thegoodsight – The Good Sight

September 27, 2024October 8, 2024

Reshaping Foundational Learning for Better Knowledge Through ALfA

Children are attending school but not learning effectively. Quick action and innovative teaching methods are crucial in today’s educational context. The ALfA Programme aims to revolutionize how children learn foundational skills.

A World Bank study found that 56.1% of children in India under the age of 10 struggled to read simple text. This is concerning, as strong Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) skills are crucial for keeping children in school and fostering social responsibility. Despite high enrollment rates, over 75% of Grade 3 learners lack foundational skills, making retention difficult.

The Foundational Learning Study (FLS) by NCERT in 2022, which assessed 86,000 Grade 3 students from 10,000 schools in 20 languages, revealed that Indian students did not meet global proficiency levels. This indicates a pressing need to improve FLN skills.

Can This Change?

Programs like the Integrated Child Development Schemes (ICDS), the Right to Education Act, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, and the recent NEP 2020 emphasize the importance of foundational skills. Additionally, innovative experiments by various stakeholders in education are showing promising results in improving FLN skills.

One such promising initiative is the ALfA (Accelerating Learning for All) Programme, the brainchild of Dr. Sunita Gandhi, an economist, educationist, and founder of DEVI (Dignity Education Vision International) Sansthan, a non-profit organization focused on educational innovation.

The ALfA Programme

After years of research, Dr. Gandhi believes that without foundational skills, education is incomplete. She has conducted numerous experiments on learning and advocated for educational reforms both in India and internationally.

The ALfA Programme is an innovative and effective pedagogy designed to transform education. It promotes a fast-track, holistic approach to FLN, where children work in pairs and teachers act as facilitators rather than traditional transmitters of knowledge.

Developed after eight years of active research, the ALfA Programme was launched in various Indian states in 2022-23. It has since been replicated in 33 national and international languages, paving the way for large-scale expansion.

The ALfA Programme delivers foundational literacy and numeracy ten times faster than traditional methods, achieving FLN goals in an average of 45 days. Using peer-to-peer learning, children interact and learn from each other rather than from a teacher.

The program employs innovative study materials, including two thin booklets that facilitate paired learning. Children create questions for each other, promoting understanding and mastery of concepts. The ALfA Programme also ensures that children develop the 4C skills: collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking, which naturally lead to the 4C traits: citizenship, climate consciousness, character, and connectedness.

To reach every child, the learning booklets are available online, and the NGO conducts Massive Online Open Trainings (MOOT) for those working with children.

How Does the ALfA Programme Work?

The ALfA Programme is a child-friendly, process-led pedagogy where children work in pairs to decode and blend sounds to form words from the very beginning. Teachers motivate and support the process, ask questions, and observe, but do not directly teach.

In the classroom, ALfA fosters leadership and empowerment through daily role-switching pairs, benefiting even shy and specially-abled students. Once children gain foundational literacy, they can engage with subjects like current affairs, read newspapers, and develop their own thought processes.

Aligned with the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat), the ALfA Programme aims to ensure all children achieve FLN by the end of Grade 3. This supports the three developmental goals of foundational learning: health and well-being, effective communication, and engaged learning.

DEVI Sansthan is set to sign MOUs to implement the ALfA Programme in schools across several Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Mizoram, West Bengal, Odisha, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. Additionally, ALfA is being implemented globally in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Peru, the Philippines, USA, Kenya, and the Maldives, with positive learning outcomes.

August 29, 2024October 8, 2024

Transforming Education for 21st Century Learners

ALfA Pedagogy offers compelling benefits, fostering curiosity, inquiry-based learning, and emotional intelligence, enhancing interpersonal relationships and nurturing young minds effectively

In a traditional classroom the omnipresent chalk and blackboard were essential tools, with teachers, a central figure, commanding respect and authority, imparting knowledge. In this setting, more than often students and teachers engaged in one way communication. Information was pushed and was expected to be learnt by heart to be in teachers’ good books. This method may have its merits but the results are glaring. More than 50% of primary students did not develop basic reading and numeracy skills.

Breaking Free of the Traditional Ways

Learning comes with courage and only now have we mustered the strength to do away with the old and embrace the new. Prominent educationists did illuminate the path as a new pedagogy was devised that catered to 21st century learning needs, called ALfA-Accelerated Learning for All.

Maria Montessori ideology of child-centered learning and hands-on experiences resonates deeply with this new transformative pedagogy. Her ideas of self-directed education and the importance of the prepared environment have influenced ALfA’s commitment in shaping learning experiences and to fostering independent and holistic learning.

Teacher is now a facilitator while learners have become researchers. Rote learning, that was embedded in extrinsic learning, has given way to intrinsic learning. The ALfA method ensures that learners of various backgrounds and abilities progress at an optimal pace. Ultimately promoting equal axis to quality education.

Gone are the days of memorisation over understanding. Today students have the toolkit and resources under ALfA to empower them to learn real world skills and present their views on a given topic. Identifying additional learning opportunity beyond the four walls helps student to engage meaningfully in real life. The integration of real-world contexts aligns seamlessly with Dewey’s educational philosophy, enriching the ALfA approach.

Furthermore, Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory has left an indelible mark on ALfA Pedagogy, emphasizing the significance of social interaction and collaborative learning. This influence is evident with Flexible Pairing which creates conducive learning environment where even the passive learners are seen engaged.

Group activities and peer-to-peer engagement act as catalysts for cognitive development. Paired learning is not restricted to a few activities rather it is a foundation of ALfA pedagogy which enables students to collaborate to know their hidden potentials and further strengthen their skills. There is a consistent growth and progress observed in all students.

With time students exhibit analytical skills as they have been framing a variety of questions for each other. Students also demonstrate creativity in all their work. Hence, ALfA can be understood as an educational paradigm that empowers learners and transcends traditional boundaries, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

Teachers becoming a facilitator and students working in pair sounds wonderful in theory but with class strength of nearly 50 students with each student having different learning style, renders the task herculean. Multiple training and demonstration sessions were held for teachers along with parent orientation. They had to unlearn and relearn the new pedagogy in order to help students. Significant transformation and transition processes were kept in place to constantly guide in the right direction.

