Soil health improvement
Natural composting and organic matter addition enhance soil structure, fertility and water retention capacity.
Organic farming practices
Promoting sustainable, eco-friendly farming methods for healthier crops and environment.
2,345
Farmers trained, 2013–14
1,456
Rural youth trained, 2013–14
2,134
Women trained, 2021–22
Understanding
What organic farming means
What is organic farming?
Organic farming is a holistic agricultural approach that emphasizes natural processes and excludes synthetic chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers — producing nutritious food while protecting the environment for future generations.
Our organic farming practices programme empowers farmers with knowledge and techniques in natural soil fertility management, biological pest control, vermicomposting, bio-fertilizer production and sustainable crop rotation. In 2013–14 alone we ran 128 organic farming trainings for 2,345 farmers and 1,456 rural youth.
This sustainable method focuses on maintaining soil health, promoting biodiversity and preserving ecological balance. The work continues: under the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) in Thonthoni and Kadavur blocks of Karur district, 2,134 women were trained in organic agriculture in 2021–22.
- Soil health
- Natural pest management
- Biodiversity conservation
- Water conservation
- Sustainable practices
Why this work matters
The challenge on the ground — and our answer
The challenge
Costly synthetic inputs
Expensive synthetic fertilizers and pesticides eat into farm earnings season after season.
Our response
Natural inputs made on the farm
Training in vermicomposting and bio-fertilizer production replaces purchased chemicals with inputs farmers make themselves from farm and animal waste.
The challenge
Chemicals degrade the land
Synthetic chemicals damage the soil ecosystem and contaminate the water sources farms depend on.
Our response
Rebuild soil health naturally
Natural composting and organic matter addition enhance soil structure, fertility and water retention capacity.
The challenge
Chemical exposure harms health
Handling synthetic pesticides exposes farming families to harmful chemicals — and residues reach consumers too.
Our response
Safer farms, safer food
Biological pest control, companion planting and herbal pesticides improve farmer health and produce safer food for consumers.
The challenge
Produce with nowhere to go
Residue-free produce is worth more, but only if a farmer can reach a buyer who pays for the difference.
Our response
Harvest, pack and sell
Our trainings carry through to harvesting, packing and marketing, and pair organic methods with the producer companies we promote.
At a glance
The essentials
- Active since
- 2002Organic farming work delivered 2002–2022
- Farmers trained
- 2,345 in 2013–14Plus 1,456 rural youth the same year, and 2,134 women in 2021–22
- Funding partners
- NABARD, DRDA & KVK DindigulNABARD Karur and DRDA Dindigul funded the 2008–09 vermicomposting training; KVK Dindigul the 2014–15 organic input work
- Portfolio
- 6 programmesTraining, vermicomposting and organic agriculture, 2002–2022
- Most recent delivery
- Organic agriculture training under MKSP2,134 women in Thonthoni and Kadavur blocks, Karur, 2021–22
- Delivery model
- Farmer trainingSoil fertility, pest control, vermicomposting, bio-fertilizers, crop rotation
Track record
Project portfolio, 2002–2022
| Programme | Period | Type | Highlights | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Training on indigenous farming practices | 2002–2003 | Training programme | Organic training rooted in indigenous methods | Completed |
| Sustainable agriculture training | 2002–2003 | Training programme | Sustainable practices suited to each district’s ecosystem | Completed |
| Vermi-composting and organic farming training | 2003–2005 | Training programme | 244 women trained in Trichy and Karur under IWDP and DPAP | Completed |
| Vermicomposting (NABARD & DRDA funded) | 2008–2009 | Key activity | 32 trained with NABARD Karur, 250 with DRDA Dindigul; 50 units built at Mylampatti | Completed |
| Organic farming trainings | 2013–2014 | Key activity | 128 trainings for 2,345 farmers and 1,456 rural youth | Completed |
| Organic agriculture training under MKSP | 2021–2022 | Key activity | 2,134 women in Thonthoni and Kadavur blocks, Karur district | Completed |
Impact
What organic farming changes
Reduced input costs
Vermicompost, vermiwash and herbal pesticides made on the farm replace synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that have to be bought in.
Residue-free produce
Organic input technologies were promoted with KVK Dindigul to produce nutrient-rich, residue-free vegetables and fruit for market.
Environmental protection
Chemical-free farming protects water sources and the soil ecosystem, and promotes biodiversity conservation.
Get involved
Join the organic farming movement
Partner with us to promote sustainable organic farming practices that benefit farmers, consumers and the environment. Together, we can build a healthier agricultural future.