Strengthening Natural Farming Systems in two blocks of Chota Nagpur Region, Jharkhand

In India, the transition to natural and organic farming is slowed down due to lack of awareness of small and marginal farmers about government-supported farm-related entitlements. At the institutional level, the transition is challenged by inadequate understanding of climate-resilience at the grassroots. New Venture Fund is helping PHIA Foundation in promoting climate-resilient natural farming in Rania and Thetaitanagar blocks of Chotanagpur region in Jharkhand through giving vulnerable communities access to social security entitlements and strengthening local governance for humanitarian response and Disaster Risk Reduction. As a result of the programme’s efforts, 700 farmers were motivated to grow kitchen gardens and adopt the SRI technique of paddy/millet cultivation and 111 women were trained to start mushroom cultivation. Community meetings have ensured that farmers are better equipped to scientifically plan the use of their natural resources such as water, forest and soil. The team has been engaging in advocacy for the preservation and use of traditional seeds using community platforms.