The shift aimed not only to enhance child-centric learning but also to instill a sense of ownership in students regarding their education. The strategic focus on ALfA underscored the importance of developing 4C skills and traits – critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

Students Taking Ownership of their Own Learning

Teachers did grapple with finding the right balance between guiding students and allowing them to take ownership of their learning. Overcoming the instinct to intervene excessively during the learning process posed a notable challenge. The ongoing support enabled educators to develop the confidence needed to successfully implement ALfA strategies in the classroom. Further, addressing the diverse needs and learning styles of each child within the ALfA framework required creative solutions to maintain a high level of involvement. The challenges faced by both teachers and parents were met with targeted solutions, emphasizing training, ongoing support, and transparent communication.

Weekly surprise assessment provides students with the opportunity to reflect and rectify. Teachers are able to timely intervene to provide the support required for learning to take place. Constant feedback through MCQ, Signals help both teachers and students to track their progress. As a result, the report card is not mere reflection of a student’s power of memory but road map of his educational endeavour.

From inquiry-based learning, fostering a sense of curiosity and a proactive approach to seeking knowledge, to Emotional intelligence, promoting better interpersonal relationships. ALfA Pedagogy offers several key benefits that make it a compelling choice for nurturing young minds.

March 29, 2024March 29, 2024

Overcoming Adversity, Harvesting Hope: Krishna’s Journey to Integrated Farming

Beset by adversity, Krishna Jadhav turned his fortunes around with the help of the Smart Agri Project, and provided inspiration and wisdom to his fellow farmers in finding a way out of poverty

“Every season, it was a gamble. We invested everything we had, only to lose it all sometimes. It was a heart-wrenching cycle that seemed to be never-ending.”

Even a few years ago, Krishna Gyanoba Jadhav’s words echoed among the cotton farmers of Ambegaon village in Parbhani district in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region. After all, the sun-soaked, fertile fields of the village hid a sad reality – the fact that unpredictable weather patterns were pushing cultivators towards debt and poverty. Besides, the farmers’ reliance on chemical fertilisers was only adding to their financial burden and damaging their soil.

Plagued by a string of crop losses and diminished earnings over successive years, the residents of Ambegaon were desperately looking to break free of the vicious cycle. Fortunately, help arrived in the form of the Smart Agri Project, in the nick of time. Together with Krishna, 184 farmers from Ambegaon joined the programme at the same time in 2022.

For farmers such as Krishna, the Smart Agri Project has not only supported them with knowledge regarding sustainable farming techniques, it has also helped nurture the skill of informed decision-making in them. And, better decision-making is what led to a turning point in Krishna’s journey as a farmer.

On three acres of land, Krishna used to cultivate 20–22 quintals of cotton every season. His participation in the Smart Agri Project’s training modules allowed him to learn more about the preparation of low-cost natural inputs and bio-inputs, and the principles of integrated nutrient and pest management. Additionally, the project introduced him to climate and crop advisories, and how to make the best use of the information provided by these advisories. The result? The yield of cotton from Krishna’s field has now risen to 26–27 quintals, along with a 30 per cent drop in production cost. He has also started growing sugarcane and other vegetables on his farm. Overall, his agricultural activities are helping him earn an income of ₹3 lakh–₹4 lakh every year.

In an effort to further increase his income streams, Krishna diversified his activities strategically. Venturing into dairy farming, he selected 10 Holstein cows and two Jafarabadi buffaloes to maximise milk production. Besides leading to a significant increase in his income, the shift to dairy farming has stabilised his agricultural enterprise as well, with the result that he is no longer solely dependent on traditional crop cultivation as a means of sustenance. “I realised that the key to resilience lies in diversity. Combining traditional crops with dairy farming seemed like a natural progression,” says Krishna.

The integration of modern farming methods and his decision to combine livestock and traditional farming has transformed Krishna’s farm into a thriving ecosystem. For Ambegaon’s farming community, it has emerged as a resilient, holistic model that can potentially open up a path to prosperity.

“Through the Smart Agri Project, we have empowered farmers to ‘cultivate’ prosperity beyond their fields. By leveraging technology, we have tailored advisories that optimise crop yield, minimise resource wastage and maximise profitability. As we witness the transformational impact of our programme, we reaffirm our commitment to bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern innovation – ensuring the development of a prosperous agricultural ecosystem for generations to come,” says Anukool Nagi, Assistant General Manager, Solidaridad.

February 29, 2024March 2, 2024

Taking the Smart and Sustainable Road to Prosperity

Sanjay Keshavrao Kene was finding it difficult to make ends meet as a farmer. The Smart Agri Project came as a ray of hope and completely changed his fortunes. Here’s how.

For small-scale farmers in India, the path to adopting good agricultural practices can be steep without access to adequate resources and information. This certainly was the case with Sanjay Keshavrao Kene, a 62-year-old small farmer in Amla Vishweshwar village in Maharashtra’s Amravati district. Owning four acres of land, Sanjay solely relied on cotton cultivation to feed his family of four. The situation was far from ideal.

Says Sanjay, “I used to practise monocropping, and that was the main reason behind my economic plight. Moreover, as I did not know the exact ratio of fertilisers and pesticides to be used on the crop, I applied them in excess. This resulted in crop damage and further financial burden. [Sanjay used to spend as much as ₹7,000–₹8,000 per acre every year on chemical inputs.]” It used to be a similar story for the 7,500 small farmers in the Chandur Railway block who are now part of the Smart Agri Project, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of the Vodafone Idea Foundation and Indus Towers with Solidaridad as the implementing partner.

The rainfed nature of agriculture, erratic weather conditions, lack of access to information on modern farming practices, and the high cost of agricultural inputs are some of the major problems faced by small farmers in this region.

