In Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, a silent revolution is taking place, one that revolves around food and nutrition security. Caritas India’s Sanjivani: Food and Nutrition Security Programme, implemented by eight dedicated partners, has been working tirelessly in 80 villages since March 2021. This program is transforming the lives of countless households and communities by focusing on two vital objectives: enhancing food diversity through sustainable agriculture and providing access to essential food and nutrition security schemes and programs.

In the face of drastic climate change, rural farming communities are grappling with uncertainties that affect agricultural activities, especially those dependent on rain. To address these challenges, Caritas India’s Sanjivani program emphasizes agriculture-related interventions aimed at climate change resilience.

Key initiatives under this objective include:

• Promotion of Nature-Friendly Cultivation Methods: Encouraging farmers to adopt eco-friendly farming practices that preserve the environment while increasing yields.
• Promotion of Organic Manures: Encouraging the use of organic fertilizers to enhance soil health and reduce chemical inputs.
• Promotion of Mixed Cropping: Promoting the cultivation of multiple crops in the same field, reducing the risk of crop failure.
• Integrated Pest Management: Implementing strategies to control pests effectively while minimizing the use of harmful chemicals.
• Integrated Nutrient Management: Optimizing nutrient use in farming to ensure crop health and sustainability.
• Promotion of Traditional Food Crops: Reviving traditional crops suited to the local climate and promoting their cultivation.

In addition to sustainable agriculture practices, the Sanjivani program strives to ensure that marginalized communities gain access to food and nutrition security schemes and programs. This involves facilitating access to essential resources and support to improve overall food security.

Recognizing the importance of climate-resilient crops like millets, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as the International Millet Year. Millets, including Pearl Millets, Finger Millets, Sorghum, Foxtail, Barnyard, and Poroso, have been part of India’s traditional food basket, offering robust nutritional value.

The Sanjivani program aligns with this global initiative by promoting the cultivation of millets, which are climate-adaptive and highly nutritious. Through its efforts, Sanjivani aims to restore millets to their rightful place in the region’s agriculture and diets.

One remarkable success story from the Sanjivani program is that of Mrs. Premilaben Virsingbhai Vasava from Anndu Village in Dediapada Block, Narmada district, Gujarat. Although she completed only up to the 8th standard in her education, her knowledge of cultivation is profound.

Mrs. Premilaben, along with her husband, Mr. Virsngh Bhai Vasava, embarked on a journey to cultivate various millet varieties in their fields, including:

• Varai: 5 kg of seeds in 1 acre, resulting in a total production of 400 kg.
• Lal Nagli: 400 grams of seeds in 1/2 acre, yielding 120 kg.
• White Nagli: 400 grams of seeds, resulting in 50 kg.
• Moriyu: 5 kg of seeds in 1 acre, with a total production of 250 kg.
• Juvar: 2 kg of seeds in 1/2 acre, leading to 110 kg of production.

The Vasava family’s dedication and the support they received from the Sanjivani Project and the DSSS-Baroda functionaries were instrumental in their success. Mrs. Premilaben was honored by the District Development Office for her exceptional contribution to the promotion of millet crop cultivation in her village and field.

Expressing her gratitude, Mrs. Premilaben Vasava said, “I am thankful to the Sanjivani Project and the DSSS-Baroda for their guidance and support. I am also thankful to the District Development Office for recognizing me as a lead woman farmer.”

Caritas India’s Sanjivani: Food and Nutrition Security Programme is making a significant impact in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh by empowering communities to tackle food security challenges head-on. Through sustainable agricultural practices, crop diversification, and a focus on traditional crops like millets, this program is not only safeguarding against climate change but also reviving age-old agricultural traditions.

Mrs. Premilaben Vasava’s story is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the women farmers leading the way in this initiative. As we celebrate the International Millet Year, let us recognize the importance of initiatives like Sanjivani, which are driving positive change in the lives of countless families and ensuring a more food-secure future for all.