Photo: Author
Integrated family farm development in 18 acres of Malegaon village
Agroecology Conserving biodiversity, nurturing ecology Kulaswami Jagannath Jena Agroecology approach is a way to make farming sustainable. It is also a way to resist the corporate agriculture model pushed through the green revolution and gene revolution. Besides technologies, it is important to create an equitable food system for the people who actually produce the world’s food.
T
he Southern-Western Odisha is largely an agroeconomy based region with 75-80% people depending on agriculture. Even though blessed with rich natural resources, the changing climatic conditions create threats to food, livelihood and ecological security of tribal communities. Due to hasty environmental degradation, deforestation, and challenging climatic
conditions the food production and income is affected severely throughout the year in the region. To address these issues, Agragamee, a pioneer NGO in Odisha State has promoted the concept of Eco-Village Development in 150 villages in 3 blocks (Kashipur, Dasmantpur and Th. Rampur) of 3 districts (Rayagada, Koraput and Kalahandi). Agroecological models replacing monocultures with biodiversity have produced impressive economic results in terms of yields, productivity, nutrition and efficiency, also making a significant contribution to food security and sovereignty. Women farmers have an equal status with men in agro-activities.
The Eco-Village model Agroecology is used as strategic application to amplify diversified agro-ecosystem. Soil conservation measures LEISA INDIA ď ľ SEPTEMBER 2016
21