innovative teaching methods, including e-learning and modern ICT, to meet developmental needs.

Diploma Courses for Rural Youth
To address complex agricultural issues, Karnataka’s government supports SAUs in offering two-year diploma courses for SSLC-passed youth, enabling them to become successful “agripreneurs.”

Linking Small Producers with Markets
Small and marginal farmers, constituting over 80 percent of India’s farming households, often face low prices for their produce due to poverty. Aggregating their produce and accessing larger markets will improve their earnings. The University of Agricultural Science in Bangalore has successfully linked farmers with markets through the Rural Bio-Resource Complex project in Bangalore district.

Effective capacity-building activities for farmers go beyond government efforts. As outlined, collaboration with skilled NGOs is crucial to implementing multifaceted initiatives. With their dedicated teams, these organizations translate these strategies into action, working alongside the government to drive meaningful improvements in agricultural development across India.

The Top Rural Development NGO In India?

Since 1999, S M Sehgal Foundation has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life within rural communities in India. Operating as the top sustainable rural development NGO in India under a public charitable trust umbrella, the foundation has diligently assembled a team of professionals who design sustainable programs to tackle rural India’s most urgent needs.

The foundation’s primary mission is to bolster community-led development initiatives that foster positive changes across rural India’s social, economic, and environmental spheres. Their ultimate vision is to empower every individual residing in rural India with the means to lead lives characterized by security, prosperity, and dignity.

Stories Of Capacity Building

Empowered By Capacity Building And Market Linkages

Kolar, situated in the southern region of Karnataka, often recognized as the Milk and Silk City, is renowned for its vegetable crops, especially tomatoes. The district’s livelihoods predominantly revolve around agriculture, particularly dairy farming, sericulture, and floriculture. The primary irrigation and drinking water source for farmers in Kolar is borewell water.

With the backing of Walmart Foundation, S M Sehgal Foundation has launched an initiative to strengthen Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Uttar Pradesh and in Karnataka. This project focuses on enhancing the capabilities of FPOs, encompassing governance, financial management, and technology integration. Furthermore, the project aids these FPOs in surmounting the challenges associated with marketing their surplus produce while promoting increased participation of women.

FPOs have revitalized their governing bodies through these training programs, each comprising five to fifteen dedicated members, including a more significant representation of women as FPO representatives. This initiative is committed to ensuring gender balance in decision-making by targeting a minimum of 33 percent female participation. Over the past year, 195 Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) have been established across these five FPOs, with 58 exclusively for women. This innovative concept of women-only FIGs has proven immensely beneficial, reaching over 1,333 women farmers and fostering their active engagement in agricultural development.

Strawberry Farming, An Alternative To Economic Gain

Khagesh, a farmer in Panchnota village, Haryana, was introduced to strawberry cultivation through an S M Sehgal Foundation project in September 2021. He received 5,000 strawberry saplings and planted them in polytunnels as advised by the project team. Over four months, he harvested strawberries four times a month, yielding 10 kg per harvest. These strawberries were in high demand and sold at INR 300 per kg. In one season, Khagesh earned INR 1,25,880. The success of this intervention inspired other local farmers to follow, showcasing the impact of the project’s technical guidance.

The post Capacity Building For Farmers, A Path To Agricultural Success! appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG-8) is integral to the United Nations’ global agenda for attaining sustainable development by 2030. Its primary objectives are the advancement of comprehensive and sustainable economic growth, the creation of employment opportunities, and the provision of decent work for all. SDG-8 encompasses a range of specific targets, including enhancing labor productivity, economic diversification, and support for entrepreneurial initiatives. This goal is designed to tackle many challenges, particularly devoted to agricultural development, farmers’ welfare, and women’s active engagement in agriculture. This ensures all individuals have equitable access to gainful and sustainable employment prospects.

Where Does India Stand Concerning Agricultural Development In 2023

Agriculture, supporting nearly half of the population and contributing 17% to the GDP in 2023, commands a focused approach to propel the nation’s economic development. Agriculture stands as a pivotal avenue for realizing inclusive growth. Research from the World Bank highlights the profound impact of agricultural growth on poverty reduction, notably surpassing that of manufacturing. Ensuring that this agricultural expansion maintains sustainability is paramount, while also avoiding the overexploitation of natural resources, a concern seen in regions like Haryana, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab. Agricultural growth must embrace both comprehensiveness and environmental responsibility, and ensuring women’s active involvement in agriculture is pivotal for augmenting the sector’s productivity and socioeconomic influence.

