Initiatives taken by the NGOs and other organizations for promotion of organic agriculture in India

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other organizations have played a crucial role in promoting organic agriculture in India. These organizations have worked at the grassroots level, raising awareness, providing training, advocating policy changes, and supporting farmers in adopting organic practices. Below are some notable initiatives taken by NGOs and organizations to promote organic farming in India:

1. Navdanya

• Founded by: Dr. Vandana Shiva
• Year: 1991
• Objective: Navdanya focuses on promoting biodiversity, organic farming, and seed sovereignty. It supports farmers in shifting from conventional agriculture to organic practices.
• Details: Navdanya has set up a network of over 100,000 farmers in India, helping them to adopt organic farming practices. It emphasizes the importance of indigenous seeds and sustainable agriculture. The organization also runs seed banks, offers training on organic farming techniques, and advocates for policies that support organic agriculture. Navdanya also campaigns against the use of genetically modified seeds and promotes seed sovereignty.

2. The Foundation for Organic Farming (FOF)

• Year: 1995
• Objective: FOF aims to promote organic farming, improve soil health, and empower farmers with sustainable farming practices.
• Details: The Foundation provides training on organic farming methods, helps farmers with soil fertility management, and encourages the use of organic fertilizers. It also provides support for marketing organic produce and has helped create a network of farmers to share knowledge and best practices. FOF works to create awareness and empower farmers to adopt organic farming for long-term sustainability.

3. Tata Trusts – Organic Farming Initiatives

• Year: Ongoing
• Objective: Tata Trusts supports sustainable agricultural practices, including organic farming, through its various initiatives in rural India.
• Details: Tata Trusts has implemented several projects to promote organic farming in rural areas. These projects provide training, financial assistance, and certification support to farmers transitioning to organic practices. The Trusts also support market linkages for organic products and engage in the promotion of organic farming as a way to improve the livelihood of rural farmers. Through initiatives like the “Tata Farmers Initiative” and the “Sustainable Agriculture Initiative,” the Trusts have empowered farmers to adopt organic methods and ensure long-term sustainability.

4. Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (BRLPS) – JEEViKA

• Year: 2006
• Objective: JEEViKA, the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society, promotes sustainable farming practices, including organic agriculture, as part of its livelihood support programs.
• Details: JEEViKA has helped promote organic farming among smallholder farmers in Bihar through training programs, organic input supply, and certification support. It organizes farmer groups into self-help groups (SHGs) and provides access to resources, organic farming education, and market linkages. JEEViKA’s focus is on empowering rural farmers to reduce their dependency on chemical inputs, improve soil health, and adopt eco-friendly farming practices.

5. Kheti Virasat Mission (KVM)

• Year: 2005
• Objective: KVM is dedicated to preserving traditional farming methods, promoting organic agriculture, and advocating for sustainable agriculture policies in Punjab.
• Details: Kheti Virasat Mission works with farmers in Punjab to promote organic farming as an alternative to the highly chemical-intensive practices prevalent in the region. KVM focuses on creating awareness about the adverse effects of chemical farming on health and the environment. The organization offers training programs, produces educational material, and helps farmers with organic certification. KVM also encourages the use of traditional knowledge and methods, such as crop rotation and organic fertilizers, for enhancing agricultural productivity.

6. Shetkari Sanghatana

• Year: 1979
• Objective: Shetkari Sanghatana, based in Maharashtra, works to promote organic farming, farmers’ rights, and sustainable agriculture practices.
• Details: Shetkari Sanghatana has been a vocal advocate for organic farming in Maharashtra and has helped farmers adopt organic techniques through training, awareness campaigns, and the provision of resources. The organization promotes soil health management, water conservation, and integrated pest management. Shetkari Sanghatana also supports organic certification and market access for organic products.

7. The Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI)

• Year: 2002
• Objective: OFAI is a network of organic farmers and professionals that works to promote organic farming, policies, and practices in India.
• Details: OFAI provides support to farmers in adopting organic farming methods, advocating for favorable policies, and raising awareness about the importance of organic agriculture. The organization also works to build capacity in the sector by organizing training programs, facilitating market linkages, and supporting organic certification. OFAI helps farmers network with organic practitioners across the country and is actively involved in creating a stronger market for organic products.

8. Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD)

• Year: 1999
• Objective: SARD focuses on promoting sustainable and organic farming techniques among smallholder farmers in various parts of India.
• Details: SARD offers training and technical assistance to farmers for transitioning to organic farming practices. It works in regions with high dependency on chemical inputs and aims to reduce the use of harmful chemicals in farming. SARD supports organic inputs, crop diversification, soil health management, and water conservation practices. It also helps farmers with organic certification and marketing of their produce.

9. The Council for Social Development (CSD)

• Year: 1981
• Objective: CSD works on rural development and promotes organic agriculture as a means to enhance food security and environmental sustainability.
• Details: CSD has initiated several projects that focus on promoting organic farming, rural development, and sustainable agriculture. The organization provides technical assistance to farmers, offers training on organic farming methods, and helps establish market linkages for organic products. CSD works with farmer groups and cooperatives to promote organic agriculture at a community level.

10. Rural Development Trust (RDT)

• Year: 1982
• Objective: RDT is a non-profit organization that works to promote organic farming and improve rural livelihoods, especially in Andhra Pradesh.
• Details: RDT has worked with farmers in Andhra Pradesh to transition from conventional to organic farming through training programs, financial support, and advocacy. The organization emphasizes the importance of sustainable agriculture practices, including soil fertility management, water conservation, and agroforestry. RDT also helps farmers form cooperatives and provides market access for organic products.

11. Agro-Eco Foundation

• Year: 2007
• Objective: Agro-Eco Foundation aims to promote ecological farming and sustainable agriculture practices, including organic farming, in rural India.
• Details: The foundation works on creating awareness about sustainable farming practices, training farmers in organic techniques, and helping them transition to organic farming. It also focuses on improving the livelihoods of farmers through better agricultural practices, advocating for organic certification, and promoting the use of bio-inputs in farming.

12. International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) – India

• Year: 2000s (affiliation)
• Objective: IFOAM, a global organization that promotes organic agriculture, works in India through various affiliates and partnerships to advance organic farming practices.
• Details: IFOAM India works with other NGOs and farmer organizations to promote organic agriculture in India. It provides resources, research, and training for organic farmers and promotes policy reforms for sustainable agriculture. IFOAM also organizes events, seminars, and workshops to raise awareness about organic farming and advocate for better support for organic farmers.