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.

NBJK Provides 8,619 Breakfasts and Lunches to Students in Chouparan

01 April 2025, Chouparan, Hazaribagh: In a significant step towards ensuring child nutrition and well-being, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) successfully provided 8,619 breakfasts and an equal number of lunches between 18 to 29 March 2025. This initiative benefited an average of 784 students daily across four NBJK-run schools in Chouparan block:

• Amoli Apurva High School, Mangarh
• Chandrakala Devi Daga High School, Kewaliya
• Amoli Apurva Middle School, Prajapat Nagar
• Amoli Apurva Middle School, Bahera

This intervention was made possible through the generous support of Feeding India, a Zomato Giveback initiative. The students received sprouted gram or moong with milk as their breakfast, while lunch included a nutritious meal of rice, pulses, vegetables, and khichdi-chokha on Saturdays.

NBJK has implemented strict hygiene and sanitation measures in the preparation and serving of meals to ensure the well-being of children. This initiative has also significantly reduced the burden on parents, particularly mothers, as their children receive nutritious meals at school. Additionally, it fosters a sense of equality and community spirit among students.

Speaking about the program, NBJK’s Manager, Mr. Birendra Sinha, emphasized the social impact of this initiative: “Providing nutritious food in schools not only enhances children’s health and learning ability but also instills a sense of togetherness and equality among them.”

NBJK remains committed to enhancing the health, education, and overall development of children through such impactful initiatives.

NBJK’s Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital Conducts 113 Outreach Eye Screening Camps

26 March 2025, Deoghar:  NBJK-run Vimla Ramkrishna Bajaj Eye Hospital (VRBEH), Deoghar, successfully organized 113 outreach eye screening camps from February 18 to March 25, 2025, across rural areas of Giridih, Jamui, Deoghar, and Lakhisarai districts in Jharkhand and Bihar. The initiative aimed to provide essential eye care services to underserved communities, ensuring access to quality treatment and vision restoration.

These camps covered remote villages in Jamua, Giridih Sadar, Birni, Deori, Deoghar Sadar, Mohanpur, Sono, Jhajha, and Lakhisarai Sadar blocks, offering free eye check-ups to 1,075 patients. As a result:

• 503 cataract patients were identified and provided free surgeries, including travel, accommodation, food, medicines, medical care, and post-operative follow-up.
• 401 patients were diagnosed with refractive errors, out of which 123 received free spectacles.
• 16 pterygium and 2 DCT cases were identified.
• 155 patients received medicines, and 24 were referred to VRBEH for advanced treatment.

This extensive outreach was made possible with the generous support of Sightsavers India, Vision Foundation of India, and Kotak Securities, who continue to be instrumental in ensuring accessible eye care services for rural populations.

NBJK remains committed to eliminating avoidable blindness and improving eye health through sustained efforts and strategic collaborations.

Rohtas District Lok Samiti Holds Farmer-Laborer Conference on Bhagat Singh’s Martyrdom Day

25 March 2025, Dinara (Rohtas): On Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh’s martyrdom day and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia’s birth anniversary, the Rohtas District Lok Samiti organized a one-day Farmer-Laborer Conference in Karanj village, Dinara block on 23rd March. Presided over by Mr. Suresh Prasad, President of Lok Samiti Shahabad Zone, and conducted by Dr. Vikas Sharma, the event saw participation from hundreds of farmers and laborers. The welcome note was delivered by Mr. Shivji Singh, General Secretary of Bihar State Lok Samiti.

Key Messages from Lok Samiti Leadership

Mr. Girija Satish, National President of Lok Samiti, highlighted major issues like floods, droughts, and inadequate agricultural resources, criticizing the government’s inaction. He also stressed the need for a scientific approach to eliminate social evils and advocated for social resistance against alcohol consumption.

Mr. Kaushal Ganesh Azad, National Coordinator, addressed the ongoing agrarian crisis and reaffirmed support for farmers’ movements nationwide. He ended Mr. Bhanu Prakash Rai’s month-long hunger strike by offering him juice, recognizing his protest for farmers’ rights.

Key Attendees

The conference featured notable leaders, including Mr. Rajnarayan Singh (JP Movement Leader), Prof. Dinesh Kushwaha, Mr. Ashutosh Kumar (Rohtas District Lok Samiti President), and farmer leaders from Uttar Pradesh.

Commitment to Farmers’ Rights

The Rohtas District Lok Samiti called for urgent government action to address farmers’ concerns and pledged continued efforts for farmers’ rights and social justice.

NBJK Organizes Teacher Orientation and Training for Girls’ Education Program

24 March 2025, Hazaribagh: With the support of Action Village India, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) organized a one-day orientation and training session for teachers under the Girls’ Education Program. The training was conducted for teachers from remedial coaching centers operating in 13 villages of Sadar, Katkamdag, and Katkamsandi blocks, as well as for educators from NBJK-run Roshni Dhruv High School (Churchu) and Birsa Public School (Devkuli, Ichak).

