Monthly Archives: February 2024

Odisha’s present fertility rate is just 1.8 and it is expected to further reduce to 1.2 in 2036. This apart in three districts – Rayagada, Nabarangpur and Kandhamal — the demographic transition will be higher that is expected to exceed two, indicating a significant regional inequality in demographic transition by 2036, said noted educationist, Professor Amitabh Kundu at the Odisha Vikash Conclave 2023 organised on 7^th December by CYSD in partnership with UNFPA.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Odisha Vikash Conclave 2023, Professor Kundu said government policies and schemes need to be aligned to tackle the challenges posed by demographic transition, with a greater emphasis on social security support. Demographic transition in Odisha, according to experts, began in 1992-93. The population growth rate in the state was below 10 per cent during the last decade (2011-2021). It has consistently declined compared to the national level. Previously, Odisha’s population, representing 4 per cent of India’s total, has now reduced to 3.5 per cent.

As the state’s aging population is projected to reach 17 per cent by 2036, the state has a unique opportunity to harness the potential arising from demographic transition, observed Shri Jagadananda, a noted social scientist and Co-founder of CYSD. “This dividend can be tapped in two ways: first, the Gender Dividend, which involves utilizing the untapped potential of the aging female population; and second, the Silver Dividend, which entails leveraging the knowledge and expertise of older individuals,” he added. Dr. R Balakrishnan, Chief Advisor at the Office of the Chief Minister, Odisha, mentioned that the state budget outlay has leaped from Rs 1 crore in 1936 to Rs 2 lakh crore now, indicating steady economic progress in the state. He underscored that Odisha’s development model is equity-based and inclusive, striving to reach the last mile individuals. Such a development model needs to be adopted nationwide. He promised to take forward the recommendations of the OVC to the appropriate level to transform them into action.

Ms. Andrea Wojnar, Country Head of the United Nations UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), underscored that UNFPA will continue to support in conducting intensive research on new themes related to demography and development in India.

The OVC-2023 opening session was participated by 400 delegates comprising civil society leaders, government officials, think tanks, representatives from corporate houses, academicians, researchers, CBO leaders, PRI representatives and media representatives. The opening session was followed by six different thematic sessions and way forward sessions.

Akshay Kumar Sahoo
Deccan Chronicle.

The Odisha Vikash Conclave 2023, themed “Demography and Development,” commenced with a Dialogue on “Building Resilient Gram Panchayat,” on 6^th December. The experts joining the deliberation called for strengthening the gram panchayats frameworks in Odisha for holistic development of the State.

Participating at the OVC- 2023, the experts drawn from international bodies, the Union government and State government, pointed out that the gram panchayats play a pivotal role in advancing the human development agenda of the Union and State governments at the village level.

“The level of development in a village is evident through the facilities that it provides to enrich human life and sustain the surrounding environment,” said Shri Jagadananda, Social Scientist and Co-founder of CYSD.

Shri Surendra Nath Tripathi, Director General of Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), Government of India, said gram panchayats, as institutions of self-government, need to be developed as institutions of local self- governance as was the case before the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act.

He underlined the need for an inclusive approach in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) system to ensure that the last-mile individuals are covered under social security.Emphasising on the need to check distressed migration to ensure rural prosperity, Shri Anshuman Karol, Lead Governance and Climate Action, Society for Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA), stated that Panchayats play a pivotal role in planning and structuring employment in villages to reduce migration.

The formulation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP) presents a unique opportunity for panchayats to align their strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), said CYSD Programme Director – Basant Kumar Nayak.Ms. Itishree Kanungo, another expert from Mahashakti Foundation, stressed on the need of women empowerment, mostly in rural pockets to tackle the challenges posed by the changing demographic pattern.

Shri Karunakar Patnaik, a retired Indian Administrative Officer and present Chairman of IIPA-Odisha, shed light on the role of panchayats in allocating land to the landless and preventing the fraudulent practices in the sale of tribal land. Sarpanches and people’s representatives from 73 panchayats in backward districts such as Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Balangir, Bargarh, and Malkangiri joining the event discussed on the challenges faced by people in their respective villages. These challenges encompass poverty, lack of access to healthcare facilities, absence of universal health coverage, poor road connectivity, exclusion of eligible individuals from government social security schemes, insufficient irrigation and drinking water facilities, inadequate sanitation, absence of essential documents, and faulty documents hindering access to government benefits, they mentioned. They also formulated strategies to address these challenges.