The Multidimensional Poverty Index relies on various indicators to pinpoint individuals in poverty, and one such indicator is the lack of assets. However, a poignant concern arises as women often find themselves without access to immovable property or agricultural land, even within economically comfortable households. Sixty percent of women in India depend on agriculture for their sustenance.

This glaring issue highlights the undeniable reality that women actively involved in agriculture encounter significant obstacles in obtaining vital access to land, assets, and critical infrastructure that is indispensable for amplifying their agricultural productivity. In an endeavor to monitor and realize the objectives outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is increasingly imperative to secure comprehensive data about women’s access to land. Alas, such data is largely non-existent, and this deficiency poses a considerable hurdle in pursuing numerous SDGs, particularly SDG 8, which calls for sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. This data needs to be more accurate to gauge progress and effectively address women’s disparities in the agricultural sector.

Challenges Hindering The Achievement Of SDG-8

Here are a few challenges faced by India in improving agricultural development, leading to:

Limited Mechanization Adoption

While mechanization in Indian agriculture has grown, most farming operations still rely on labor-intensive methods. The highest mechanization levels, around 60–70%, are observed in plowing, harvesting, threshing, and irrigation. However, in areas such as seeding and weeding, where machinery is available, its usage could be higher, primarily due to challenges faced by small-scale farmers. Factors such as limited awareness among rural farmers and capital constraints contribute to this issue.

Soil Fertility Depletion: After the Green Revolution in the 1960s, it became common to use chemical fertilizers excessively. Farmers began to overuse fertilizers for quick results, leading to several detrimental effects. This included reduced organic matter and humus content, a decline in beneficial insects, weaker crop growth, increased vulnerability to pests, and alterations in soil pH, all culminating in decreased productivity.

The imbalanced use of urea, accounting for a significant portion of fertilizer production and consumption (58.4% and 57.9%, respectively, in 2022–23), has been a prime contributor to soil fertility depletion. Moreover, mono-cropping practices, which encompassed around 47% of total cropped areas in 2015–16, have further aggravated the issue of soil degradation.

Inadequate Irrigation Facilities: Irrigation is vital in Indian agriculture, with approximately 80% of water use dedicated to this sector. Unfortunately, the over-exploitation of groundwater sources, relied upon by 65% of irrigation practices, has led to a notable decline in the groundwater table. This depletion significantly impacts agriculture, making timely farming operations difficult. A substantial portion of India’s agriculture, approximately 51% of the net sown area, depends on rain-fed farming, accounting for nearly 40% of total production.

Limited Access To Training And Extension Services: Agricultural extension programs are crucial in technology transfer, problem-solving, and rural development. However, India’s extension system needs to be fixed. Farmers needing training and extension services need to be more informed about the latest farming practices, techniques, and technologies that enhance crop yields. This knowledge gap leads to reduced productivity and subsequently impacts farmers’ income.

Providing adequate training and extension services will protect farmers from pests and diseases that result in decreased yields. Financial losses accrue without information on how to prevent or mitigate these risks. Furthermore, farmers need to be made aware of recent schemes, financial assistance opportunities, and how to access these resources to invest in improving their yield due to the absence of comprehensive training and extension activities. Addressing these issues requires bolstering irrigation infrastructure and establishing equitable and robust agricultural extension systems to empower farmers with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.

Impact Of Climate Change On Agriculture: Climate change is increasingly manifesting in altered weather patterns, marked by a heightened frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and storms. These climatic shifts can have far-reaching consequences on agriculture, from diminishing soil fertility to reducing crop yields and livestock production, which result in decreased farmer income. In response to these challenges, farmers must invest more in pest and disease management practices that may inflate costs and trim profits.