On 22nd March, the session was inaugurated at the NBJK Coordination Office, Amritnagar (Hazaribagh) by Program Manager Mr. Rajeev Singh, who highlighted the importance of such training in improving teaching methods. Supervisor Mr. Abhay Kumar emphasized that continuous training enhances teachers’ skills and fosters a spirit of innovation in education.

Subject experts provided key insights:

• Mathematics: Resource person Mr. Umesh Singh demonstrated multiple ways to solve a single problem and encouraged teachers to address students’ doubts effectively.
• Science: He also stressed the importance of repeated practice with diagrams to help students grasp complex concepts.
• English: Mr. Saurabh Kumar Gupta suggested that teachers first explain English stories in Hindi to improve comprehension. He also emphasized vocabulary-building and the importance of immediate application of grammar concepts like tenses and verbs in class.

A total of 18 teachers from villages including Pabra, Sultana, Guruwa, Babhanway, Hedlag, Khutra, Barasi etc. participated in the training. The session provided valuable strategies to enhance teaching effectiveness and improve students’ learning outcomes.

NBJK Hosts Symposium on Communal Harmony and Iftar Feast

22 March 2025, Hazaribagh: Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) organized a symposium on communal harmony and an Iftar feast at its coordination office, emphasizing peace, unity, and respect for all faiths.

NBJK President Mr. Girija Satish highlighted that respect for all religions is the essence of civilization, citing teachings of Prophet Muhammad, Lord Buddha, Mahavir Swami, Jesus Christ, and Guru Nanak Dev. JP movement activist Mr. Gautam Sagar Rana warned against religious extremism, urging harmony as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi. Mr. Shamsher Alam and Advocate Mr. Md. Muazzam stressed that all religions promote peace, equality, and truth.

Speakers including Mr. Awadhesh Pandey, Mr. Vijay Verma, Mr. Arjun Yadav, and NBJK Secretary Mr. Satish Girija underscored the importance of unity and vigilance against divisive elements. Women’s activist Ms. Ghausia Parveen noted that people are inherently non-communal but must remain alert.

Presiding over the discussion, senior advocate Mr. Swaroop Chand Jain emphasized the shared core values of all religions. Lok Samiti’s state convener, Mr. Shankar Rana, moderated and concluded the event, which was attended by around 300 participants. The gathering reinforced the message of communal harmony and shared humanity.

SBI Gram Saksham Project: Strengthening Water Conservation and Farmers’ Prosperity

22 March 2025, Jamui & Deoghar: On the occasion of World Water Day, farmers across Jamui and Deoghar districts expressed their deep gratitude for the SBI Gram Saksham Project, implemented by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) with support from SBI Foundation. The initiative has significantly advanced water conservation efforts and enhanced irrigation facilities, resulting in improved agricultural productivity and increased farmers’ incomes.

Water Conservation Initiative in Chakai Block

In Chakai block, farmers from Gamharia village, including Kailash Yadav, Rajiv Yadav, and Gultan Yadav, successfully cultivated paddy on 10 acres using water from a traditional Ahar (reservoir) and later grew wheat and mustard on three acres. Similarly, Nandkishore Pandey from Diringi village benefited from a motor pump provided by the project, enabling him to cultivate mustard on 10 Katha (0.34 acres).

The project has renovated 100 wells in villages such as Kasajor, Baljori, Gaji, Sone, Guriyadih, Gosaidih, Narodih, Gamharia, Kasidih, Tetariya, Biringi, Chhotpar, Konkri Pipra, Kalibak, Badiyadih, Ghormo, Mehraiyadih, Jamni, and Binjhagdhara, significantly improving irrigation facilities. Additionally, 20 ponds were deepened to ensure water availability for agriculture, and 300 farmers received electric motor pumps for irrigation.

As part of the SBI Gram Seva Project, villages such as Heth Chakai, Patjori, Chhachhudi, Garhi, and Mamatadih have seen the installation of 14 new hand pumps, the repair of 55 hand pumps, and the restoration of 42 wells. To ensure clean drinking water in government schools, submersible pumps, water tanks, and tap connections have been installed. Additionally, 5,568 saplings have been planted as part of a broader water conservation initiative.

Positive Impact of Water Management in Deoghar Sadar Block

In Barsatia village of Deoghar Sadar Block, farmer Ameen Yadav lauded the renovation of his well and the provision of an electric motor pump under the SBI Gram Saksham Project. He shared that this support doubled his income, allowing him to cultivate wheat, maize, onions, potatoes, mustard, tomatoes, and eggplants, earning up to ₹70,000 per year.

In Balraydih village, the deepening of a public pond has ensured year-round irrigation. The project is also active in villages such as Modidih, Babudih, Gokhuldih, Digharia, Joramh, Joruadih, Tetariya, Semradih, Dumarkundi, Bandarvasa, Alagzara, Bhagwanpur, Basakola, Ukhariya, Navdiha, Bahangia, Dalluraidih, Parandi, Bhalusar, Belatukur, Sarukha, and Balraydih. Here, 100 wells have been renovated, 19 ponds deepened, and 300 farmers received electric motor pumps.