Smart Agri Project to the rescue

Technology-driven solutions are at the heart of the Smart Agri Project’s efforts to support farmers in their journey towards sustainability and prosperity. Equipment such as the automatic weather station (AWS) and digital tools such as the Smart Agri mobile application (which enables farmers to receive real-time weather updates and agricultural advisories on a weekly basis) are crucial components of the project. Additionally, the programme also features different kinds of training on regenerative agricultural practices, weekly shetishalas (farmer schools) and exposure visits to the fields of farmers practising sustainable agriculture.

These interventions have been benefitting Sanjay and 700 other families in his village since 2021. “Agriculture-related information is now just a call away (besides the Smart Agri app, farmers can access information through a missed-call service). The detailed agricultural advisories contain localised weather-related information and suggestions on how to prepare low-cost natural inputs. These advisories also tell us the ratio in which fertilisers should be applied to the crops, reducing production costs,” he explains. Due to timely crop and weather advisories, Sanjay could plan his cropping activities (sowing, irrigating, etc.) better and reduce his farm expenses by as much as 25 per cent.

Sanjay received training in integrated pest and nutrient management, composting practices (such as vermicomposting and making compost from manure and cotton stubble) and preparing crop-protection products such as neem ark, dashaparni ark and jeevamrut. “The Smart Agri Project came as a ray of hope. The support from the programme has been overwhelming. Solidaridad’s capacity-building activities have empowered me in a true sense. I am an informed farmer now,” Sanjay adds.

“The Smart Agri Project represents a paradigm shift in farmers’ empowerment. By harnessing the potential and power of IoT-based solutions, comprehensive advisory services and capacity-building programmes, it has not only revolutionised farming practices but also led to a tangible reduction in production costs for farmers. The Smart Agri programme has paved the way for a future where knowledge is the cornerstone of sustainable farming practices,” says Neelima Pahurkar, programme officer, Solidaridad Regional Expertise Centre, Nagpur.

A story of learning and growth

Today, Sanjay is successfully implementing the lessons that he has learned through his association with the Smart Agri Project – and the results are clearly evident. By acting on the technical inputs from the field team, he has set up his own vermicompost unit, and produced 20–25 quintals of the organic fertiliser so far. The application of vermicompost and natural crop-protection products has also helped increase his cotton yield to 8 quintals this season, up from the 5 quintals he got last year, resulting in a profit of ₹20,000. He is also producing other bio-inputs on his farm, such as jeevamrut and waste decomposer liquid (both sourced from cow dung), as well as dashaparni ark. These inputs have enabled Sanjay to drastically reduce his expenditure on chemical sprays he used on his crops previously – saving as much as ₹15,000 in the process. The animal waste from his cattle serves as the key ingredient for the biogas plant, set up on his farm with the support from the project, that is helping him save up on the costs incurred in purchasing gas cylinders.

For disease management in his cotton crop, Sanjay is using pheromone traps to monitor levels of pink bollworm (PBW) and American bollworm (ABW) infestation, and yellow and blue sticky traps for pest management.

In the ongoing rabi season, Sanjay has sown wheat and gram, each in two acres of land. Here too, the Smart Agri Project has supported him through training and regular visits to his field. “As per the suggestions of the team, this time, I did seed treatment prior to sowing. I also followed a proper irrigation schedule, and used vermicompost and vermi-wash in place of chemical fertilisers. I also carried out the appropriate pest control measures. These practices, I am sure, will help me get good results this year,” he says. Sanjay hopes to harvest 7 quintals more wheat than he did the previous year.

Armed with the knowledge on smart farming, Sanjay’s hard work is now yielding improved results. The good news is that he is one of the 2 lakh farmers in Maharashtra who have transformed their lives and fortunes with the help of the Smart Agri Project.

February 1, 2024February 1, 2024

Diverse, Nutritious Food for All

IFAD prioritizes food security through improved production systems, emphasizing nutrition and gender sensitivity

Worldwide, approximately three billion people have poor-quality diets and more than two billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. Nearly 25 per cent of children under the age of five are chronically undernourished.

Despite making tremendous progress in reducing hunger and poverty, India continues to have high rates of malnutrition. Malnutrition causes health problems and losses in economic productivity, including GDP losses. Over the course of their lifetimes, malnourished individuals can earn 10 per cent less than those who are well-nourished.

Without access to adequate, affordable, nutritious food, generations remain trapped in poverty, unable to take advantage of educational and job opportunities to fulfil their potential.

Investing in nutrition through agriculture is not only socially responsible, it is sound development policy and good economics. Its impact is multi-generational, allowing children to reach their full physical and intellectual potential, so that they can grow into healthy adults and lift themselves out of poverty.

Improving food security through better food production systems is at the heart of the work done by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). It designs its projects through a nutrition- and gender-sensitive lens, helping rural people to improve their diets by growing and consuming diverse, nutritious, safe and affordable foods.

To combat malnutrition, IFAD combines its solid technical knowledge with investments in nutrition- and gender-sensitive agriculture, through unique food-based approaches. IFAD finances nutritional education and supports actions that reshape food systems and improve nutrition security.

IFAD also pays special attention to the role of women and adolescent girls, who make up a large percentage of the workforce in agriculture and food systems in developing countries. They are also the safeguards of nutritious diets in their households.

Empowering women by improving their knowledge of nutrition, as well as promoting maternal nutrition and nutrition of adolescent girls, dietary intake, and hygiene behaviours, can reduce undernutrition for entire generations.

Gender-sensitive agricultural projects help ensure women have more control over resources and that both rural men and women understand the important role that they can play in supporting good nutrition.

The IFAD and Government of Maharashtra Nav Tejaswini project works with rural women in the state to enhance nutrition levels by channeling the power of self-help groups (SHGs) to promote awareness and behavioural change at the household, community and village level. This includes providing information on the quality of food on the family table, the easy availability of nutritious food, specific information related to anaemia, and creating awareness about healthy cooking.

