Caritas India in collaboration with Welthungerhilfe, Madhya Pradesh Samaj Seva Samiti and her partners organized a two-day farmers festival to celebrate the successes of the marginal and small-holder farmers who have demonstrated their farming skills to adapt with the inadvertent climatic conditions and withstand the socio-economic indifferences of the present era.

The programme offered an empowering platform for the farmers, especially women farmers who have been deprived of their legitimate identity as active farmers, to express themselves, exhibit their innovations and display their resourcefulness and strength. The programme was organized in the city of Bhopal situated in the “Heart of India”, Madhya Pradesh on 3^rd and 4^th March 2020. More than 300 small and marginal farmers, civil society representatives, people’s representatives, policymakers, government officials, researchers & scientists representing 17 states across India actively participated in the festival.

The farmer’s festival was inaugurated by Padma Shree Rahibai Soma Popere an Indian farmer and seed conservationist who helped many farmers of Maharashtra to revive traditional and native varieties of crop cultivation. The chief dignitaries for the inaugural session also included Rev. Fr. Paul Moonjely, Executive Director Caritas India, His Excellency Sebastian Kallupura, Chairman Caritas India, His Grace Leo Cornelio, Archbishop Bhopal, Bishop Gerald Almeida, Chairman – Madhya Pradesh Samaj Seva Sanstha, Ms. Pratibha Shrivastav, State Head – Welthungerhilfe and Shri Ghosner Ghuria, Farmer Activist.

Reciting the slogan of our second prime minister Hon’ble Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri – “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan”. Archbishop of Bhopal Bishop Leo expressed that farmers are the backbone of India and asked the Government to extend its support for the welfare of the farmers. He also appreciated the tireless services of Caritas India and her partners to address the needs of the poor and marginal farmers. Padma Shree Rahibai shared that despite of all the resistance and challenges she could successfully prepare 5000 women farmers of her village. Bp. Sebastian Kallupura and Bp. Gerald emphasized on remembering the great contributions our farmers have made towards the nation-building and expressed concern on the market exploitation faced by farmers. Ms. Pratibha Shrivastav, state representative of MP – Welthungerhilfe, stressed on the nutritious food for the family members of the farmers. Rev. Fr. Paul expressed his happiness that Caritas India was able to provide a broad platform for all the farmers through this festival programme. He shared that Caritas India is always responsive to the problems and issues faced by the small and marginal farmers.

Followed by the inauguration, session on Strengthening Resilience Of Smallholder Farmer was organized where Padma Shree Rahibai Popere shared her experience about native seed conservation practices, Mr. Vijay Kumar Ladode, Farmer Activist spoke about the importance and formation of Farmers Producers Organizations and Dr. Jatin Sathe, Regional Head BAIF took a session on tree-based farming. Two parallel sessions were organized on “Agriculture & Nutrition” moderated by Smt. Pratibha Srivastav, State Head – Welthungerhilfe and “Agriculture & Marketing” moderated by Fr. Kiran Olakkengi, Director – MPSSS.

During the last session of the day, Hon’ble Shri PC Sharma, Law and Legal Affairs Minister of MP addressed the farmers to boost their enthusiasm and morale. He appreciated the organizers for giving the platform to the farmers. The first day of the programme concluded with a demonstration of the farmer’s work through exhibition stall and cultural programmes.

The last day of the farmers festival began with the traditional folk dance of Maharashtra by one of the female farmer’s groups followed by a session on Climate-resilient and adaptive solutions which was moderated by Shri. Himanshu Joshi, Head CSR – Hindustan Cooper Limited.

The valedictory session was initiated with a way forward plan shared by Mr. Rajesh Upadhyay, HoD – Caritas India and extending a word of gratitude towards all the participants by Rev. Fr. Jolly Puthenpura, Asst. Executive Director – Caritas India. Four books on sustainable agri-based farming, the nutritional content of millet and packages of practices were released for the interest of farmers. The final vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Saju MK, Convener – Kisanotsav. Two days farmers festival concluded with National Anthem.