Under the SBI Gram Seva Project, 22 new hand pumps were installed, 49 hand pumps repaired, and 27 wells renovated in villages including Navadiha, Barsatia, Ramaldi, Sahari, and Gadi, enhancing water conservation efforts. A government school kitchen was also equipped with a submersible pump, water tank, and tap connection, ensuring clean drinking water for students. Additionally, 9,585 saplings were planted to reinforce water conservation measures.

Commitment of SBI Foundation

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director of SBI Foundation, stated:
“Water is the most critical component of human life, particularly for agrarian communities. Watershed development and the promotion of sustainable water management practices have been key focus areas of our Gram Saksham program. We are pleased to see the positive impact of our efforts in partnership with Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra in Jamui and Deoghar districts. We believe that local communities will continue to take ownership of these interventions in the future.”

Transforming Rural Communities

The SBI Gram Saksham Project plays a crucial role in water conservation and improving farmers’ livelihoods. By promoting efficient water resource management, the initiative strengthens rural resilience, making villages self-reliant and ensuring sustainable agricultural growth.

Teachers’ Workshop on Anando Program Concludes Successfully!

20 March 2025, Hazaribagh: With the support of Light of Life Trust, Mumbai, Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) organized a two-day teacher orientation workshop at its coordination office in Amrit Nagar, Hazaribagh. The workshop focused on the Anando Program, aiming to strengthen schools and enhance academic development.

NBJK President Mr. Girija Satish inaugurated the session, emphasizing the program’s role in empowering schools. Ms. Kanchan Thorve, Senior Manager, and Mr. Sudhir Kumar, Head of Education, from Light of Life Trust, served as resource persons. They guided teachers on SWOT analysis, strategic school evaluation, classroom objectives, student-teacher-parent coordination, career counseling, and academic excellence.

Teachers from six high schools actively participated, sharing insights and feedback. NBJK Program Manager Mr. Rajiv Singh and Supervisor Mr. Abhay Kumar played a crucial role in organizing the event.

A step forward towards quality education and holistic development!

SBI Sanjeevani Clinic on Wheels Provides Primary Healthcare to Rural Jharkhand

18 March 2025, Chatra-Godda-Pakur: The SBI Foundation-supported SBI Sanjeevani Clinic on Wheels program, implemented by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), continues to bring essential primary healthcare services to underserved rural communities across 60 villages in Chatra, Godda, and Pakur districts of Jharkhand.

Under this initiative, Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) are ensuring healthcare accessibility in 20 villages per district, benefiting hundreds of villagers. Each unit is well-equipped with modern medical devices, an in-house laboratory, and a dedicated healthcare team comprising a doctor, lab technician, pharmacist, and health assistant-cum-driver.

Key Achievements (March 1-17, 2025):

• Chatra District: 24 visits across 20 villages in Lawalong and Kunda blocks, treating 413 patients. On-the-spot checkups included Diabetes (33), Malaria (15), Typhoid (30), Hemoglobin (54), Pregnancy (2), and Urine (52).
• Godda District: 22 visits in 20 villages of Podaiyahat block, treating 461 villagers with Diabetes (61), Malaria (10), Typhoid (15), Hemoglobin (22), Pregnancy (4), and Urine (1) tests conducted.
• Pakur District: 24 village health camps in Pakuria block, treating 447 patients and conducting tests for Diabetes (58), Malaria (28), Typhoid (29), and Hemoglobin (41).

The SBI Sanjeevani Clinic on Wheels ensures that needy women, children, and elderly individuals in remote villages receive free medical consultations, medicines, and diagnostic tests.

This initiative reflects SBI Foundation’s commitment to healthcare accessibility and community well-being, in partnership with NBJK. By bridging the healthcare gap, the program is making a tangible impact in rural Jharkhand.

NBJK-Run Schools Provide 2,773 Nutritious Meals under Feeding India Initiative

17 March 2025, Chouparan (Hazaribagh): In a significant step towards promoting health and education, four schools run by Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) in Chouparan block of Hazaribagh district have successfully served 2,773 nutritious breakfasts and lunches to their students under the Feeding India initiative, a Zomato Giveback program.

The schools—Amoli Apurva High School (Mangarh), Chandrakala Devi Daga High School (Kewaliya), Amoli Apurva Middle School (Bahera), and Amoli Apurva Middle School (Prajapat Nagar)—ensured that children received wholesome meals from March 8 to March 17, 2025, on all school days. The breakfast menu included sprouted gram or moong with milk, while the lunch menu featured rice, pulses, and vegetables.

Due to the Class 10 board exam, Sunday, and the Holi festival, Amoli Apurva High School could serve meals on only two school days during this period, while the remaining schools provided meals for five days. Despite these limitations, the initiative has had a profound impact on student attendance and community engagement.

The Food for School Children program has played a crucial role in fostering nutritional security and social equality among students. By providing free and healthy meals, it has encouraged parents to ensure regular attendance of their children and has strengthened a sense of unity among students from all backgrounds.

NBJK remains committed to ensuring access to quality education and nutrition for children in rural communities. With the continued support of Feeding India and Zomato Giveback, the organization aims to expand and sustain this initiative to benefit more students in the future.