RID POVERTY & HUNGER IN 50 INDIAN TRIBAL VILLAGES

We are at a time where global climatic conditions have changed drastically and weather patterns are becoming more and more erratic. In the name of economic development, all the resources that nature has provided are being exploited and they are undergoing gradual degradation. The world is at the crossroads and at a crucial juncture, where choices are to be made to restore the natural resources and mitigate climate change issues or bear the brunt. The role of agriculture in mitigating global warming/climate change has to be realized.

Organic and natural methods of farming offer management practices that can help mitigate climate change by strengthening agro-ecosystems. Organic farming helps increase the soil organic carbon and thereby enhance carbondioxide sequestration. Organic/natural farming methods provide additional benefits of reduced energy use (for the production of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides), biodiversity preservation, safe and nutritious food and associated health benefits.

In India, the state of Sikkim has made large strides towards the organic movement and has been declared 100% organic state by the Government of India. Many other states in India are trying to follow the Sikkim way, but are proceeding at snail’s pace. In the Nilgiris district of the Tamilnadu state, the Earth Trust has been working over more than a decade long to encourage farmers towards the organic way. The Earth Trust has been to an extent successful in creating awareness and educating (small and medium) farmers on the organic way of farming. However the challenges it is facing are manifold. It needs support from all quarters to push the organic movement in the most important district of the southern India state which is not only a biodiversity reserve but an important horticultural hub providing food produce to many parts of the country.