Small farmers, big impact: GEAG’s 50 years of grassroots leadership

By Bharat Dogra

In 2025, the Gorakhpur Environmental Action Group (GEAG) marks 50 years of invaluable service to ecologically protective development, with a special focus on sustainable farming. These widely recognized achievements stem from the dedicated teamwork of many talented and enthusiastic individuals.

Yet, the exceptional and ongoing contributions of its coordinator and founding member, Dr. Shiraz Wazih, deserve special mention. His blend of deep knowledge, thoughtful insight, and gentle demeanor has earned him immense respect, fostering a strong team spirit and ensuring the continuity of GEAG’s mission—even through challenging times.

As a journalist, I had the opportunity to report on GEAG’s work in Eastern Uttar Pradesh during its early years. It was truly inspiring to meet small-scale farmers, including women, who transformed their modest plots through mixed cropping and natural farming methods. These practices not only boosted productivity and ensured steady incomes but also protected the environment.

In subsequent reporting, I met farmers in flood-prone areas pioneering crop protection techniques under conditions of waterlogging. Another phase introduced me to women farmers in peri-urban zones who nurtured green growth amidst pollution and adversity. Later, I visited broader project areas spanning multiple districts, where GEAG had integrated its ecological focus with justice-related concerns.

Many of these initiatives were groundbreaking at the time. GEAG’s early shift away from the ‘Green Revolution’ model toward ecologically protective farming positioned it as a leader in climate-resilient agriculture and rural development. Its work in peri-urban areas and water conservation also laid the groundwork for urban climate resilience. By recognizing emerging needs early on, GEAG has consistently delivered viable solutions and impactful interventions to meet new challenges.

This foresight was supported by a strong academic foundation. GEAG’s journey began with university teachers, researchers, and students extending environmental protection efforts beyond campus boundaries. Building on this base, GEAG is well-placed to offer a people-centered model of climate response aligned with the country’s justice-based needs.

Unfortunately, large corporate interests and multinational companies have sought to distort climate action for their own gain, threatening the emergence of equitable solutions. In this context, protecting the core interests of small farmers, sustainability, and socio-economic justice becomes crucial. Organizations like GEAG, with their experience and commitment to smallholder farmers, have a vital role to play.

GEAG has also championed women-led farming initiatives, promoting gender justice and equality. It is uniquely positioned to advocate for approaches that safeguard the interests of women farmers in Indian villages—distinct from Western-imposed models.

Several pressing issues related to ecologically protective farming in India require deeper understanding. Can we advance this cause without preserving and reintroducing the rich diversity of traditional seeds? Isn’t seed self-reliance a fundamental goal? Shouldn’t farming communities strive for broader self-reliance in all inputs, wherever feasible?

These questions deserve serious attention from GEAG and similar organizations. There must be mobilization against the growing control of seeds by a handful of multinational corporations, and strong opposition to genetically modified (GM) crops and foods. Without addressing these concerns, ecologically protective and climate-resilient farming cannot progress in a meaningful or sustainable way.

As GEAG’s work expands beyond Eastern Uttar Pradesh, its commitment to the right priorities and values positions it to play an even greater role in addressing the most critical development challenges of our time—and those of the future.

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

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