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Conscious Planet - Save Soil’s Farmer Training and Handholding Approach

Type: Approaches

Creation: 2024-10-31 10:36   Updated: 2024-11-14 11:33

Compilers: Praveena Sridhar

Reviewers: William Critchley, Joana Eichenberger

Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied
  • Country: India
  • Region/ State/ Province: Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
  • Map: View Map

Description of the SLM Approach

Short description of the Approach

The approach focuses on supporting farmers to increase productivity by increasing soil biology and organic matter content, primarily through plant residue and animal waste. Awareness and advocacy are followed by training programs and support for adopting regenerative agricultural practices.

Detailed description of the Approach

The Save Soil Farmer Training and Handholding approach seeks to combat soil degradation by promoting practices that increase soil organic matter content to 3% or above. The objectives include enhancing soil health through boosting organic matter, which improves underground water storage, green cover, biodiversity, and food security. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern techniques, this approach aims to restore soil health through simple, adaptable methods such as tree-based agriculture (agroforestry), organic mulching, crop rotation, cover cropping, and using natural composts that increase soil organic matter while minimizing disturbance. The approach focuses on marrying ecology with economy, ensuring that regenerative practices are both economically and environmentally viable.
Widespread implementation begins with awareness and advocacy, followed by training programs for farmers and support for adopting regenerative agricultural practices. Initially, farmers were sceptical due to the time required for soil regeneration compared to simply adding synthetic inputs. However, the long-term benefits—such as improved soil health, stable yields, and reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers—have led to increased acceptance. Over the past 20 years, this approach has transformed agriculture in Tamil Nadu, focusing on farm economics and agroecology. Training, support, and resources have been offered to help farmers adopt regenerative agriculture for major crops in the region.
The strategy of the approach is to start with medium-sized landholders first, who can take risks and later serve as volunteer trainers. This "raindrop model" spreads knowledge effectively, empowering farmers to educate others, which builds trust and accelerates adoption. Farmers receive training in crop management, livestock care, efficient water use, and pest control, while model farms serve as educational hubs showcasing regenerative techniques.
Over 45,000 farmers have been trained in regenerative farming techniques, 400+ WhatsApp groups linking 88,000 farmers have been formed, and thousands of consultations provided through helplines. A vibrant community now exists comprised of over 250 lead farmers driving natural farming adoption across Tamil Nadu. A dedicated team of 160 field executives conducted 33,000 individual on-farm consultations in 2023, providing personalised support to farmers, including soil and water testing and recommending regionally-appropriate tree varieties. Production and distribution of high-quality organic saplings to participating farmers at a nominal cost encouraged greater participation. 229,000 farmers across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have transitioned to tree-based agriculture, with 116 million saplings enabled by farmers and community participation. Women's empowerment is emphasized, with many nurseries operated by women, contributing to their economic upliftment and community involvement.

Photos of the Approach

Image Expert farmer training other farmers at an Input Preparation Workshop
Expert farmer training other farmers at an Input Preparation Workshop
  • 📍 Gobichettipalayam, Tamil Nadu
  • 📷 MuthuKumar
Image Model Farm In-charge explaining natural vegetable growing techniques to participant farmers.
Model Farm In-charge explaining natural vegetable growing techniques to participant farmers.
  • 📍 Semmedu, Coimbatore.
  • 📷 MuthuKumar
Image Pest Management Expert Poochiselvam training the field team on natural ways of managing pests.
Pest Management Expert Poochiselvam training the field team on natural ways of managing pests.
  • 📍 Semmedu Coimbatore
  • 🗓 2021-08-07
  • 📷 MuthuKumar
Image Stalls at the training venue for exchange of farm produce, seeds and tools.
Stalls at the training venue for exchange of farm produce, seeds and tools.
  • 📍 Vellore, Tamil Nadu
  • 📷 Save Soil Media Team
Image Seeds exchange at the seed and vegetable festival organised by Save Soil -Thaimann Kaakum Vyvasayam.
Seeds exchange at the seed and vegetable festival organised by Save Soil -Thaimann Kaakum Vyvasayam.
  • 📍 Padmavani Arts & Science College for Women, Salem, Tamil Nadu
  • 🗓 2024-06-10
  • 📷 Save Soil Media Team
Image Project Director presenting the Save Soil Movement to MANAGE, a government agri-extension service organisation.
Project Director presenting the Save Soil Movement to MANAGE, a government agri-extension service organisation.
  • 📍 Hyderabad, Telangana
  • 📷 MANAGE Photographer
Image Mega farmer training for intercropping tree spices with timber trees
Mega farmer training for intercropping tree spices with timber trees
  • 🗓 2024-01-09
  • 📷 Save Soil Media team
Image Training session on tree-based agriculture: Women farmers learning about different plant species and their spacing.
Training session on tree-based agriculture: Women farmers learning about different plant species and their spacing.
  • 📍 Karnataka, India
  • 📷 Save Soil Media team
Image Tree-based agriculture training in one of the tree-based agriculture model farms
Tree-based agriculture training in one of the tree-based agriculture model farms
  • 📍 Chengalpet, Tamilnadu, India
  • 📷 Save Soil Media team
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