Re Sustainability and NABARD have joined forces to promote the judicious and efficient use of natural resources for sustainable development on a global scale. Our partnership aims to empower farmers by enabling them to conserve and manage vital resources like soil and water, while also encouraging the adoption of sustainable and profitable agricultural practices.

We have introduced innovative techniques such as organic farming and intercropping to farmers, which have successfully replaced conventional methods reliant on chemical pesticides and fertilizers. As a result, not only have farmers contributed to the improvement of land health and environmental sustainability, but they have also reaped the benefits of healthy yields, reduced input costs, and enhanced livelihood opportunities.

While there is a growing awareness and demand for organic foods in India, farmers in the country still heavily rely on chemical-intensive methods to achieve higher yields and income. Against this backdrop, we initiated a pilot project in the village of Swayambu Varam, introducing organic agriculture. This project covers 30 acres of land and involves 40 farmers. It provides them with the knowledge and expertise needed to implement new cultivation practices that offer the same yields as conventional agriculture but at a lower cost. The inputs required for this initiative, including natural fertilizers and pesticides like farmyard manure, green leaf manure, neem oil and cake, vermicompost, biofertilizer, and Trichoderma cards, are fully funded by ReSL and provided to the farmers free of charge.

The impacts of this project have been remarkable. The cost of cultivation per acre has been reduced from INR 28,000 to INR 18,000, while crop yields have increased to 200 kgs per acre. Beyond the financial gains, participating farmers have expressed satisfaction with the results of organic farming methods and have willingly embraced these practices for the long term. Moreover, they are actively contributing to the health and well-being of consumers who benefit from their organic produce. Importantly, these new practices also contribute to improving soil health by reducing pesticide residue and promoting the growth of plant and soil-friendly microorganisms.

An exemplary farmer, Polavarapu Apparo, who has been cultivating paddy for the past three decades, was initially a firm believer that increased chemical usage leads to higher crop yields. However, over the years, he faced rising cultivation costs and unsatisfactory yields. When introduced to organic farming, he had reservations and doubts. However, through various awareness programs and training sessions, he became convinced and decided to cultivate paddy organically on one acre, with guidance from state government agriculture officials and the Re Sustainability team. Despite encountering pests and diseases, the impact was significantly lower compared to chemical farming, and his crop yields improved. This transformative experience altered his perception of organic farming and motivated him to adopt natural cultivation practices on a larger scale.