Odisha is a state where around 80% of the total population depends upon agriculture. Within a span of 30-40 years the uses of external inputs in agriculture practices have changed drastically the environment and also the cause of margilisation of farmers. Though various govt. schemes have been introduced for the poor but there is no improvement in standard of living (SOL). 75% farmers of the population depend upon agriculture in Nayagarh district. Due to campaign by the corporate sectors for implementation of chemical fertilizers the farmers of the operational area changed their farming process. Gradual deterioration of environment like soil degradation, ground water depletion and increased incidence of disease, pests and migration are the cause of changed farming system.

From the experience the productivity per acre is about 15-16 quintal in conventional method and declining day to day. As a result the people can’t ensure their food security and migrated as daily wage labour.
Bruksha ‘O’ Jeevar Bandhu Parisad (BOJBP) a grassroot organization is working for the people since 1970 feel the need of the operational area. The organization has been started the project “Upscaling SRI in Odisha” since 2008. Including six grassroot level organizations of different blocks BOJBP has been promoting System of Rice Intensification (SRI) which is a pole star for the marginal and small farmers to enhance production.
During this reporting period (April 09-March 10) sub-circle meeting of the farmers, orientation of staff for skill development, training to farmers on SRI and sustainable agriculture, training to farmers on preparation and use of vermicompost and bio-pesticides, circle meeting of farmers, training to farm labours, training to women on sustainable agriculture, training to key trainers, block and district level meet of SRI farmers to strengthen farmers federation were some of the key activities undertaken. Besides that 138 no of soil samples have been tested in our office after getting training on soil testing.

Objectives

• Improve socio-economic status of the marginal and small farmers through enhanced crop production by providing them skill and inputs to adopt SRI and SA.
• Reduce no of distress migration by providing them employment opportunities for rural agricultural labours in villages
• Build federation of organic farmers to have broader impact  and who can undertake lobby and advocacy efforts to safeguard interest of the farming community.
   

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