The Crisis in Agriculture
Since the dawn of Agriculture, the Indian subcontinent has been at the forefront of being one of the most productive areas in the world. It is one of the 12 Mega Biodiversity Centres of the world with 811 cultivated plants and 186 breeds of livestock; the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) has 4.46 lakh accessions in its base collection (July 2020). India is the Centre of Origin of more than 3 dozen crops, fruits and vegetables. This rich biodiversity, natural resources and the skill and innovation of traditional techniques and acumen of the farmers made brought climate resilience, diversity in food and trade.
Agriculture employs 50% of the workforce and is the primary livelihood for 58% of the population contributing 18% to the national GDP. India is one of the top 5 nations of the world producing 80% of the farm produce.
Despite these impressive achievements, the current agrarian crisis is one of the biggest challenges for the nation. The Green Revolution (1965 onwards) focused on the production of rice and wheat at the expense of everything else. Along with forests and commons, crops like Pulses, Oilseeds and Millets were sidelined. Currently, 60% of edible oil and 22% of pulses are imported; per capita pulses and millet availability have dropped by 23 and 20% respectively. In 2015-16, India’s food import bill was Rs 1.4 Lakh Crore.
Despite an increase in irrigated area by 3 times, production growth rates of most crops have declined from the growth rates achieved before and in the first decade after the Green Revolution. There has been a massive increase in the use of agrochemicals; synthetic fertilizers have increased by 400% and pesticide use has gone up by 7 times since 1950-60. Fertilizers subsidy has risen by 95 times since 1976 to Rs 72,415 Crores (2016).
The use of tractors has gone by 72 times since 1950-51. Despite the rising and heavy application of agrochemicals, the Fertilizer Response Ratio has reduced to half of the 1970s level; 450 insects and 150 fungi became resistant to pesticides by the end of the first decade of the Green Revolution.
Agrochemicals lead to the destruction of soil biome, dehydration, soil acidification, ionic contamination leading to reduction to tilth, increased erosion, salinity, weakening of plant resistance increasing susceptibility to pests and diseases. Pollinators, predators and parasitoids are severely affected by the use of pesticides leading to food chain imbalances and an increase in resistant pests.
Pesticide residues in food are leading to increased susceptibility to Cancer, reproductive and endocrine disorders, autoimmune diseases, liver and kidney toxicity. Cancer cases are predicted to increase by 12%, Kidney diseases have doubled in the last 15 years while 1 in 10 Indians suffer from thyroid diseases.
Monocultures replaced traditional diversified farming systems; 67% of the area under Paddy and 90% of the area under maize and wheat are under “High Yielding” Varieties (HYVs) which have a narrow genetic base and thus highly vulnerable to pests and diseases as well as abiotic (drought, flood, salinity etc) stress; they have poor adaptability in marginal soils and rainfed conditions. Genetically Modified (GM) crops have further increased the risks of contamination and poses a serious threat to crop diversity and seed sovereignty; it is the single most important reason for the agrarian crisis among Cotton farmers. “Modern” varieties are poor in nutrients and organoleptic properties; increased use of agrochemicals and varietal characters has led to nutrient dilution especially in vegetables and fruits.
As per NFHS-4 ---23% of Women & 20% of Men aged 15 to 49 years have BMI < 18.5; 38% of children under 5 years of age are stunted, 21% are wasted and 36% are underweight; 53% of Women & 23% of Men aged 15-49 years are anemic, 59% of children < 5 years are anemic.
There is a looming water crisis with groundwater in 22% of the districts being declared dried up or in a critical state; Groundwater continues to be the biggest source of irrigation (67%) despite critical drops in the water table. Synthetic fertilisers is a major cause of nitrate pollution along with heavy metals and radioactive leaching contaminating groundwater.
