Three Pillars of Sustainable Farming System

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 Vikas Sahyog Kendra’s agricultural productivity program, implemented for over a decade, has improved farmers' incomes, ensured food security, and reduced agricultural risks. With active participation from Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), the program supports 8,977 families, covering 2,536 acres of farmland to cultivate vegetables, cereals, legumes, and oilseeds. 

Non-Pesticide Pest Management Initiative

To address the harmful effects of pesticide misuse, Vikas Sahyog Kendra promotes non-pesticide pest management methods, including cultural, mechanical, physical, biological techniques, and bio-pesticides. This initiative supports 2,415 households across 56 villages, ensuring increased food production and pesticide-free food and fodder.

 Horticulture plays a key role in providing food security and income for poor farmers, especially in drought-prone areas like Palamu and Latehar in Jharkhand. Vikas Sahyog Kendra (VSK) has motivated communities in Chhatarpur and Maneka blocks to adopt horticulture, particularly mango cultivation, as a viable alternative to low-productivity subsistence farming. In Chhatarpur, VSK has helped establish mango orchards in three villages, covering 36 acres, managed by ST and SC families. The Gram Swaraj Mazdoor Sangh (GSMS), promoted by VSK, spearheaded a pilot mango cultivation project in Lanka village, leading to the establishment of a Rs. 9 lakh mango cultivation initiative for the Parahiya community. The project also integrated intercropping and fish farming to ensure financial sustainability, with ongoing training from the agriculture department. 

 Vikas Sahyog Kendra (VSK) conducted scientific fisheries management training for 209 households in Chhatarpur and Manika villages of Palamau and Latehar districts, covering 84 water bodies. VSK provided technical support to establish 15 fish nursery-based enterprises, one of which is successfully run by a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) with a stock of 6 lakh spawn and 75,000 fry. The nursery generates an annual income of Rs. 10,000 and plans to set up a hatchery. Additionally, VSK facilitated fish rearing in 70 water bodies across 28 villages, resulting in a harvest of 70 quintals of fish and earnings of Rs. 654,200. The initiative also linked 250 farmers to 18 common water bodies, promoting sustainable practices and market linkages. VSK supported 205 farmers with fisheries training and helped 20 fish farmers secure homes under the Machhuwara Awas Yojna 

Vikas Sahyog Kendra (VSK) initiated livestock development programs in Chhatarpur (Palamau) and Manika (Latehar) villages, targeting women, small farmers, and landless households for additional livelihood options, alongside convergence of government schemes.

Para-Vet Training: VSK organized two special training sessions for 50 individuals on veterinary services, including artificial insemination, first aid, medicine and vaccine administration, and assisting in medical and surgical treatments.

Veterinary Services: Special vaccination drives were conducted, vaccinating 3,000 goats across 50 villages and 7,024 cattle from 45 villages against diseases like HS, BQ, and FMD.

Infrastructure Development: VSK facilitated the construction of goat sheds for 302 households, with Rs. 1,26,200 leveraged, and supported 279 households in building climate-resilient elevated goat sheds. Additionally, 150 households in 20 villages constructed pig sheds, and 21 households received Rs. 51,720 for poultry sheds.

Azolla Culture & Poultry Promotion: Azolla culture, a high-value nutrition source for poultry, was adopted by 275 households across 29 villages. Backyard poultry farming was promoted in all selected villages, benefiting 2,400 households with locally adaptable and profitable breeds.

VSK conducted 11 capacity-building programs with CBO participation in selected project villages, focusing on awareness of SAM/MAM, NRC functions, and malnutrition monitoring. The sessions also covered GPDP planning and village development fund promotion.

CBO members engaged in Gram Sabha, submitting plans for water, roads, wells, and street lights. Additionally, they learned about kitchen gardens, livestock rearing, and improving children's nutrition. As a result, parents initiated backyard poultry and vegetable cultivation, leading to improved health within a few months, with children benefiting from a variety of vegetables and protein.

VSK conducted 11 capacity-building programs with CBO participation in selected project villages, focusing on awareness of SAM/MAM, NRC functions, and malnutrition monitoring. The sessions also covered GPDP planning and village development fund promotion.

CBO members engaged in Gram Sabha, submitting plans for water, roads, wells, and street lights. Additionally, they learned about kitchen gardens, livestock rearing, and improving children's nutrition. As a result, parents initiated backyard poultry and vegetable cultivation, leading to improved health within a few months, with children benefiting from a variety of vegetables and protein.

The health profiles of targeted children were poor, as assessed by local Anganwadi workers during a health camp. Children identified as SAM were referred to the MTC center at Panki, 15 km away, with support from the project staff and Anganwadi workers. The VSK team's follow-up with parents made this possible.

The project team conducted demonstrations for farmers to promote the cultivation and intake of nutritious foods like millets, pulses, and vegetables. As a result, 10 farmers began cultivating millet, and 20 farmers started producing pulses and vegetables.

In addition, four rounds of WASH training were held for 92 children in primary schools to raise awareness on handwashing and hygiene. Three village-level meetings focused on WASH issues, further engaging the community.

The health profiles of targeted children were poor, as assessed by local Anganwadi workers during a health camp. Children identified as SAM were referred to the MTC center at Panki, 15 km away, with support from the project staff and Anganwadi workers. The VSK team's follow-up with parents made this possible.

The project team conducted demonstrations for farmers to promote the cultivation and intake of nutritious foods like millets, pulses, and vegetables. As a result, 10 farmers began cultivating millet, and 20 farmers started producing pulses and vegetables.

In addition, four rounds of WASH training were held for 92 children in primary schools to raise awareness on handwashing and hygiene. Three village-level meetings focused on WASH issues, further engaging the community.