By Shimona | Fundrasing and Communications
During the reporting quarter, the project reached 4,051 farmers across target villages. A total of 424 samples of soil, water, petiole, and fertilizer were collected and analysed. These tests helped assess soil health, identify nutrient deficiencies, and generate crop-specific, scientific recommendations to improve farm productivity, reduce input costs, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Success Story 1: Anusuya – From Rising Costs to Confident Farming
Anusuya owns half an acre of farmland, which is the sole source of livelihood for her family. For several years, she followed traditional farming practices, cultivating maize and sugarcane. Over time, however, she began to experience a steady rise in cultivation costs coupled with declining yields, making farming increasingly unsustainable.
Her turning point came when she attended a meeting conducted by the Soil Sakhi through the Mann Deshi Soil Testing Center. During the session, farmers were introduced to the importance of soil testing, crop-wise fertilizer management, and modern farming techniques. Motivated by this guidance, Anusuya decided to get her farm soil tested.
The soil health report provided her with a clear understanding of the nutrient status of her land. For the first time, she knew which nutrients were deficient, which fertilizers were required, and the exact quantities needed. This helped her discontinue the incorrect and excessive use of fertilizers, resulting in significant cost savings.
With balanced fertilizer application and improved water planning, Anusuya reduced her cultivation costs by approximately 6,000. More importantly, by following the crop schedule and recommendations provided by the Soil Testing Center, her maize production increased to 28 quintals, earning her an income of nearly 80,000.
Encouraged by these results, Anusuya has now also tested the soil for her sugarcane crop and is confident of achieving improved yields. She credits the Mann Deshi Soil Testing Center for equipping her with knowledge, reducing her financial stress, and restoring her confidence in farming.
Success Story 2: Manisha – Scientific Planning for Higher Returns
Manisha is a pomegranate farmer who, like many others, practiced agriculture based largely on assumptions. She lacked accurate information about her soil’s nutrient composition, the actual requirements of her crop, and whether certain inputs were being overused or underused.
Her journey toward scientific farming began when Soil Sakhi Varsha introduced her to the importance of soil testing through the Mann Deshi Soil Testing Center. With Varsha’s support, Manisha got her soil tested and received a detailed soil health report.
Based on the test results, agronomy experts provided Manisha with customised guidance and a scientific cultivation plan for her pomegranate crop. This marked a significant shift in her farming approach. She began managing nutrients, water, fertilizers, and pesticides in a precise and informed manner.
As a result of soil-based planning, Manisha observed healthier plant growth, improved fruiting, and better overall crop performance. At the same time, she was able to control unnecessary expenses and optimise input use. Manisha was able to harvest 3.70 tons of pomegranate with the total cultivation cost of 1,29,000 and earning an income of 3,60,000.
Today, Manisha farms with confidence and clarity, backed by scientific knowledge rather than guesswork. She acknowledges the vital role played by the Soil Testing Center, Soil Sakhi Varsha, and the agronomy experts in transforming her farming practices and improving her income.
The Soil Sakhi model has proven to be a powerful, community-led approach to promoting scientific and sustainable agriculture. By enabling trained women from within the community to act as trusted intermediaries between farmers and technical experts, the model ensures last-mile delivery of soil health knowledge and personalised advisory services. Through timely soil testing, clear interpretation of reports, and continuous handholding, Soil Sakhis have helped farmers reduce input costs, improve productivity, and farm with greater confidence. This model not only strengthens farm incomes and resilience but also builds local leadership among women, making it both economically effective and socially transformative.
Links:
By Shimona | Programme Manager
By Shimona | Project Leader
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