Climate-induced heat waves can induce stress in crops, particularly when they coincide with critical growth stages like pollination or fruit set. Climate change-induced water scarcity can disrupt irrigation practices, further exacerbating yield losses. Farmers may be compelled to rely on rain-fed agriculture, a more erratic and vulnerable approach in the face of climate change’s unpredictability.

Unpredictable rainfall patterns wreak havoc on various agricultural operations, with untimely rains during harvest leading to complete crop losses. Moreover, heavy rains and subsequent flooding can be highly detrimental to crops and soil. India has witnessed extensive damage to approximately 33.9 million hectares of cropped area due to hydro-meteorological calamities, including heavy rainfall and floods, between 2015–16 and 2021–22. Such losses underscore the urgent need for robust climate-resilient strategies within the agricultural sector.

How Involved Is The Government Toward Achieving SDG-8?

The government is committed to creating substantial employment opportunities to bolster economic growth, and elevating its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Here are a few notable initiatives and schemes to galvanize this vision:

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is a groundbreaking initiative that guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year, uplifting the livelihoods of rural communities. As of September 16, 2019, the program enlisted 120.1 million active workers.

Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana, launched by the Ministry of Labor and Employment in 2016–17, incentivizes employers to generate employment opportunities. By September 16, 2019, benefits had reached 1.21 crore beneficiaries, covering 1.52 lakh establishments.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, addressing critical infrastructure gaps in the fisheries sector, plans to establish 10,000 new Farmer Producer Organizations over the next five years.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) offers insurance coverage for all stages of the crop cycle, including post-harvest risks. In 2018–19, claims amounting to Rs. 8,665 crore were disbursed to 553.01 lakh farmers.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is committed to providing farmers with a payment of Rs. 6,000 per year, distributed in three 4-monthly installments of Rs. 2,000 each, with certain exclusions for higher-income groups. In 2018–19, Rs. 12,646.579 crore was disbursed to 632.32895 lakh farmers.

Make In India, strives to establish India as a manufacturing hub by facilitating job creation and skill development across various sectors. It seeks to attract investments, foster innovation, enhance skill development, protect intellectual property rights, and build world-class manufacturing infrastructure.

Skill India Mission, launched in 2015, is a comprehensive program dedicated to training and developing industrial and entrepreneurial skills among Indians, thereby spurring job creation.

Digital India Mission, commenced in 2015, aspires to transform the Indian economy by focusing on three core components: creating digital infrastructure, delivering services digitally, and promoting digital literacy.

Through these transformative programs, India is advancing resolutely toward realizing SDG-8, fostering inclusive growth and sustainability on an unprecedented scale. Having said all the above, more than the government can enforce and ensure the enforcement of the initiatives and schemes. NGOs are crucial in advocating for sustainable agricultural methods that avoid heavy chemical reliance and prioritize soil vitality. These practices encompass organic farming, agroforestry, and integrated pest management. A central focus is cultivating traditional and climate-resilient crop varieties finely tuned to local ecosystems, ensuring agricultural continuity in the face of climate challenges.

Which is the top rural development NGO in India working toward achieving SDG-8 in India?

S M Sehgal Foundation

S M Sehgal Foundation’s Agriculture Development Program champions sustainable livelihoods by empowering farmers, notably women producers, by adopting cutting-edge agricultural practices and technologies. These initiatives bolster crop yields, preserve water resources, and enhance soil fertility. The program collaborates with smallholder farmers in both rain-fed and irrigated regions, focusing on various aspects, including soil health management, efficient crop production, resource utilization, mechanization, water-conserving irrigation techniques, horticultural advancements, livestock management, and the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in agriculture.

Elevating the income of farmers is pivotal to ensuring food security in India. Agricultural intervention, driven by modern technology and mechanization, has the potential to address a multitude of challenges, including poverty, malnutrition, water and energy use, and the impacts of climate change.

Laser Land Leveling
Ayyaz, driven by insights from a CSR-supported project facilitated by S M Sehgal Foundation, embraced modern technology to enhance his farming practices, particularly in land leveling. Educated about the manifold benefits of laser land leveling, he implemented this technique on one of his two-acre farmland. Laser leveling typically costs INR 2,250 per acre, but with the support of INR 800 from the project that is focused on encouraging first-time adopters and demonstrating its advantages to fellow farmers, he took the initiative.

