From water to women: Grassroots innovation as path to self-reliant, chemical-free farming

By Bharat Dogra 

In some developed countries that boast of high-productivity agriculture and surplus food for export, this success has come at three heavy costs. Small farmers have been increasingly pushed out as big business interests take over; soil and environmental protection have been neglected; and excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has led to growing health concerns about the food produced. So serious are these concerns that even poorer nations facing food shortages have often hesitated to import such food.

While these trends are now recognized as harmful even in rich countries, replicating such a model in India would be disastrous. Here, farming remains a major source of livelihood, and achieving self-reliance in safe, healthy food production is far more critical. India needs farming systems that sustain small farmers, protect the environment, and ensure food security.

One initiative that shows exceptional promise in this direction has been launched by the social organization SRIJAN. Having visited around 25 villages where SRIJAN has been active, I have identified 20 key features that together form a model of progress and resilience for small farmers — one that could benefit similar communities in other countries too.

A central aspect of SRIJAN’s work is its promotion of natural farming—done not by imposition but through dialogue, demonstration, and community engagement. Some farmers are supported to set up bio-resource centers in villages that prepare organic fertilizers and pest repellents using cow dung, cow urine, leaves, and jaggery. Others can buy these inputs cheaply, avoiding dependence on costly chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

These centers often keep farm tools and small processing equipment for collective use, allowing farmers to rent them at low cost and avoid investing in heavy machinery unsuitable for small farms.

The initiative begins with water conservation, often the starting point for other improvements. Villagers identify, restore, and desilt tanks to enhance rainwater storage, while the fertile silt removed is reused in farmlands to boost soil health. Similar work in drainage channels, known as dohas, further improves rainwater retention and soil fertility. As a result, even previously unproductive land has become cultivable in several villages.

SRIJAN emphasizes community mobilization, ensuring that collective projects like desilting and water conservation continue even after formal support ends. Collaboration with other voluntary organizations such as ABSSS and Arunodaya has strengthened these grassroots efforts. Coordination with local administration has also helped integrate community priorities with official development work, while focusing on Dalit, tribal, and other marginalized groups—especially women.

Women farmers have responded with creativity and enthusiasm, often leading innovations in natural farming. The model has reduced dependence on agro-chemicals and significantly cut farming costs. Some farmers report higher yields; others note that even with modest reductions, better produce quality and lower costs compensate for income loss. Importantly, none expressed regret over adopting natural farming.

SRIJAN also encourages small orchards and multi-layer vegetable gardens, usually including around 20 varieties of vegetables and several fruits such as guava. These not only ensure year-round cash flow but also improve family nutrition and health.

Farmers say they now find joy and pride in their work—experimenting, learning, and seeing tangible results. The model has restored hope, particularly among women, contrasting sharply with stories of debt and distress prevalent elsewhere.

Over time, benefits from soil and water conservation, biodiversity, and pollination are expected to grow further. These efforts also contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, offering potential for additional financial support through climate funds.

In several areas, women’s farmer-producer groups and companies are taking shape to engage in processing and value addition, opening new income streams.

Together, these 20 features form a cohesive and inspiring model for small farmers—one rooted in sustainability, cooperation, and self-reliance.

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The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Planet in Peril, Protecting Earth for Children, A Day in 2071, and India’s Quest for Sustainable Farming and Healthy Food