Despite notable progress in food grain production, the agricultural industry in India, which accounts for 18–19% of GDP and employs close to 65% of the labour force, continues to suffer difficulties. The empowerment of farmers via education on cutting-edge technology and creative practices is a critical need as the government works to increase the GDP contribution of agricultural produce. For the industry to continue growing sustainably and for the benefit of its workforce, productivity and profitability must rise with the support of Agriculture based NGO.
WHAT KIND OF MODERN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES IMPROVE THE PRODUCTIVITY OF FARMERS?
Minimising losses and improving overall efficiency, the broad application of digital techniques and technology in agriculture has brought in a new era of innovation. Farmers benefit greatly from this technological advancement as it keeps agriculture improving via the use of digital and analytical instruments. Maintaining this trend might maximise agricultural yields and raise farming revenue levels, which would benefit the farming community.
To increase farmers' production, consider the following examples of innovative agricultural techniques:
Precision farming: To maximise resource efficiency and reduce waste, employ technology such as GPS-guided tractors and drones for accurate planting, watering, and harvesting.
Growing crops in vertically stacked layers or on inclined surfaces, usually indoors, is known as vertical farming. This method allows for year-round production and effective use of available space. Utilising soilless growth techniques, hydroponics and aquaponics allow plants to thrive in nutrient-rich water solutions. Hydroponics concentrates on water-based systems, while aquaponics incorporates fish farming.
Biological Pest manage: To encourage environmentally friendly and sustainable farming, use natural predators, parasites, or diseases to manage pests rather than artificial pesticides.
Vertical Integration: To improve control over costs and quality, integrate different phases of the farmers' supply chain, from production to distribution.
Agroforestry: Planting trees and bushes in agricultural environments to increase soil fertility, provide fruit or lumber, and generate additional revenue.
Drip irrigation: To cut down on water waste and encourage water-use efficiency, use effective water delivery straight to the root zone of the plant.
In the end, these advances by agriculture based NGO raise farmer productivity by supporting sustainable agriculture, raising yields, and improving resource management.
To maximise the advantages of these strategies and put them into practice, farmers must get training.
THAT’S WHEN THIS RURAL DEVELOPMENT NGO STEPS IN!
Fostering sustainable livelihoods among farmers, especially women producers, is the goal of the Agricultural Development Programme of the leading non-governmental organisation for sustainable rural development in India, the WOTR. The program's goals are to increase crop yields, encourage water conservation, and improve soil fertility by promoting improved agricultural practices and the use of contemporary methods and cutting-edge technologies.
Managing soil health, crop production, input-use efficiency, small-farm mechanisation, water-efficient irrigation techniques, horticultural development, livestock management, and the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in agriculture are some of the areas on which the agriculture based NGO works closely with small-holder farmers in both rain-fed and irrigated areas.
FARMER FIELD SCHOOLS: NURTURING LEARNING AND EXPERIMENTATION
Because of the Green Revolution, farmers in Northern India, especially in Punjab, have historically focused on pulses and cereal crops. In an effort to combat monoculture and conventional agricultural practices, the WOTR established "Farmer Field Schools" in 2020. At first, Akhlak and his father, Iqbal, were dubious, but they supported the idea and witnessed amazing outcomes. The Trans-Gangetic plains are the focus of the Field Schools, which utilise cutting-edge techniques including drip irrigation, solar spray pumps, and polyhouses. Breaking the stereotype of vegetable growing losses, A farmer’s farm displayed 1.5 times greater tomato yields in January 2023. Because of the success, more than 314 farmers from surrounding villages came to share expertise. With his increasing wealth, they have invested in future cycles of success by paying back his debt and financing his schooling.
Under an ongoing CSR-supported programme by the WOTR, a revolutionary opportunity emerged in April 2022. In September 2022, during a meeting of the Village Development Committee, many adopted sustainable broccoli growing as a unique intervention. After being chosen for the research, he was given vital micronutrients, broccoli seeds, and thorough instruction.
Their dedication resulted in a bumper crop of 2,500 kg of broccoli, or about INR 70,000 in total sales. Their net profit shot to INR 55,000 from a cultivation cost of INR 15,000, demonstrating an impressive yield that doubled that of conventional crops like wheat or mustard.