Empowering Farmers through Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Farmers Field Schools Established in Ranchi District

02 April 2025, Ranchi: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), with financial support from HDFC Parivartan CSR, has established four Farmers Field Schools (FFS) under the Focused Rural Development Project (FRDP) in Chanho Block of Ranchi District. This initiative aims to equip local farmers with climate-resilient agricultural techniques and smart farming practices, enhancing their capacity to combat the adverse effects of global climate change.

The Farmers Field Schools, set up in Karkat, Chaliyo, Madhukam, and Lepsar, serve as centers for hands-on learning, where farmers receive training in advanced farming methods, including soil-less nurseries, trellis farming, intercropping with horticulture, drip irrigation with poly mulching, sprinkler irrigation, and the use of weather stations and polyline ponds. These innovations are designed to improve productivity and sustainability, particularly for small landholders.

Each FFS was established on a one-acre plot of land, secured through an agreement with the landowner in the presence of villagers and village development committee members. These schools function as knowledge-sharing platforms where progressive farmers and agricultural experts impart technical and conventional farming knowledge in a language that local farmers understand. One of the key aspects of the initiative is the promotion of the Integrated Farming System, which helps farmers diversify their agricultural activities, increase their income, and build resilience against climate-related uncertainties.

Since their inception, the Farmers Field Schools have benefited approximately 5,000 small and marginal farmers, enhancing their skills and enabling them to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. By providing real-time weather information and access to modern farming technologies, these schools empower farmers to make informed decisions and secure their livelihoods against unpredictable climate conditions.

Farmers Field Schools stand as a crucial step toward transforming agriculture in rural communities, fostering self-reliance, and ensuring food security through climate-adaptive farming. NBJK remains committed to strengthening the rural economy by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that can withstand the challenges of climate change.