Learning & Directions

We have in the last 5-6 years arrived at a model for interventions and assistance for a “Sustainable Livelihood” model for the poor rural farmers. 

Some of the Learning / Achievements we have had so far:

1. Awareness, Training programs, regular touch and follow-up are critical to understanding the issues, gain the confidence and support and farmers and partner with them to get results.
2. Quality Seeds is the first step to raise crop productivity. And quality seeds have to be used with proper associated agronomic techniques.
3. Certified seeds have increased yield by 12.4%
4. Shamayita Math produced TL seeds have shown similar increases in yield.
5. Hybrids under control conditions increase yield by 16%
6. SRI in the right situation increases yield by 25%
7. Improved agronomy can contribute up-to 15-20% increase in production.
8. Choice of high value vegetables makes a major difference in the farmer’s income.
9. Polyhouse grown healthy seedlings have given better results.
10. Pulses and oil seed cultivation have interested the farmers.
11. Grain Banks partially help in crisis periods of food shortage.
12. Re-excavation of ponds increases area for cultivation during Rabi season by a factor of 10-12 times. Fish cultivation further supplements income.

Some of the Directions we have set for the Future for ourselves:

1. Increase out outreach in terms of No. of Farmers and Land area under cultivation.
2. Focus on augmenting irrigation sources through re-excavation of ponds, micro irrigation facilities.
3. Develop a balance between Rice (staple) & Vegetable cultivation such that farmers are assured of their staple crop as well as earning avenues from vegetables.
4. Provide better marketing linkages for crops and vegetables produced.
5. Invest on seed multiplication program to ensure that farmers do not face a situation of shortage of quality seeds.
6. Create smaller “Krishi Kendra” to cater to smaller clusters.
7. Strengthen Animal Husbandry programs for supplemental income.
8. Design and implement programs for greater participation of women in agricultural development programs.
9. Organize farmer’s groups  as a cooperative to
   1. Collectively adopt improved practices
   2. Procure inputs and share equipment and experiences
   3. Look after soil and water conservation
   4. Fetch better prices for produce in the market
10. Become self- reliant in production of Rice and Vegetable seeds

Through our direct, varied and intense experiences with the rural poor farmers – we are continually looking at evolving this model and making sustainable livelihood more and more predictable for the participant-beneficiaries of our programs.

If you are interested in engaging our expertise and involvement in similar projects you can write to us at projects@shamayitamath.org