Kalahandi, located in the western region of Odisha, is renowned for its rich agricultural heritage and diverse agro-climatic conditions. Agriculture remains the backbone of the district’s economy, with a majority of rural households depending on farming for their livelihoods. The district offers significant potential for the promotion of natural farming; however, strengthening sustainable production systems and improving market access remain essential for enhancing farmers’ income and long-term resilience.

District Challenge

Despite its agricultural potential, Kalahandi faces significant challenges in scaling natural farming due to the absence of structured market linkages and organized value chain systems. Limited aggregation, branding, and market access result in poor price realization for naturally grown produce, reducing farmers’ economic incentives to transition from conventional farming. Strengthening market systems and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities remain essential for accelerating the adoption of natural farming across the district.

Our Approach-

Prakriti follows a community-led cluster approach to promote natural farming in Kalahandi. Farmers are organized into local clusters, where Champion Farmers are identified to guide and inspire their communities. In Kalahandi, Shri Baladev Bhoi, a renowned natural farming practitioner with over 14 years of experience, serves as a Champion Farmer and local mentor. His practical knowledge and field experience play a vital role in motivating farmers, facilitating peer learning, and promoting the adoption of sustainable farming practices.

With the support of Champion Farmers, Prakriti conducts regular cluster meetings, capacity-building programmes, and farmer training sessions to strengthen farmers’ technical knowledge and encourage collective action. The organization also establishes Bio-Input Resource Centres (BIRCs) within the clusters, where farmers receive hands-on training in the preparation and application of natural farming inputs such as Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, Ghan Jeevamrit, Neemastra, and Agniastra.

Through continuous technical guidance, community participation, and institutional strengthening, Prakriti is building a self-reliant farming ecosystem that improves soil health, enhances farmer resilience, and promotes sustainable rural livelihoods.

Farmer Training Programmes

One training programme is conducted per cluster in every season to strengthen farmers’ knowledge and practical skills in natural farming.

Cluster Meetings

Two cluster meetings are organized per cluster in every season to promote peer learning, collective planning, and continuous technical support.

BIO-INPUT RESOURCE CENTRE (BRC)

The Bio-Input Resource Centre (BIRC) established by Prakriti at Dhanarakhaman Village, Kalahandi, serves as a community hub for the production and promotion of natural farming inputs. The centre provides hands-on training to farmers on the preparation, application, and effective use of locally available bio-inputs, enabling them to adopt sustainable and low-cost farming practices.

The BIRC plays a vital role in strengthening farmers’ technical knowledge, reducing dependence on chemical inputs, and promoting self-reliance through locally produced natural farming formulations.