Introduction
Soil health is the foundation of sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural livelihoods. However, decades of intensive chemical-based farming, monocropping, and unsustainable land management practices have led to severe soil degradation, declining organic matter, nutrient imbalances, and reduced biological activity. These challenges have resulted in stagnating crop yields, rising input costs, and increased vulnerability of farming systems to climate change.
Organic and regenerative farming models offer a holistic and nature-positive approach to restoring soil health while maintaining or improving crop productivity. By emphasizing soil organic carbon, biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and ecological balance, these models strengthen the resilience of farming systems and reduce dependence on external inputs. When supported with appropriate training, market linkages, and institutional support, organic and regenerative agriculture can significantly enhance farmer incomes and environmental sustainability.
This project proposes to promote organic and regenerative farming models among smallholder farmers to restore soil health, improve crop productivity, and build climate-resilient agricultural systems.
Background and Rationale
Soil degradation is one of the most pressing threats to agricultural sustainability in rural landscapes. Excessive use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides has disrupted soil microbial communities, reduced water-holding capacity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Smallholder farmers are particularly affected due to limited access to knowledge, quality organic inputs, and alternative farming practices.
Regenerative agriculture goes beyond organic standards by actively rebuilding soil organic matter, enhancing biodiversity, and improving ecosystem services such as water regulation and carbon sequestration. Practices such as composting, green manuring, cover cropping, crop rotation, agroecological pest management, and reduced tillage have demonstrated strong potential to improve soil structure and productivity over time.
Scaling organic and regenerative farming requires integrated interventions that combine farmer training, on-farm demonstrations, access to inputs, certification support, and market development. This project addresses these needs through a community-centered and evidence-based approach.
Goal
To restore soil health and enhance crop productivity through the adoption of organic and regenerative farming models among smallholder farmers.
Objectives
- Improve soil organic matter, nutrient balance, and biological activity in targeted farming systems.
- Increase crop yields and farm profitability through regenerative practices.
- Reduce dependence on chemical inputs and lower production costs.
- Strengthen farmer knowledge, skills, and confidence in organic and regenerative farming.
- Promote environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Target Groups
- Smallholder and marginal farmers
- Women farmers and self-help groups
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
- Rural youth interested in sustainable agriculture
Key Interventions and Activities
- Soil Health Assessment and Planning
- Baseline soil testing and soil health profiling
- Preparation of farm-level regenerative transition plans
- Development of soil health cards and monitoring tools
- Promotion of Organic and Regenerative Practices
- Composting, vermicomposting, and bio-input production
- Green manuring, cover crops, and crop rotation systems
- Mulching, reduced tillage, and moisture conservation
- Integrated nutrient and pest management using biological inputs
- Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer
- Input Supply and Local Enterprises
- Establishment of community-level bio-input units
- Support for women- and youth-led input enterprises
- Access to quality seeds and planting material
- Market Linkages and Certification Support
- Support for organic certification (PGS/third-party)
- Strengthening FPOs for aggregation and marketing
- Linking farmers to premium markets and buyers
- Promotion of value-added organic products
Implementation Strategy
The project will be implemented over a three-year period in collaboration with local NGOs, agricultural extension agencies, and farmer institutions. A phased approach will include baseline assessments, pilot demonstrations, scaling of successful practices, and consolidation through market integration.
Expected Outcomes
- Improved soil organic carbon and soil fertility indicators
- Increased crop yields and reduced input costs
- Enhanced farmer incomes and livelihood resilience
- Reduced environmental pollution and improved ecosystem health
- Increased adoption of organic and regenerative farming practices
Impact
The project will contribute to sustainable food systems, climate change mitigation, and rural prosperity by restoring soil health and promoting regenerative land use practices. It will create long-term benefits for farmers, ecosystems, and local communities.
Sustainability and Scalability
Sustainability will be ensured through farmer ownership, strengthened local institutions, on-farm input production, and integration with government schemes and market systems. Successful models will be documented and scaled to additional regions.
Monitoring and Evaluation
A participatory monitoring and evaluation framework will track soil health indicators, productivity changes, income improvements, and adoption rates. Learning and feedback mechanisms will support adaptive management.
Alignment with SDGs
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
Conclusion
Improving soil health through organic and regenerative farming models is essential for achieving sustainable agricultural productivity and resilient rural livelihoods. By restoring ecological balance, reducing input dependency, and enhancing farmer capacity, this project will contribute to long-term food security, environmental sustainability, and inclusive rural development.
