Standing in the red soils of Koraput, I watch a tribal smallholder carefully thread a row of arhar between his ragi. Nothing about this looks scientific. There is no soil sensor, no drone, no lab report in sight. And yet, this is precision agriculture in its oldest and most tested form. It forces a question […]
Why India Needs to Take Agroecology Seriously: A Policy Call from the Ground Read More »
Duryodhana Pujari: When I first visited Disariguda village under Bagderi Gram Panchayat in Kundra block, I was assigned to spend some time with a farmer as part of my agroecology course field work. I met Duryodhana Pujari, a 53-year-old farmer whose quiet dedication to farming left a deep impression on me. He was working in
Duryodhana Pujari – A Farmer Who Farms with Heart Read More »
Prachi Mahurkar: In a world where ecological degradation is becoming increasingly visible, there are individuals who quietly dedicate their lives to healing the planet. One such inspiring personality is Prachi Mahurkar, an ecologist and a passionate practitioner of ecological restoration based in Nagpur. As the driving force behind Punarnava Ecological Services and Eco-Design Solutions, Prachi
Prachi Mahurkar: Restoring Nature, One Landscape at a Time Read More »
Agroecology in Action: Every Wednesday, the otherwise quiet town of Kundra in Koraput district turns into a hub of activity. Farmers, tribal communities, artisans, and traders gather in the weekly market. They are not just to buy and sell, but to connect, exchange knowledge, and sustain a living food system rooted in tradition. As part
A Walk Through Local Weekly Market: A Living Example of Agroecology in Action Read More »
International Year of the Woman Farmer-2026 At dawn in the tribal hills of Koraput, the fields begin to move even before the sun rises. Women walk barefoot along narrow bunds, baskets balanced on their heads, sickles in their hands. Some are heading to millet plots, others to vegetable gardens, and many to forests where food
Her Hands Feed the World: Why 2026 is the International Year of the Woman Farmer Read More »
Indigenous Paddy Varieties for Future Generations Today was a truly remarkable day. I had the privilege of visiting the farm of an extraordinary man — Netra Nanda Lenka, an 84-year-old farmer from Patraput village, Jeypore Block, in the scenic Koraput District of Odisha. As I walked through his lush green fields, surrounded by rows of
Kamkala Bhumia Journey: In a small tribal village amidst the lush forests of Kupuliguda in Odisha’s Boipariguda Block, a quiet revolution is happening. It’s not driven by big machines or high-tech solutions, but by the hands and hearts of farmers who believe in working with nature rather than against it. At the forefront of this
Agriculture in India has always been the backbone of the nation’s economy, providing livelihood to nearly half of the population. Yet, farmers often face challenges in accessing government schemes, subsidies, crop insurance, and market opportunities. One of the primary reasons behind these difficulties is the lack of a unified and accurate database of farmers. To
Farmer Registry: A Digital Revolution for Empowering Farmers in Odisha Read More »
Online Course on Natural Farming: Today, I successfully completed the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on “Natural Farming – Principles and Practices” offered by the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad. I also received my certificate of completion, and I must say this program has been a truly enriching experience. Being a Master
My Experience with the Online Course on Natural Farming by MANAGE, Hyderabad in 2025 Read More »
I recently had the privilege to attend the International Workshop on Gender-Responsive Agricultural Extension: Transforming Practices, Policies, and Institutions, hosted by the CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform and the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE). Held from 5–7 November in Hyderabad, India, this workshop gathered global thought leaders, practitioners, and policy influencers committed to advancing