Nav Tejaswini has conducted over 4,000 health checkup and awareness camps in villages over the past two years, checking women’s haemoglobin (HB) levels and their body mass index (BMI). Families of women with low HB count receive counselling on measures to address anaemia. It has also introduced “SHG health cards” across 25,000 SHGs, reaching 3,00,000 rural SHG members, to monitor HB every six months and track the improvement in nutrition levels in SHG members. Families with low HB counts are encouraged to develop nutri-gardens to improve accessibility to healthy food. Households receive technical guidance to develop these gardens, which includes information on selecting suitable vegetables, creating a seasonal calendar and awareness about fertilizer and pesticide management. Seeds are also provided.

The ‘tiranga thali’ campaign is an innovative idea that draws on the success of a previous IFAD initiative in Madhya Pradesh. It advocates for each plate to contain ingredients of the three colours from the Indian flag: saffron (pulses like yellow split peas, pigeon peas, and split red lentils) representing proteins; white (rice, milk and roti) representing carbohydrates; and green (leafy vegetables) representing vitamins and minerals. Health master trainers introduced women in 1,850 villages to this concept.

IFAD’s innovative advocacy initiatives include organizing low-cost nutritious recipe competitions and awarding “best nutri-village” and “anaemia-free village” tags to break down barriers for people who think they cannot afford to eat healthily and changing perceptions about what it takes to cook a healthy meal and access healthy food.

IFAD is also mainstreaming nutrition across all of its programmes and projects, especially for those most likely to be left behind. IFAD promotes dialogue among concerned partners, which strengthens understanding, brokers collaboration, and promotes new pathways for nutrition- and gender-sensitive agriculture. IFAD also taps into other reservoirs of knowledge and collaborates with institutions with specialized research skills.

For example, IFAD partners with the Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiative and the Public Health Resource Society to address nutritional deficiencies among women and children of 13 particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) in Odisha through the Odisha PVTG Empowerment and Livelihoods Improvement Programme (OPELIP) by building 60+ community-based crèches in PVTG villages for children less than 3 years.

These nutrition resource centres or Matru Sisu Poshan Kendras (MSPK) cum creches are an initiative to bridge the nutritional gap among PVTGs and to impart knowledge about better nutrition practices to tribal communities suffering from malnourishment. The MSPK cum creches have successfully bridged the gap between available resources and their effective utilization to introduce healthy eating. They also act as demonstration points for mushroom cultivation, model nutritional kitchen gardens, vermicompost and organic manure demonstration units, etc. Children aged 3-6 years in remote hamlets are spot fed in convergence with the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the Department of Women and Child Development’s Mission Shakti. Pregnant women and lactating mothers also receive one full meal. Food and nutrition security is both an indicator and a driver of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development. It is also an investment in the future. For this reason, the scope of global malnutrition demands a robust and collaborative approach, driven by the local realities of smallholders and rural food systems.

January 29, 2024January 29, 2024

The sweet taste of sustainable & resilient sugarcane farming

Despite mounting challenges for sugarcane farmers in Maharashtra, the Unnati Meetha Sona project, implemented by Solidaridad, provides a recipe for sustainability and success

Rasika Vasant Rajpure, a sugarcane farmer from Indapur, near the city of Baramati in Maharashtra, dons several hats. She is a trailblazer in her community, a role model among her peers, and is a reliable, independent cultivator capable of operating heavy farm machinery and making independent financial decisions. Rasika is also one of the progressive lead farmers identified under the Unnati Meetha Sona project, implemented by the Solidaridad Regional Expertise Centre in Maharashtra and Karnataka from June 2022 onwards, in collaboration with The Coca-Cola Foundation and Baramati Agro Limited.

Sugarcane has high global demand, but, in Maharashtra, its cultivation and production face key challenges – climate change being the most critical. The state faced the driest August in 2023 in over a century, leading to drought-like conditions and delivering a hefty blow to sugarcane production. At least 125,000 small-scale farmers in Maharashtra dependent on the crop are now having to bear adversities in the form of climate change and decreasing water supply, leading to inadequate income. Additionally, monocropping can exhaust soils and disturb water tables, while the burning of post-harvest waste leads to widespread air pollution.

Under the Unnati Meetha Sona project, Solidaridad is stepping in to make farmers climate-resilient by providing the requisite knowledge and tools for practising regenerative agriculture. The project also educates farmers regarding the financial benefits of adopting such practices. “This project marks the beginning in bringing about a major change among farmers, so that they understand the ‘when’ and ‘how’ of using water in sugarcane irrigation. This project is also gradually making sugarcane farmers climate-resilient through the adoption of six principles of regenerative agriculture,” says Rama Shukla, assistant programme manager (sugarcane), Solidaridad.

The project has already realised some key outcomes:

Improved water-management practices due to greater awareness among 45,000 farmers
Recognition and integration of women and landless farmers in supply chains, and empowering them by promoting decent working conditions and eliminating child labour
Ensuring compliance of partner sugar mills to the relevant sustainability standards

Rasika Vasant Rajpure dons multiple hats

A Lifeline for Sugarcane Farmers

Focusing on crop rotation, cover cropping and reduced tillage to restore and enhance soil health, the umbrella of regenerative agriculture includes a diverse set of sustainable practices that are almost tailor-made to address the numerous issues faced by sugarcane farmers. Intercropping, for instance, not only maximises land usage but also helps farmers ensure diversification of their produce. In the case of sugarcane, it is onion that is grown most commonly as an intercrop. Drip irrigation, on the other hand, reduces cultivation costs and promotes water-use efficiency, leading to water conservation. During dry spells and in drought-like conditions, trash mulching is an extremely useful practice that enables retention of moisture in the soil. It involves covering the ground with a layer of organic material like sugarcane leaves, or the biomass of harvested intercrop like onion. Yet another important aspect of regenerative farming is the use of organic fertilisers such as farmyard manure, poultry manure and vermicompost. Not only does this reduce input costs, it also leads to healthier soils and crops by enhancing soil fertility and increasing the nutrient-absorption capacities of plants.

