Sustainable agriculture and organic farming program in India

The challenge of food security, especially in the face of rising food prices, places a serious responsibility before the country. Despite immense advances in the agriculture sector, many people still go to bed hungry or live under the threat of food shortage. The degradation of natural resources is also a major concern as it severely impacts the livelihoods of poor and backward communities in rural areas. In this backdrop, sustainable agriculture is one of the most effective ways to respond to the challenges of the rural community. In essence, Sustainable Agriculture refers to a set of practices adopted for cultivation that are least harmful to the environment while also ensuring a good crop. It involves crop production methods that support sustainable natural resource management to increase crop productivity, maintain biodiversity, and also are economically viable and socially acceptable. Organic farming is generally sustainable; however, organic produce can also be cultivated on large scale industrial farms that are not sustainable. Soil and water management, organic farming, integrated pest management and integrated nutrient management are common practices promoted under sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agricultural development, as well as employing organic farming methods, seeks food and nutritional security, improved livelihoods for the people, safe ecosystems, and sustainable economies of agriculture.

As a volunteer in this field of work, you will
• Work with the farming community and associated organisations, assisting in sustainable agriculture and/or organic farming projects.
• Conduct community awareness activities on the importance of sustainable agriculture.
• Facilitate training and capacity building on crop productivity, how to maintain biodiversity, water management, organic farming, integrated pest management, integrated nutrient management, surveys, documentations, etc.

Find out more about this and other volunteer opportunities in India at: http://cadip.org/volunteering-in-india

For programs in other countries check out: http://cadip.org