Growing populations, frequent droughts and floods, and changing rainfall patterns pose serious challenges to our food system. The UN IPCC report has already warned about the impact of climate change on the food system. Considering these realities, Caritas India has taken a concrete step towards sustainable agricultural practices and rural empowerment under its SAFBIN project in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Caritas India organized a one-day workshop to enlighten smallholders about innovative methodologies encompassing integrated farming systems, biodiversity promotion, natural farming techniques, and the imperative significance of organic inputs and animal husbandry. The workshop on Training Community Members as Resource Trainers and Establishing Multi-Stakeholder Forums for Nutrition and Smallholder Farmers brought farmers from different project locations to Shahgarh, Madhya Pradesh, on August 24, 2023.

The workshop was carefully designed to inform and engage smallholder farmers. The delegates contributed invaluable insights, fostering a holistic approach to farming interlinked with various agricultural dimensions. The significant role of biodiversity in upholding ecological balance and enhancing crop resilience was underscored. Notably, the discussion emphasized the adoption of natural farming techniques, which are critical to enhancing soil health and advancing environmental sustainability.

Fr. Thomas Philip, Director of Manav Vikas Seva Sangh (MVSS), emphasized the significance of indigenous crops and the transformative potential of natural farming. He highlighted the necessity for nutrition gardens and tree plantations to establish a holistic ecosystem. District representative Gulabchand Jain’s motivational speech propelled attendees towards self-sufficiency, echoing the essence of empowerment.

A comprehensive session led by Mr. Harshdeep Singh Yadav, Senior Horticulture Development Officer (SHDO) of the Madhya Pradesh government, illuminated the formulation and application of organic inputs. Practical insights into their preparation, timing, and utilization strategies were generously shared. He particularly shared about government initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s Micro Food Processing Project (PMMFPP), which not only provides skill training but also encourages youth to venture into small-scale industries, nurtures self-employment, and fosters appreciation for agriculturally derived products.

Caritas India representative Prabal Sen delved into the realm of nutrition while highlighting the importance of indigenous seeds. He stressed the preservation and utilization of locally adapted seeds that have been cultivated for generations. This approach not only reinforces biodiversity but also has the potential to amplify the nutritional value of crops. He underscored the symbiotic relationship between agricultural practices, dietary choices, and overall well-being.

The training’s impact extended far beyond the immediate participants. Equipped with expertise in natural farming, integrated agricultural practices, and biodiversity conservation, resource trainers were poised to create a ripple effect by inspiring their communities to embrace progressive agricultural methodologies.

This one-day training workshop was the first step towards transformation and empowerment. By spotlighting integrated farming, biodiversity preservation, and natural farming techniques, the workshop enlightened smallholders on sustainable paths to amplify productivity while maintaining environmental harmony. It particularly empowered young farmers, equipping them with modern agricultural practices to fortify nutritional security and livelihoods.

Gaurishankar Asati, one of the participants and a progressive farmer from Amarmau Village, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, shared, “I am doing organic farming and I also plant vegetables and attend every single meeting organized by SAFBIN, where I am learning something or the other on agriculture. I have learned about natural farming, organic farming, planting trees, etc. from the SAFBIN programs.”

The event served as a platform for diverse stakeholders, uniting district officials, women farmers, men, youth volunteers, and others. This collective participation underscored the importance of community-driven endeavors in nurturing agricultural excellence. As the workshop’s ripples of knowledge spread through resource trainers and inspired participants, the anticipation is that these insights will take root and flourish, fostering a verdant, more self-reliant future for the region.