For the 45,000 sugarcane farmers participating in the Unnati Meetha Sona programme, these practices and aspects of regenerative agriculture have emerged as a lifeline in what has been an unusually tough season. Rasika and her husband, for example, have been extensively using wells and borewells on their farm to support a drip irrigation system for their crops, thereby saving water while also ensuring an adequate supply of it in their farm. By investing in goat and dairy farming, as well as livestock rearing, she has been able to successfully diversify her income streams, while a backyard kitchen garden allows them to meet the family’s dietary requirements. Overall, the Rajpures have grown five crops this year – sugarcane, ginger, watermelon, coriander and onion – against a cultivation cost not exceeding ₹3.5 lakh. Against this investment, the household’s income has reached around ₹15.5 lakh, leading to significant savings.

Rasika has been able to successfully diversify her income streams.

“In sugarcane farming, we are promoting a holistic and regenerative approach to make farmers like Rasika the custodians of their land and ecosystem. Our purpose is not only to secure economic viability for the farmers, but to also align them with the larger agenda of the localisation of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Localisation of efforts is key to addressing the most urgent crises, such as land degradation, water scarcity and climate change. Through this project, we are trying to contribute our best to India’s climate agenda by putting forth an inclusive approach to help farmers on the ground,” says Mohd. Dilshad, Senior Programme Manager (Dairy and Sugarcane), Solidaridad.

The couple has come a long way since 2013–14 when they only grew sugarcane on their 3.5-acre farm. Due to a lack of knowledge of good farming basics and practices, the Rajpures were practising a primitive style called flood irrigation, which continually led to soil erosion and low productivity. This is reflected in the seasonal produce on their farm during those years – 40 metric tonnes per acre from an adsali plantation (adsali refers to a plantation type that matures in 18 months) and 30 metric tonnes per acre from a ratoon plantation, earning a meagre ₹3.5–4 lakh for their efforts. Compare this to the current figures – 75 metric tonnes per acre from an adsali plantation and 55 metric tonnes from a ratoon plantation – and one realises just how much an improved understanding and implementation of good practices and diversification of income streams has benefitted the Rajpures. What has also helped matters significantly is their reduced expenditure on fertilisers (by as much as 40 percent) and on labour.

Reflecting on her previous hardships, Rasika mentions that realising the importance and purpose of a good education has been her greatest learning in the entire journey. “For me, farming is not an obligation any more. I may not be literate, but I have realised that with the right education and guidance, you can turn around your fate and livelihood. From my learnings, I have motivated my children to pursue an education in agriculture, so that they too can excel in the work I and my husband have started,” she says.

December 30, 2023January 3, 2024

Smart Agri Project: Cultivating Success Stories in Drought-Hit Maharashtra

Farming isn’t easy in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha and Marathwada regions, but the Smart Agri Project’s technological interventions are enabling farmers to overcome adversity and stay ahead of the curve

Agricultural systems in the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions of Maharashtra are mostly rainfed, which pose major challenges for the farmers in the areas. Not only do they get caught up in a vicious cycle of debt and poverty, they also face crop loss due to uncertain and unfavourable weather conditions, and incur major, often needless, expenditure on chemical pesticides and insecticides.

Solidaridad, dedicated to improving the livelihood of small-scale farmers, is addressing these issues in Vidarbha and Marathwada under the Smart Agri Project. In collaboration with the Vodafone Idea Foundation and Indus Towers, Solidaridad has installed useful tools such as automated weather stations, crop-view cameras, iScout traps (for insects and pests), and soil gateways in the farmers’ fields in Vidarbha and Marathwada. These have enabled them to receive real-time, region-specific weather updates, information on insects and pests feeding on their crops, and weekly agri-advisories on low-cost bio-inputs — transforming their farm management practices.

Scripting stories of transformation and success

The Smart Agri Project has been implemented among 60,000 farmers in Marathwada and 1 lakh farmers in Vidarbha. Not surprisingly, farmers in these regions have benefitted immensely from the interventions of the project, with many of them acknowledging the transformation the programme has brought about in their lives.

Naresh Raut (49) is a progressive cotton farmer from Waroda village in Kalmeshwar block, Nagpur district, Maharashtra. Engaged in agriculture for the last 35 years, Naresh’s association with Solidaridad started four years ago, when he was troubled by low yield, high cost of cultivation and uncertain weather. Solidaridad installed a soil gateway and a crop-view camera on his farm. The data captured by these devices was then shared to him and other farmers in the area through regular agri-advisories. The shared data has helped Naresh plan his farming activities better, and has played a crucial role in saving the crop from pest and insect attacks, as well as from adverse effects of the weather. By adopting good agricultural practices and with the regular support from Solidaridad’s field experts, Naresh has reduced his spending on chemical fertilisers by 50 percent; he is also preparing natural pest repellents right at his farm.

“The increased income (by as much as 30 percent) from agriculture has enabled me to pay for my daughters’ education. My elder daughter is preparing for NEET and the younger one will prepare for IIT entrance soon,” he says.

Devanand Bhavsingh Chavhan, a small-scale farmer in Bangaon village in the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, has also prospered with the support from the Smart Agri Project (which he has been a part of, since 2021).

Previously, he used to spend significantly on chemical fertilisers and pesticides; he was also unaware of the correct ratio in which the doses were to be provided. As a result, he was unable to identify the economic threshold (when the pest population is likely to cause damage equal in value to the cost of control/use of pesticides) of pest and insect attacks, leading to more expenses. Today, however, Devanand’s farm is thriving — he cultivates cotton, soybean and pigeon pea, by making use of the drip-irrigation system built in his farm in 2022-23. He follows the advisories, which provide information on weather conditions, soil moisture, prevalence of insect and pest attacks, and low-cost bio-inputs. Acting on the suggestions given, Devanand was able to appropriately schedule irrigation during the dry months (June and July), besides making use of the inexpensive bio-inputs (at the right time, in the correct proportion) and integrated pest management tools on his farm. He was provided with yellow and blue sticky taps, as well as pheromone traps, to eliminate aphids, jassids, thrips, whiteflies and other pests, without having to spend anything on chemical pesticides.