High recurring input costs with diminishing returns have declined farm incomes; an average farmer just manages to earn Rs 77,112 annually while marginal farmers eke out a living at Rs 49,824 (NSSO, 2016). Loss of employment in the farm sector and other employment opportunities, land alienation and fragmentation, indebtedness (70% farmer HHs have outstanding loans) have pushed the farmers to kill themselves; 15,000 farmers commit suicide every year predominantly in the more “advanced” states of the country (Maharashtra, Karnataka Andhra Pradesh etc).
Agriculture in Jharkhand
JHARKHAND – the land of Jharis or scrub forests have been under farming since the Copper Age (7000 YBP), it is divided into 2 major portions- Chotanagpur Plateau and Santhal Parganas; the former is a breakaway extension of Deccan Plateau (Province 6B), while the latter consists of the basaltic traps of Rajmahal Hills (known for its unique fossiliferous deposits). The region is one of the oldest landmasses (54 Crore years old) in the world has unique geo-floristic diversity along with ecologically embedded communities with significant contributions in the development of mixed farming systems evolving valuable genetic diversity and traditional subsistence farming systems and natural resource management under fragmented undulating terrains; the region is one of the 21 Agricultural Biodiversity Heritage Sites of India, it is also recognized as Distinct Geographic Region by Royal Botanical Gardens (Kew, England). The region is marked with an undulating topography with small hillocks and mounds represented to gentle slopes with numerous streams dissecting the uplands into peneplains and isolated hills. The region is marked by several rainfed rivers (Damodar, Koel, Barakar, Subarnarekha, Gumani, Bansloi, Ajay, Brahmani), streams and torrents coming down the higher reaches of the plateau; river Ganga touches the Sahibganj district in the north.
Table 1 gives details of the Agricultural Profile in the State-
| Geographical Area | Cultivable Area | Net Sown Area | Irrigated Area | Cropping Intensity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79.7 L ha | 38 L ha 48% | 25 L ha 52% | 3 L ha 12% | 126% |
The region falls under Agroclimatic Zone VII (Eastern Plateau and Hill Region) with 3 subzones (IV, V & VI), characterised by sub-tropical humid and sub-humid climate characterised by hot summers (45°C or more) and cool winters (6 to 22°C). The average rainfall varies from 1000 to 1600 mm while humidity varies from 38% (Apr-May) to 94% (Jul-Sep). The region is characterised by a short, dry moisture regime; thus, ensuring moisture availability for growing ranges from 150-180 days in a year. 80 to 85% of the rains occur during the monsoons (Jun-Sep).
The region predominantly has red soil (Damodar Valley & Rajmahal hills), micaceous soil (Koderma, Hazaribagh), black soil (Rajmahal hills), laterite (Ranchi, Palamau, parts of Santhal Pargana and Singhbhum). About 40% of the geographic area is subjected to severe to moderate erosion.
70% of the population is dependent on agriculture as the primary livelihood and 28% of the population constitute the Adivasi communities; the average landholding is 1.58 ha and 80% of the are small and marginal farmers.
Rainfed agriculture is predominant farming in the area with Rice-Fallow (more than 1 million ha) as the predominant pattern; a topo sequential land use is relevant with high and medium slopes with light textured red soil cultivated with pulses, finger millet and pigeon pea and upland rice; medium soils with light-textured soils cultivated with shorter duration rice in Kharif and vegetables or pulses in rabi and lower slope lowlands that are cultivated with longer duration transplanted rice. In irrigated areas, - wheat, sugarcane is also cultivated. The homestead (Bari) is used for the cultivation of vegetables and cash crops to generate immediate income. 88% of the area is under monocropping with 73% under cereals predominantly Rice.
