Since 2008, Jeevika Development Society (JDS) has been working consistently to promote sustainable agricultural techniques across its operational areas in the South 24 Parganas district. The journey began with the introduction of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) methodology in one block, where a small group of women farmers experimented with alternative ways of rice cultivation. This early effort laid the foundation for a larger movement towards environmentally conscious, climate-resilient farming.

Today, the organization engages with nearly 1,200 small & marginal farmers, spread across four blocks—Bishnupur I, Bishnupur II, Budge Budge I, and Budge Budge II. Among these, about 70% are women farmers, while the rest are men. This gender balance highlights the organization’s strong commitment to women’s empowerment and the recognition of women as central actors in food security and ecological sustainability.

Historical Context and Emerging Challenges

The Green Revolution of the 1960s introduced modern agricultural practices that significantly increased food production in India. However, the widespread reliance on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and high-yielding varieties came at a high cost. Over time, soil fertility declined, groundwater reserves shrank, and air and water pollution intensified. Climate change further compounded these stresses, exposing farming communities to erratic rainfall, floods, and rising temperatures.

Marginal farmers, who depend on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood, often lose their morale. Many were forced to abandon cultivation altogether, turning instead to wage labour or migrating to distant states in search of work. The consequences were not just economic—exposure to harmful chemicals and degraded ecosystems has been linked to chronic health issues, including cancer, respiratory ailments, and premature deaths, worsened by limited access to affordable healthcare.

Recognizing these challenges, Jeevika Development Society has, since 2017, intensified its focus on climate-resilient, low-cost, and ecologically sustainable agriculture. The interventions are diverse and community-driven, designed both to revive traditional practices and to introduce innovative techniques through Nutritional Gardens, where rural women were mobilized to cultivate poison-free vegetables year-round on small plots near their homes. These gardens not only improved household nutrition but also reduced dependency on the market for daily food needs. By ensuring a steady supply of fresh, chemical-free produce, they became an important step toward food security and self-reliance.

Farmers were encouraged to preserve, exchange, and cultivate indigenous vegetable seeds, safeguarding biodiversity and reducing dependence on commercial seed markets. The practice has strengthened the culture of seed sovereignty and enhanced resilience against crop failure.
Jeevika supported marginalized communities in identifying and collecting uncultivated foods—including leafy greens, edible roots, wild fruits, and aquatic species—that were once abundant but are now disappearing. To celebrate and popularize this knowledge, “Uncultivated Food Festivals” were organized in villages. These events promoted nutritional awareness, encouraged the planting of indigenous fruit trees, and showcased local recipes to a wider audience. The revival of uncultivated food is not just about nutrition; it also preserves traditional knowledge and strengthens cultural identity.

Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change Adaptability

Since 2021, Jeevika has expanded its work with male farmers, introducing native rice cultivation, dual-cropping systems, and land restructuring to make plots multi-productive. Farmers are now adopting climate-resilient practices such as:

1. Raised-bed cultivation to withstand waterlogging,

2. Sack cultivation and seed balls for efficient use of space and resources,

3. Mixed cropping and crop rotation to restore soil fertility,

4. Trellising for better vegetable yield,

5. Native Variety Paddy cultivation,

6. Composting, vermicomposting, and bio-repellents to replace chemical inputs.

7. Specification of small and marginal farmers as targeted beneficiary

8. Recognition of women farmers

These practices have reduced costs, minimized risks, and improved overall farm productivity.

The efforts of Jeevika Development Society in promoting sustainable agriculture and climate change adaptability reflect a holistic vision—one that integrates ecological restoration, women empowerment, traditional knowledge revival, and market-based livelihood support. While challenges remain, the growing participation of both women and men farmers, the success of nutritional gardens, and the popularity of organic produce demonstrate a clear pathway towards a resilient and sustainable rural economy.

Over the past eight years, farmers associated with Jeevika have been marketing poison-free vegetables, pulses, compost, and seeds at various local fairs and at the Organic Haat organized by the Government of West Bengal. These market linkages allow them to secure higher prices compared to conventional markets, while also giving urban consumers access to healthy, chemical-free produce. By combining sustainable farming practices with improved market access, Jeevika is not only addressing the ecological crisis but also rebuilding farmers’ confidence in agriculture as a viable and dignified livelihood option.