MPRLP UPDATE SERIES NO. 2 BOOSTING AGRICULTURE
Boosting agriculture in remote areas of Madhya Pradesh The Madhya Pradesh Rural Livelihoods Project's (MPRLP's) pioneering approaches are raising many thousands of farmers and landless men and women out of poverty. The project's work shows just how much can be done when agricultural development takes advantage of market opportunities, works with existing village, district and state institutions, and aligns with government policies.
Stimulating fresh vegetable production India's growing small- and mediumsized cities and towns are a ready market for fresh vegetables. Working with Gram Sabhas, MPRLP and the Agriculture Department have distributed improved vegetable seed starter kits and provided training to help farmers take advantage of rising demand. Since 2007, 5119 farmers have added vegetables to their double cropping systems on more than 18,000 acres of land.
Intensifying production of rice MPRLP has also introduced the highly productive System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method into traditional paddy farming. Starting in
A flourishing crop grown using the System of Rice Intensification. Photo: Š MPRLP
"Farmers are now harvesting twice as much by double cropping" 2006 with 50 farmers in five villages, by 2010 this way of producing more rice had spread rapidly to 23,418 farmers in 940 villages, and now covers 12,018 acres.
Example achievements Fresh vegetables 5119 farmers are now selling vegetables grown on 18,058 acres*. More rice In eastern districts, intensive rice-growing techniques are boosting net returns by, on average, Rs. 6625 (ÂŁ240) a year per acre.
Bringing more land under agricultural production
Crops from fallow land Farmers are now growing crops on 41,380 acres previously left fallow.
Other demonstrations have shown farmers who have very little land how they can boost harvests by cultivating areas they would normally leave fallow in some cases, and in other cases by growing two crops a year instead of one. By following up with farmers who have begun cropping this previously unused land, MPRLP helped them overcome any problems they encountered.
From one crop to two crops a year Farmers are now harvesting twice as much by double cropping 31,995 acres.
Producing quality seed Thanks to the farmers' responses to MPRLP training in seed production and the help given to cooperatives in becoming registered, seed producer cooperatives are now giving farmers in remote areas access to quality seed, thus boosting harvests of wheat, soy bean and gram.
Quality seed 93 farmers and one producer company are now producing quality seed in five districts. Organic crops 1172 farmers in 88 villages are working towards being certified organic crop producers on 2898 acres. And 637 acres belonging to 186 farmers have already received their certificate for the first year of the transition to organic status. Producer companies A producer company has been registered in Dindori. * 2.47 acres = one hectare
MADHYA PRADESH RURAL LIVELIHOODS PROJECT
Going organic In eastern districts, MPRLP is helping small farmers take advantage of the emerging demand for high-value organic rice, wheat, maize, pigeon pea and kodo/kutki. In this case, MPRLP helped them learn organic farming methods and become certified organic producers to get access to markets.
Working with existing institutions Better tools and equipment for the very poor To reach the poorest of the poor, MPRLP worked through Gram Sabhas to identify farmers who lacked even basic farm and irrigation equipment. Now, 2556 of the poorest farmers are using better farm tools and another 2121 are using better irrigation equipment.
Aligning with government policies Participatory irrigation management With the help of MPRLP, Water User Associations (WUAs) are taking responsibility for water management in the command area. Using funds channelled from the National Rural Employment Guarantee (NREG) Scheme, the user groups are repairing and maintaining canal systems in the Mann and Jobat irrigation schemes. The approach is so successful that more and more farmers are becoming paid-up members of WUAs. These
Seeing is believing 928 demonstrations given, 389 exposure visits.
Learning by doing 113 farmer field schools run. Learning from others 105 farmer-tofarmer sessions run. Professional training 1564 training sessions run. Learning together Learning sessions run for farmer organisations.
"Seed producer cooperatives are giving farmers in remote areas access to quality seed"
The way ahead
Training and supporting farmers MPRLP has also worked with the Agriculture Technology Management Agency and Gram Sabhas to provide basic training and support systems for farmers in remote districts. This gives them opportunities to learn new and better ways of farming.
efforts by MPRLP were recently recognised by an award from the state government.
Further strengthen the capacity of Gram Sabhas to manage and distribute funds and resources equitably to farmers. Work with the Agriculture Department to provide poor farmers with more basic agricultural training and support services. Continue to encourage businesses and NGOs to help farmers and farmer cooperatives break into highvalue markets. Organise more farmers into seed producer cooperatives to ensure that quality seed is available on their doorstep. Further promote organic farming in the Shahdol, Dindori and Mandla districts. Organise more farmers into producer companies to help them market their products. Focus more on increasing the area under double cropping. Promote more vegetable farming to improve nutrition and boost incomes.
Contact Telephone: +91-(0)755-2766812, 814, 815 Fax: +91-(0)755-2766818 Email: mprlp@mprlp.in Website: www.mprlp.in MPRLP is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID). This publication does not necessarily represent the views of the Department for International Development.