The results were remarkable. Laser land leveling effectively halved the time and cost required for irrigation. Previously, Ayyaz spent approximately 10–11 hours and INR 90 per hour irrigating a one-acre wheat field, totaling INR 4,500 for five such irrigation cycles. After laser leveling, the same task took merely six hours, resulting in significant savings of INR 1,800. Moreover, this technique optimized crop productivity by ensuring uniform distribution of water and fertilizers across the field.

Promoting Gender Equality In Agriculture In India

S M Sehgal Foundation has launched an innovative pilot program to promote gender equality within the agricultural sector across fifteen villages in Bihar and Maharashtra, engaging 500 women farmers. Through the Women Farmer School (WFS), these women receive training on advanced agricultural techniques and technologies, empowering them to enhance crop yields, income, and nutritional outcomes. Training sessions cover soil health management, climate-resilient farming practices, efficient input utilization, balanced fertilizer application, small-scale mechanization, water-efficient irrigation methods, and address gender inequality. The initiative introduces flood- and drought-resistant seeds, direct sowing methods, and soil carbon-enhancing techniques to encourage climate-sustainable practices. The participants have consistently attended these sessions, showing growing enthusiasm and advocating for change within their communities.

Abdul Improves Livestock Nutrition

“
By selling the surplus quantity of milk at INR 40 per liter, I can earn approximately INR 3,600 more per month.
~ Abdul

A livestock farmer from Nuh, Haryana, faced difficulties when his income decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic’s second wave due to irregular labor work. Dependent on livestock rearing, he realized his cattle needed adequate nutrition from local fodder. In July 2021, Abdul attended a meeting organized by S M Sehgal Foundation and learned about balanced animal nutrition. He received an animal nutrition kit, including mineral mixtures and deworming tablets, and was also trained on proper feeding and milking practices. After a month of providing balanced nutrition, Abdul’s milch animals’ milk production increased by three liters per day, and his cattle conceived again within sixty days of delivery. This intervention significantly improved his livestocks’ health and productivity, ensuring a more stable livelihood for Abdul.

Multi Crop Reaper/ Harvester, A Sustainable Source Of Income

In October 2021, S M Sehgal Foundation launched a CSR development initiative in fifteen villages within Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district. Marginal farmers primarily inhabit these villages.

The project aims to introduce sustainable agriculture, livelihood, and entrepreneurship development solutions. To enhance agricultural income, the initiative emphasizes mechanization tailored for small-scale farming.

Upon conducting a comprehensive needs assessment, the community revealed that the prevalent practice of wheat harvesting through combine harvesters resulted in the loss of valuable wheat straw, which could have been used as cattle fodder. Furthermore, this method left crop residues in the fields, necessitating the burning of residues, leading to environmental pollution. In response, the project team proposed the adoption of a multi-crop harvester/reaper. This versatile machine can harvest various crops, including wheat, paddy, mustard, pulses, sesame, soybean, barley, oat, and fodder crops, covering ten to twelve acres of farmland per day. The multi-crop reaper is compatible with various tractors and offers a more efficient alternative to manual harvesting or combined harvesters. It is cost-effective, reduces labor-intensive work, eliminates wheat straw loss for fodder, and stands as an eco-friendly solution. Importantly, this machinery introduces a new avenue for agricultural entrepreneurship.

The post What difficulties does India encounter when working to accomplish SDG 8 appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

Farmers grapple with many challenges, from extreme weather events to heat stress and wildfires, making agriculture increasingly unpredictable due to a changing climate. In light of this, it is imperative for governments to support farmers in transitioning their practices to boost resilience and significantly reduce their dependence on fossil-fuel-based chemicals.

Agriculture is the primary livelihood for approximately 58 percent of India’s population, while other natural resource-based industries form the bedrock of the country’s economic growth. These sectors, encompassing field crops, horticulture, livestock, fishery, and poultry, align closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including eradicating hunger, improving nutrition, and taking action on climate change.

