Climate Resilient Cropping

Millets field

The Climate Resilient Cropping activity is used to identify and adapt to climatic changes with unpredictable weather patterns for Monsoon rain, and extended periods of drought. Kudumbam discusses with farmers in a given village which crops and varieties are more resilient to climate changes. Other topics covered in the activity include: management of soil moisture between two rainy days, promotion of fruit trees to increase the yields and income, and training techniques for farmers on organic farming. Soil fertility, mixed cropping and the importance of cultivating cover crops for enhancing moisture to mitigate droughts are also focus areas for this initiative. The beneficiaries are mainly small and marginal farmers, with a particular focus on women in agriculture. Training programs and village meetings are the mean methods adopted for Climate Resilient Cropping. Kudumbam also within the activity distributes local seeds (millets, pulses, traditional paddy etc) which are better adapted to climate and environmental changes. Within the activity conservation of water and non-chemical pest-control is also included. Until now, Kudumbam has implemented this activity in 15 Panchayats and it was initiated in 2003. The achievements observed from the Climate Resilient Cropping initiative is a reduction of the workload among farmers and an increase in their annual crop yields. The positive outcomes have also inspired the local government to initiate similar climate resilience activities.