The major crops taken across seasons is mentioned in Table 2| Kharif | Rabi | Zaid |
| Cereals- Rice, Maize, Finger Millet, Sorghume | Pulses- Bengal gram, Lentil, Grass pea, Horse gram, Black gram, Field Pe | Pulses- Green gram |
| Pulses- Pigeon Pea, Cowpea, Rice bean | Oilseeds- Mustard-Rapeseed, Flaxseed, Groundnut, Niger, Sesame | Vegetables- Okra, Bottle gourd, Ridge gourd, Bitter gourd, Cucumber, Pumpkin |
| Fibre Crop- Mesta | Cereals- Wheat, Barley, Maize | |
| Vegetables- Dolichos beans, Amaranthus, Okra, Cucurbits, Cowpea, Sweet Potato, Taro, Elephant Foot Yam | Vegetables- Cauliflower, Cabbage, Tomato, Radish, Chili, Brinjal, Potato, Coriander, Peas, Spinach, Onion, Garlic, French Beans |
| Rice | Wheat | Maize | Pulses | Oilseed | Fruits | Vegetables | Cashewnut |
| In thousand ha | |||||||
| 1501.177 | 170.097 | 265.846 | 591.138 | 278.135 | 83.853 | 295.273 | 19.659 |
One of the unique features of the Chotanagpur plateau is the short duration (85 to 90 days) direct seeding upland GodaDhan (a group of upland rice variety). These red rice varieties are not the only drought-tolerant, but also nutritionally richer due to the presence of antioxidants (anthocyanins) in bran. A survey carried out by the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) had collected more than 150 cultivars of rice in the state. Some medicinal rice varieties are still cultivated by the farmers as shown in Table 4
| Rice Variety | Medicinal Properties |
| Karhani | Cooked Rice- Breathing Problems; Epilepsy; Burning sensation during Urination; Yellow Urine, Rice Beer given to weak patients. Burnt grain ashes used as Kajal |
| Dani Goda | Rice Porridge was given to weak patients |
| Koronga | Cooked grains are given in dysentery |
| Sargiphul | Cooked grains are given in dysentery |
| Garibsal | High in Silver; used in the treatment of GI infections |
| Hende Bhadoi | High in Iron & Antioxidants |
| Punai Goda | Given to recovering patients as a tonic; High Satiety |
| Pun Bhadoi | High in Iron & Antioxidants |
| Srihati | Galactagogue |
| Ara Bhadoi | Iron-Rich |
| Baccha Kalamdani | High Satiety |
| Bhojni | High Satiety |
| Dahiya | High Satiety |
| Kalama | Reduces Pith |
| Bagh Panjar | Given to recovering patients |
| Gudhna | Gastric ailment |
| Bora | Jaundice |
| Pakheru | Given to recovering patients |
| Karia | Gora Given to recovering patients |
| Bhama | High Satiety |
| Ramdi | High Satiety |
| Muru | High Satiety |
Kala Jeera, Basmati, Jawaphul, Jauphul, Kala Basmati, Badshahbhog, Dudhsal, Dudhsar, Tulsimukul, Sitalchini, Raimundi, Kapursal, Megh Jawain, Syamjira, Srikamal, Bansphul, Lakshmanbhog, Amritabhog, Prasadbhog, Sitabhog, Jagannathbhog, Laddu Jawainare some traditional scented and fine rice of Jharkhand
range of pulses are also cultivated in uplands or medium uplands; Horse gram (Kurthi) has one of the highest levels of Calcium and has been known traditionally in treating kidney stones. Grass pea (Khesari) grown as a relay crop with Paddy under zero tillage has one of the highest amounts of protein among pulses; its leaves are also consumed as a potherb. Pigeon Pea of different durations (Aghani, Maghi&Chaiti --5-9 months) and seed type (Bold & Fine) are also cultivated in the state. Cowpea (Barbati/Ghangra) seeds from the Rajmahal hills cultivated by the Paharias is in high demand in Mumbai popularly known as Patna Chavli.
Gangajali (Amber colored Durum Wheat), Muralia, Jamali (White grained Bread Wheat), Harahwa, Lal (Red Grained Bread Wheat) were cultivated in pockets of Sahibganj district and were exported to Italy and France in the early 20th century. Dhelguma is traditional drought-tolerant wheat cultivated in Palamau region of Jharkhand. The villages around Ranchi are called the Vegetable Bowl of the region supplying vegetables across the state as well as Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal. Hazaribagh plateau produces the earliest Potato in the region, due to its advantageous terrain; the region is also famous for Coriander (which finds markets in Hong Kong) and Tomato. Chotanagpur plateau also has a rich diversity of Brinjals and Cucurbits as well as spices (Turmeric & Ginger). Floriculture of Marigold, Gladiolus and Rose are also carried out in pockets.
