Scenario of Agriculture in India

Before we move further, let us have a rendezvous with some very interesting, yet thought provoking stats in relation to food and farming in India -

• According to a report by the Ministry of Finance in India, over 65% of India's rural population that lives in the rural areas, nearly 47% is engaged in agriculture, emphasising the sector's significance to the country's economy.
• Agriculture contributes to nearly 20% of the GDP of India, says an article by Business Today.
• With almost 54% of its land categorized as arable and 50% of its labour force employed in the agriculture sector, India has an agrarian economy.
• A meagre 4% of farmers only adopt sustainable farming practices in India, says a report by Council On Energy, Environment And Water.
• Sikkim is the only state in India which has adopted 100% organic farming.

Rediscovering Our Agricultural Heritage

As growth and development sweeps across India, reconnecting with our roots in agriculture becomes all the more important. It is necessary to rekindle the bond between farmers and consumers, reviving the age-old connection that ties our food to the land it comes from. This reconnection fosters an appreciation for traditional practices, regional flavours, and the tireless effort that goes into cultivation. And when this understanding of the importance of supporting local products and the need to feed every empty stomach intertwine, there comes a progress that is truly all-inclusive.

• Environmental Benefits: Reduced carbon footprint is one of the most significant benefits of opting for local produce means reducing the distance food travels. This directly results in lower emissions, as shorter transportation distances require less fuel.
• Conserving Biodiversity: Local farmers often cultivate native and heirloom varieties, promoting biodiversity and conserving traditional crops that are native to Indian climates.
• Economic Empowerment of Farming Communities: Supporting local farmers has a cascading effect on the economy. It fosters thriving local markets, creates job opportunities, and encourages entrepreneurship. It also encourages usage of new technology in farming.
• Nurturing Cultural Traditions: Embracing local farming preserves India's agricultural heritage. It ensures that native crops, farming practices, and traditional farming knowledge are passed down through generations.
• Fuller Bellies and Healthier Bodies: Local produce that travels shorter distances is obviously fresher and retains more nutrients. Local food on our plates is packed with flavour as well as essential vitamins.

Promoting Local Farmers and Sustainable Farming: The Role of NGOs

In the journey for a more sustainable and equitable food system, NGOs play a crucial role in advocating for local farmers and promoting sustainable farming methods. These NGOs, by supporting local farmers and local farming methods, also aim at connecting two different sections of the community - producers, with the consumers that are waiting for someone to feed them. These organizations act as catalysts for change, bridging the gap between farmers and consumers, and fostering practices that are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable.

At Give Discover, we salute the efforts of such NGOs that are striving to make the world a better place - be it feeding the poor, educating the underserved or supporting local farmers. We are happy to stand by them, helping them connect with donors like you, who have the same spirit as them! Here's how NGOs are making a substantial impact:

• Capacity Building and Training: Some NGOs organize training and capacity-building programs for local farmers. Workshops on sustainable farming techniques, soil health management, best practices, and water conservation furnish farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to adopt more sustainable methods.
• Availability of Resources: Many farmers quit their age-old profession due to lack of resources such as quality seeds, organic enrichers, and farming equipment. NGOs collaborate with private institutions and government agencies to ensure that farmers have access to these essential resources, supporting them to increase productivity in a sustainable manner.
• Creating Connections: NGOs create connections between local farmers and consumers, linking them through farmers' markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, and even online platforms. This helps farmers reach a wider market for their produce, ensuring fair prices and decreasing their reliance on intermediaries.
• Conservation and Promotion of Native Crops: The biggest example of traditional crop varieties booming again is the rise of millets, traditional rice varieties and organic vegetables and fruits. NGOs advocate for the revitalisation and farming of these crops, preserving biodiversity and enhancing the spirit of local food systems.
• Advocacy and Policy Support: NGOs often engage in advocacy efforts to influence agricultural policies at local, regional, and national levels. They work towards creating an empowering environment for sustainable farming practices by advocating for policies that support agroecology, land rights, and fair trade.
• It Doesn't Stop Just at Producing: Apart from facilitating and training the farmers in producing fine quality crops, NGOs help them add value to their produce by promoting safe and sustainable food processing and preservation techniques. This helps them to reduce post-harvest losses, while also creating opportunities for farmers to branch out their income sources.
• Climate Resilience: NGOs work with farmers to build climate-resilient farming systems. This involves using drought-resistant crops, promoting efficient water management, and encouraging agricultural practices that enhance the land's ability to withstand climate challenges.
• Education and Awareness: NGOs engage with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of supporting local farmers and consuming sustainably produced food - sustainable production as well as sustainable consumption. From educational programs in schools, mass workshops, to public campaigns, these NGOs help cultivate a culture of conscious consumption.
• Beyond Farming: NGOs collaborate with communities and individuals to create systems and associations such that the mindfully produced food reached the needy, thus promoting the sense of social responsibilities. Through activities such as mid-day meals, food donation camps and collection of excess food, these NGOs connect the producers to their special consumers.

NGOs that ensure there is a plateful at every household, while keeping the environment safe and happy too -

NGOs are crucial in bridging the gap between farmers and consumers by supporting policies that put the environment's health, farmers' welfare, and the accessibility of wholesome food first. Their comprehensive approach not only supports ecologically sound farming practices but also improves the resilience, equity, and sustainability of food systems.

• The Akshaya Patra Foundation: Akshaya Patra, Bangalore, was founded with the aim to end classroom hunger by providing nutritious mid-day meals to schoolchildren, especially in rural areas. With a focus on education and nutrition, they strive to eliminate hunger's barriers to learning. The vegetables, grains and spices that they use for making the meals are sourced locally, thus supporting the local farmers too.
• Annamrita Foundation: This Mumbai based Ngo also provides wholesome meals to underprivileged children in government schools across India. Through their innovative kitchen operations, they serve nutritious food, nourishing bodies and minds, using the produce that is sustainably grown in-house.
• Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust: This Karnataka based trust is dedicated to eradicating hunger among schoolchildren by providing them with nutritious breakfasts, and has its presence in 17 states in India. They partner with local vendors and markets to make sure kids get a plateful of indigenous, fresh and healthy food every day.
• Marathwada Gramin Vikas Sanstha: Marathwada Gramin Vikas Sanstha, an Aurangabad based NGO which once started as a very small group is a goodness-giant now. It works towards rural development and combating hunger through sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and livelihood enhancement.
• Sahyadri Gramin Vikas Va Bahuuddeshiya Yuvak Kalyan Sanstha: This organization focuses on rural youth development and community upliftment. The NGO has widened the domain of its initiatives by focusing on things like agricultural development, women's empowerment, and natural resource management.
• Feeding India:Feeding India is on a mission to eradicate hunger and malnutrition - #KuposhanMuktBharat. They partner with local schools and organizations to provide meals to the children, and they ensure that the food being served is fit for the local palate and is sourced locally.

These NGOs are just some of the many, which exemplify the power of compassionate action, nourishing bodies, fostering education, and making strides towards a hunger-free world. Give Discover supports and takes pride in their work, and urges you to do your bit to promote local while thinking global. For all we know is that the world needs agents of change, and you can be one of them. Donate now, and contribute towards a healthier, fuller and more sustainable India.