“Thanks to the advisory services, we are now able to effectively plan our agricultural activities even with minimum resources. We can now identify if the insect attack has crossed a certain economic threshold level, and apply bio-inputs in the required ratio. This saves us huge costs on spraying (pesticides),” says Devanand.

The journey of Ganesh Kisanrao Bhosale, a small farmer in Shirkalas village in Purna block, Parbhani district, Maharashtra, is another testament to the positive changes the Smart Agri Project has brought about, this time in the Marathwada region. Due to infertile soil, Ganesh resorted to chemical fertilisers and pesticides on his farm. The high cost of these inputs, coupled with the low market price for his produce, led to inadequate savings.

Ganesh joined the Smart Agri programme when it reached his village in 2022. An automated weather station installed in a neighbouring farm provides him with regular weather updates, and he also receives information on insects and pests and detailed suggestions on how to combat the menace. He also takes part in training programmes, online and offline, besides attending the farmer field school. Today, Ganesh cultivates cotton and pigeon pea, with soybean, turmeric and tomato as intercrops. He has also planted 120 sweet lime saplings in his farm. He has been able to reduce his costs by using compost manure, dashparni extract, and yellow and blue sticky traps. These measures have also enabled him to ensure a healthy cotton yield of 7-8 quintals, the vegetables being a source of additional daily income. His annual income, as a result, has increased nearly 30 percent.

“Digitisation of agriculture is the key factor for inclusive growth. Our dedicated teams have been working round-the-clock to ensure integration of technology at the farm level to build a resilient rural landscape. With more than 200 IoT-supported sensors on the ground and weekly agro-meteorological advisories, we are supporting smallholders transition to a resilient and tech-supported sustainable model of farming,” says Anukool Nagi, Assistant General Manager–Cotton, Solidaridad. Undoubtedly, farmers in drought-prone areas must adopt sustainable agricultural practices to overcome the adversities they face. However, access to information and training on good agricultural practices is a challenge for smallholders who are often expected to bear the burden of sustainability without adequate support. Here, the Smart Agri Project bridges the gap — and demonstrates that with regular training and access to timely information through advisories, farmers are writing their own stories of transformation and success.

November 30, 2023November 30, 2023

Guardians of the Soil

The journey of the Sahyadri women farmers’ group shows that regenerative agricultural practices can provide livelihood opportunities and help farmers make profits too

In the beautiful village of Satarde in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district, a group of 12 women farmers has established a thriving, profitable vermicomposting business. Today, the Sahyadri women farmers’ group is promoting and enabling the practice of regenerative agriculture by selling vermicompost to their fellow farmers engaged in sugarcane cultivation. Their journey — from humble beginnings to economic success — is an inspiring story of dedication, innovation, and community development.

It was in April 2022 when the women came to know about the ‘Reducing Water Usage and Carbon Emissions in Maharashtra through Regenerative and Sustainable Sugarcane Farming’ programme during one of the training sessions in the village. Voicing their concerns about rampant soil degradation and its implications for future generations, the women expressed their keenness to learn vermicomposting, an eco-friendly activity that would enable them to preserve soil health, and earn extra income.

Witnessing their passion and enthusiasm, the programme team decided to train the women farmers in vermicomposting. They were organised into a group of 10, and equipped with a total of four vermi-beds for the production of vermicompost, a biofertilizer which could replace synthetic fertilisers. With support from Solidaridad, the group was taught different methods of composting and their benefits by expert trainers. They also received training on modern, sustainable techniques of sugarcane farming at the Vasantdada Sugar Institute, Pune.

Not only has the use of vermicompost enhanced soil fertility (by improving microbial health, and increasing levels of nitrogen, potash, calcium and other nutrients), the Sahyadri group along with experts from Solidaridad has also estimated that using only six tonnes of vermicompost per hectare of land can reduce costs incurred on fertilisers (by as much as ₹3,800–₹4,000 per hectare) and on pesticides (by as much as 40 percent) over the next three or four years. Not surprisingly, the programme has, from a financial perspective, given a fresh lease of life to these women. Till date, the group has produced 3,100 kg of vermicompost from the four vermi-beds, earning ₹25,200 in the process. They also plan to sell an additional 250 kg of the compost at a much higher rate, with the aim of earning an estimated ₹50,000.

“We are very happy and proud that we have earned this money by ourselves from the vermi-beds. We will use this money to expand our vermicomposting business. This will not only help us in protecting mother earth but also provide us some extra income, which we can utilise for our own expenses,” says Mangal Tanaji Patil, a group member. “We are also looking to install four more vermi-beds. This will help us to supply more vermicompost as its demand is rising,” adds Kalyani Naik, another member.

Word of the Sahyadri group’s achievements has spread to neighbouring regions such as Baramati. The women of Baramati were inspired to set up their own vermicomposting unit, after visiting Satarde and learning from the experiences of the women farmers there.

With Solidaridad’s help, the Sahyadri group has registered itself as an MSME. They are now planning to create their own brand that will cater to the needs of various groups of farmers. Additionally, they are also hoping to participate in different events (such as kisan melas) to increase sales of the compost produced by them. Solidaridad also continues to provide training support, marketing support (by promoting their products and providing information on events where these products can be marketed) and build linkages with demo plot holders who are likely to use vermicompost on their lands. As Mangal says, “The scope of vermicompost is huge in our area. So, we are trying to promote our products with the help of the project team, in order to sell more, earn more and protect our soil.”

The Sweet Taste of Success

In Maharashtra, Solidaridad’s ‘Reducing Water Usage and Carbon Emissions in Maharashtra through Regenerative and Sustainable Sugarcane Farming’ programme, supported by Food Value Chain of Bayer, Dalmia Bharat Sugar and Industries Limited, and Dalmia Bharat Foundation, is helping 10,000 farmers conserve soil by promoting regenerative agricultural practices. It is also enabling farmers to make and sell homemade compost. These interventions have resulted in a significant decline in soil degradation, and harmful practices such as monocropping and crop burning.

