Farming sustainability for livelihood enhancement through affordable technologies for small land holdings farmers of hilly areas of Uttarakhand

The project's ultimate goal was to contribute to poverty alleviation in Dhari and Pati blocks of Nainitial and Champawat Districts, respectively, by creating opportunities for increased income generation through sustainable agricultural practices. The project was supported by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited. Specific objectives included-

• To demonstrate and develop integrated farming plans for natural resource management & enhancing livelihood
• Capacity building of rural communities to implement integrated farming plans
• Provision of affordable modern technologies for livelihood improvement
• To make farming sustainable and economically viable

Outcomes

Promotion of Herbs & Natural Farming (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

• Alternative source of income
• Potential to reduce soil erosion
• Enhance biodiversity of the region

Set-up of Herbal Gardens

• Cultivation of medicinal plants
• Enhancing knowledge of farmers
• Potential source of livelihood

Establishment of Poly Houses

• Cultivation of high-value crops
• Mitigation of risks (climate, pests)
• Reliable agricultural production

Demonstration of organic composting techniques

• Improve soil fertility
• Reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers

Low cost rain water harvesting structures

• Conservation of a natural resource
• Availability of reliable source of water for irrigation

Construction of food processing unit

• Developing agricultural value chain
• Creating business opportunities for farmers

Construction of Training Centre

• Enhancing knowledge & skills of farmers
• Hub of innovation & development

Training for Eco-tourism & Homestay Promotion

• Economic empowerment of community
• Experiential learning for students.