According to government estimates, India’s food production stood at 291.95 million metric tons (MT) in 2019–20, with a target of reaching 298.3 MT for 2020–21, marking a 2 percent increase over the previous year. Despite progress, a significant portion of India’s population, nearly 14 percent or 189.2 million people are undernourished, as reported in the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, 2020. The Global Hunger Index 2020 ranked India 94th out of 107 countries.

To keep pace with the country’s population and income growth, food production needs to double by 2050. Small and marginal farmers are pivotal in ensuring India’s food security and achieving the SDGs. The ambitious goal of “zero hunger” by 2030 also requires a comprehensive, multidimensional approach to promoting sustainable agriculture and food systems nationwide.

Speaking of sustainable agriculture, can agriculture alone contribute toward climate action? Well, let’s discuss . . .

What is Organic farming?

Organic farming represents a sustainable agricultural approach characterized by using ecologically derived pest controls and biological fertilizers, primarily sourced from animal and plant wastes, as well as nitrogen-fixing cover crops. When compared to conventional farming methods, organic farming provides several environmental advantages: it relies on fewer pesticides, curbs soil erosion, reduces nitrate leaching into groundwater and surface water, and promotes the recycling of animal waste within the farming ecosystem.

However, these benefits come with inevitable trade-offs. Organic farming typically results in higher consumer food costs and yields lower crop outputs. Research has indicated that organic crop yields can be approximately 25 percent lower on average than conventionally grown crops, although this discrepancy can vary depending on the specific crop in question.

The challenge for the future of organic agriculture lies in maintaining its environmental benefits, boosting crop yields, and reducing costs to make organic produce feasible to meet the challenges posed by climate change and a growing global population.

Organic Farming Methods In India

The principal organic farming methods include crop rotation, green manures and compost, biological pest control, and mechanical cultivation. Organically, it is done to release nutrients to crops for increased sustainable production in an eco-friendly and pollution-free environment. The aim is to produce a crop with a high nutritional value, and various organic farming methods are practiced:

Crop Diversity: Though it helps environments thrive and protects species from extinction, this method is rarely used, and little research is invested to investigate the potential in agriculture and organic farming.

Crop Rotation: This crucial agricultural practice involves planting different crops in distinct areas yearly to preserve soil health and combat soilborne pests. This method prevents soil depletion by varying nutrient demands and structures, keeping the soil fertile, and disrupts pest life cycles, making it harder for them to establish and multiply. Continuous cultivation of the same crop in one spot can lead to nutrient exhaustion and increased pest populations. Crop rotation is a sustainable strategy for maintaining robust soil, enhancing nutrient utilization, and controlling soilborne threats, ensuring more resilient and productive farming systems.

Soil Management: The soil experiences nutrient depletion and decreased quality following crop cultivation. Organic farming advocates the implementation of natural methods to rejuvenate soil health. This approach emphasizes the utilization of beneficial bacteria in animal waste, which aids in rendering soil nutrients more bioavailable, thereby enhancing overall soil quality and fertility.

Livestock: Organic agriculture emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced diet for milch animals, incorporating a combination of green and dry fodder and suitable supplements. This holistic approach contributes to the overall well-being of the animals and the farm. The farms provide an ideal environment for these animals, offering fresh air, nutritious food, and ample exercise. Using these healthy domestic animals enhances farm sustainability.

Green Manuring: Uprooting dying plants and incorporating them into the soil to enhance nutrient content is a process that utilizes green, undecomposed plant material as a natural fertilizer. Typically, green manuring entails cultivating leguminous plants in the field, allowing them to grow sufficiently, and then integrating them into the soil to enrich their quality.

The government can recognize the role of agriculture in mitigating climate change, but it is crucial for NGOs throughout India to guarantee that efforts are made to enhance the environment.

The Top Rural Development NGO In India?

S M Sehgal Foundation (Sehgal Foundation), operating since 1999, is working toward enhancing the well-being of rural communities in India. As India’s top sustainable rural development NGO, the mission involves reinforcing community-driven development efforts to foster positive social, economic, and environmental transformation. The vision is to empower every individual in rural India, enabling them to lead lives marked by security, prosperity, and dignity.

