Parmarth, a leading voluntary organization in the Bundelkhand region of India, has developed a model of climate mitigation and adaptation that aligns with the sustainable livelihood needs of rural farmers. As Sanjay Singh, Secretary of Parmarth, explains, “We strive to strengthen climate resilience in a way that simultaneously enhances the sustainable livelihoods of villagers.”
In terms of mitigation, the organization emphasizes tree planting, with a recent focus on the concept of "oxygen gardens" (or oxygen vatikas), where trees known for improving air quality are prioritized. To reduce dependence on fossil fuels in agriculture, Parmarth encourages natural and organic farming practices.
On the adaptation front, Parmarth places its highest priority on water conservation and availability, alongside promoting low-cost farming and nutrition gardens to improve health and nutrition affordably.
Parmarth has emerged as a leader in mobilizing a dedicated cadre of voluntary women water workers, known as Jal Sahelis, who have made significant contributions to water conservation and supply. Specific efforts include the rejuvenation of rivers and streams, restoration of water tanks and wells, and improved water management through support from rural water organizations, or Pani Panchayats.
The organization also promotes irrigation methods that minimize water wastage. The Bundelkhand Mahila Sinchai Sangh, a pioneering initiative led by women, works to improve irrigation governance by supporting shared irrigation systems and water-efficient technologies.
Parmarth supports smallholder farmers in multiple ways, including providing special assistance during disasters to help them recover from adverse conditions. In the context of several villages in Jhansi district, Shelly, a member of the Parmarth team, noted that with numerous farm research organizations and scientists located nearby, efforts are made to leverage their expertise to support nutrition gardens. These include multi-layer vegetable gardens with fruit trees, as well as smaller kitchen gardens that can be cultivated even by households without farmland.
Parmarth’s documents highlight several success stories. In Madhepura village, Jalaun district, Neeraj Devi—who owns just one acre of land—significantly increased her income by growing a diverse range of vegetables using organic methods, aided by her membership in a self-help group. Similarly, Ganesh Kushwaha of Surwa village greatly boosted his income through organic cultivation of vegetables and marigold flowers in a short period.
During my travels in Parmarth’s operational area, I met a remarkable farming couple deeply committed to natural farming. In Bamauri village, Talbehat block (Lalitpur district, Uttar Pradesh), Maniram and his wife Shanti cultivate their small one-hectare farm under difficult conditions. Together, they have created a beautiful and productive farm. Within one hectare, using a mixed farming system with appropriate crop rotations, they grow cereals and millets, fruits and vegetables, legumes and oilseeds, as well as flowers, herbs, and spices.
Their farm includes lemon and other citrus trees, amla (gooseberry), pomegranate, guava, mulberry, banana, marigold flowers, and more. Both Maniram and Shanti are completely devoted to natural farming, using no chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Maniram says, “I must care about my health and my family’s health, but it is equally important that I care about the health of everyone who eats the produce from our small farm.”
Yet even a highly creative farmer like Maniram once struggled to work on his remote, isolated field due to lack of water, forcing him to migrate to places like Indore in search of work. This changed when a water pond was constructed by the government, check dams were built by Parmarth to feed water into it, and the village community contributed voluntary labor and land. This cooperative effort—involving Parmarth, the community, and the administration—provided the essential water support that allowed Maniram to transition from being a migrant worker to a largely self-reliant and content small farmer. Parmarth also assisted them with seeds, plants, and other inputs.
This farm is sustainable and ecologically protective. Its only fossil fuel use is diesel for lifting water, but it builds organic soil and supports many trees that absorb significantly more carbon. As a low-cost, self-reliant, and sustainable farm with hardy, resilient mixed-crop systems, it is highly beneficial for climate change adaptation. It protects both the environment and human health.
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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, A Day in 2071, and Man over Machine. His website is bharatdogra.in, and his YouTube channel is Bharat Dogra Save Earth Campaign
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