Farmers in the frame

Irrigation, crop yields and falling incomes are vexing challenges for India’s smaller-sized farms. Making farming sustainable is essential for a nation where two-thirds of the population is engaged in agriculture. The Tata Trusts have rolled out a barrage of initiatives — backed by an armoury of knowledge, technology and tools — to help India’s farmers transform the way they work and earn.

In Gujarat, farmers have been drawn into samvaad (dialogue) and action on water management techniques. In Uttar Pradesh, farmers are finding new ways to grow vegetables profitably. The sun plays hero in Maharashtra, where goat farmers have shifted to growing better fodder for their herds. Pulses take centre stage as a valuable crop in tiny farms set on Uttarakhand’s hilly slopes.

With support from the Trusts, these small farmers are learning to future-proof their livelihoods.