Abdul Improves Livestock Nutrition

A livestock farmer from Nuh, Haryana, faced difficulties when his income decreased during COVID-19 pandemic’s second wave due to irregular labor work. Dependent on livestock rearing, he realized his cattle needed adequate nutrition from local fodder. In July 2021, Abdul attended a meeting organized by S M Sehgal Foundation and learned about balanced animal nutrition. He received an animal nutrition kit, including mineral mixtures, and deworming tablets, and was also trained on proper feeding and milking practices. After a month of providing balanced nutrition, Abdul’s milch animal’s milk production increased by three liters per day, and his cattle conceived again within sixty days of delivery. This intervention significantly improved his livestock’s health and productivity, ensuring a more stable livelihood for Abdul.

“By selling the surplus quantity of milk at INR 40 per liter, I can earn approximately INR 3,600 more per month.”
~ Abdul

The Effectiveness Of Micronutrients In Agriculture

Hasin, a farmer in Haryana’s Nuh region, previously struggled with low yield and limited income from his four-acre farmland, mainly cultivating pearl millet, wheat, and mustard. In April 2021, a CSR-supported initiative by S M Sehgal Foundation commenced in his village, focusing on enhancing farmers’ knowledge in sustainable agriculture practices. Training sessions introduced modern farming techniques, including a tailored package of practices (PoP) with crop-specific balanced nutrients for improved productivity and income.

Soil testing revealed deficiencies in essential micronutrients, necessitating the preparation of a PoP kit containing vital elements including calcium, potash sulfate, zinc, sulfur bentonite, and more, in addition to urea and DAP mixtures. Following implementation, Hasin observed significant improvements in the quantity and quality of mustard crops compared to the control plot. Additionally, the demo plot experienced fewer pest infestations, whereas the control plot suffered from termite damage and wilting of plants.

The Sustainable Guar Project

A collaboration between S M Sehgal Foundation and Ashland LLC launched in Sriganganagar, Rajasthan, to introduce agricultural development and water management innovations to enhance the lives of local farmers. Starting with 250 farmers across ten villages in 2021–22, the project’s success has led to an expansion plan to incorporate 1,600 farmers annually, with a target of 5,000 farmers by 2025. The initiative focused on educating farmers about regenerative and climate-resilient agriculture, emphasizing the Package of Practices (PoP) for guar and other crops, promoting balanced nutrition, reducing cultivation costs, and boosting profitability.

Guar, a water-efficient and nitrogen-fixing crop, is encouraged for crop rotation to maintain soil health and diversify crops. Farmers use guar for personal consumption and also sell the seeds. Given guar’s high nutritive value and market demand, farmers have embraced its cultivation. This comprehensive initiative offers inputs, training, and innovative agricultural practices, fostering holistic and sustainable development in the farming community.

The post How Can Agriculture Alone Contribute Toward Climate Change? appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

Agriculture plays a crucial role in the Indian economy and the livelihoods of millions of people in rural areas. The primary source of income for about two-thirds of the population, directly or indirectly, the sector has undergone significant transformations since the Green Revolution in the 1960s, which brought about high-yielding varieties of crops, modern irrigation methods, and fertilizers. However, the country still faces several challenges in agricultural development, including small and fragmented landholdings, low productivity, inadequate irrigation facilities, and the effects of climate change.

The Indian Government has implemented various policies and initiatives to address these challenges and promote sustainable agricultural development. One such initiative is the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), a crop insurance scheme that provides financial support to farmers in case of crop failure due to natural calamities, pests, or disease. The government has also launched the National Agricultural Market (eNAM), an online platform that facilitates the marketing of agricultural produce across the country, reducing intermediaries and ensuring better prices for farmers.

Moreover, the government has taken steps to improve irrigation facilities and promote the adoption of efficient water management practices. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) increases the area under irrigation with the development of water sources, distribution networks, and efficient water use. The government has also launched the Soil Health Card Scheme, which provides farmers with information on the nutrient status of their soil and recommendations the appropriate use of fertilizers, leading to higher crop yields and improved soil health.

What are the Challenges in the Agricultural Development of India?

Several challenges are being faced by the agricultural sector in India.