Tavasarua villagers, mostly farmers, rely on agriculture for their livelihood.  Owing to insufficient water for traditional paddy cultivation they face huge challenges. But, with the intervention of Odisha Millets Mission for promotion of millets in tribal regions like Kendujhar district, the farmers of Tavasarua in Saharapada Tahasil of the district could see new hope and success in agriculture despite limited rainfall.

Janardhan Nayak is a hardened and prominent farmer in Tavasarua village with over 4 decades of experience. His family, comprising three members, primarily relies on income from agriculture sources. But, limited access to water for traditional paddy cultivation and unpredictable weather conditions, making agriculture more vulnerable. Motivated by the implementing agency CYSD and Odisha Millet Mission, Janardhan, as the first attempt, decided to take a leap into millet cultivation.

Janardhan possesses 7.5 acres of land, from which he cultivated paddy in 3 acres and vegetable in 1 acre. Understanding that millet crops require less water and are resilient to challenging conditions, he allocated two acres of land for Ragi millet cultivation in the last Kharif of 2023 applying the SMI method.

By adopting millet cultivation, Janardhan improved his agricultural yield and ensured a more stable income source. Ragi millets being known for their resilience and lower water requirements, make them ideal for this region. Janardhan also diversified his crops by cultivating paddy, millets and vegetables, reducing the risk of crop failure.

Other farmers in Tavasarua are closely observing Janardhan’s progress with millet cultivation. The village is excited about the potential of millets which will provide a more sustainable and reliable source of income. Janardhan’s journey into millet cultivation represents a promising new chapter for Tavasarua. While the millet crops are not yet matured, the shift towards more resilient and water-efficient farming practices is a step in the right direction. The community’s confidence and willingness to adapt to new agricultural methods highlight the potential for a brighter and more sustainable future for the village. “I am thankful to the Odisha Millets Mission and CYSD for inspiring me to cultivate millets and providing ample technical knowhow to this effect”, said Janardhan with full of cheerfulness.

In the lush landscapes of Kashipur Block in Rayagada district of Odisha, a transformative episode unfolded in the life of Kamala Majhi, a 45-year-old tribal farmer from Mati Maa Producers Group, Bariaguda village. Traditionally engaged in cultivating crops like Ragi, Maize, Nizer, paddy, and minor millets, Kamala embraced a new opportunity brought forth by the intervention of CYSD-UANAT (Utkal’s Action for Agricultural Transformation) Project for cultivation of monsoon potatoes. Shift from traditional forest based livelihoods to agriculture was further encouraged by CYSD’s initiative to promote cash crops, particularly vegetable cultivation throughout the year.

After getting involved in a village-level community mobilization meeting organized by CYSD, Kamala decided to take up the challenge of cultivating monsoon potato in her sloppy land. Although it was her first attempt, the guidance provided by the CYSD expert team increased her apprehensions.

In 2023, around 285 farmers, including Kamala Majhi, received support from the Horticulture Department with the facilitation of CYSD to cultivate monsoon potatoes. Kamala, along with her husband Danar Majhi, received agri-inputs support like, 100 Kg potato seeds along with organic fertilizer and field bonding assistance to develop her sloppy degraded land. With proper seed treatment, preparation of bio-fertilizer and land development, Kamala implanted the potato seeds in July, overcoming challenges posed by continuous rain and soil erosion that affected other farmers in her village.

Despite the adverse weather conditions, Kamala’s strategic approach, combined with the benefits of sloping land and adherence to good agricultural practices, resulted in successful harvest. She yielded around 347 Kg of potatoes and set an example for other members of Mati Maa Producer Group and neighboring villages.