Among farmers and groups such as Sahyadri, the project has led to an increase in adoption of practices such as waste mulching and use of organic manure (along with a 15 percent reduction in the use of synthetic, chemical fertilisers). Since 2021, the efforts have also translated to a 12 percent increase in farm yield, along with an estimated 15 million litres of water saved per year. Additionally, safe disposal of agrochemicals has also been ensured with the installation of agrochemical storage containers.

Most encouragingly, women farmers have increasingly benefitted from the programme. They are now raising awareness about the importance and benefits of practices such as vermicomposting and soil health management. Their efforts are now bearing fruit, as evidenced by the rising popularity of environment-friendly practices and demand for eco-friendly farm inputs and products.

“Soil health is one of the major concerns nowadays. There is a need to raise awareness among the farmers on the benefits of the application of organic compost (like vermicompost) in the field to reduce the cost of production and improve soil fertility. The Sahyadri group is doing a great job in contributing towards the restoration of soil health which has deteriorated due to the excessive use of agrochemicals. They are the flag-bearers of this initiative, and are helping protect mother earth,” says Manisha Shah, Assistant Programme Manager, Solidaridad.

November 27, 2023

Cultivating Health and Nutrition

With its commitment to Tricolor Food, agri-allied value chains, and organic farming, Heifer International India is making a significant contribution to a healthier India, one village at a time

In a nation as diverse and vibrant as India, the pursuit of a Healthy International India has always been a paramount concern. Access to nutrition, especially for vulnerable sections of society, is a critical aspect of this endeavor. At the forefront of this nutritional revolution stands Heifer International India, embarking on its transformative journey through four Signature Projects in India, driven by a steadfast commitment to Scale, Permanence of Impact, and Partnership. With a formidable network of over 1 lakh women smallholder farmers and more than 10,000 Self-Help Groups, the impact is nothing short of extraordinary.

Scale: Number of people reached, and systems changed to enable long-lasting pro-poor wealth generation and living income for smallholder farmers.

Permanence of Impact: Wealth generation, living income and resilience by establishing and supporting farmer-focused infrastructure and institutions of rural economies.

Partnership: With global, regional and local governments, financial service providers, technical service providers, private sector and partners in philanthropy.

Empowering Communities for Sustainable Nutrition

Heifer International India is not merely an organization; it is an architect of change, fostering a brighter future for India. Its innovative approach to community empowerment goes beyond the traditional boundaries of agriculture. Through Self-Help Groups, Heifer International India provides not only financial resources but also knowledge, igniting the flames of newfound independence and the ability to secure a better tomorrow for their families.

At the heart of Heifer International India’s strategy lies the holistic community development model, the Vibrant Bharat Holistic Community Development (VBHCD), built upon the foundation of the organization’s 12 Cornerstones. These cornerstones embody values such as sharing, sustainability, gender equality, and environmental consciousness. Through VBHCD, Heifer International India is not just creating change; it is creating a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and sustainable development, one community at a time.

Tricolor Food for Nutritional Excellence

Heifer International India’s visionary Tricolor Food initiative is rewriting the narrative of nutrition in Bihar, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. This groundbreaking program doesn’t just aim to provide a diverse range of nutritious foods; it empowers local communities to become architects of their nutritional destiny.

Tricolor Food categorizes nourishment into three vibrant color groups: orange, white, and green. Each hue represents a group of foods that, when combined, offer comprehensive nutrition. From the orange group, we have staples like wheat, papaya, and carrots. The white group encompasses essentials like milk, cheese, and rice. Meanwhile, the green group introduces a vibrant spectrum of vegetables, including spinach, peas, and beans.

The brilliance of this initiative lies in its simplicity, making it accessible even to those with limited education. Heifer International India is diligently training women-led Self-Help Groups in Bihar, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh to cultivate Tricolor Food in small nutrition gardens in their own backyards. In doing so, they are not just elevating traditional grains, vegetables, and fruits but also ensuring that a balanced diet featuring all three colors becomes a cherished part of daily life.

Regenerative Agriculture Approach

Beyond Tricolor Food and agri-allied value chains, Heifer International India recognizes the dangers posed by chemical fertilizers and pesticides to both human health and the environment. Therefore, the organization has taken on the role of a torchbearer in the organic farming revolution.

Organic farming, characterized by techniques like crop rotation, green manuring, and the use of natural fertilizers, is being taught to smallholder farmers. Its benefits are manifold – chemical-free produce and improved soil quality. But Heifer International India’s approach isn’t just about teaching; it’s about hands-on implementation on kitchen gardens and small farms. Furthermore, Heifer International India champions the mass production of organic formulations by Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), democratizing organic farming for all.

Diverse Livelihood Options

Heifer International India’s key strategy is the promotion of diverse livelihood options. Through comprehensive training and unwavering support, women are empowered with the knowledge and skills required to engage in activities like backyard poultry and goat enterprises. These initiatives are not just avenues for income generation; they are wellsprings of high-quality protein. They provide families with a sustainable source of eggs, meat, and milk, enhancing their nutritional intake. In addition to financial empowerment, smallholder women farmers are experiencing improved food security and dietary diversity.

Surita Sandosham, President & CEO of Heifer International, and Rina Soni, Country Director of Heifer International India, alongside Tribal Women in Mayurbhanj, Odisha.

A Vision for a Healthy India

Heifer International India’s initiatives in Bihar, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh serve as a beacon of hope, illustrating the potential of community-driven interventions. By championing Tricolor Food, agri-allied value chains, and organic farming, they are contributing to a healthier India, one village at a time. Through empowerment, education, and sustainable practices, they are not only bridging income disparities but also making nutrition accessible to all, particularly the most vulnerable sections of society.

Heifer International India’s relentless work in these states demonstrates the power of community-driven change, providing women, youth, Indigenous populations, and the most vulnerable among us have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

On its journey towards a Healthy India, Heifer International India’s holistic approach reminds us that by investing in communities and championing locally led development, we can create enduring change and cultivate a brighter, more nourished future for all.

