SAI sustainable agro: An innovative model for multiplying farmers’ income

Abstract

In many areas of the country small and marginal farmers are not able to utilize their land and manual resources because of lack of knowledge, training and market linkages. On the other hand, many agro based industries have to meet their inputs by imports as it is not readily available in their captive areas. SAI Sustainable Agro identified this gap and started working in the tribal areas of Rayagada district of Odisha State, in 2013. It tied up with JK Paper Mills, located in the district and was dependent hugely on import of pulp wood, for assured purchases of pulpwood at predetermined price. Having assured of the forward linkage, it started working with the farmers who had barren or low productive lands. To start with, hybrid eucalyptus, which needs very less water and care, are planted in these lands. Subsequently, intercrops- like finger millets are planted between the rows of the eucalyptus trees. Traditional knowledge is combined with biotechnology, ensuring farmer access to better quality inputs and cultivation techniques. Farmers are also provided access to training, technical expertise, finance, machinery as well as fertilizers right at their doorstep. This encouraged farmers to adopt the model. This saw the farmers coming out of the poverty cycle in first 4 years itself. This agroforestry model not only improves the soil quality and productivity, but the trees and the land also act as rich carbon sinks.