Kamala’s financial gain from monsoon potato cultivation was substantial. With an investment of Rs. 3,230, including the support from horticulture department, she generated an income of Rs. 10,400 by selling 347 Kg of potatoes at Rs. 30 per Kg in the Dongasil Haat and near Farm Gate and kept 20 Kg small size potato for family consumption.  After deducting the investment, Kamala made a profit of Rs. 7180 in just four months. This income not only improved the household’s economic status but also ensured her family’s food security.

The members of Mati Maa Producer Group including Kamala, expressed their appreciation for the initiative taken jointly by the UANAT project of CYSD and Horticulture Department. “I see this intervention as a successful model which can be replicated in other villages and the model has good potential to uplift the trial population’s livelihood”, said the Deputy Director, Horticulture, Rayagada.

In the heart of Kashipur Block, Kamala Majhi’s journey from a traditional crop cultivation to monsoon potato cultivation signifies resilience, adaptability, and the positive impact of strategic interventions on tribal livelihoods. “Kamala’s success story will continue to inspire and ignite hope for a brighter and more sustainable future in Kashipur Block”, added the DDH.

Costly chemical input in agriculture can be seen as one of the reasons why so many conventional farmers are becoming indebted. Organic farmers protect themselves from this by producing their own inputs from organic matter. CYSD staff members involved in Odisha Millets Mission (OMM) programme have undertaken an intensive research and revealed that organic input can reduce the input expenditure cost of farmers.

Damayanti Behera, one of the women farmers from Ghantiadar village in Jarak GP of Thakurmunda Block in Mayurbhanj district experimented with organic input in her farm land and got desired benefits.

When Damayanti was asked about the results of bio-pesticide use instead of chemical pesticides, she replied that application of bio-pesticide has effectively controlled pests without damaging the soil and saved my input cost by 50%.  This indicates the significant financial benefits of such techniques.

In the initial stage of bio-pesticide preparation, one of the Community Resource Person, Purnima Behera, conducted a training on Non-Pesticide Management (NPM) for the farmers. Then on a trial basis she prepared some bio-pesticide products like Agneyastra, Nimastra, Handikhata and sold them in her own locality including Damayanti.  She was advised by Purnima to apply the products in millet and vegetable fields. “I have been applying bio-pesticide and bio-manures for the last one and a half years. While comparing the input cost, I realized that I have saved around Rs. 20,000/- in 2022 against Rs. 50,000/- invested on input cost in 2020 and even before that, shared Damayanti”.

On realization of the actual value of this product, Demayanti eagerly wanted to know more about the product and the process of preparation and sought the technical guidance of Purnima, a master trainer in NPM.  Knowing Damayanti’s interest in NPM, Purnima offered her training. Last year, Damayanti prepared 200 Ltr. Agneyastra for application in her own land and sold the surplus products.

Being a trained person on NPM and user of related products, Damayanti wants to set up a NPM hub in her own locality and supply the products to her SHG members and to other locations as well.

CYSD OMM Project team is exploring the possibility of helping Damayanti establish a bio-pesticide input centre in convergence with the Mission Shakti for sustainability.

Champajhar, a revenue village in Thakurmunda Block of Mayurbhanj District of Odisha, is about 80 Km away from the district headquarters Baripada. People from heterogeneous castes like ST, SC, OBC and General are the main residents of this village.

Malti Mohanta from Chamapjhar, an amateur agri-entrepreneur has adopted seedless nursery as a livelihood option to supplement her family’s income. Malti resides with her husband Deepak Mahanta in a joint family. They cultivate paddy for home consumption purposes, but they are ignorant of the opportunity to increase their income through other agricultural activities and selling the produce in the market.  But, Malti getting out of household chores could bring change in her family’s livelihood when CYSD intervened in her area with Agriculture Production Cluster (APC) program in partnership with Bharat Rural Livelihood Foundation (BRLF) through formation of Producer Groups and followed by various capacity building orientations.

Malti became one of the members of Chindigiri Producers Group and got the opportunity to attend several capacity building programs, along with other women members, organized by CYSD APC team, Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, etc., related to cultivation of vegetables using different methods and entrepreneurship models like, seed line preparation, value addition, etc. Getting training and exposure, Malti showed her interest towards preparation of vegetable seedlings through adoption of soilless nursery model.

