This project focuses on enabling marginal farmers adopt practices that can help them meet their food security needs with limited land, water and other inputs. Prominent models and methods introduced by this project are the Ganga-ma model (using avg. 1000 sq.ft of land), 10 guntha model (1/4th acre) and use of organic preparations – Amrit mitti and Amrit jal.
Introduction/Project Description :
Natueco project is supported by NABARD APRO which involves the farming systems (ideology practiced by Malpani trust in MP) following the principles of eco-system networking of nature .The objective of the project is to increase net margins of small and marginal farmers through reduction in input costs and improving farm productivity beyond the broader concepts of organic or natural farming in both philosophy and practice for their sustainable development. Aranya Agricultural Alternatives being a proven and credible NGO partner of NABARD with succesful implementation of their projects such as TDF and WDF was chosen as one of the NATECO implementing agency.
Project Details :
Aranya’s Service:
Major activities of Aranya include ;
Ganga maa model:
Homestead gardens are being developed and promoted through Gangamma model in villagesof Adivisarangapoor and Pathasingapoor villages of Khanapoor mandals.The reason behind promoting these two type of pilot demonstrations in the same villages is the consideration of the factor that these will become our learning centers for up scaling in future. In Some of the local schools and Anganwadi centers Gangamma model is being implemented through child and youth participation .The selection criteria for this model includes 1000ft space availability, water resources,willingness to adopt and fence affordability e.t.c
Ganga maa Mandal aims to provide nutrition security to a family of five through cultivation of vegetables, fruits, etc in an area of 1000 sq ft in the homestead of the farmer. The model envisages use of amrit mitti, amrit jal and domestic waste water. The model is best suited for land less families to meet their day to day requirement
10 Gunta model:
The establishment of 20 demonstrations models has been undertaken and is ongoing in the allocated villages. The selection of farmers (Women& Men) is based on certain criteria like adaptability,water resources,livestock and human resource availability. In this model fencing is one of important item.The model envisages cultivation of fruits, vegetables, food grains, etc in an area of 10000 sq ft (1/4th of an acre) which is expected to provide a decent living for a family of five.
Soil testing for macro and micro nutrients pre and post development:
An important aspect of natueco farming is the soil management. The use of Amrit Mitti, Amrit Jal and the other cultivation practices such as mulching, use of biomass, etc are expected to improve soil microbial environment and convert nutrients into available forms. In order to understand the impact of these interventions, it is proposed to include soil analysis for macro and micro nutrients,the activity needs to be integrated into 10 guntha model taken up by individual farmers.
Preparation of Amrit Mitti and Amrit jal
It is as an integral part of Ganga maa Mandal and 10 Guntha model, cow dung and cow urine are the major ingredients for preparation of Amrit Jal. The microbial activity in is the underlying principle behind this rich fertile manure formation. Cattle mainatainence/external and continuous collection and mainatainence of fresh cow dung and urine as a part of the preparations are required.
Training and Capacity building
Training programmes and exposure visits at 3 levels(Farmers of the respective projects,PIAs of the respective projects in the select states, NABARD officials);Resource support, publications and literature support.
Significance of Natueco farming for small and marginal land holders