A number of edible Dioscorea tubers (Khamalu, Nara Tegu, Pitharu Kanda, Potato Yam, Suthni) are also cultivated or obtained from the wild.
Mango (Bathua, Bombai, Himsagar, KIshen Bhog, Gopal Bhog, Sukul, Rani Pasand, Chausa, Fazli, Zardalu etc) varieties are cultivated along with several released varieties as well as wild pickling varieties (e.g- Biju in Santhal Parganas); about 51 accessions of Litchi varieties have been recorded in the state. Santhal Parganas is rich in Jackfruits (43 cultivars recorded, early and late fruiting, table, vegetable & pickling varieties; average yields of 73 kg/tree and fruit weight of 23 kg) and some unique characters have been recorded by researchers. Amla, Ber, Custard Apple, Guava, Jamun (3 cultivars in Santhal Parganas), Karonda, Papaya, Lime, Date, Banana, Bael (7 cultivars in Santhal Parganas), Barhar, Cashew are also cultivated in the villages as well as grow in wild.
Though Jharkhand has one of the lowest NPK Fertilisers use in the country at 50kg/ha (as compared to 128 kg/ha in India), its use of synthetic pesticides has increased by 6 times between 2010-17 from 84 MT to 541 MT. Several synthetic pesticides & weedicides are being used in vegetables in Jharkhand are only approved for Cotton, Tea or Grains
Traditional Soil & Water Harvesting Structures – Ahars were constructed in depressions to harvest rainwater, while Bunds acted as reservoirs and tanks. The Bunds had several outlets (Bhaos) which were regulated in different seasons for irrigation. Some reservoirs were formed by damming the nullahs and water was diverted through channels called Pynes. In Singhbhum, embankments were made over the upper end of the depression or Jor and water was held in reservoirs for irrigation through channels and percolation. In Santhal Parganas – the bunds were made in places of natural springs and slopes of the fields were made carefully being enclosed in small ridges (Ails) along the field boundaries, the higher fields thus acted as reservoirs for the fields below. Water channels (Duars) were constructed across different villages from embankments to carry water across beds of streams to the fields at a lower level. Apart from this there were Kutcha wells that were also dug for cultivation in homesteads; Currently, most of the irrigation is from dug wells and borewells, though a large number of water harvesting ponds (Dobas) have also been constructed through different Govt Programs.
Despite the biogeographical significance and uniqueness of the area and good rainfall, most of the rainwater is lost due to undulating terrain and slope (only 17% of the available surface water is utilised); soils also lack water holding capacity resulting in erosion limiting agricultural productivity. Limited irrigation coverage and open grazing of cattle, goats etc is another constraint towards increasing cropping intensity beyond December. In recent times, the increasingly erratic nature of rains (late arrival & early cessation, untimely rains etc) has introduced great vulnerabilities in agriculture. Processing, Value addition, Marketing opportunities are limited in the state.
Concepts, Policies & Status of Sustainable Agriculture.
Sustainable agriculture is farming in ways that meet society's present food and textile needs,without compromising the ability of current or future generations to meet their needs.
The US National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 defines – “Sustainable agriculture is defined as an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term”.
The incorporation of biological and ecological processes such as nutrient cycling, soil regeneration, and nitrogen fixation into agricultural and food production practices is the key principle of Sustainable Farming.