Malti’s unwavering determination to become a successful agri-entrepreneur brought her in contact with the CYSD program team. After listening to her carefully, the program team committed to help Malti fulfil her dream. The team discussed with various government departments and finally the horticulture department came one step ahead to support Malti under the RKVY scheme. After completion of the formalities between Malti and the Department of Horticulture, she started the venture in Aug-2023. The total cost of the project being Rs 6,56,314/-, Malti contributed Rs 2,84,782/- and the RKVY scheme granted Rs. 3,71,532/- for this venture.

In every step, the CYSD program team assisted Malti, and extended technical guidance in seedling preparation, seedbed management, disease & paste  management and marketing, etc. Initially, she made an investment of Rs. 10,000/- with regard to procurement of seeds like brinjal, tomato, chili, cabbage, cauliflower, and cherry tomato seeds, and seedling preparation. After selling the first batch of seedlings at market price, she made a total profit of Rs.15000/-.“Within a month’s time, the seedlings were ready for sale and the profit which I acquired was fairly satisfying,” says Malti with a cheerful voice. While Malti’s aspiration to become an agri-entrepreneur is gradually getting fulfilled, she has become an inspiration for other women farmers in her community.

Adopting Natural Farming Practices, Surai Maji, a 46-year-old woman farmer of Ratachuan village in Kodipari Gram Panchayat, has broken the barriers in the agricultural landscape. In order to sustain the livelihood of her family – husband Lada Maji and three other members, Surai actively gets involved in both agricultural and non-agricultural activities.

In the kharif season, Surai works as a share cropper alongside her husband. Despite a lack of formal education, Surai has become an active member of Maa Tulashi Producer Group. Her deep involvement in community activities led her to a transformative experience by attending a training session on Natural Farming conducted by the CYSD under the UANAT Project supported by UAIL and BRLF.

In the training, Surai learned about the Natural Farming Practices by applying non-pesticide management (NPM), a methodology that enables farmers to create bio-fertilizers using locally available materials. Realizing the potential of producing homemade bio-fertilizers, Surai could foresee the opportunity to address the high-cost fertilizers challenges, which was not economically viable for a joint family like her.

Mingling cow dung and urine, gram flour, jaggery, and Neem leaves proportionately, Surai started preparing organic fertilizers and experimented NPM on her 3-acre land – used Neemastra in Brinjal crop yielded miraculous results, and the application of Ghanajeevamrit and Jeevamrit in potato crop yield resulted fivefold increase in production comparing to the seeds input weight. Of course, the UANAT project supported High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Vermin bed for Vermi compost preparation.

Surai’s success story in the Beans, Potato and Tomato crop production was impressive. By applying Ghanajeevamrit and Jeevamrit, she not only achieved a bountiful harvest but also reduced the dependency on expensive chemical fertilizers. “The success in natural farming has provided my family a sustained livelihood and I am further inspired to explore the potential of NPM in other crops too,” says Surai .

Surai’s enthusiasm for NPM use went beyond her family’s fields. She had recently sprayed Jeevamrit in her paddy field to observe the results and has started making Ghanajeevamrit for the upcoming kharif crop, being a sustainable practice that can be stored for the entire crop season.

Surai envisages, practicing NPM in future agricultural productivity can further be enhanced. “I see an opportunity to contribute to my family’s income by producing and selling these natural fertilizers to fellow farmers”, shares Surai.   Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident as she contemplates selling homemade fertilizers. Her neighbor, Sinai Majhi, who borrowed Jeevamrit and Vermi compost from Surai for use, has observed positive results in the growth and color of Beans and potatoes.

Surai Majhi’s journey from a traditional farmer to an advocate of Natural Farming Practices exemplifies the transformative potential of sustainable agricultural methods. Through her dedication, Surai has not only achieved remarkable results in her own crops but also become a beacon for her community. Surai’s story showcases the power of knowledge and innovation in creating a sustainable and economically viable future for farmers in rural communities.