COMMUNITY FARMING PROJECT
WELCOME TO THE HEART OF SUSTINABLE AGRICULTURE IN UTTRAKHAND
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:
Environmental Stewardship
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.
- Food Security for all
- Economic Stability through equitable resource sharing.
- Environmental Sustainability by integrating organic practices and promoting biodiversity
- Total Campaign Cost: ₹50,000
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.”
OUR MISSION IN ACTION
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.
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.
Market Linkages
The project promotes practices like rainwater harvesting, soil health improvement, and afforestation, ensuring long-term ecological balance
130+
Female Farmers actively participating
20
Community Farms spanning two districts
4,395kg
Organic crops harvested and sold
2,326
Crop bunches benefiting local markets and economies
Rudraprayag District
- Chandranagar Cluster: 5 farms engaging 27 farmers
- Chandrapuri Cluster: 3 farms aiding 15 farmers
Rudraprayag District
- Pokhri Cluster: 6 farms supporting 55 farmers.
- Urgam Cluster: 6 farms benefiting 35 farmers.
STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
Radha Devi: A Story of Hope
Radha, a farmer from Chamoli, found it difficult to sustain her small plot. Joining the project doubled her yield and allowed her to support her children’s education. “This program has restored our dignity,” she says
Scarcity to Resilience
“Even with the monsoons getting delayed this year, we sold 1.5 quintals of peas each. Cultivating vegetables means we have to spend much more time of farms that we used to, but the amount of extra work translates into that much more extra income. We now no longer think twice about buying things we need from local markets.”
Reviving Indigenous Practices
In Rudraprayag, women farmers revived traditional farming techniques, combining them with modern methods to cultivate climate-resilient crops and inspire neighbouring villages.
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.