Sustainable Agriculture shares similar concepts and philosophy with Organic Agriculture-
The Food & Agricultural Organisation (FAO) defines Organic Agriculture-
“Organic agriculture is a unique production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity, and this is accomplished by using on-farm agronomic, biological and mechanical methods in exclusion of all synthetic off-farm inputs.” The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) defines Organic Farming as-
“Organic Agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic Agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and good quality of life for all involved." The IFOAM also lists 4 principles in regards to Organic Farming-
The general objectives of Sustainable Farming are—
Sustainable agriculture is not related to the use of some technology but is based on its adaptability, flexibility over time to respond to the demands of subsistence, its demand for natural resources for production, and its ability to protect the soil and resources. The goal is to use technology in a manner conducive to sustainability; it should be based on ecological principles of production. The farming system is about producing crops in harmony with biodiversity within and associated with farm ecosystems to make production systems ecologically adaptive, stimulating, and maintaining the natural biodiversity and complexity of the natural ecosystems.
Globally, 1.5 percent of farmland was under certified organic cultivation in 2018, up from 0.3 percent in 1999, as per the ‘The World of Organic Agriculture 2020’ report. The survey collated data from 186 countries for 2018; India is among the top 10 countries with 1.94 million hectares (M.Ha.) under organic cultivation in 2018, with more than a million, the country also had the greatest number of organic farmers (41%)— over a third of the nearly 2.8 million across the world.Organic Agriculture is growing at a rate of 9% in India and we produce 47% of the world’s Organic Cotton.
Switzerland-based Research Institute of Organic Agriculture-FiBL estimated nearly 80 percent of the world’s organic producers to be smallholders in 58 low- and middle-income countries. The agency estimated organic food and drink sales at more than 95 billion euros (Rs 833300 crore) in 2018.
The government of India has been encouraging Organic Farming under 2 programs-
Scope & Economics of Sustainable Agriculture
There is a popular belief that practicing Sustainable Agriculture would reduce the current yield of crops. However numerous studies and experiences have shown contrary results of such beliefs.
There may be a slight reduction of the yield when the conversion from chemical farming is initiated as the soil is depleted of Organic Matter and its functional biome, thus a few years (1 to 3 years) may be needed to rejuvenate the soil after which sustained yield of crops is possible
The 40-year comparative study between Organic and Conventional Farming Systems Trial at the Rodale Institute (USA) has shown that yields are comparable to conventional systems; in times of drought the yields are 40% higher; Organic farmers also earn 3 to 6 times more profit than conventional ones (1)
Studies in the US Corn belt in 1973-76 showed comparable yields of Maize, Soybean, Wheat and Oat (2); In another study (1974-78) showed organic farms had slightly higher grain yields than did the conventional farms. The combined average yields of all grains grown on the organic farms were 39.0 bushels (1 bushel = 35.2 liters) per acre as compared with 35.2 bushels per acre on conventional farms (3). In another study (1986-92) the comparative yields of soybean and wheat were higher in the Organic farms as compared to conventional farms (4).
Studies on the transition from chemical to organic farming have shown that during the 3 conversion years was at par with conventional yields while in the fourth year, the organic yields exceeded by 14% (5).
Report and recommendations on organic farming of USDA (1980) state that most of the farmers with established organic systems reported that crop yields on a per-acre basis were comparable to those obtained on nearby chemical-intensive farms (6).
The average Yield ratio of Organic to Conventional in 91 research studies globally across 10 food categories ranges from 1.6 to 4 in developing countries indicating the higher yields (7).
In developing countries, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) concluded that organic farming methods seem able to provide similar outputs, with less external resources, supplying a similar income per labor day as high input conventional approaches. Studies commonly show large increases where local farmers adopt organic farming systems, up to 400%, reaching levels similar to those of high-input systems (8)
A meta-Analysis of research studies shows Organic farming gives comparable yields in long-term studies with legumes and perennials (9). Diversification practices of multi-cropping and crop rotations reduced the yield gap to 8 to 13% (10).
A seven-year comparative study of Organic and Conventional Farming in ICRISAT (Secundrabad, Andhra Pradesh) with Pulses, Millets, Maize and Cotton rotations show the yields and income are higher in 5 out of 7 years through Organic Farming (11).