November 1, 2023November 3, 2023

Biofortification: A Pathway to Empower Nutritional Resilience to Communities

In the fight against hidden hunger, biofortification offers a sustainable, scientifically validated solution to boost diets and enhance global well-being

Approximately 2 billion people worldwide silently grapple with the pervasive effects of micronutrient malnutrition, often referred to as “hidden hunger.” This insidious condition arises from the absence of critical micronutrients like vitamin A, zinc, and iron in daily diets, taking a toll on the mental and physical development of children and adolescents, leading to lower IQ, stunting, and even blindness. Vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, bear the brunt of this issue, while hidden hunger erodes the productivity of both men and women due to increased susceptibility to illness and diminished work capacity.

In India, studies reveal that an estimated 50 to 70 per cent of women of reproductive age suffer from anemia, linked to iron deficiency. Additionally, zinc deficiency emerges as a formidable health concern for millions, especially children, contributing significantly to childhood stunting and even premature mortality. The absence of zinc, a vital nutrient essential for proper growth and overall health, underscores the urgency of innovative solutions.

Micronutrient malnutrition is further exacerbated by the inadequacies of local food systems, challenges related to the affordability and accessibility of nutritious foods, and the escalating impact of climate change on the quality and quantity of food production.

According to the Copenhagen Consensus of 2008, a panel of renowned economists, including five Nobel Laureates, ranked efforts to reduce hidden hunger among the most cost-effective global solutions. Biofortification, a pivotal strategy, secured the fifth position among these solutions.

Biofortification: A Promise of Health

Biofortification is a process that elevates the nutritional content of staple crops already part of the population’s daily diet, achieved through conventional and modern agricultural breeding techniques. This approach aims to measurably alleviate micronutrient deficiencies by enhancing the micronutrient content of edible plant parts.

Biofortified crops, the outcome of this remarkable process, exhibit not only high yields but also resilience to drought and heat. Importantly, they align with farmers’ preferences, making them a sustainable choice. Regular consumption of these crops has been shown to have a tangible impact on health, as substantiated by nutrition studies. This underscores their potential to effectively combat malnutrition.

In the relentless battle against hidden hunger, biofortification emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a sustainable and scientifically validated solution to enhance the nutritional value of diets and improve the overall well-being of communities worldwide.

A woman farmer growing biofortified Zinc Wheat.

Biofortification’s Advantages

Targeting Vulnerable Populations: Biofortification primarily targets populations who regularly consume significant quantities of staple foods as part of their daily diets. These individuals often lack access to diverse and nutrient-rich foods.

Rural Focus: It is particularly beneficial for rural areas, where approximately 75 per cent of subsistence farmers reside. These communities heavily rely on diets centered around staple foods such as cereals (wheat, rice, pearl millet, maize, and tuber crops) in various geographic regions. Often, supplementation or fortified food products are not readily available in these remote areas. Consequently, the introduction of locally produced, more nutritious staple food crops can have a profound impact on the daily nutrition of these communities.

Cost-Effectiveness: Biofortification proves to be a cost-effective approach. Following the initial investment in developing biofortified crops, these crops can be adopted at a relatively low additional cost and remain available in the food system year after year.

Sustainability: Biofortification embodies a sustainable approach as it hinges on foods that populations regularly consume. Biofortified crops can be cultivated to deliver essential nutrients without incurring recurring costs, making them an economically viable and sustainable solution to combat malnutrition.

Incorporating biofortified crops into regular diets offers an effective, sustainable, and economically feasible means of enhancing nutrition among vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas.

HarvestPlus: Catalyzing Global Change HarvestPlus is at the forefront of promoting and disseminating biofortified crops globally, spanning Asia, Africa, and Latin America. With more than 86 million people worldwide benefiting from these naturally nutritious crops, Dr. Howarth Bouis, the Founder and Director of HarvestPlus, received the prestigious World Food Prize in 2016 for his pioneering work. In India, HarvestPlus collaborates with over 135 partners from various sectors, including public, private, farmer-producer organizations (FPOs), National Rural Livelihood Programs, and community organizations. HarvestPlus collaborates to scale biofortified crops in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka, Punjab, and Jharkhand. For scaling biofortified crops, HarvestPlus focuses strategically on seed availability and accessibility, demand creation for seeds, awareness about the benefits of nutritious grains, developing value chains, and favorable policies for linking to safety net programs.

Major Accomplishments

Establishment of strong partnerships between ICAR, SAUs, Livelihood programs, private and public sector and community organization.
The Prime Minister’s endorsement of biofortified crops in 2020 marked a transformative moment.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) announced that 10 per cent of its Frontline Demonstrations would include zinc-biofortified wheat and rice varieties. Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) facilitate direct interaction between researchers and farmers, allowing scientists to gain valuable feedback from the field.
First minimum micronutrient standards for iron and zinc for pearl millet products for being accepted in the national testing trials.
1.7 million smallholder farmers growing biofortified crops. An estimated 7 million people benefitted by consuming biofortified crops.
Two nutrition efficacy studies in biofortified pearl millet and zinc wheat were published which provides the proof of concept that these crops are efficacious.
76 biofortified varieties available for cultivation, that have been released by the ICAR and SAUs.

Capacity building for women farmers in Bihar.

In 2023, HarvestPlus commemorates the remarkable 20-year impactful journey, this milestone stands as a testament to the program’s profound contributions to global nutrition and agricultural development, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing nutrition security and improving livelihoods on a global scale. In scaling biofortified crops in India, we see not just a cost-effective and sustainable solution to combat malnutrition but a beacon of hope for healthier, brighter futures for millions.

“HarvestPlus remains steadfast in its commitment to scale biofortified crops, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations have access to and availability of nutritious diets. Our approach adds value from the farmers who cultivate these crops to the end consumers. At our core, we are driven by the mission to enrich nutrition on every plate.”
Binu Cherian, Senior Country Manager, HarvestPlus

Author: thegoodsight