One of JSM’s major areas of work is our effort to popularise and increase the use of organic farming practices through training programmes and field demonstrations, so that farmers are encouraged to adopt a more nature-friendly approach to agriculture with a greater concern for the natural resources of land, water, forest that are so integral to Adivasi survival.
JSM also provides basic subsidies for compost pits, slurry containers, insect spray drums, implements, etc.
We focus on research-oriented development of sustainable agricultural and ecological practices, collaborate with other NGOs, and also link with relevant government programmes.
Other activities include monsoon tree planting campaigns for the restoration of green cover, promoting kitchen gardens among the village communities for nutrition support, and providing extension services to other NGOs involved in similar efforts.
Sustainable agriculture is an area where Adivasi native skills harmonize with a re-discovered technology for nature-friendly agriculture. However, to balance the sustainable approaches to agriculture with the natural aspiration to raise income levels is a struggle. Those with small landholdings take time to actually put these methods into practice, despite being aware of their advantages. The challenges of distanced water and vanishing forest-fuel supplies add to the hard manual work already put in by farmers all through the year. Industrial wages are a strong attraction to give up on agriculture. The effort therefore requires patience and commitment, to work with farmers one step at a time.