Smallholder farmers in India possessing on average 2 ha of land each, make up about 78% of the country’s farmers while owning only 33% of the land, they are responsible for 41% of national grain production (12).
Many of these smallholders practice sustainable farming as purchasing high-cost inputs for farming and getting results in their marginal rainfed lands is always challenging and do not show the expected results consistently. On the other hand, the rising cost of inputs and the degradation of natural resources pushes them into a debt spiral that finally ends in despair of land alienation or suicide.
Conversion to small organic farms, therefore, would lead to sizeable increases in food production worldwide. Only organic methods can help small family farms survive, increase farm productivity, repair decades of environmental damage and knit communities into smaller, more sustainable distribution networks – all leading to improved food security around the world.
The State Context
Jharkhand with its predominantly small and marginal farmers, rainfed agriculture with low water-holding soils and undulating terrains and one of the lowest fertilizers (NPK-50 kg/ha, 40% of the national average) use.
Adivasi communities in many remote parts of Jharkhand (e.g- Paharias in Santhal Parganas) largely practice farming without the use of any agrochemicals and such areas could be declared Organic Zones and sustainable farming practices be encouraged and promoted.
On 9th December 2017 at a seminar at Birsa Agricultural University, Jharkhand’s Agricultural Minister had announced that Jharkhand will go fully organic by 2025. The department has also announced that organic agriculture will be promoted in several of Jharkhand’s districts. Jharkhand does not have an Agricultural Policy or an Organic Farming Policy unlike states like Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Kerala, MP, Bihar and Maharashtra have announced their organic farming policies
.Under Mahila Kisan Swashaktikaran Program (MKSP) under the Ministry of Rural Development’s National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) being implemented by Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) and some CSOs several Organic Framing initiatives were taken up.
The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) under the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) promoted the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) model for Organic Certification. About 181 groups had been formed (2018) with 9000 farmers affiliated. 102 of the PGS groups are registered with the ‘Regional Council’ Eko Guarantee Division of Encon (Maharashtra), 73 are registered with Biocert International Pvt. Ltd. (Indore, Madhya Pradesh), and the remaining few with regional councils from Bangalore, Delhi, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. Jharkhand still does not have a regional council
The State government formed a society -Organic Farming Authority of Jharkhand (OFAJ) in the year 2012-13. Under this authority, 13 districts under tribal sub-plan (TSP) namely -Ranchi, Khunti, Lohardaga, Gumla, West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, Saraikela-Kharsawan, Dumka, Simdega, Latehar, Jamtara, Pakur & Sahibgunj have been included. Under the OFAJ three separate mission for different horticultural crops have been set up as shown in Table 5 below-
| Missions | Area- ha | Funds – Rs Crores | Districts | Crops |
| State Organic Mission | 15,700 | 10 | 13 | Pea, Okra, Capsicum, French beans, Broccoli |
| State Spices Mission | 7610 | 5 | 13 | Ginger, Turmeric, Coriander, Garlic & Chili |
| State Medicinal Mission | 3000 | 2 | 13 | Kalmegh, Aloe vera & Satawar |
Under the program, interested farmers would be selected and provided extensive training through crop demonstration and on-farm inputs to produce high-quality produce and reasonable costs. The farmers will be registered under the program with details of record-keeping and certified; the quality and compliance would be maintained through Internal Control Systems (ICS). The farm produce would be linked with suitable markets for better prices.
