Case Study of the Day: Mission Sunehra Kal

Context: In 2014, ITC launched Mission Sunehra Kal, a program aimed at enhancing the economic and social well-being of farmers through sustainable agriculture.

About Mission Sunehra Kal

• The mission was launched in two phases. The first phase aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving farm productivity, and enhancing farmer income. The second phase aimed to create sustainable livelihoods for the farming community.
• Phase 1:
  • ITC started by identifying the challenges faced by farmers and the areas that need intervention.
  • They identified that farmers needed access to better farming practices, including improved seeds, water management techniques, and soil health management practices.
  • ITC collaborated with state agricultural universities, research institutions, and NGOs to develop a sustainable agriculture model that could improve farm productivity, increase farmer income, and conserve natural resources.
  • ITC launched a Farmer Connect program to provide farmers with access to knowledge and resources. Through this program, ITC provide training included topics such as soil health management, water management, pest management, and crop management.
  • ITC also launched the Integrated Watershed Development Program, which aimed at improving water use efficiency and reducing water wastage.
  • The program involved the construction of check dams, farm ponds, and water harvesting structures. These measures helped in enhancing soil moisture levels, improving crop yields, and conserving water resources.
• Phase 2:
  • In the second phase, ITC focused on creating sustainable livelihoods for the farming community.
  • They launched a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) program to enable farmers to come together and collectively market their produce.
  • The FPOs were provided with training and support to develop their business models and market linkages. ITC also provided access to credit to the FPOs, which helped in improving their cash flows.
  • ITC also launched a program to promote sustainable forestry practices. The program aimed at increasing forest cover, conserving natural resources, and enhancing livelihoods for the community. The program involved the creation of community forests, agro-forestry models, and forest-based livelihoods.

Outcome of the Mission Sunehra Kal

• Through its sustainable agriculture practices, the program has helped in enhancing farm productivity and improving farmer income.
• The Integrated Watershed Development Program has helped in conserving water resources and enhancing soil moisture levels, which has resulted in better crop yields.
• The Farmer Producer Organization program has helped in creating sustainable livelihoods for farmers by providing them with access to markets and credit.
• The program has enabled farmers to get better prices for their produce, which has resulted in increased incomes.
• The sustainable forestry program has helped in increasing forest cover and conserving natural resources, which has resulted in the creation of forest-based livelihoods.

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