These challenges have contributed to the stagnation of agricultural growth in India and affected the livelihoods of millions of farmers. The government has launched programs to promote the adoption of modern farming techniques, including the promotion of organic farming and the use of high-yield variety seeds. The private sector has also been actively involved, with several companies advancing to build on new products and technologies that can improve agricultural productivity. However, there is still a long way to go to address the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in India. More investment is needed in infrastructure, research and development, and the promotion of new farming techniques. In addition, policies and programs need to be designed to ensure that small and marginal farmers have access to inputs and resources so they can compete in the market. Addressing these challenges is essential for the long-term sustainability and growth of the agriculture sector in India.

What are the Opportunities for Agricultural Development in India?

India is an agrarian economy with a vast potential for agricultural development. Several opportunities can be leveraged to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in the agricultural sector.

Several avenues are available for agriculture development in India that the government and other stakeholders need to leverage by providing the necessary support and infrastructure opportunities to farmers. This includes access to technology, finance, and market information, as well as promoting sustainable land use practices and organic farming. By doing so, India can achieve sustainable and inclusive growth in the agriculture sector and contribute to the overall economic development of the country.

Can Leveraging Technology and Innovation Improve Agricultural Development in India?

Leveraging innovation and modern technology will play a significant role in improving agricultural development in India. In recent years, several technological advancements and innovations have been introduced to the Indian agricultural sector, such as precision farming, drip irrigation, and crop monitoring systems, which have the potential to increase productivity, reduce waste, improve crop yields, and lead to better income for farmers.

How is S M Sehgal Foundation Contributing to the Agriculture Development?

S M Sehgal Foundation is a sustainable rural development NGO in India established in 1999 by Dr. Suri Sehgal, a visionary philanthropist, and entrepreneur and his wife Edda Sehgal. The foundation promotes sustainable rural development that respects human dignity, protects the environment, and promotes social justice by working with rural communities in India to help them achieve self-reliance and build their capacities.

The foundation focuses on a range of issues, including agricultural development, water management, rural education, and women’s empowerment to promote sustainable and equitable development, and its work has significantly improved the lives of thousands of people in rural communities.

S M Sehgal Foundation’s agricultural development initiatives increase crop productivity, improve water management, promote sustainable agriculture practices, enhance farmers’ income, and provide training and support to farmers on improved agricultural practices, post-harvest management, and marketing of their produce.

Farmer Training for Good Agriculture Practices

Continuous learning is necessary for farmers to stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies in agriculture, their lifelong career. The Agriculture Development Program of S M Sehgal Foundation promotes sustainable livelihoods by building the capacity of farmers, including women farmers, in India by providing information on modern and sustainable agricultural practices, including new technologies that increase crop yields, conserve water, and improve soil fertility. The program uses a variety of capacity-building methods such as classroom training, on-farm training with practical application, exposure visits, field days, and workshops for peer-to-peer learning. The program organizes exposure visits for farmers and invites agricultural scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras to share experiences and build capacities. The Agriculture Development Program goal is to make agriculture more rewarding and sustainable while building linkages for program sustainability.

Laser Leveling

The role of technology in agriculture has expanded greatly, especially with the advent of digital technology. Innovations in agriculture have led to a revolution in farming practices, resulting in reduced losses and increased efficiency, which in turn positively impact farmers. The use of digital and analytic tools has driven continuous improvement in agriculture, and these advancements have led to improved crop yields and increased the income of the farming community. For example, Ayyaz was able to reduce the time and cost of irrigation by using modern technology in land leveling. S M Sehgal Foundation, through a CSR-supported project, educated him about the benefits of laser land leveling, which he then implemented on half of his two-acre land. Laser land leveling saved Ayyaz time and money, as it took only six hours to irrigate the field instead of 10–11 hours, resulting in a saving of INR 1,800. This technique also improved crop productivity due to the even distribution of water and fertilizers in the field.

Conclusion

Leveraging technology and innovation is a game changer for agriculture development in India. It helps in overcoming some major challenges faced by the sector and bring about more sustainable and efficient farming practices. However, ensuring that the benefits of technology reach small and marginalized farmers is crucial because they form a significant portion of the agricultural workforce in India.

The post The Challenges and Opportunities for Agriculture Development in India appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.