| Niche Areas | Strategy |
| Areas already practicing Sustainable Agriculture Practices | Identify and Protect areas that are largely free from chemical-based agriculture. Stop any programs that are promoting the use of agrochemicals in such areas. Encourage and Promote traditional systems with inputs from Agroecological principles towards sustainability as well as conservation of indigenous landraces and cultivars. Declaration as Organic Zones and improving local consumption as well as the marketing of surplus organic produce through PGS.sustainability as well as conservation of indigenous landraces and cultivars. Declaration as Organic Zones and improving local consumption as well as the marketing of surplus organic produce through PGS. |
| Areas with low usage of Synthetic Agrochemicals | Awareness generation; Phase wise conversion to Sustainable Farming; building Soil Biome and eliminating pesticides. |
| Areas with high potential of certified export products | Third-Party Certification and enabling access and benefits to farmers from the premium prices. Ensuring Internal Control Systems (ICS) and entrepreneurship. |
| Areas with high use of agrochemicals | Awareness of the adverse effects of agrochemicals; shift to NPM/IPM methods to complete elimination of pesticides reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers following agroecological approaches. |
Market DevelopmentThe first priority of the farm produce from Sustainable Agriculture is for the household consumption and local area (village haats), especially for vegetables. The surplus produces of grains, pulses and oilseeds could be procured by Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and value-added (grading, cleaning, milling etc) and provided in different preparations (recipes) to Anganwadi centres (for Take-Home Rations-THR), Schools (for Mid-Day Meals-MDM), Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs) and Residential School Hostels (especially in Adivasi areas). This could be attempted on a pilot basis in a few districts with a higher proportion of Adivasi communities.
Consumer awareness on the goodness of Organic Produce, as well as sensitivity towards farming issues through Buyer-Seller Meets, Melas, Food Fests, need to be taken up; different celebrity events can be organized promoting local biodiversity and local food culture.
In urban areas incentives can be provided for setting up Online platforms, Jaivik Haats, Organic Bazars and retail shops where organic produce can be sourced from local farmers in the vicinity and made available at reasonable prices. Encouragement of entrepreneurs engaged in logistics, storage, processing, value addition of organic produce as well as the development of different machines needs to be taken up.
The other high-end marketable products can be linked to external markets as well as exports through PGS and 3rd party certification (for exports); brand development of unique and special products of Jharkhand can be branded (in lines of Jharcraft) and offered in different outlets across the country. A regional council on PGS and Certification needs to be established for the state on a priority basis.
To ensure traceability and assurance of Organic Produce, Internal Control Systems (ICS) and Pesticide Residue Testing labs need to be established. To strengthen and promote suitable products for export- Buyer -Seller Meets, International Trade Fairs, Linking Farmer bodies to exporters need to be established.
Education, Capacity building & Research Sustainable Farming and Agroecology need to be part of school curricula with children engaged in practical through Kitchen Gardens in schools that are linked to MDM. It should also be made as a separate subject in higher education and courses.
Agro-ecology Skill Workshops and Training Programs need to be taken up for officers in Agriculture, Horticulture and other relevant departments. Special courses for Extension officers and other staff to develop a cadre of trained personnel for promoting Sustainable Farming in the state. Farmers & CSOs already practicing Sustainable Farming would be taken up as Local Resource Persons/Institutions as well as Demonstration Centres for dissemination and demonstration of the principles and concepts of agroecology. Organic Farms and Demonstration Plots can be set-up in KVKs and other Govt Farms serving as Learning Centres. Research initiatives on validation of agroecological methods towards enriching soil biome, pest, diseases and weed management, indigenous seeds & breeds, climate resilience, implements, processing etc need to be prioritized and encouraged.
Enabling Policies & Institutional SupportThere is a need to develop a State Organic Farming Policy as well as strengthen OFAJ into a mission mode and nodal agency to enable Sustainable Farming in the state. The institution would be responsible for developing and managing different programs & policies based on the principles of Agroecology. It would set-up a time-bound action plan for rolling out Sustainable Agriculture in the state with appropriate institutional and monitoring systems; develop guidelines, norms and systems; coordinate with resource organizations, experts, CSOs and ensure convergence to kickstart Sustainable Farming initiatives in the state. The existing budgetary provisions of NPOP, PKVY, RKVY and MKSP, MIDH can be channelized to initiate innovative programs along with additional support from a special budgetary allocation from State Govt. Natural Resource Management interventions (soil & water conservation, plantations etc) can be taken up through convergence of MGNREGA.