Agriculture is the source of livelihood and food security for almost two third of the rural population workforce in the country residing in rural areas. It is affected by climate variation, insufficient rainfall and poor soil health conditions.
Increasing migration of rural people particularly youth and women from rural areas to urban centres is due to lack of interest and confidence in agriculture activities, employment opportunities, guarantee of income, proper guidance and education which involve the shifting of labour force and productivity from rural to urban areas.
This kind of situation is affecting rural economy, declining of agriculture activities, leading to food insecurity, decreasing livelihood options of rural people especially small farmers.
Since the introduction of the scientific agriculture, farmers and consumers have lacked awareness and information on the danger posed by chemical substances on the conventionally growth products of the growers, consumers and the environment. The conventional agriculture has provided for the usage of toxic materials in crop growth and protection without putting into account the other problems they will generate and their effects.
SAFER’s agricultural programmes are helping transformation the lives of smallholder farmers and farm women and improving rural economy by building their capacity and skilling in sustainable agriculture activities and promotion of organic based sustainable agriculture for their sustainable livelihoods and food security and community too with following strategies.
SAFER’s Strategies:
• Climate change smart agriculture
• Organic farming
• Integrated farming practices
• Promotion of value added units of agriculture crops
• Rainfed farming development programme
• Soil and water conservation
• Promotion of Agro-forestry system
• Livestock promotion
• Pasture development for livestock
• Small and minor millets promotion
• Medicinal plants promotion
• Promotion of farm based income generation activities like Vermi composting, mushroom cultivation, production of bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, water and soil testing, mechanics on farm equipments, etc.