The recent Uttoran, Ujjivan and Ujjwala , U 3  Joint review meeting highlighted the efforts done by farmers to increase organic farming in the States of West Bengal, Karnataka, and Telangana State. As a part of its drive to increase organic farming, State partners are focusing on increasing production of some aromatic rice, millets, and seasonal vegetables among small and marginal farmers.

Rt. Rev. Bishop Vincent Aind, Bishop of Bagdogra in his inaugural address spoke about the need to revolutionize farming practices with a natural system which could be a great effort for humankind. Refocus on small and marginal farmers empowering them thorough the social ministry to build harmony and peace for the brighter world. Program review is the best way to exchange and share knowledge and this leads to a larger good of all people.

Achievements of six months were presented. Remarkable work has been done in the field of organic farming, where farming families have learned the art of making ‘Good Microbe Preparation’ and spraying it in the field and using it as a seed purifier.  Maize has emerged as a magic crop in West Bengal and Karnataka. ‘Aal Chaas’ or bund cultivation too has picked momentum in Sundarbans. Networking with KVKs, ATMA, LAMPS and Ramakrishna Mission has been a good initiative by Dioceses.

Agriculture is hard work. And contrary to the general perception, women, rather than the men, do most of the farm work. More and more women farmers in U 3 program are now coming forward and taking their place within farming organizations, participating in the discussions and voicing their concerns. Evidences of women farmers is visible preparing organic manure with the support and guidance of partner staff field workers.

U 3 Program see the shortage of water as a major issue. The rains have become undependable, thus a dire need to tap water from the local ponds when the monsoons fail has become inevitable. This program also needs to feature components of irrigation issues, rainwater harvesting and laying of canals to ensure steady water supply to the field.

To ensure greater income security, farmers have formed farmers’ clubs and traditional seed are collected and exchanged. Insurance of crops by farmers, too is seen in this program. Smallholding farmers have also taken up allied non-farm activities – mushroom cultivation and rearing of poultry birds.

U3 team interacted with community members and women farmers, of the Seva Kendra Siliguri program area. Ms. Priya her husband Lal Mohan Munda shared the benefits of growing local variety potatoes using organic manure. Ms. Nisha Lakra selling mushroom in the market and this has improved my family income as nutrition too.

To get a glimpse of rare fruit, the team visited, Mr. Bhushan Toppo’s house who has been cultivating dragon fruit in 60…. decimal of land. He sells each dragon fruit for Rs. 180/- to 100 rupees a kg in the market. A fruit native to South Asian countries has seen growing well at Siliguri. “The biggest advantage of this crop is that once planted, it will grow for about 20 years and I have been selling it fruits. But now, I have started a nursery and selling each sapling for Rs. 100/-. there are many buyers for this now” Mr. Bhusan proudly says