Community Farming Project Welcome to the Heart of Sustainable Nestled in the scenic districts of Chamoli and Rudraprayag, the Community Farming Project by Sewa International is more than just an initiative—it’s a movement. A movement to empower small and marginal farmers, breathe life back into underutilised lands, and foster a spirit of fraternity within farming communities. Through a blend of traditional knowledge and modern practices, this project is transforming not just fields but also lives, offering a sustainable path forward for communities long affected by economic hardship and environmental challenges |
Why This Initiative Matters In rural Uttarakhand, agriculture serves as a primary livelihood, yet challenges such as fragmented landholdings, declining soil fertility, and limited market access have long plagued small farmers. The Community Farming Project was born out of a dire need to address these systemic issues. Here’s why it’s so important: |
Reviving Dormant Lands
Large tracts of cultivable land had fallen into disuse, leading to declining agricultural productivity.
|
Economic Resilience
Many families struggled to generate income from farming alone, forcing migration to urban centres.
|
Environmental Stewardship
Conventional farming methods had contributed to soil degradation and a reduction in biodiversity.
|
Reviving Dormant Lands
Large tracts of cultivable land had fallen into disuse, leading to declining agricultural productivity.
Economic Resilience
Many families struggled to generate income from farming alone, forcing migration to urban centres.
Environmental Stewardship
Conventional farming methods had contributed to soil degradation and a reduction in biodiversity.
|
The project aims to turn these challenges into opportunities, making agriculture profitable and sustainable while nurturing a sense of community. |
Our Vision
The project aims to turn these challenges into opportunities, making agriculture profitable and sustainable while nurturing a sense of community.
|
Our Mission in Action |
Collaborative Farming
Land pooling is at the core of this initiative, enabling farmers to combine their holdings into larger, more productive farms. This cooperative model fosters shared prosperity and efficient use of resources.
The state head of Sewa narrates an anecdote: “There are few farms and few farmers who have taught me one lesson. That is to say, the entire cost of setting up this particular project, we decided that we will provide the infrastructure. But the labour cost for setting up everything…. will be done by the farmers. This is the agreement…. And I feel by doing that, they are able to ask questions to me….. I remember someone from Urgam which is a very high-altitude valley in Samodhi, near Joshimath, on a night, he is calling me. Called me and said, “You could not complete the work of fencing. When are you going to do it?” He said, “I have paid. I have put my stake there. I am paying my 20% for Sewa.” So, you are bound to do that. That approach is something that I felt is a good part.” |
Capacity Building |
Market Linkages Through direct connections to local and national markets, farmers gain fair prices for their produce, significantly boosting household incomes and reducing dependency on intermediaries. Women’s Empowerment Through direct connections to local and national markets, farmers gain fair prices for their produce, significantly boosting household incomes and reducing dependency on intermediaries. Environmental Conservation The project promotes practices like rainwater harvesting, soil health improvement, and afforestation, ensuring long-term ecological balance |
Impact in Numbers
130+
Female Farmers actively participating
4,395kg
Organic crops harvested and sold
20
Community Farms spanning two districts
2,326
Crop bunches benefiting local markets and economies
|
Rudraprayag District
Chamoli District
|
Stories of Transformation |
Aligned with Global Goals This initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): |
Join Us in Transforming Lives Be a part of this extraordinary journey. Support us in empowering farmers, revitalising traditions, and creating sustainable futures. Together, we can cultivate not just crops but resilient, thriving communities. |