The vision for agriculture focuses on resilience, ecological care, and economic stability for small and marginal farmers in Jambusar Block. Through programmes like Solaris, BAF, and partnerships with the Farmer Producer Organisation, farmers are adopting climate-smart techniques and integrated farming practices. Women-led model farms and waste management initiatives are promoting sustainable agriculture, helping communities protect the environment while improving livelihoods.

A. Solaris (Natural Farming)

The Solaris programme supports a climate-resilient agriculture ecosystem for small and marginal farmers across 15 villages in Jambusar Block. During this period, 1,009 farmers participated, with 25 demonstration plots and 12 model farms—mostly managed by women—serving as community learning hubs for integrated cropping of cereals, pulses, and vegetables. Farmers were trained to prepare natural bio-inputs like Jeevamrut and Neemastra and adopt climate-adaptive practices such as Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing. These efforts reduced input costs by 12% and increased production by 13%, with model farms achieving up to 30% higher vegetable income, strengthening ecological sustainability and household economic security.

B. ACE (Akhod and Suva Community Waste Management)

The Solaris programme promotes a climate-resilient agriculture ecosystem for small and marginal farmers across 15 villages in Jambusar Block. During this period, 1,009 farmers participated, addressing issues like soil degradation and groundwater contamination from chemical inputs. The programme established 25 demonstration plots and 12 model farms, many led by women, where farmers learned integrated cropping and natural bio-inputs like Jeevamrut and Neemastra. Climate practices such as Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing helped farmers reduce input costs by 12% and increase production by 13%, with model farms earning up to 30% higher vegetable income, strengthening economic security and sustainable farming.

C. SWM PGP (Solid Waste Management – Partition Centre & Skill Centre)

Operating in Gajera and Uchhad, the SWM PGP project promotes waste management through household-level collection and scientific processing. Covering 2,200 households, the programme achieved 100% daily waste collection at the source. Through segregation and composting, household waste is converted into organic inputs that improve sanitation and support sustainable agriculture, while encouraging long-term environmental responsibility in communities.

D. BAF (Bharat Agroecology Fund)

The BAF project works with 1,002 farmers to promote agroecological practices that improve productivity and ecological balance. It established 12 women-led model farms demonstrating intercropping, natural pest management, and organic fertilisation. These farms achieved up to 30% higher vegetable income than conventional plots, strengthening women's leadership in agriculture while improving food security and sustainable farming.

E. Vivekanand Khedut Mandali Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO)

The organisation partnered with the Vivekanand Khedut Mandali FPO to strengthen institutional capacity and market linkages for farmers. The FPO has supported over 1,002 beneficiaries across 10 villages through training, input support, and access to schemes like ATMA and KVK. Awareness of natural farming increased from 71% to 100%, while farmers using multiple natural techniques rose from 91 to 157. Preparation of natural inputs also grew from 14% to 68%, promoting climate-resilient farming and stronger financial discipline among members.

Voices from the Field

“I stopped using chemical fertilisers after learning natural farming. My input costs reduced, and my vegetable income increased. The soil is healthier now, and I am confident farming even in changing weather.”

Bhavishaben Patel, Woman Farmer, Samoj Village